Hematobiochemical profile in Surti goats during post-partum period

Hydrogen-rich water supplementation improves metabolic profile during peripartum period in Gurcu goats and enhances the health and survival of kids

In this study, the effect of intaking hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on the metabolic profile of Gurcu goats during the peripartum period and the survival/growth performance of kids were evaluated. Twenty-three pregnant goats were divided into two groups 21-23 days before the due date. Group 1 (G1, n = 10) was given HRW from day 21 before delivery until day 21 after delivery. Group 2 (G2, n = 13) served as the control. Blood samples were weekly taken from 21 days before delivery until 21 days after delivery. Hydrogen-rich water increased serum glucose concentration on the delivery day more than in G2 (P = 0.016). Hydrogen-rich water decreased serum total cholesterol (P = 0.02) and creatinine (P = 0.05) concentration at delivery. Group effect and time effect were significant in triglyceride (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively) and albumin (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively) concentration. Aspartate transaminase decreased towards the delivery day in G1 (P < 0.05). Serum non-esterified fatty acids concentration was lower in G1 than in G2, but there was no significant differences (P > 0.05). Beta-hydroxybutyric acid concentration an increased in both groups during the prepartum period, although there was no significance (P > 0.05). Hydrogen-rich water did not affect the birth weight and growth performance of the kids (P > 0.05), but it increased their survival rates and overall health, although there was no significance (P > 0.05). In conclusion, HRW may have an impact on the metabolic profiles during the peripartum period and have a positive effect on lipid profiles. Additionally, intaking HRW to goats during the peripartum period may improve the health and survival of kids and reduce their mortality.

Effect of different post-partum therapeutic protocols with intrauterine oxytetracycline, oxytocin and/or GnRH injection in post-kidding goats on oxytetracyclines residues in goat milk and postpartum ovarian resumption with referring to clinical and haematological pictures

BACKGROUND

The post-parturient period in goat had marked changes in an animal's endocrine and metabolic status as well as by reduction in feed intake when the nutrient demand for impending lactogenesis was increasing. The current study aimed to monitor the residues of oxytetracycline in Baladi goat milk and their hazards on public health as well as the time required until complete disappearance of this medicament from milk through following up periods included 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96 and 120 h in post-kidding goat following intrauterine application of oxytetracycline. The study also compared between the efficacy of oxytetracycline only, oxytetracycline with oxytocin, or oxytetracycline with GnRH, through monitoring the clinical findings and haematological pictures at days 0, 5 and 7 post-partum as well as studying the changes in numbers and size of follicles at days 15, 30 and 45 postpartum after different treatments strategies in different groups i.e. Control healthy goat (Contgr), Oxytetracycline treated goat (Oxytetgr), Oxytetracycline-oxytocin treated goat (Oxytet-Oxytogr) and Oxytetracycline-GnRH treated goat (Oxytet-GnRHgr). The study was carried out on clinically healthy Baladi goats (n = 40) that gave birth recently. They were divided into 4 equal groups (n = 10 goats for each); Contgr which received no medication after birth, Oxytetgr which administrated oxytetracycline tablets intrauterine at day of birth, Oxytet-Oxytogr which treated by oxytetracycline tablets intrauterine at day of birth followed by oxytocin injection at 3rd day after birth, and Oxytet-GnRHgr which treated by oxytetracycline tablets intrauterine at day of birth followed by GNRH injection at 3rd day after birth.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The study concluded the highest oxytetracyclines residues in goats' milk were reported after 36 h following intrauterine oxytetracycline application where complete disappearance of oxytetracyclines residues in goats' milk required 120 h elapsed after intrauterine oxytetracycline application in which the goats milk became safe for human consumption. The study also reported powerful influence of the applied variable therapeutic regimens on post-partum ovarian resumption through clear significant variations in numbers and sizes of follicles either between different goats' groups within the same day, or between days 15, 30 and 45 post-partum within each independent goat group.

