Abstract
Simple SummaryThis study aimed to provide data about thyroid and lipid profiles in 30 Nicastrese goats along different physiological periods: before mating, during pregnancy, and in early lactation. Total triiodothyronine and thyroxine were lower in pregnant and milking goats, while BCS was lower in pregnant ones only, and total cholesterol, triglyceride, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were in milking goats only. During pregnancy and lactation, total triiodothyronine was positively correlated with free triiodothyronine and total thyroxine. These results show that under similar environmental, nutrition, and management conditions, different physiological phases play a significant role in the thyroid and lipid profiles in Nicastrese goats. These endocrine and metabolic resources could contribute to the knowledge useful for the salvage of this endangered, local, native breed.This study aimed to determine the thyroid and lipid profiles in 30 Nicastrese goats, along different physiological periods: before mating (nonpregnant goats), during the whole pregnancy (pregnant goats), and during postpartum and early lactation (milking goats). Blood samples were collected monthly from March 2020 to January 2021. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total and free triiodothyronine (T3, fT3), and thyroxine (T4, fT4) concentrations were measured using immunoenzymatic assay kits and serum lipid panels (triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (tCho)) by enzymatic colorimetric method; very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL Cho) was calculated. Pregnant and milking goats showed the lower T3 (p < 0.0002) and T4 (p < 0.0005) concentrations, with lower BCS (p < 0.001) only in pregnant ones. Milking goats showed tCho (p < 0.006) concentrations lower than nonpregnant ones, and TG and VLDL Cho (p < 0.001) lower than both pregnant and nonpregnant goats. T4:T3 and T3:fT3 were significantly and positively correlated in both pregnancy and lactation. Under similar environmental, nutrition, and management conditions, different physiological phases play a significant role in the thyroid and lipid profiles in Nicastrese goats. These endocrine and metabolic resources could contribute to the knowledge useful for the salvage of this endangered, local, native breed.
Highlights
Among the European countries, Italy comprises the largest number of local goat breeds, which are mainly reared in the Alps and in the Mediterranean area, such as Southern Italy and islands
Total triiodothyronine was positively correlated with free triiodothyronine and total thyroxine. These results show that under similar environmental, nutrition, and management conditions, different physiological phases play a significant role in the thyroid and lipid profiles in Nicastrese goats
The results obtained from the goats included in the present study for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, fT3, T4, and fT4 concentrations were in accordance with published physiological ranges reported in adult nonpregnant goats for T3 (0.59–1.35 ng/mL) and T4 (6.10–8.15 μg/dL) [37]; in pregnant and postpartum goats for T3 (17.11 ± 5.01 nmol/L), T4 (11.25 ± 1.33 ng/mL) [38], fT3 (1.02–1.29 pg/mL), and fT4 (0.51–1.71 ng/dL and 31.5–32.7 pmol/L) [39,40]; and in nonpregnant, pregnant, and postpartum sheep for TSH values (0.50 ± 0.05 μg/mL, 0.70 ± 0.014 μg/mL, and 0.24 ± 0.10 μg/mL) [10]; some variation might be due to differences in the techniques used [41]
Summary
Among the European countries, Italy comprises the largest number of local goat breeds (www.assonapa.com, accessed on 25 March 2021), which are mainly reared in the Alps and in the Mediterranean area, such as Southern Italy and islands. In Calabria, the farming system for goats is mainly characterized by small- to large-sized farms with either semi-sedentary farming based on natural pasture or free-ranging farming [1]. Milk has an average fat content of 4.30%, protein of 3.50%, and lactose of 4.70% [2]. The Nicastrese goat breed counts about 4851 individuals and 77 flocks and is bred in natural grazing land in Catanzaro, which is characterized by aromatic and functional Mediterranean plants that confer typical features to the milk and cheese. The farming system is founded on the use of natural pasture and breeding is intended for the local production of milk and cheese. The unique flavor of this cheese type is the result of a complex balance between volatile and non-volatile compounds, originating during the ripening process from milk’s fat, protein, and carbohydrates [6]
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