Background: Attapady Black goats, a distinct native meat-type breed traditionally reared under extensive systems, show strong potential for geographical indication (GI) recognition. The study used SWOT analysis to assess the key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the prospective GI value chain pertaining to the production ecosystem of Attapady Black goats. As an effective tool for integrating multiple factors influencing livestock systems, SWOT analysis helped identify the determinants&nbsp; and interventions needed for prospective GI protection and guided the development of a strategic framework for future GI governance. 
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Methods: The study, conducted in Attapady Block panchayat from November 27, 2023, to October 23, 2024, adopted an exploratory research design involving diverse actors of Attapady Black goat value chain. SWOT factors across five domains of territory&nbsp; and biodiversity, knowledge&nbsp; and practices, production and transformation, marketing and consumption and governance, were prioritised using Garrett&rsquo;s ranking technique. 
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Result: The SWOT analysis identified key strengths such as the native Attapady Black goat breed of the region, rich local biodiversity, traditional knowledge systems, rising demand for organic meat and supportive tribal&nbsp; and goat husbandry programmes. Major weaknesses included declining breed numbers, indiscriminate breeding, biodiversity degradation, substance abuse and absence of formal governance structures. The top ranked opportunities were growing market for organic produce, available certification mechanisms, provisions of the GI Act and strong institutional support systems. Key threats included wildlife attacks, forest clearance, denial of tribal rights and lack of breed specific conservation schemes.

Swot Analysis of the Production Ecosystem of Attapady Black Goat Towards Geographical Indication Status

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<div>Background:&nbsp;Live body weight (BW) of livestock animals is truly mirror image of all activities of genetics, nutrition, production, reproduction and health status. Thus, the knowledge of calculating BW is of great importance to the producer and critical for goat farming and business. However, there is an unavailability of suitable scales, leading to inaccuracies in decision-making. The present work aimed to predict the live BW of Indian Black Bengal goat using certain morphometric data.&nbsp; 
 
Methods:&nbsp;The live BW and eight body measurement data from 1427 disease free, non-pregnant goats aged 25.87&plusmn;10.47 months with 2.78&plusmn;1.21 number of parity were collected. The data were first subjected to stepwise regression analysis to achieve the best-fitted model for BW prediction by comparing coefficient of determination (R2) and determining the combination of body dimensions that explained variation in the dependent variable. Further, Recursive Partitioning and Regression Trees (RPART) model, a machine learning tool was deployed to predict BW using certain body measurements. 
 
Result:&nbsp;The results of stepwise regression model clearly indicated that heart girth (HG) and punch girth (PG) measurements influenced live BW mostly, but the predictive capabilities (Low R2) of this statistical model were low. The stepwise regression model could not satisfactorily predict BW due to the problem of multicollinearity. Out of eight independent variables, the most important variables emerged from RPART were only HG and PG based on the largest reduction in overall sums of squares error. RPART generated a decision tree with minimal expected error to precisely predict live BW. Hence, RPART model was found to provide better predictive result than stepwise regression model in accurately predicting BW from body measurement variables in Black Bengal goats.</div>

Body Weight Prediction using Recursive Partitioning and Regression Trees (RPART) Model in Indian Black Bengal Goat Breed: A Machine Learning Approach

<div>Background: The work was carried out to complementary contribution to the comprehensive study of the recently recognised promising Salem Black goat breed&rsquo;s meat quality raised under intensive and semi intensive systems at different age for both sexes. 
 
Methods: The study was conducted on sixty four, three months old Salem Black goat kids (32 males and 32 females) by allotting randomly as16 kids in each group in a 2 X 2 factorial design. 
 
