Sixteen goats with fractures of right femur received cortical bone plates allografts on both the sides of femurs. The right allograft strut endured the stimulation of physiological stress, and the left allograft strut did not. Groups of goats were sacrificed and specimens were procured at 3, 6, 12, and 24 week after surgery for histology observation and image analysis of the vessels after Chinese ink perfusion, the rate of bone porosity, the integrated optical density (IOD) of tetracycline fluorescence labeling and new bone formation were investigated in order to evaluate the incorporation of the allograft strut. The allograft strut revascularized at 6 weeks after surgery in the fracture group, but at 3 weeks in the control group. The rate of area of vessels after Chinese ink perfusion, the rate of bone porosity, the integrated optical density (IOD) of tetracycline fluorescence labeling and new bone formation in the fracture group were worse than control from 3 weeks to 6 weeks, but the observed and measured values were better in the fracture group than in the control group beyond 6 weeks after surgery (P < 0.05). The stimulation of stress would be harmful to the allograft strut if the strut endured the stress at an earlier period postoperation. Yet, it would be beneficial to the revascularization, new bone formation, substitution, and internal re-building on the strut provided that the extremity was immobilized for 6 weeks; and if the cortical graft endured the stimulation of physiological stress from 6 weeks postoperation till cancellous conjunction between the ends of fractures, the revascularization on the allograft strut and the bone conjunction between partially allograft strut and host would be faciliated.
Allografts ; Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Bone Plates ; Bone Transplantation ; Femoral Fractures ; Femur ; physiology ; Goats

Animal Feed ; Animals ; Cysteamine ; Female ; Goats ; Mammary Glands, Animal ; growth & development ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo study biomechanical changes of newly formed bones 24 weeks after repairing large defects of long bones of goats using heterogeneous deproteinated bone (DPB) prepared by modified methods as an engineering scaffold.

METHODSAccording to a fully randomized design, 18 goats were evenly divided into three groups: normal bone control group (Group A), autologous bone group (Group B) and experimental group (Group C). Each goat in Groups B and C were subjected to the periosteum and bone defect at middle-lower part of the right tibia (20% of the whole tibia in length), followed by autologous bone or DPB plus autologous MSCs + rhBMP2 implantation, respectively and semi-ring slot fixation; while goats in Group A did not perform osteotomy. At 24 weeks after surgery, biomechanical tests were carried out on the tibias.

RESULTSAt 24 weeks after surgery, the results of anti-compression test on tibias in three groups were recorded by a functional recorder presented as linear pressure-deformation curve. The shapes of the curves and their change tendency were similar among three groups. The ultimate pressure values were 10.74 MPa+/-1.23 MPa, 10.11 MPa+/-1.35 MPa and 10.22 MPa+/-1.32 MPa and fracture compression rates were 26.82%+/-0.87%, 27.17%+/-0.75% and 28.22%+/-1.12% in Groups A, B and C, respectively. Comparisons of anti-compression ultimate pressures and fracture compression rates among three groups demonstrated no significant difference (P(AB) equal to 0.415, P(BC) equal to 0.494). Three-point anti-bend test on tibias was recorded as load-deformation curves, and the shapes of the curves and their change tendency were similar among three groups. The ultimate pressure values of the anti-bend test were 481.52 N+/-12.45 N, 478.34 N+/-14.68 N and 475.62 N+/-13.41 N and the fracture bend rates were 2.62 mm+/-0.12 mm, 2.61 mm+/-0.15 mm and 2.81 mm+/-0.13 mm in Groups A, B and C, respectively. There was no significant difference between groups (P(AB) equal to 0.7, P(BC) equal to 0.448). The ultimate anti-torsion torque values were 6.55 Nm+/-0.25 Nm, 6.34 Nm+/-0.18 Nm and 6.42 Nm+/-0.21 Nm and fracture torsion rates were 29.51 degree+/-1.64degree, 28.88 degree+/-1.46 degree and 28.81 degree+/-1.33 degree in Groups A, B and C, respectively. There was no significant difference between groups (P(AB) equal to 0.123, P(BC) equal to 0.346).

CONCLUSIONSThe biomechanical characteristics of newly formed bones from heterogeneous DPB for repairing large segmental long bone defect are comparable to those of normal bones and autologous bones. DPB has the potential for clinical usage as bone graft material.

Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Female ; Goats ; Male ; Proteins ; Tibia ; physiology ; surgery ; Tissue Engineering ; Torsion, Mechanical

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the histomorphological changes of tubular bone following widening distraction osteogenesis.

METHODSTwelve Chinese mountain goats were subjected to the study. After the procedure of vertical and horizontal osteotomy, two widening distraction osteogenesis devices were put in each goat's left tibiae. After an 8-day latency period, nine tibiae were widening distracted; another three tibiae served as sham control group. Every three animals from the experimental group were sacrificed in different consolidated periods including 1-month, 2-month, and 3-month. Radiography, tetracycline double labeling, histomorphology, as well as biomechanics were used to evaluate the quality and quantity of new generated bone in different consolidated period after distraction osteogenesis.

