Variations in some haemato-biochemical markers from a small flock of free ranging Nguni, Boer and Non-descript goats during late gestation and early lactation periods Idamokoro Emrobowansan M.1,3,*, Muchenje Voster1, Afolayan Anthony J.3, Masika Patrick J.1,2 Faculty of Science and Agriculture, Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa 1Faculty of Science and Agriculture, Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa 2Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry, P.O. Box 2187, King William's Town, 5600, South Africa 3MPED Research Center, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa *Corresponding author's e-mail: mondayidamokoro@gmail.com
Abstract This study aimed to assess the influence of genotype and physiological status on blood metabolites of Nguni (10), Boer (10) and Non-descript (10) goats during late gestation and early lactation periods. Blood samples were collected and analysed using standard methods. The result revealed that, Nguni goat had higher (P < 0.05) mean values of red cell counts (13.37 x1011/L), haemoglobin (9.07 g/dL) and creatine kinase (269.54 U/L) compared to Boer (9.96 x 1011/L, 7.94 g/dL and 132.16U/L) and Non-descript (12.98 x1011/L, 7.85 g/dLand 143.50 U/L) goats, respectively. TheNgunigoat alsohad higher mean values of glucose (3.38 mmol/L) and urea content (5.51 mmol/L) compared to Boer goats (2.96 mmol/L and 4.45 mmol/L) and Non-descript (2.50 mmol/L and 3.90 mmol/L). There was higher mean values of red cell counts (14.44 x 1011/L), haemoglobin (8.57 g/dL), glucose (3.12 mmol/L), sodium (141.74 mmol/L) and calcium content (2.37 mmol/L) during late gestation compared to early lactation (9.77x 1011/L, 8.00 g/dL, 2.77 mmol/L, 137.37 mmol/L and 2.23 mmol/L) period. It was concluded that, genotypes and physiological status had influence on blood metabolites of goats. Top Keywords Blood metabolites, Indigenous free ranging goats, Lactation, Late pregnancy. Top |