Articles tagged with Goats
Researchers are studying foul-smelling substances to understand what attracts the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, to its favorite meal - open wounds. The goal is to develop better lures for trapping this serious threat to the livestock industry.
A study by Newcastle University reveals the Cheviot goats in Northumberland's College Valley are a historically significant and genetically distinct population. The research highlights the potential importance of native and feral livestock breeds as animal genetic resources for future agriculture.
A study by Iowa State University researchers reveals that avian influenza can infect livestock and humans through their mammary glands, which have high levels of sialic acids. This increases the risk of transmission and potentially more dangerous adaptations emerging.
Researchers trained an AI model on goat faces in pain, achieving 62-80% accuracy. This technology may help clinicians treat pain effectively in patients who cannot speak. The goal is to develop a more generalizable system for pain assessment in animals and eventually humans.
A KAUST-led global study found that livestock management and climate explain woody species coverage in arid environments. Managing grazing pressure and type of herbivore can allow for more sustainable production in these ecosystems.
A 175-year-old experiment by Carl Linnaeus shows pigs are pickiest eaters, eating 32% of plant species, while cows and horses rank lower, with goats preferring legumes and grasses. The study also reveals animals generally struggle to avoid toxic plants.
A team of Texas A&M researchers will conduct a five-year study on brucellosis in Armenia to improve detection capabilities and provide education. The project aims to better understand the disease's presence and prevalence, allowing the Armenian government to develop a control plan to stop its spread.
Researchers studied mountain goats' behavior in Glacier National Park, finding that ear flicks showed a strong correlation with the presence of snow. The lack of summer snow patches may increase their risk of local extirpation due to increased tick infestations.
Researchers found that biting midges responsible for transmitting the virus are active on warmest days throughout the winter, contrary to previous theories. The discovery suggests that bluetongue virus transmission is likely ongoing year-round, with potential economic impacts for cattle farming.
Archaeologists have discovered evidence of ritualistic belief and economic factors intertwined for Neolithic people in northwest Arabia. Excavations at a mustatil east of AlUla revealed animal offerings, human interment, and suggest repeated pilgrimages, challenging previous understandings of the region's culture.
Researchers uncover previously unknown lineage of wild goats over 10,000 years old in the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey. The discovery sheds light on the region's faunal history and highlights the impact of climate change and human activity on ancient populations.
Researchers found that livestock grazing had no negative impact on snow leopard distribution or density, and the species can coexist due to their separate ecological niches. The study suggests a more nuanced approach to conservation and land use, prioritizing the preservation of rocky mosaics.
Researchers found that digital fencing technology makes goat farming easier by eliminating the need for physical fences. The system also enables farmers to monitor their goats' movements and prevent animal welfare concerns.
A new study found that Iberian wild goat populations exhibit very low genetic diversity due to drastic population reductions and habitat destruction. The research also identified the existence of rare hybrids between Iberian wild goats and domestic goats.
Researchers at WashU Medicine and University of Pittsburgh discover that Rift Valley fever virus uses a protein linked to cholesterol metabolism to infect cells. The finding could lead to therapies preventing or reducing the virus's impact by interfering with its entry into cells.
New research reveals Bronze Age farmers in China prioritized cattle for their diets, utilizing byproducts like millet stalks for feed. This approach differs from other regions, where cows were raised closer to human settlements.
The study provides clues to how early agricultural practices shaped the evolution of these animals. Genetic analyses show that the ancient goats fell at the base of the domestic goat lineage, suggesting they were closely related to the animals first recruited during domestication.
Researchers in the Zagros Mountains have discovered ancient DNA evidence suggesting goats were domesticated around 8200-7600 BCE, with genetic analysis revealing distinct herds from hunted wild goats. The domestication of goats in this region may represent the earliest known examples of goat herding.
Researchers found most British legal documents from this period were written on sheepskins, which allowed for easy detection of fraudulent changes. The high fat content of sheepskins made it difficult to alter text without leaving a visible mark.
A new study by researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and the Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology found that goats can more quickly adapt to changing environmental conditions than sheep. The results suggest that goats are more cognitively flexible and better able to navigate around obstacles.
Researchers have sequenced over 700 novel microbial genomes from the gut microbiome of a goat, discovering that fungi play a disproportionate role in biomass degradation. The study also found that fungi are more efficient at producing methane, a potential game-changer for renewable energy production.