RESULTSAfter a distraction period, the average width of the tibiae is increased 7.83mm. From the end of distraction to 3-month after the consolidation period, radiography demonstrated that the distraction gaps gradually became vague. Tetracycline double labeling showed that the double labeling brands were rarely seen in normal cortex bone, but strongly increased in the distracted callus. Mineralization rates (MR) has a significant difference (P < 0.05) within distracted callus region compared with control cortex bone. Histomorphological study shows that there was a different result in two sides of vertical distracted gaps. The non-exposure side had a good bone formation, while a non-union of bone occurred at the exposure side. Three months after consolidation period, part of the gap in exposure side was filled with dense connection tissue, whereas the distracted callus had been remodeled and become lamellar bone in non-exposure side. The control group showed normal fracture healing procedure.

CONCLUSIONSThere was a different outcome in two sides distraction gaps of tubular bone following widening distraction osteogenesis. A viable and well-perfused soft-tissue envelope in the area of distraction osteogenesis is important for creation of sufficient amount of new bone during distraction osteogenesis.

Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Bone Regeneration ; Goats ; Osteogenesis ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; methods ; Radiography ; Tibia ; diagnostic imaging ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) and Schwann cells on axon regeneration of the inferior alveolar nerve following mandibular lengthening with distraction osteogenesis.

METHODSUnilateral mandibular osteodistraction was performed in 9 healthy adult male goats with a distraction rate of 1 mm/d. Every 3 goats were killed on days 7, 14 and 28 after mandibular lengthening, respectively. The inferior alveolar nerves in the distraction callus were harvested and processed for ultrastructural and NGF immunohistochemical study. The inferior alveolar nerves from the contralateral side were used as controls.

RESULTSOn day 7 after distraction, axon degeneration and Schwann cell proliferation were observed, and very strong staining of NGF in the distracted nerve was detected. On day 14 after distraction, axon regeneration and remyelination were easily observed, and NGF expression started to decline. On day 28 after distraction, the gray scale of NGF immunoreactivity recovered to the normal value and the Schwann cells almost recovered to their normal state.

CONCLUSIONSGradual mandibular osteodistraction can result in mild or moderate axon degeneration of the inferior alveolar nerve. Nerve trauma may stimulate the proliferation of Schwann cells and promote the synthesis and secretion of NGF in the Schwann cells. Schwann cells and NGF might play important roles in axon regeneration of the injured inferior alveolar nerve following mandibular lengthening.

Animals ; Axons ; pathology ; physiology ; Goats ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Mandible ; surgery ; Mandibular Nerve ; physiology ; Nerve Growth Factor ; physiology ; Nerve Regeneration ; physiology ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; Schwann Cells ; physiology

The aflatoxin B1 degrading abilities of two different ruminants were compared in this study. One set of experiments evaluated the aflatoxin B1 degradation ability of different rumen fluid donors (steers vs. goats) as well as the rumen fluid filtration method (cheese cloth filtered vs. 0.45 microm Millipore) in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Additional studies examined aflatoxin B1 degradation by collecting rumen fluid at different times (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 h) after feeding. Cannulated Holstein steers (740 +/- 10 kg bw) and Korean native goats (26 +/- 3 kg bw) were fed a 60% timothy and 40% commercial diet with free access to water. Rumen fluid from Korean native goats demonstrated higher (p < 0.01) aflatoxin B1 degradability than Holstein steers. However, filtration method had no significant influence on degradability. In addition, aflatoxin degradation did not depend upon rumen fluid collection time after feeding, as no significant differences were observed. Finally, a comparison of two types of diet high in roughage found aflatoxin degradability in goats was higher with timothy hay opposed to rice straw, although individual variation existed. Thus, our findings showed the aflatoxin degradability is comparatively higher in goats compared to steers.
Aflatoxin B1/*chemistry/*metabolism ; Animals ; Body Fluids/*chemistry/metabolism ; Cattle/*physiology ; Goats/*physiology ; Korea ; Male ; Rumen/*metabolism

The reliability of a Korean black goat (Capra hircus coreanae) to detect estrus in Himalayan tahrs (Hemitragus jemlahicus) for an artificial breeding program was investigated. Estrus in six female Himalayan tahrs was synchronized using fluorogestone acetate (FGA) sponges. Thirteen days later, 200 IU of PMSG and 100 IU of hCG were injected before removing the sponges and simultaneously injecting 5 mg of PGF2alpha the next day. Penetration of the cervical canal and the thickness and location of red crayon marks were examined 40~43 h later. Two females treated with sponges containing 60 or 45 mg of FGA had estrogen levels of 8.7 and 11.1 pg/mL, respectively. No red marks were found on the backs of these two tahrs. The remaining females had higher levels of estradiol, and the red crayon marks were clearly shown. The cervical folds of these tahrs were readily penetrated and the insemination gun was smoothly inserted into the uterine body. In conclusion, a Korean domestic goat with its chest crayon-harnessed was successfully used to detect estrus of Himalayan tahrs. This technique might be utilized as a part of breeding programs for wild goats and avoid the need for a vasectomy of conspecific males.
Animals ; Breeding/methods ; Estradiol/blood ; Estrus/physiology ; Estrus Detection/*methods ; Estrus Synchronization/methods ; Female ; Goats/*physiology ; Male ; Progesterone/blood

BACKGROUNDCartilage injury has a very poor capacity for intrinsic regeneration. The cell-based treatment strategy for the cartilage repair using differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is, however, a promising approach to the chondral repair. This study was aimed to explore the chondrogenic potential of the goat BMSCs in the Transwell co-culture system and the poly-laetide-co-glycolide (PLGA) scaffolds.

