Blood biochemical markers in Saanen goats depending on month of pregnancy

Abstract

Dairy goat farming is worldwide spread, but the nature of the metabolic changes during pregnancy in highly productive dairy goat is still not clear. Metabolic rate and patterns of changes during pregnancy are a relevant issue for research in goats. The aim of this study was to evaluate blood biochemical markers in Saanen goats depending on month of pregnancy. The research was conducted in North-Western region of Russian Federation, in Saanen goats. The experimental group included 30 pregnant Saanen goats, 1-4 years of age, selected using matched pairs method; control group included 30 non-pregnant Saanen goats, same age. The blood samples were taken 5 times during pregnancy, each month once. Results presented as mean±standard error of the mean. Student's t-test was used after proving normal distribution. Level of significance is labeled as p<0.05. The results are displayed in table 1. After analyzing the received data on protein and nitrogen metabolisms the marked declining dynamic was observed in levels of total protein and protein fractions during the whole period of pregnancy. Also there is a decrease in the total protein concentration in pregnant goats when compare with non-pregnant animals. Blood levels of urea didn't change significantly. In spite of these fluctuations the protein and nitrogen metabolisms markers are within the reference values. Also there is an increase in the creatinine concentration, but the values remain within the reference levels, and this can be associated with a muscle mass increase during the late stages of pregnancy. Concerning mineral metabolism in non-pregnant goats, there is no disturbance was observed. In pregnant animals the decrease of macro- and microelements in blood serum was noted during the whole monitoring period. Some of the microelements values are on the lower reference levels and level of such element as iodine is below reference limit during the last month of pregnancy. When analyzing data on liver function markers, it was noted that toxic liver damage values are increased in pregnant goats and remained elevated during the whole period of pregnancy. These indicators are the activity of liver enzymes, such as aminotransferases, and the total bilirubin concentration. These markers are elevated in pregnant animals. In conclusion it is important to note that after results evaluation there were revealed: hepatic function disturbances due to endogenous intoxication and decreasing of blood serum macro- and microelements values to lower reference range, especially iodine which was below the reference limit. Such shifts are more noticeable by the last month of pregnancy. Also it is significant that the blood serum total protein was decreased which possibly connected with weaking of liver protein-synthesis capacity. The serum iron decrease is also indicating sign of iron deficiency anemia. The results of this studie can be used to assess the metabolism of pregnant goats, as well as to understand the metabolic changes observed during this period of this animal species life.