Scientists have created pigs, goats, and cattle with the ability to produce sperm carrying only donor animal traits, enabling selective breeding and improving food production. This technology has great potential for genetic conservation of endangered species and addressing global food insecurity.
A new study found that transmission risk of the PPRV virus increases with specific husbandry practices, including introducing sheep or goats to herds and attending seasonal grazing camps. In contrast, herd size was not related to transmission risk, but rather social cliques formed within individual compounds.
A new paper by Michael Price and James Holland Jones suggests that economic choices can be guided by evolutionary principles, such as diversifying to reduce risk. By keeping a mix of goats and camels, a Kenyan herder increases the odds of household survival, which is essential for long-term persistence.
A new study reveals that the risk of transmitting the virus PPRV does not significantly increase with age, unlike its sibling virus measles. Instead, animals from pastoral areas are more likely to become infected compared to agropastoral areas.
A new study reveals that Glacier National Park's iconic mountain goats are under threat from climate change, as they seek out dwindling snow patches to cope with heat stress. The researchers found that breathing rates decrease by up to 15% when goats rest in these patches.
A new study reveals that livestock managed in a system where they are the sole source of an owner's livelihood are more likely to become infected with PPRV. Herds from pastoral villages had 3.8 times the risk of becoming infected compared to agropastoral villages.
A study led by Queen Mary University of London found that goats can differentiate between positive and negative emotion-linked vocalisations. The researchers measured behavioral and physiological changes in response to these calls, suggesting that goats are sensitive to the emotional states of others.
A laboratory study by RMIT University found that goat milk formula contains naturally occurring oligosaccharides with prebiotic and anti-infection properties. These compounds promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibit harmful bacteria in the gut, which could protect infants against gastrointestinal infections.
Conservationists analyzed a controversial Australian goat removal program to develop a framework for evaluating intervention options. The study highlights the importance of considering community values, avoiding assumptions, and being logically sound in conservation decisions. It recommends key attributes such as clarity, transparency,...
A new study published in Science Advances uses urine salts to reconstruct the history of animal domestication at an ancient site in Turkey. The research suggests that the transition from hunting to herding occurred around 10,000 years ago, with a rapid increase in human and animal density.
Researchers at A??kl? Höyük found high concentrations of sodium, chlorine, and nitrate salts in midden soil layers, indicating early animal management. The discovery provides a new approach to studying animal domestication at dry sites without other evidence.
A multidisciplinary team at Penn successfully demonstrated the feasibility of 'engineered living tissue' disc replacement in a large animal model. The study showed that bioengineered spinal discs can restore native disc structure, biology, and mechanical function, offering new hope for treating spinal pain.
Ecologists from UMass Amherst report documenting rare Asian wild goat species markhor and Siberian ibex in northern Afghanistan. The species are found along the Amu Darya River, with populations declining due to hunting, making conservation efforts necessary.
A new study found that goats can differentiate between positive and negative human facial expressions and prefer to interact with the former. The researchers observed that goats spent more time approaching images of happy faces than angry ones, suggesting a preference for positive emotions.
The study found that goat domestication was a complex process with genetic exchange between wild and domesticated goats, selection by early farmers, and a mix of different ancestral strands. The analysis revealed distinct patterns of genetic differentiation across the Fertile Crescent and surrounding regions.
A genetic study uncovers that pre-contact American dogs originated from Siberian ancestors, not native wolves, and were introduced to the region through Beringia. Meanwhile, ancient goat domestication in the Near East involved multiple wild sources and selective breeding for traits like color.
A study in northern Tanzania found that cattle, sheep, and goats are infected with Leptospira bacteria, which can cause severe disease in humans. The research highlights the importance of understanding animal transmission to develop control measures.
Researchers discovered a fossilized hair from a goat dated back to the Neolithic Corded Ware period, shedding new light on mortuary practices and animal husbandry of the culture. The find supports evidence that domestic animals were kept during this time period in Finland.
Researchers have identified a synthetic triterpenoid as a potential disruptor of the hunger-signaling pathway by blocking an enzyme involved in ghrelin production. The study's findings suggest that this compound could be developed into a treatment for conditions like diabetes and obesity.
