Congenital anomalies in native breeds of sheep and goats: a report on 120 cases of 24 varieties

Among 1428 examined native breeds of sheep [658] and goats [770], the incidence of congenital anomalies was 8.4%. The prevalence was higher in sheep [9.4%] than in goats [7.5%]. Local Ossimi sheep breed and mixed goats breed showed the highest incidence. Twenty-four patterns of congenital anomalies were diagnosed with a predomination of pelvic and perineal regions. Congenital anomalies of the urogenital and digestive systems showed the highest incidence than those of other body systems. The recorded congenital anomalies were reviewed and discussed. The accurate diagnosis and surgical management were found to be helpful in the correction of some congenital anomalies in sheep and goats

Congenital goiter and mineral imbalance in goat kids

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between thyroid function and some macro- and micro elements in goats. Fourteen Egyptian goat kids of different ages [4-45 days] suffering from congenital goiter were operated [hemithyroidectomy] throughout a period of four years [1995-1999]. Serum constituent levels of Triiodothyronine [T3], Thyroxine [T4], Thyroid-Stimulating hormone [TSH], Protein-bound iodine [PBI], Calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper, Zinc, Cobalt and Selenium were estimated in affected Kids and their dams preand post the operation. There was a significant decrease in serum concentrations of T3, T4, TSH, PBI, Zinc, Cobalt and selenium, while magnesium and copper levels showed a significant increase in affected kids' dams. There was significant decrease in serum concentrations of T4, TSH, PBI, Zinc, Cobalt and Selenium while T3, magnesium and copper values were significantly increased in kids with hypothyroidism. No significant change was observed in calcium, inorganic phosphorus and iron levels neither in goitrous kids nor their dams. Ten days post thyroidectomy, the mean serum concentrations of T3, T4 and PBI were significantly increased while TSH decreased significantly in the affected kids. There was slight hypocalcaemia, depression of magnesium and copper near to normal levels while the mean zinc level was increased but not significantly. Cobalt and Selenium showed no improvement post operation. Daily examination, revealed complete resolution of clinical signs especially thyroid enlargement in 11 out of 14 kids within 2 weeks after the operation. It is possible to say that deficiency of cobalt and selenium in dams may play a role to cause congenital goiter in their kids and that the homeostasis of magnesium, copper and zinc is altered during hypothyroidism. Also it can be said that the hemithyroidectomy can be followed as a therapeutic surgical procedure in goat kids suffering from the disease

Possible effects of supplementation with Nigella sativa cake on reproductive performance, ovarian response, and embryo recovery of female baladi goats

This study is one of many recent attempts that search for economic feed resources with the aim to improve reproductive efficiency of the local breeds of farm animals in Egypt. Thirty female Baladi goats were used in two experiments. In experiment 1, 12 immature females weighed 8-11 kg and aged 4-5 months were allotted into two groups: Control [n=4] fed on basal control ration and NSc group [n=8] fed on the same basal ration supplemented with 100 g Nigella sativa cake. All females were fed till maturity and run continuously with fertile bucks. Jagular blood samples were collected twice weekly for progesterone assay to detect sexual maturity, ovarian cyclicity, conception and pregnancy. The parameters of the reproductive characteristics in the pattern of continuous/total, lambed/continuous, conception, fertility and prolificacy were calculated. Initial and final body weights were individually recorded and body weight gain was calculated

Osteodystrophia fibrosa in native Egyptian goats

Clinical, radiographic, biochemical and pathologic features of osteodystrophia fibrosa were described in 9 native Egyptian goats of different ages [0.5-3 years]. The affected animals were suffering mainly from being off-food together with a visible bilateral, soft, nonpainful swelling of the maxilla and /or m and ible. Radiography of the affected goats revealed generalized loss of bone density involving both cortical and cancellous bone tissue, with thin cortices. Widespread areas of rarefaction particularly in the m and ible were present. Serum biochemical evaluation showed increased alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], urea and creatinine with low calcium and phosphorus levels. Osteodystrophia fibrosa was confirmed histologically

effect of some hepatic disorders and bronchopneumonia on liver and renal function tests in camels

One hundred camels of both sexes were investigated clinically at the slaughter house of Owsim. Ten camels were emaciated and showed dullness accompanied with liver changes on post-mortum examination. This group suffering from hepatic disorders showed insignificant increase in total leucocytic count and eosinophilia. However, their sera showed insignificant increase in total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], urea and creatinine levels while insignificant decrease in glucose, total cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase [AP] and chloride levels [these parameters refered to liver and renal function testes]. Another ten camels showed nasal discharge, cough and respiratory distress. This group suffering from bronchopneumonia showed rather changes in blood picture and biochemical constituents of their sera