Emmanuel Alexander Sessarego

Goat production in Peru is primarily carried out under extensive systems shaped by climatic variability, forage seasonality, infrastructure limitations, and persistent sanitary pressure. In this context, Creole goats represent a strategic animal genetic resource due to their capacity to adapt to arid and high-Andean environments. This review integrates the available evidence on production typologies in the main goat-producing regions of the country, the major sanitary and structural bottlenecks, and the state of the art of genomic, multi-omics, and reproductive biotechnology tools applicable to goats. It discusses how the transition from traditional markers to SNP genotyping, together with functional approaches such as microbiome analysis, transcriptomics, and proteomics, can contribute to understanding the biological basis of complex traits related to resilience, feed efficiency, and reproductive performance. Likewise, the potential of precision livestock farming to generate longitudinal phenotypes and strengthen genetic improvement programs in low-input systems is highlighted. Finally, priorities and considerations are outlined to advance the integration of phenotyping, genomics, and reproductive biotechnologies in extensive contexts, with emphasis on the generation of systematic data, interinstitutional coordination, and technology transfer aimed at the sustainability and conservation of goat resources. These insights may also inform genetic improvement strategies in other developing countries facing similar environmental and structural constraints in low-input goat production systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.

Background and Aim: Neosporosis, caused by Neospora caninum, is an important infectious cause of reproductive failure in ruminants, yet its epidemiological role in goats from hyper-arid coastal ecosystems remains poorly understood. In southern Peru, Creole goat production is predominantly extensive, with limited sanitary control and frequent dog–livestock interactions, which may facilitate parasite transmission. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of N. caninum and evaluate its association with reproductive problems in Creole goats, considering age and agroecological zone within a Bayesian mediation framework. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between March and June 2025 in the Ica region of southern Peru. A total of 182 female goats from 28 herds with a history of reproductive disorders were included. Serum samples were analyzed using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine N. caninum serostatus. Reproductive problems, defined as abortion or the birth of weak offspring, were considered the outcome variable. Associations among age, geographic zone, infection status, and reproductive problems were assessed using a Bayesian mediation model to estimate direct, indirect, and total effects. Results: The prevalence of N. caninum was higher in Zone 1 (25.78%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.57–33.58) than in Zone 2 (11.11%; 95% CI: 4.08–20.38). Seropositive goats exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of reproductive problems (odds ratio = 6.49; 95% highest posterior density: 1.76–16.11). Reproductive disorders were more frequent in Zone 2 despite its lower seroprevalence, indicating the influence of non-infectious factors. Age showed a significant positive association with reproductive problems, reflecting cumulative physiological and environmental stress. Mediation analysis revealed that N. caninum acted as a direct risk factor rather than a significant mediator of age- or zone-related effects. Conclusion: N. caninum infection is strongly associated with reproductive problems in Creole goats from southern Peru and primarily functions as an individual-level risk factor. Geographic and age-related effects appear to operate largely through direct pathways independent of infection status. These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of reproductive disorders and underscore the importance of integrating infection control with nutritional and management strategies in extensive goat production systems. Keywords: agroecological zones, Bayesian mediation, Creole goats, Neospora caninum, prevalence, reproductive disorders, risk factors, southern Peru.

