Concentrations of NEFA, ?-HBA, triglycerides, and certain blood metabolites in healthy colored Angora goats during the peripartum period

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the changes in serum nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), serum β-hydroxybutyric acid (β-HBA), triglycerides, Ca, Na, and other metabolites (bilirubin, glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH)) in the blood of grazing, healthy goats at the time of parturition. Blood samples were taken weekly from the jugular vein of 11 goats, starting at week 2 antepartum (ap) until week 9 postpartum (pp). NEFA and β-HBA concentrations increased from week 2 ap to 2 weeks pp. The increase in NEFA level was not significant; however, the β-HBA levels were higher (P < 0.05) 2 weeks pp compared to the levels at 2 weeks ap. Triglycerides were recorded at maximum levels (P < 0.05) 2 weeks ap, with the lowest concentrations at 3 weeks pp. Bilirubin levels consistently increased up to 7 weeks pp, followed by a decrease. However, these changes were not significant. Similarly, GLDH activities increased until week 8 pp. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was recorded between the 1st week and 8th week pp. Ca and Na levels were lower during the 1st week pp and increased at 3 weeks pp. The results show that there are characteristic alterations of some metabolic blood parameters in goats around the time of parturition, which may be related to physiological changes.