engleski

Blood metabolic profile and acid-base status of Istrian goats - a critically endangered Croatian goat - in relation to age

The aim of the present research was to determine the blood metabolic profile and acid- base status of Istrian goats in a Mediterranean production system. The research was carried out on 28, non-gravid Istrian goats divided into four groups: group I - ≤ 6 month old kids ; group II - ≤ 2 year old goats ; group 3 - from 2 to 5 year old goats ; group IV - >5 year old goats. The goats were grazing on extensive Mediterranean pastures, but when in the stall, they were fed with hay and approximately 0.2 kg corn per day, as well as water and salt. Haematological parameters were determined in whole blood. The concentrations of biochemical parameters and enzyme activities were determined in the blood serum, while indicators of acid-base balance were determined in the blood plasma. The number of erythrocytes and lymphocytes decreased, while segmented neutrophils and eosinophils increased with age in the Istrian goats. Furthermore, concentrations of Fe, albumin/globulin ratio, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, VLDLcholesterol, inorganic phosphate- and the activity of alkaline phosphatase decreased significantly. An increase was determined in concentrations of urea, total proteins and globulins, as well as the activity of aspartate aminotransferase, weak anions and cations based on total protein calculations. The data obtained on the metabolic profile and acid-base status of Istrian goats are useful for understanding this breed’s parameters, which will help in monitoring health and nutritional status, as well as for improving the management and conservation of this critically endangered breed.

metabolic profile ; acid-base status ; Mediterranean production system ; Istrian goat

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