Erythrocyte GSH, hemoglobin and potassium concentrations during the postnatal period in Granadina goats

Abstract

Variations in GSH level, hemoglobin and erythrocyte potassium were studied in 12 adult Granadina goats and their 15 female progeny during the first 30 postnatal weeks. Significantly ( P<0.01) lower mean values than in adults were detected from the 18th to the 25th week for GSH level. In this same period, the hemoglobin concentration was also lower ( P<0.01) than in adults. However, no correlation was detected between changes in GSH level and in potassium type (high vs. low concentration). Eight adult animals (66.7%) were of the high potassium (HK) type (41.0–63.0 mEq/l) and four were of the low potassium (LK) type (6.5–18.0 mEq/l). The switch from HK to LK type in kids took place at the 7th week postpartum. The mode of inheritance of HK and LK types supported the theory that the LK gene is dominant over the HK gene.