Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
The aim of the present research was to determine the haemato-biochemical profile and blood acid–base status of Croatian spotted goats in a traditional Mediterranean production system. The 60 non-gravid female Croatian spotted goats of different ages were included in the research. They were divided into four groups of 15 goats according to age: group I – year old; group II – 2–3 years; group III – 3–6 years; and group IV – 7–10 years. Haematological parameters were determined in whole blood, biochemical parameters in serum and acid–base status in plasma by automatic analyser. Total leukocyte number (WBC), haemoglobin (HGB) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in the blood were the highest, while mean haemoglobin concentration in erythrocytes (MCHCs) was the lowest in yearlings compared to other groups. Concentrations of urea, Mg, Cl, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and lactate were the highest in yearlings. Concentrations of Ca, Na, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as well as the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were higher in older goats compared to yearlings, while the opposite was determined for the activities of creatine kinase (CK) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Values of pH, the strong ion difference (SID), anion gap (AG) and values as well as the content of and total pressure of carbon dioxide () were higher in older goats compared to yearlings. The results obtained may help in monitoring the health and nutritional status and improve the management of Croatian spotted goats. Based on the results of the present study, the effect of age needs to be included in the model when preparing the reference values for the haemato-biochemical profile and acid–base status of goats.
Highlights
Determination of haemato-biochemical profile and acid–base status is very important for monitoring the metabolism and health status of small ruminants (Carlos et al, 2015; Antunovicet al., 2017a, b)
Total leukocyte number (WBC), haemoglobin (HGB) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in the blood were the highest, while mean haemoglobin concentration in erythrocytes (MCHCs) was the lowest in yearlings compared to other groups
Concentrations of Ca, Na, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as well as the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were higher in older goats compared to yearlings, while the opposite was determined for the activities of creatine kinase (CK) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
Summary
Determination of haemato-biochemical profile and acid–base status is very important for monitoring the metabolism and health status of small ruminants (Carlos et al, 2015; Antunovicet al., 2017a, b). The values of haemato-biochemical parameters and acid–base indicators of goats are influenced by several factors such as breed, age, physiological status, sex, nutrition or season (Piccione et al, 2010; Arfuso et al, 2016; Antunovicet al., 2017a; Redlberger et al, 2017). The determination of the acid–base status of blood has included more parameters such as the calculation of the anion gap (AG), strong ion difference (SID), z values, base excess, and the determination of organic acids (lactate, keto acids) and inorganic anions (sulfates, phosphates, etc.). Gärtner et al (2019) suggested using more information about the acid–base status by calculating SID, weak anions and cations (ATOTs), the strong ion gap (SIGalb), or unmeasured anions (XA) compared to traditional parameters. It is important to specify the exact values for every breed of goat of all ages, since climate zones and regions affect the haemato-biochemical profile and acid– base status of animals
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