Result: The pH value for meat was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher at 9 months male animals. Meat redness (a*) value increased and the lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) values significantly (P&lt;0.01) decreased with age. The shear force indicates that male had significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher value. Meat at 6 months had significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher sarcomere length. Hydroxyproline content was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher with lower muscle fibre diameter in intensively reared male kids meat. Acid insoluble ash, ether extract and PUFA contents were significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased with age in meat. Intensively reared animals had significantly (P&lt;0.05) low level of SFA and high level of PUFA, MUFA and PUFA/SFA ratio than semi-intensively reared animals. The intensively reared animal shows better meat quality, more nutritious than semi intensively reared animal meat.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Meat and Fat Quality of Salem Black Goat meat Reared under Different Rearing Systems</div>

<div>Background: Pig is recognized as an advantageous non-rodent animal model within a large number of biomedical research areas and of xenotransplantation of animal organs into humans. People prefer taking goat milk during dengue fever like conditions for recovery from low blood constituents, particularly the blood platelets, without any scientific proof.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Haemoglobin, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and blood platelets count were studied in 2.5 months old 18 experimentally induced hypovolemic Large White Yorkshire (LWY) piglets at CVASc., GBPUAT, Pantnagar after feeding them milk of Pantja goats and black Badri cows over a period of 30 days during Oct.&ndash;Nov. 2019 and May-June 2020. Hypovolemia in piglets was achieved by withdrawing their 15% of total estimated blood volume (@ 7.5% in each time on day 1st and 3rd of experiment), followed by providing them with milk, which was double the amount of blood withdrawn, for 30 days. Control group (T1) piglets (6 no.) were maintained on basal diet, whereas group T2 and T3 piglets were given milk of Pantja goats and black Badri cows, respectively. Blood samples for testing were collected on 1st, 3rd, 7th, 15th and 30th day. 
 
Result: Average normal blood picture of weaned LWY piglets for haemoglobin (g/dl), ESR (mm/hr) and platelets count (105 cells/ mm3) was 11.36 &plusmn; 0.20, 10.00&plusmn; 2.01, 3.1767 &plusmn; 0.2577, respectively. For haemoglobin and ESR, the values on testing days and the overall values for group T1, T2 and T3 piglets did not show any significant variation. However, the pooled values for haemoglobin were significantly different (P&lt;0.01) on various testing days, being higher on day 1st and 30th than on 3rd, 7th and 15th day, implying that normal haemoglobin level was regained on 30th day of hypovolemia. The pooled values for ESR were significantly different (P&lt;0.05) on various testing days, being higher on day 1st and 3rd only, which may be due to simultaneous increase in total erythrocyte counts. Overall mean platelets count (x105&nbsp;cells/ mm3) for LWY piglets was 3.2570&plusmn; 0.0890 and their values in group T1, T2 and T3 piglets were 3.0983&plusmn;0.1675, 3.0820&plusmn;0.1490 and 3.5907&plusmn;0.1885, respectively, being significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) for black Badri cow milk fed group piglets. This may imply usefulness of black Badri cow milk over Pantja goat milk in improving blood platelets count in human, considering pig a good animal model for human within a large number of biomedical researches.</div>

<div>Haematological Traits of Induced Hypovolemic Large White Yorkshire Piglets as Affected by Feeding them Milk of Pantja Goats and Black Badri Cows</div>

Background: The study elucidated the effects of reproductive hormones on the developmental potential of oocytes in Hainan lamb/adult goats by analyzing the changes in the concentrations of reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, 17&beta;-E2) in Hainan lamb/adult goat serum. 
 
Methods: The experiment used radioimmunoassay to detect follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), oestradiol (17&beta;-E2), concentrations in the serum of Hainan goats (3-month-old/18-month-old) during different oestrous cycles and to analyze the changing pattern of hormones. 
 
