132 Proportional tissue weights in male goats differing in genetic propensity to consume juniper

Abstract

Metabolic and endocrine tissues of goats (Capra hircus) consuming juniperus species containing monoterpenes were evaluated. Monoterpenes have toxicological and pharmacological effects. We sampled Spanish goats selected for their propensity to consume above (H) or below (L) the population average for proportion of juniper in the diet as determined by fecal near infrared spectroscopy. Our objective was to determine the effect of divergent propensity to consume juniper on various tissues in adult male goats [young (2-year-old) and old (3-5-year-old)] grazing pastures containing juniper at the Texas A&M AgriLife Sonora Research Station. In June 2019, 20 animals (n = 5 of each age and juniper consumption combination) were slaughtered at the Angelo State University Meats Lab. Body weight was recorded 2 days prior to harvest. Tissue samples (i.e. liver, kidney, heart, adrenal, testicle, epididymis) were collected and weighed at the time of harvest. Tissue weights were analyzed as a proportion of body weight. Differences in proportional tissue weights between young (Y) and old (O), H and L animals were determined by analysis of variance. Body weights (kg) were 75.5 ± 4.2, 76.5 ± 6.2, 63.5 ± 1.9, and 69.0 ± 2.8 for HO, LO, HY and LY respectively. Body weight for O (76.0 ± 3.72) was greater (P < 0.03) than Y (66.3 ± 1.9). Total paired testicle, epididymal, adrenal, and heart proportional weight (g/kg) was not affected (P > 0.1) by age nor juniper consumption group. Total paired proportional weight was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in H (2.53 ± 0.09) than L (2.19 ± 0.08) for kidneys and greater (P = 0.15) in H (15.80 ± 0.75) than L (14.58 ± 0.39) for liver. High apparent consumption of juniper was associated with an increase in mass of tissues typically involved in metabolism, biotransformation, and elimination of plant secondary compounds.