Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Goat Breeding and Genetics
Although goat breeding and genetics has been one of the
areas of focus and the subject of research in the past, it had
received much less attention when compared to sheep or
cattle (Table 19.1). Advancing molecular genetics and
germplasm research enables researchers to achieve faster
genetic improvement and genetic gain. Other species have
taken advantage of these techniques and have made rapid,
signifi cant genetic improvement in animals. Goat science
similarly can take advantage of these new techniques and
produce superior animals that are adapted to different envi-
ronments and are more resistant to diseases and parasites.
Identifying genes that code for faster rate of gain, parasite
resistance, quality of carcasses, higher milk yield, and fi ner
fi ber are necessary for progress. Developing easy-care
meat, milk, and fi ber goats that are the least dependent on
concentrate feeding is desirable.
In the majority of developing and underdeveloped coun-
tries where goat populations reside, it is the least character-
ized livestock species. In these countries, goats are kept in
extensive systems and are characterized as “local” or
“ indigenous ” or “ nondescriptive. ” Future efforts should be
focused on characterizing these goat populations into dis-
tinct possible breeds and setting boundaries to maintain the
breed integrity. This is a prerequisite to measuring popula-
tion size and devising appropriate means for conserving
endangered breeds. Besides the technical aspect, this will
need socioeconomic research to make the condition con-
ducive to the holders identifying their breeds.
(Schoenian, 2009), and therefore, warrants further investi-
gation. Also most information and drugs used to combat
diseases are for sheep but are currently used extra-label for
goats. There is an urgent need for drugs that are tested and
approved for goats.
Gene Base Technology
Goats have a larger gene pool and considerably more
genetic diversity than other domesticated ruminants such
as cattle and sheep. This is mainly because less selection
has been practiced in this species. Gene mapping and
sequencing of the goat genome will enable us to identify
genes that control economically and physiologically
important traits such as parasite resistance, growth rates,
and immune response in goats. This information will be
important in nutrition research and how nutrient metabo-
lism interacts with genetics of the animal.
Gene-based technologies are strong tools to build new
composite breeds by identifying and using biological
markers that are responsible for adaptability of goats to
harsh environments and their productivity under subopti-
mal conditions. Also these technologies should be used to
select for gene markers responsible for disease and parasite
resistance and other economically important traits. It is
important to conserve some of the rare breeds before they
become extinct.
In February 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) approved the fi rst drug produced by milk of a genet-
ically engineered goat. The goat was genetically altered to
produce extra antithrombin—a protein that acts as a blood
thinner. This may open the opportunity for future drugs
made by genetically engineered biological organisms
rather than by chemical synthesis. This kind of research
will provide more opportunities for the use of goats to
improve human health.
Goat Health
A profi table goat production requires a quality health
program. The focus of a health program should be disease
prevention and control practices rather than cure.
Understanding the most common diseases of goats and
how to prevent them from infecting goat herds is impor-
tant. Future research should focus on production of effec-
tive vaccines for infectious diseases such as Caseous
lymphadenitis, a bacterial disease that is widespread in
goat herds in the U.S. and maybe elsewhere. Currently
available vaccines limit the spread of infection without
elimination. Future research should focus on production of
DNA or whole cell vaccines that are promising (Chaplin
et al., 1999 ; Williams, 2001 ). Johne 's disease is another
bacterial disease that invades the intestine and manifests
itself as unthriftiness in goats. Although testing is available
for this disease, future research should focus on production
of a possible vaccine to prevent this disease. Currently
used vaccine against enterotoxemia, another bacterial
disease of goats, is not as effective as it is for sheep
Internal Parasitism Research
Internal parasites are a major drawback to raising goats in
the U.S. Producers raising improved breeds of goats in the
U.S. are losing the battle with parasite load in less resistant
goats. There are fewer research reports from studies of
parasites in goats than those reported for sheep and cattle.
Also within research reported for goats, parasite research
is very limited when compared with other areas of goat
research. Dairy and meat goats are produced more inten-
sively in the U.S. or elsewhere, compared to Angora goats.
Therefore, more research should be directed to these
breeds.
Anthelmintics currently used for goats have lost most of
their effectiveness, and new ones are not available for
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