Effects of perinatal stress on the metabolites and lipids in plasma of dairy goats

Dairy goats experience metabolic stress during the peripartal period, and their ability to navigate this stage of lactation is related to the occurrence and development of metabolic diseases. Unlike dairy cows, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis of changes in the plasma profiles of peripartal dairy goats, particularly using high-throughput techniques. A subset of 9 clinically-healthy dairy goats were used from a cohort of 96 primiparous Guanzhong dairy goats (BCS, 2.75 ± 0.15). Blood samples were collected at seven time points around parturition (d 21, 14, 7 before parturition, the day of kidding, and d 7, 14, 21 postpartum), were analyzed using untargeted metabolomics and targeted lipidomics. The orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis model revealed a total of 31 differential metabolites including p-cresol sulfate, pyruvic acid, cholic acid, and oxoglutaric acid. The pathway enrichment analysis identified phenylalanine metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and citrate cycle as the top three significantly-altered pathways. The Limma package identified a total of 123 differentially expressed lipids. Phosphatidylserine (PS), free fatty acids (FFA), and acylcarnitines (ACs) were significantly increased on the day of kidding, while diacylglycerols (DAG) and triacylglycerols (TAG) decreased. Ceramides (Cer) and lyso-phosphatidylinositols (LPI) were significantly increased during postpartum period, while PS, FFA, and ACs decreased postpartum and gradually returned to antepartum levels. Individual species of FFA and phosphatidylcholines (PC) were segregated based on the differences in the saturation and length of the carbon chain. Overall, this work generated the largest repository of the plasma lipidome and metabolome in dairy goats across the peripartal period, which contributed to our understanding of the multifaceted adaptations of transition dairy goats.

Influence of breed, production system and fecundity on serum antioxidant profiles of goats reared in the tropical Island conditions

The present study assessed the physiological antioxidant status of goats reared under the humid tropical island ecosystem of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI). From 2019 to 2020, 25 multiparous non-pregnant does with three to six kidding records maintained in the organized farm of Central Island Agricultural Institute (CIARI) and farmer’s field flocks from South Andaman district were selected for the study. Antioxidant markers such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), TG (Total glutathione) and catalase (CAT) were analyzed in blood serum with respect to rearing systems, breeds and level of fecundity. Correlation analyses of all dependent variables were performed using Pearson’s correlation. The endogenous antioxidant systems, viz. CAT, TG and SOD was non-significant with respect to rearing systems, breeds and fecundity. Similarly, TAC was non-significant among the breeds and with fecundity; however, semi-intensively managed goats showed significantly higher values than goats under the extensive condition. Correlation analysis showed that CAT was positively correlated with SOD and negatively correlated with TAC. TG showed no correlation with any of the studied antioxidants. Regression analysis of CAT as dependent variable and SOD and TAC as independent variables showed significance. It is concluded that values of antioxidant in the study can be considered as a baseline data for the ALG and other goat breeds of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and other islands or topographies with similar ecosystems for further studies.

Effect of physiological status and parity on metabolic and trace element profile of crossbred Rambouillet sheep of Himalayan region

The study was designed to evaluate the effect of physiological status and parity on metabolic profile in crossbred Rambouillet ewes of the Himalayan region. The study was conducted on 20 ewes divided into two groups, primiparous (PP) and multiparous (MP), with 10 ewes in each group. Blood samples were collected on 4- and 1-week pre-lambing and 1- and 4-week post-lambing to measure metabolic parameters and minerals. The glucose (p < 0.01), total plasma protein (TPP) (p < 0.05), albumin (p < 0.05), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (p < 0.05), cholesterol (p < 0.05), triglyceride (p < 0.01), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p < 0.05), calcium (Ca) (p < 0.01), phosphorus (Pi) (p < 0.05), magnesium (Mg) (p < 0.01), copper (Cu) (p < 0.05), and zinc (Zn) (p < 0.01) levels revealed significant change along the time with the concentration decreasing from 3-week pre-lambing to immediate post-lambing; thereafter, levels increased steadily. Significant increase (p < 0.01) was observed in non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), iron (Fe) (p < 0.05), and bilirubin (p < 0.05) concentrations along the sampling time. No group difference was observed in any of the parameters; however, parity and time interaction was observed in glucose, NEFA, GGT, Ca, and Pi. While NEFA levels were significantly high in pre-lambing in PP ewes compared to MP ewes, the post-lambing levels were significantly high in MP ewes. Pre-lambing levels of GGT were at par between the two groups; however, post-lambing levels were significantly high in MP ewes. Glucose, Ca, and Pi were low during pre-lambing in PP ewes and post-lambing in MP ewes. The result showed that ewes show a significant change in metabolic profile and trace minerals during late gestation and immediate postpartum; however, these changes were more pronounced during late gestation in primiparous and post-lambing in multiparous.

