Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine

The study investigated the serum biochemistry and oxidative stress markers in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats does (young females) as gestation progresses. The study took place at the Small Ruminant Farm of Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.  Forty-two (42) gravid does aged 12-24 months with an average weight of 16.15±1.51 kg was used in this study. Fastened blood samples were collected from the does at day 45, day 90 and day 140 of gestation and were assayed for serum biochemical, lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase using standard procedures. Data were subjected to analysis of variance at α_0.05. Results showed that glucose in does at second trimester was significantly (p<0.05) higher than glucose levels at first and third trimesters. Total protein, triglyceride, cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the second and third trimesters compared to those at first trimester. Glucose (g/L) values ranged from 3.03±1.40 (third trimester) to 13.53±1.40 (second trimester). Triglyceride (mg/dL) values ranged from 63.50± 3.49 (first trimester) to 72.10±3.49 (third trimester). Cholesterol (mg/dL) values ranged from 78.90±3.47 (first trimester) to 110.90±3.47 (third trimester). Total protein (g/L) values ranged from 22.64±3.72 (first trimester) to 51.09 ±3.72 third trimester).  Albumin (g/L) values ranged from 4.87±0.16 in second trimester to 6.23±0.16 in first trimester. Aspartate amino transferase (U/L) values ranged from 36.04±2.78 (first trimester) to 59.26±2.78 (third trimester). Alanine amino transferase (u/L) values ranged from 15.49±1.02 (first trimester) to 23.39±1.02 (third trimester). Oxidative stress markers showed that total antioxidant capacity was higher (p<0.05) in does at second trimester compared to those at first and third trimesters. Antioxidant enzymes activities in does at first trimester were higher and declined towards the third trimester. Total antioxidant capacity (mmol/litre) values ranged from 4.31±3.28 (third trimester) to 15.03±3.28 (second trimester). Glutathione peroxidase (µg GSH /min/mg protein) values ranged from 5.27±1.10 (third trimester) to 12.90±1.10 (first trimester). Lipid peroxidation was significantly (p<0.05) highest in Does at third trimester and least in the first trimester. It can be deduced that serum antioxidant activity of does in third trimester was low and led to high lipid peroxidation. This suggests that WAD goats does are prone to oxidative stress in third trimester of gestation.