Biochemical changes in serum and milk constituents during postpartum period in Saudi Ardy goats

Relations between serum and milk constituents were ascertained in terms of correlation coefficients for Ardy goats during the postpartum period, 1-28 days. There were pronounced biochemical effect on milk whey proteins, serum and milk total cholesterol, sugars, phosphorus (P) as well as milk calcium (Ca). Milk whey proteins and phosphorus increased at the beginning of lactation period and decreased on d 21 and d 28 but there was no effect on serum Ca and protein. Rise in levels of serum and milk total cholesterol and serum phosphorus was apparent on d 21 while these parameters were lowest on d 7 postpartum. Milk and serum sugars were low at the beginning of lactation but increased on d 14. Total proteins, amino acid nitrogen and Ca contents of serum did not show variations. The d 3 postpartum was distinctly characterized. Serum and whey protein and serum and milk phosphorus were positively correlated. Negative correlations were calculated between serum glucose and milk lactose, serum and milk Ca and serum and milk cholesterol. Serum showed normal levels of lipoproteins, glucose and cholesterol during the early lactation period. The study provides biochemical indicators of Ardy goats for the postpartum period. There was not any biochemical lesions of ketosis and fatty liver despite the high milk yield and the high nutrient content of the feeds. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All lights reserved.