Changes in ghrelin, microminerals, antioxidants and vitamins A, E and C levels during different physiological status in high yielding Saanen goats subjected to heat stress

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of ghrelin, microminerals, antioxidants, and vitamins A, E and C levels during different metabolic periods in high yielding Saanen goats subjected to heat stress. Twenty clinically and paraclinically healthy, high yielding and multiparous goats with an average age of 3 ± 0.5 years and pregnant with a single fetus were included in this study. Sampling was performed at three different physiologic periods: non-pregnancy non-lactation (P₁), four-month gestation (P₂), and first month of lactation (P₃). In this study, the ambient temperature ranged from 19 to 42 °C and relative humidity ranged from 14 to 19% during the hot months. Serum concentrations of ghrelin, glucose (Glu), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), vitamins (A, E and C) and microminerals (selenium, manganese, cobalt, iron, copper and zinc) were measured. Mean raw milk yield of the goats per day at the first month of lactation was 2.34 ± 0.2 kg. Concentration of ghrelin at P₁ was significantly lower than P₂ and P₃ (P < 0.05). Glucose levels were significantly lower at P₃ compared with P₁ and P₂ (P < 0.05). There were no significant correlations between ghrelin and Glu at different periods. Concentrations of selenium and manganese were significantly higher at P3 compared with P2 and were significantly higher at P2 compared with P1. Values of copper at P2 were significantly higher than P1 and P3 (P < 0.05). Zinc levels were significantly higher at P₁ compared with P₂ and P₃ (P < 0.05). Values of antioxidants and vitamins were significantly lower at P3 compared with P2. It is concluded that high yielding Saanen goats may suffer from hormonal and metabolic disturbances, oxidative stress and micromineral deficiencies during late gestation and the first month of lactation especially when they are subjected to heat stress.

Effect of dietary protein on growth performance, and serum biochemical index in late pregnant Hu ewes and their offspring

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different protein levels in late pregnancy on ewe and lamb growth performance, serum biochemical indexes. Thirty-three ewes (46.4 ± 1.38 kg initial weight) were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 11 ewes in each group. The protein levels of three diets formulated to provide components to meet 10.00 MJ/kg ME requirements diets were: 10.12%, 11.26%, 12.4%. Ewes were raised from the 90th day of pregnancy to the end of delivery, and the lambs were weaned at 60 days. Dietary protein levels had significant effects on blood urea nitrogen, glucose, ammonia nitrogen and triglyceride of ewes (p < 0.05). The height, chest depth, chest circumference, straight crown hip length and curved crown hip length of lambs decreased at first and then increased with the increase of protein. The body length, chest circumference, head width and head length of weaned lambs decreased at first and then increased with the increase of protein. The results showed that when the dietary protein level was increased to 12.4%, the amino acid, glucose and fat metabolism of ewes were affected. The body size development of lambs was better than 10.12% and 11.26% proteins.

Peri-parturient hypocalcemia in goats: Clinical, hematobiochemical profiles and ultrasonographic measurements of postpartum uterine involution

Background and Aim:

Hypocalcemia in goats occurs around the time of parturition and is caused by decreasing level of calcium less than 10 mg/dL. This investigation characterized the hematological and biochemical profiles of peri-parturient hypocalcemia in goats and study the effects of hypocalcemia on uterine involution during the postpartum period on day 0 and then weekly postpartum (day +7, +14, +21, +28, +35, till +42).

