Plasma concentrations of some minerals in Egyptian baladi goats during pregnancy and lactation [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The present study was carried out at Maryout Research Station (35 km ncrth western of Alexandria), belonging to the Desert Research Center. Twenty pregnant Baladi goats (2-3.5 yrs old and average body weight 28.2 ± 0.94 kg) were used to investigate the changes in some blood minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc) concentration during pregnancy (early and late) and lactation (early, m;d and late) periods. Does were synchronized for estrus using Estrumate PGF,o (Estrumate analogue) and pregnancy was diagnosed by plasma progesterone determination on day 22 postmating. Results revealed that calcium increased significantly in tr·" late gestation and early lactation periods and ranged between 8.7 to 11 mg/dl then declined to 7.3 mg/dl at parturition .. Magnesium tended to decrease significantly either at late gestation or at parturition as compared to lactation period. From early to mid lactation period, the magnitude changes in Ca, P and Mg concentrations were found to be 27.2, 27.1 and 13.1 %, respectively. On the other hand, calcium: phosphorus ratio (1.7: 1) was found to be within the normal level. The maximum level of zinc was recorded at the last month of gestation then deciined at pa rtu rition. Positive correlation coefficients were found between Ca and P during the different physiological status. Also, negative correlations between Mg and other minerals were noticed during gestation period while the corresponding correlations were positive during the lactation period.

Summary in Arabic.

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