Result: The results showed that the number of follicles obtained in lambs was significantly higher than in adult goats (P&lt;0.05), but the quality of follicles in lambs was poor and the number of available oocytes in them was lower than in adult goats. During the estrous cycle, adult black goats exhibit peak serum concentrations of FSH and LH on the 13th&nbsp;day, reaching 2.73 ng/mL and 5.69 ng/mL, respectively. In lamb goats, FSH reaches its peak concentration on the 15th&nbsp;day at 2.56 ng/mL, while LH peaks on the 13th&nbsp;day at 5.13 ng/mL. On the 15th&nbsp;day, both adult black goats and lamb goats experience the lowest serum concentrations of 17&beta;-E2, at 4.42 ng/mL and 7.63 ng/mL, respectively. The serum concentrations of FSH and 17&beta;-E2&nbsp;in adult black goats are significantly higher than those in lamb goats (P&lt;0.05) In summary, FSH and 17&beta;-E2&nbsp;can promote the maturation and development of oocytes in Hainan 3-month-old lamb goats, which can be injected with the corresponding concentration of hormones on the 15th&nbsp;day during the synchronized estrus in Hainan 3-month-old lamb goats, to improve the quality and quantity of oocytes, to better utilize the in vitro embryonic production performance of the young animals and to accelerate the acquisition of good livestock breeds.

Differential Effects of Reproductive Hormones on the Developmental Potential of Oocytes in Hainan Black Lambs/Goats

<div>Background: Copper and selenium were proven modulaters of reproductive function in ruminants under dietary supplementation. Their effects under pareneral administraton during estrus synchronization are not clearly defined. On this background the present was aimed to evaluate the effect of copper and selenium on estrus associated responses in goats. 
 
Methods: Thirty adult female Salem black goats were selected. On day ten of the estrus cycle, 250 &micro;g of cloprostenol injection was given intramuscularly to all the animals and assigned to five groups. GI: control, GII: 4 &micro;g of Buserelin, GIII: 20 mg cupric chloride, GIV: 10 mg sodium selenite and GV: copper plus selenium injections were administrated. Whole blood was collected for seven days for hormone assay. Estrus was detected using aproned bucks.&nbsp; 
 
Result: There was no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference in estrus response, onset and duration of estrus between groups. The progesterone concentration decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) from day 0 (before PGF2&alpha;) to day 1 (after PGF2&alpha;) in all groups. There was a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in estradiol and progesterone concentration in the GnRH group compared to other groups. Parenteral administration of copper and selenium did not significantly improve estrus behavior, estradiol and progesterone concentration in Salem black goats. GnRH was once again proved to be effective in the improvement of estrus associated responses in goats.</div>

Efficiency of Copper and Selenium during Estrus Synchronization on Estrus Behaviour, Estradiol and Progesterone Concentration in Salem Black Goats

A total sixteen female Black Bengal goats (BBG) considering average live weight were randomly divided into four equal treatments to study the effect of different level of concentrates supplementation on production and reproduction performance of BBG. The animals were assigned to adlibitum green grass and supplemented with different levels of concentrates at 150, 200, 250 and 300 g respectively. Live weight gain, Dry matter (DM) intake, Crude protein (CP) intake were increased significantly (p&lt;0.01) with concentrate supplementation. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein conversion ratio (PCR) were not significant on level of concentrate. The value of services per conception, birth weight of kids and growth rate of kids showed a positive effect on level of concentrate supplementation but not significant. Average daily milk yield of doe were increased significantly (p&lt;0.01). Supplementation of concentrate mixture with 300 gm could be beneficial for BBG in Bangladesh condition. 
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Influence of concentrate supplementation on production and reproduction performance of female Black Bengal goat

<div>Background: Agricultural productivity in Southeast Asian countries are important to produce food for human, thus the first priority to improve agricultural productivity is feed and feeding in livestock, especially in ruminants when rice straw and Napier grass are used as the roughage sources; in addition, cassava leaves and Leucaena leaves can be used as the protein sources. Interestingly, the strategy to improve feed in ruminant is through the use of total mixed rations (TMR) which are produced by combination of roughages, concentrates, minerals, vitamins and additives.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: During the period 2020-2021 a study with 2 &times; 2 factorial, in 4 &times; 4 Latin square design with 21 days per period tested the following TMR&rsquo;s T1- 5% urea treated rice straw with dried Leucaena leaves, T2- 5% urea treated rice with dried cassava leaves, T3- fermented napier grass with dried Leucaena leaves and the T4- fermented napier grass with dried cassava leaves on voluntary feed intake, nutrient intake and blood metabolites in Black Bengal goats.&nbsp; 
 