Materials and Methods:

Forty-five polyparous native breed does age 3-5 years and weighing 40–60 kg were assigned to control and hypocalcemia groups based on their health history, clinical and biochemical findings. The control group included 10 clinically healthy pregnant does, and the hypocalcemia group included 35 late pregnant does that suffered from anorexia, weakness, muscle tremors of the hind limbs, and an inability to stand. Clinical examination and blood sampling in both groups were performed approximately 14 days before the expected time of kidding (day −14), at kidding day (day 0), on day +21, and +42 postpartum. Sonographic measurements were used to monitor uterine involution on day 0 and then weekly once the animal was postpartum (day +7, +14, +21, +28, +35, till +42) in both groups.

Results:

Results of sonographic measurement revealed that the hypocalcemia group had a greater (p<0.05) size of the uterus as assessed transrectally and retarded uterine involution when compared with the control group. Laboratory findings revealed that does in both groups showed lower red blood cells, packed cell volume%, and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations on day −14 before kidding and day 0 when compared with postpartum measurements. A significant increase (p<0.05) in total leukocyte counts, neutrophil, serum glucose, and cortisol levels with a significant decrease (p<0.05) in lymphocytes. Significant decreases (p<,0.05) in serum calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, and total antioxidant capacity levels with significant (p<,0.05) increases in serum malondialdehyde were recorded on day 0 and day −14 in the hypocalcemia group when compared with the control group.

Conclusion:

This investigation provides evidence that hypocalcemia in does causes both metabolic and oxidative stress during peri-parturient periods while also retarding uterine involution during postpartum periods.

Effect of prepartum dietary energy source on goat maternal metabolic profile, neonatal performance, and economic profitability

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed at studying dietary energy supplementation effects during late pregnancy upon the metabolic status of does, as well as on the birth weight (BW), body temperature, and metabolic profile for their kids and the net economic profit.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty pregnant does (Egyptian Nubian) were equally split into four dietary treatments; the control (CON) receiving basal diet, the basal diet with 200 gm corn starch and 100 gm of molasses /h/d added (MS), the basal diet with 300 gm/h/d of corn grains added (CG), and the basal diet with 300 gm/h/d of barley grains added (BG).

RESULTS

Body weight and temperature of kids were significantly higher in MS and BG groups, respectively. The serum concentration of albumin (Alb), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels are significantly decreased. At the same time, urea and vitamin A increased dramatically in the BG group before giving birth. After birth, conversely, the serum concentration of albumin, AST, ALT, cholesterol, and vitamin A significantly increased with energy supplementation. Kids in the BG group show the most high level of albumin. Furthermore, all supplemented groups increased dramatically in vitamin A. The economic efficiency of the MS group, followed by the BG group, was significantly higher compared to the other treatments.

CONCLUSION

It is beneficial for Egyptian farmers to feed extra concentrate (especially barley) to the does during late gestation stages to produce healthy kids with optimal BW and body temperature, as well as to avoid metabolic disorders that may affect the does at this critical stage. Finally, it can be said that this dietary supplementation may also increases the profit margins of the farmers.

Changes in plasma biochemical parameters and hormones during transition period in Beetal goats carrying single and twin fetus

Aim

The study was undertaken to find out the changes in biochemical and hormonal profile during transition period in single- and twin-bearing Beetal goats.

Materials and Methods

Beetal goats are reared in North India for milk and meat purposes, popularly called poor man's cow, serving as a source of livelihood. The present study was conducted on Beetal goats, maintained at a goat farm, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, for characterization of plasma biochemical and hormonal changes during transitional phase in pregnant goats carrying single and twin fetus. The animals selected were expected to have parturition at the same time, to avoid environmental variation effects, and divided into two groups: Group 1 (carrying single fetus, n=14) and Group 2 (twin fetus, n=6). Blood samples were collected from goats prepartum (-30 days and -15 days), 0 day, and postpartum +15 days and +30 days, and plasma was separated for the analysis of biochemical metabolites and hormones by commercially available kits.