In a unique mechanism of seed dispersal, goats spit out argan tree seeds during rumination, benefiting the trees' survival. This novel method may be essential for some plant species.
A groundbreaking study has used DNA from taxidermy specimens to understand the genetic diversity of Irish and British goat populations. The research reveals two distinct genetic groupings among feral 'Old Goat' herds, with modern-day dairy goats falling outside these groupings.
Researchers at Kansas State University developed a comprehensive flavor lexicon for American-made goat cheese, identifying five unique characteristics including goaty and soapy flavors. The study analyzed 47 artisan cheeses from across the US, revealing distinct flavor profiles for each style, from cheddar to mold-ripened varieties.
Researchers genetically modified goats to lack the allergen BLG in their milk, resulting in less severe allergic reactions in susceptible mice. This breakthrough technology could lead to improved nutrition and reduced allergy risk for humans consuming goat's milk.
Researchers found that head partitions reduced agonistic interactions and increased the use of feeding places among high-ranking animals. This led to a more relaxed feeding environment, improved sense of well-being, and increased nutritional status among goats.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London found that goats communicate with humans by gazing at them when faced with unsolvable problems. The study showed similarities between goat behavior and that of domesticated animals like dogs and horses.
Researchers found domestic goats in the Southern Caucasus match with wild goats from the Fertile Crescent, suggesting introduction of already-domesticated goats. Genetic sequencing reveals sudden cultural changes and agriculture adoption around 7,500-8,000 years ago.
A University of Illinois study found that livestock donations to poor households in Zambia significantly increased people's incomes, boosting household budgets by up to 25% and enabling them to afford higher-nutrition foods like milk. The study also showed that recipients changed their diet to include more diverse food groups.
The Parsemus Foundation has awarded the second round of the Timmy Prize to three winners who contributed substantial information on the use of Calchlorin nonsurgical sterilant. The data sharing prize aims to increase understanding of the method's effectiveness and refine its methodology.
Researchers found that early herders from northern Africa could travel past Lake Victoria on their way to southern Africa due to the area's grassy landscape, not a tsetse fly-infested environment. This new discovery sheds light on the migration route of early human populations.
A population of giant tortoises has recovered on the Galapagos island of Española, with over 1,000 breeding and restoring some ecological damage. However, more work is needed to fully recover the ecosystem upon which the tortoises and other rare species depend.
Researchers at Duke University found that controlled grazing by goats can reduce phragmites stem density by half in three weeks. The approach also restores native plant species diversity and function, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical herbicides.
Researchers found goats can learn complicated tasks in under 12 trials and retain memories for at least 10 months, revealing excellent long-term memory. The study challenges common misconceptions about goat intelligence, suggesting they can adapt to harsh environments through complex cognition.
A team of researchers has discovered a novel, citrus-scented pheromone in the essence of male goats that acts on female brains to turn their reproductive systems on. The study, published in Current Biology, identifies 4-ethyloctanal as the key ingredient with this effect.
Researchers found that chronic lead intoxication impairs therapeutic effectiveness of antibiotic amoxicillin in goats, leading to lower serum concentrations and faster excretion. The study suggests that lead-intoxicated goats may require more frequent amoxicillin administration for effective therapy.
Research by Susanne Waiblinger found that introducing young dairy goats into the adult herd after parturition reduces social stress. Lactating mothers and their kids appear to be a calming influence on other goats, with reduced aggressive behavior.
Overgrazing by millions of sheep and goats is causing degradation of the Mongolian Steppe, a significant grassland ecosystem. About 12% of biomass has disappeared, with 70% of the ecosystem considered degraded.
A new study by WCS and Snow Leopard Trust reveals the link between cashmere trade and ecosystem decay in remote Central Asia. The cashmere industry's expansion leads to conflicts with pastoralists, wildlife displacement and even retaliatory killing of iconic species like snow leopards and wild yaks.
A new study by Queen Mary University of London found that rescued animals can recover from neglect. Researchers observed improved behavior in goats that had been mistreated, suggesting a positive impact of sanctuary care on their mental health.
The global goat population is under threat due to intensive animal husbandry systems that use a limited number of breeds. Poor handling of grazing has led to damaging environmental effects, including overloading ecosystems and threatening biodiversity.