Background and Aim: Creole goats (Capra hircus) constitute an important genetic resource in tropical production systems; however, their morphostructural characterization in the Peruvian Amazonian remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the morphological and morphometric characteristics, body indices, and multivariate structure of Creole goats to identify patterns of phenotypic variability and functional adaptation under extensive systems. Materials and Methods: A total of 149 adult Creole goats were evaluated across three districts (Bagua Grande, Cumba, and El Milagro). 15 qualitative traits and 31 morphometric variables were recorded using standardized protocols. Six ethnological indices; body index (BI), cephalic index (CI), facial index (FI), thoracic index (TI), pelvic index (PI), and proportionality index (PrI), and nine productive indices; thoracic metacarpus index (TMI), costal metacarpus index (CMI), posterior podal index, relative thoracic depth index (RTDI), transverse pelvic index, longitudinal pelvic index, compactness index (CoI), relative cane thickness index, and cane load index, were calculated. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact test, Z-test, Mann–Whitney U test, Student’s t-test, and Welch’s t-test. Relationships among indices were assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multivariate structure was explored using principal component analysis (PCA). Results: Significant sexual dimorphism was observed, with males showing higher body weight, greater skeletal robustness, and higher FI, TMI, and CoI, whereas females exhibited higher TI and distinct mammary traits. Ecotype differentiation revealed that longilinear goats had elongated conformations with lower PrI values, while brevilinear goats exhibited compact and robust structures with higher TMI, CMI, and cane load index values. Strong correlations were identified between BI and FI, as well as among productive indices such as TMI, RTDI, and CoI (p ≤ 0.001). PCA explained 57.4% of total variability, with body weight and thoracic-related measurements contributing most to the first component, confirming their importance in morphostructural differentiation. Conclusion: Creole goats in the Peruvian Amazonian exhibit high phenotypic variability and clear morphostructural differentiation influenced by sex, ecotype, and environment. Body measurements and indices provide reliable tools for field-based selection and characterization. The integration of morphometric and multivariate approaches offers a robust framework for genetic improvement, conservation, and sustainable management of goat populations in tropical production systems. Keywords: animal genetic resources, body indices, Creole goats, morphometric analysis, multivariate analysis, phenotypic characterization, principal component analysis, tropical production systems.

The comprehensive quality assessment of raw milk from small-scale producers remains essential for improving dairy sector competitiveness. This study employed a multivariate approach to correlate the physicochemical, colorimetric, and sensory profiles of raw milk from eleven producers in the town of Supe, Barranca, Lima, Peru. Milk samples were analyzed using a Lactoscan MCC ultrasonic analyzer, CIEL*a*b* colorimetry, and the Flash Profile sensory method. Data integration and interpretation were performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA) and Hierarchical Multiple Factor Analysis (HMFA). The results revealed significant heterogeneity, identifying two distinct producer groups. A high-quality group (DF7, DF10, DF11) presented adequate physicochemical parameters: high fat content (>3.77%), total solids (>12.06%), normal freezing point (≈−0.53 °C), creamy color (high L* and b*), and positive sensory attributes (“fatty”, “creamy”). In contrast, a low-quality group (DF4, DF5, DF8, DF9) showed evidence of water adulteration (12–16%), reflected in an elevated freezing point (up to −0.44 °C), low solids-not-fat, and defective sensory profiles (“tasteless”, “salty”). The HMFA demonstrated a strong concordance between instrumental and sensory data sets, identifying water adulteration and fat content as the primary drivers of quality variation. This integrated methodology provides a robust diagnostic tool for quality-based payment systems and targeted technical assistance, offering a replicable model for enhancing quality control and valorizing raw milk in smallholder dairy systems.

There was a mistake in Table 1 as published. Incorrect scientific names were included in the categories for "Preferred forage shrub" variable in the "Productive" component. 3. In the first published incorrect version of the article, there was an error. An incorrect forage species was indicated as predominant in the region. A correction has been made to **Results**, Descriptive analysis, third paragraph: "… The predominant system is extensive (98.3%), based on traditional knowledge (46.7%). Ninety percent of the farms do not have irrigation systems, and 73.3% use corrals. The principal tree/shrub forage species is huarango (71%). In terms of animal management, 95% do not use identification methods, and visually select the animals. Sales are mainly motivated by economic needs (36.7%) …"The authors apologize for this error and state that this does not change the scientific conclusions of the article in any way. The first published incorrect version of the article has been updated.