Results

Analysis of data revealed a significant decrease in triglyceride and cholesterol concentration during postpartum days. A significant increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration was observed at the day of parturition. Furthermore, there was a significant (p≤0.05) decrease in ALT and aspartate aminotransferase concentration in goats at the 15^th day and 30^th day after parturition in both groups. A significant (p≤0.05) lower concentration of total protein and globulins was observed during late pregnancy and on the day of parturition, with a subsequent elevation during postpartum period (15 days and 30 days). Progesterone concentration was highest at -30 days prepartum and decreased sharply at parturition and thereafter postpartum, both in single- and twin-bearing goats. Progesterone level was lower in twin-bearing goats as compared to single-bearing goats at 0 day and postpartum days. No significant changes were observed in sodium, potassium, and chloride concentration during transitional period in goats.

Conclusion

Transition period blood metabolite profile changes due to physiological need of mother and fetus were more prominent in metabolites regulating energy requirements and in goats bearing twin fetus.

Sheep and goats raised in mixed flocks have diverse immune status around parturition

Several physiological and metabolic changes take place in dairy ruminants around parturition (late pregnancy, parturition, and early lactation). Dairy species are genetically selected for their higher milk production compared with non-dairy species. This fact causes a constant stress that impairs the immune status of the animal, with consequences for its welfare and performance. In the present study, we assessed the immune status of high-yield dairy sheep and goats by quantifying IgG and IgM concentrations, as well as chitotriosidase (ChT) and complement system [total complement system (TC) and alternative complement pathway (AC)] activity in blood plasma around parturition. We also measured IgG and IgM concentrations and ChT activity in colostrum and milk during the first 40 d postpartum. The lowest blood IgG concentration was at parturition in both species. We detected no differences in blood IgG concentrations between species. Blood IgM concentrations were constant in both species throughout the study period. However, blood IgM concentrations were greater in sheep than in goats. Blood ChT activity was greater in goats than in sheep, and both species showed constant activity of this enzyme throughout the study period. We observed no differences in complement system (TC and AC) activity between sheep and goats. In addition, both TC and AC activity were constant in both species throughout the experiment. In general, IgG and IgM concentrations were greater in sheep colostrum than in goat colostrum, but these differences disappeared after d 4 (IgG) and d 3 (IgM) postpartum. In both species, the highest IgG and IgM concentrations were measured in colostrum, gradually decreasing during the first days postpartum. Chitotriosidase activity decreased in both species from colostrum to milk, although goats always showed greater ChT activity than sheep. Both sheep and goats seemed to be more susceptible to infectious diseases around parturition. As well, goats showed greater ChT activity in blood, colostrum, and milk than sheep. This fact may give these animals additional protection against parasite and fungal infections.

EFFECTS OF DIETARY SODIUM MONENSIN ON THE METABOLIC AND HORMONAL PROFILES OF DAIRY GOATS DURING THE PERIPARTUM PERIOD

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the energetic and hormonal profiles of dairy goats fed diets supplemented with monensin during the peripartum period. Eleven pregnant Saanen goats were subdivided into two random groups, a control group (GC) and the monensin group (MG). The MG group received 40 mg sodium monensin per animal per day for 15 days before partum and throughout the subsequent experimental period. Clinical observations and sample collection were performed at 30, 15, and 7 days before birth; on the day of partum; and at 5, 15, and 30 days after birth. The following biochemical and hormonal profile variables analyzed were: cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, fructosamine, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), cortisol, and insulin. The ruminal fluid pH, chloride content, and volatile fatty acids were also measured. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using repeated measures ANOVA (p < 0.05) and Pearson's correlation. At partum, the MG group had lower values of NEFAs and lower acetate/propionate ratio. MG had higher triglycerides during the entire experiment period. The administration of monensin generated benefits in terms of energy parameters, improving the metabolic status of the dairy goats during peripartum.