Investigation into the Hematological and Liver Enzyme Changes at Different Stages of Gestation in the West African Dwarf Goat (Capra hircus L.)

An investigation into the hematological and biochemical changes at different stages of gestation was conducted using ten intact adult female West African Dwarf goats (Capra hircus L). Animals were synchronized and allowed to be mated naturally by proven buck. Whole uncoagulated blood and serum samples were collected before gestation (day 0), day 50, day 100 of gestation and first day of parturition. There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between the mean values of the packed cell volume (%), hemoglobin (g/100 mL) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (g/mL) when the values before gestation (day 0) were compared with the values at day 50, day 100 of gestation and first day of parturition. Erythrocyte values at day zero differed significantly (p<0.05) from the values at day 100 and at parturition while the total leukocyte count at day zero differed significantly (p<0.05) from the values at day 50, 100 and day of parturition. Liver enzyme assay showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the values obtained for Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), while Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT) on day zero (111.50±15.42 iu/L) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than day 50 (124.50±24.30 iu/L) and day 100 (86.50±18.14 iu/L); Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT) value on day zero (17.00±4.32 iu/L) was significantly lower (p<0.05) than the value at parturition (50.50±15.78 iu/L). In conclusion, WAD goats may be susceptible to liver damage during gestation. This study will serve as baseline data for comparison in cases of nutritional deficiency, disease conditions, and studies of gestation period, being of immense value to animal breeders and veterinarians.