The study aimed to characterize goat production systems in the tropical dry forest of Peru through multivariate analysis of 25 socioeconomic and productive variables in 60 producers from Bagua Grande, El Milagro, Cajaruro, and Cumba. Descriptive analysis, multidimensional scaling (stress = 0.03272), categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA), and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) were applied. A predominance of extensive management (98.3%), with low technical assistance (81.7%), absence of irrigation (90%), and visual selection of animals (100%) was identified. Marketing responds to immediate economic needs (36.7%), while vaccination coverage is poor (88.3% not vaccinated). CATPCA explained 54.5% of the variance (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.965), highlighting producer education, infrastructure, and access to water and energy as key factors for improving production efficiency and mitigating commercial seasonality. HCA identified two goat production systems: the improved extensive system (EES) and the traditional extensive system (TES). The EES grouped older and more experienced producers, with larger herds, higher sales weights, greater specialization, forage diversification, better infrastructure, and higher deworming frequency. In contrast, the TES included younger producers with smaller herds, lower sales weights, lower educational levels, agricultural dependence, less forage diversity, limited infrastructure, and limited sanitary measures. These differences highlight the impact of knowledge and technological development on productive sustainability. It is concluded that technological development, access to resources, and production experience are key to improving the efficiency and sustainability of goat systems in the tropical dry forests of Peru.

The dry forests of northern Peru are home to extensive populations of algarrobo (Neltuma spp.). Its fruit serves as feed for goats and is used in various agro-industrial products. However, the nutritional quality can be influenced by the physicochemical properties of the soil and vegetation coverage. The objective of this study was to understand and predict the concentration of protein and ether extracts of carob and evaluate its relationship with soil properties and vegetation indices. Principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analyses were conducted. The prediction of protein and ether extract was carried out using the Eureqa-Formulize software 1.24.0. In the PCA, protein showed a positive relationship with ash and ether extract but a negative relationship with moisture. Likewise, moderate correlations were observed between protein and ash content (0.51). Protein also showed positive correlations with pH (r = 0.19), BI (r = 0.22), and NDSI (r = 0.22). Additionally, the ether extract exhibited correlations with sand content (r = 0.22), Ca²⁺ (r = −0.26), Cu (r = −0.20), S5 (r = 0.26), and Si (r = 0.24). Protein predictions showed moderate performance (CC = 0.73 and R² = 0.53), as did ether extracts (CC = 0.68 and R² = 0.46). These findings contribute to a better understanding of the factors that influence the nutritional quality of carob and can be used for the development of sustainable management strategies in the dry forests of northern Peru.

Peruvian Creole goats (PCGs) represent a unique genetic resource shaped by adaptation to diverse environments and traditional breeding practices. In this study, we performed a genomic analysis of six regional populations (Ancash, Ica, Lambayeque, Lima, Piura, and Tumbes) using high-density SNP genotype data. Principal component analysis revealed a moderate genetic structure, with the Ica population showing clear separation and northern populations exhibiting overlap. Runs of homozygosity were predominantly short, and specific regions on chromosome 6 were shared across populations. Inbreeding coefficients were generally low, with Ancash showing the highest values. Linkage disequilibrium decayed rapidly over genetic distance, especially in Piura, indicating higher genetic diversity. Estimates of effective population size revealed decreasing trends across populations, with Piura maintaining the largest recent population size. These findings offer valuable insights into the population structure of Peruvian Creole goats, providing guidance for conservation and sustainable breeding efforts.

Creole goats have adapted to the harsh Andean environment, yet the physiological impacts of high-altitude production systems remain underexplored. This study assessed seasonal and dietary influences on the hematological and biochemical profiles of 45 Creole goats in the Peruvian Andes. The animals were assigned to three diets: D1 (grazing), D2 (grazing + 2000 g hay), and D3 (grazing + 400 g concentrate), across rainy and dry seasons. Biweekly blood sampling measured urea, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, ALP, ALT, WBCL, NeuP, LymP, HGB, and MCV. Season exerted the strongest influence (p < 0.001), with modest dietary effects and a consistent effect of sampling time. Urea, total protein, and albumin increased during the rainy season, though only urea responded significantly to diet. Leukocytosis rose in the dry season and with higher-protein diets, suggesting heightened immune activation under environmental stress. Hemoglobin peaked in the rainy season and early sampling, indicating better oxygenation. MCV and body weight were higher in the dry season, with weight unaffected by diet. These results underscore the complex interplay of environmental and nutritional factors in shaping goat physiology at high altitudes, emphasizing the importance of dynamic modeling in sustainable Andean livestock systems.