Result: All treatments did not affect voluntary feed intake (kgDM/head/day and % BW) (P&gt;0.05), but feeding with 5% urea treated rice with dried cassava leaves, it was non significantly higher (0.71 kgDM/day). Furthermore, nutrient intake of organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and rumination were not affected among all the four treatments (P&gt;0.05). Additionally, blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen and triglyceride concentrations in plasma were not influenced due to treatments (P&gt;0.05). Nevertheless, Feed cost (USD/kg) was reduced T3 and T4. In conclusion, feeding Black Bengal goat with fermented napier grass with dried Leucaena leaves and fermented napier grass with dried cassava leaves in the TMR were suitable because of the lowest price (0.13 USD/kg) when compared to the other treatments.</div>

Effects of Protein and Roughage Sources in Total Mixed Ration on Voluntary Feed Intake, Nutrient Intake and Blood Metabolites in Black Bengal Goats

Background: Climate change increasingly threatens global ecosystems, with livestock in developing countries like India being particularly vulnerable. Variations in temperature and humidity throughout the seasons significantly affect animal health, adaptability and productivity. Black Bengal goats, an important genetic resource in Bihar, are noted for their resilience and economic value. Understanding their physiological and biochemical responses to seasonal stress is crucial for creating effective management strategies. 
 
Methods: This study investigated the seasonal adaptability of Black Bengal goats by evaluating various physiological and biochemical parameters across four distinct seasons: summer, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter. Twenty healthy female goats were chosen and blood samples were collected in each season. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated to assess heat stress conditions. Key biomarkers analyzed included biochemical (blood urea nitrogen, albumin, globulin, glucose), hormonal (cortisol, TSH, T3, T4), mineral and oxidative stress markers (glutathione, malondialdehyde [MDA], catalase, total antioxidant capacity [TAC] and superoxide dismutase [SOD]). 
 
Result: The THI values showed severe heat stress during the summer and monsoon seasons (THI &gt; 85), moderate stress in the post-monsoon period (THI 78) and comfortable conditions in winter (THI 63). Significant seasonal variations were observed in biochemical parameters, with the most notable changes occurring in summer. Cortisol levels were higher during summer and monsoon, indicating heat-induced stress, while thyroid hormones (TSH, T3 and T4) were elevated in winter and post-monsoon, suggesting thermoregulatory adaptations. Oxidative stress markers also varied significantly, with increased oxidative damage and antioxidant enzyme activity during hotter seasons. These findings emphasize the impact of seasonal stress on goat physiology and highlight the need for season-specific strategies to improve resilience and productivity. 
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Seasonal Adaptability of Black Bengal Goats: A Four-season Study of Serum Biochemical, Mineral, Hormonal and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers

Background: One of the most successful approaches for helping India&rsquo;s impoverished citizens alleviate poverty and enhance their sources of income is goat rearing. The present study was carried out with an objective to assess the current scenario of socio-demographic status of farmers, managemental practices and prevailing diseases of goats in Nadia district of West Bengal. The predominant availability of black bengal goat resources prompted the selection of these regions. 
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Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken over a period of six months. Survey data were collected from a total of 100 goat farmers in different villages in the Nadia district of West Bengal, India. For each household survey, a structured questionnaire was formulated. 
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Result: Survey data indicated that 72.0% of women farmers are associated with goat husbandry. The data found that 52.0% of goat farmers were in the middle age having attended primary schooling (86.0%). More than half of the farmers (51.0%) reared goats under intensive system of rearing. The majority of farmers (63.0%) did not follow vaccination programme while 52.0% farmers dewormed their goats. Our research revealed that the most prevalent disease-causing mortality of goats was PPR (61.0%). The results of this study indicate that farmers did not pay much attention to management systems and healthcare services because of the low socio-economic conditions. The present study recommends frequent training of farmers in a modern scientific way creating awareness with regular conduct of vaccination campaigns. 
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