METHODSThe BMSCs were isolated from the goat iliac crest while the chondrocytes were obtained from the goat's last costal cartilage. In the Transwell co-culture system, the BMSCs co-cultured with chondrocytes were designed as group A, whereas the goat's BMSCs induced with the chondrogenic medium were group B. Both groups A and B were the experimental groups, while group C that only contained BMSCs was the control group. In the PLGA scaffolds co-culture system, BMSCs were seeded into the PLGA scaffolds, which were suspended in the 24-well plate, and the control group was established by presence or absence of chondrocytes at the bottom of the 24-well plate. Toluidine blue staining, Alcian blue staining, collagen II immunofluoresence, collagen II immunochemical staining, collagen I, collagen II, COL2a Q-PCR and osteopontin Q-PCR were used to examine the chondrogenic conditions as well as the expressions of chondrogenic and osteogenic genes.

RESULTSCells isolated from the aspirates of the goat bone marrow proliferated rapidly and gained characteristics of stem cells in Passage 4. However, the differentiations of chondrocytes were not apparent in Passage 3. The results from Toluidine blue staining, collagen II immunofluoresence and PCR showed the transformation of BMSCs to chondrocytes in the Transwell co-culture system and PLGA scaffolds. Although the cartilage gene expressions were upgraded in both chondrogenesis group and co-culture system, the osteopontin gene expression, which represents osteogenic level, was also up-regulated.

CONCLUSIONSThe Transwell co-culture system and the PLGA scaffolds co-culture system can promote the chondrogenic differentiation of the goat's BMSCs, while up-regulated osteopontin gene expression in the Transwell co-culture system implies the osteogenic potential of BMSCs.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; physiology ; Cell Culture Techniques ; methods ; Chondrocytes ; physiology ; Chondrogenesis ; physiology ; Coculture Techniques ; Goats ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; physiology ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Tissue Scaffolds

This study was performed to produce transgenic Korean native goat (Capra hircus) by laparoscopic embryo transfer (ET) to overcome the limitations of ET performed by laparotomy. Transgenic embryos were produced by DNA pronuclear microinjection of in vivo zygotes. The recipient goats were synchronized for estrus by using an introvaginal progesterone devices as a controlled internal drugreleasing insert (CIDR) for 13 days and injection of 400 IU PMSG 48 h before removal of the insert. Embryos were transferred on day 3 and 4 after removal of the insert. Recipient goats were deprived of feed for 48 h, then suspended in a laparotomy cradle at an angle of 45degrees. After obtaining a sufficient pneumoperitoneum, the laparoscope and forceps were inserted abdominally through 5 mm trocar sleeves. Examination of the ovaries and uterus was performed and then 213 embryos were transferred into the oviducts via the infundibula of 76 recipient goats. To compare pregnancy rates, ET was also performed by laparotomy in 82 recipient goats. The pregnancies in the recipient goats were diagnosed by ultrasound on day 30 after embryo transfer. The pregnancy rate with laparoscopic ET was significantly higher than with ET performed by laparotomy (46.1% vs. 28.6%, p < 0.05). In addition, the pregnancy rates were compared between ovulated and non-ovulated ovaries of the recipient goats in the laparoscopic ET group. No significant difference was observed between the pregnancy rates of ovulated and non-ovulated ovaries (41.3% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.05) suggesting that ET may also be possible in non-ovulated recipients through artificial rupture of Graafian follicles. These results suggest that laparoscopic ET is a highly efficient method for the transfer of goat embryos.
Animals ; Animals, Genetically Modified/*embryology ; Embryo Transfer/methods/*veterinary ; Female ; Goats/*genetics/physiology ; Laparoscopy/*veterinary ; Laparotomy/*veterinary ; Microinjections/veterinary ; Oocytes

Schmallenberg virus (SBV), a novel orthobunyavirus, was first isolated in 2011. SBV preferentially infects the central nervous system of cattle and sheep and causes fever, diarrhea, a drop in milk yields, congenital malformations and stillbirths. Until June 2014, more than 200 scientific publications regarding SBV have been published. Although more than 20 articles on SVB were published in China, most of these articles provided only a brief introduction of the disease without fully discussing the associated disease characteristics. As a new disease, it has been made a focus of the National Research Center for Exotic Animal Diseases at the China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center. In this review, in order to provide a reference for research into SBV in China, we have reviewed the state of current research progress on the etiology, diagnosis and epidemiology of SBV, and vaccine development.
Animals ; Bunyaviridae Infections ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; veterinary ; virology ; Cattle ; China ; epidemiology ; Goats ; Host Specificity ; Orthobunyavirus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; physiology ; Sheep