Aardi goats are native to Saudi Arabia and represent the majority of its goat population. They are also known to have high genetic variability in comparison to other goat breeds found all over the world. When it comes to scientific data related to such an important breed, detailed information is lacking on how to help improve the production and reproduction of the breed. This study monitored the metabolic profiles by taking blood samples of Aardi goats weekly, from 4 weeks before until 4 weeks post-partum. In addition, weekly blood samples of their kids were taken until 4 weeks of age. Serum albumin, total protein, cholesterol, and urea concentrations were examined. Pre-partum serum albumin concentrations were significantly lower than those from the post-partum period. There was no significant difference in total protein concentrations between the pre- and post-partum periods. Serum cholesterol was significantly higher during the pre- than the post-partum period. Serum urea concentrations at 3 and 2 weeks pre-partum were significantly higher than those observed -1, 0, 2, 3, and 4 weeks from parturition, and the lowest concentrations were observed -1, 0, 3, and 4 weeks from parturition. In contrast to their mothers, serum cholesterol concentrations of kids increased from 1 to 4 weeks of age, while serum urea concentrations decreased in accordance with their mothers. These results indicate that Aardi goats have certain metabolic profiles that differ from other goat breeds during pre- and post-partum periods.

To Cite This Article: Al-Hassan MJ, 2018. Metabolic profiles of healthy pre- and post-partum aardi goats (Capra hircus) and kids in Saudi Arabia. Pak Vet J, 38(4): 424-428. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2018.080