Changes in plasma metabolites, enzymes and minerals from birth to sexual maturity in goats*

Abstract

Biochemical profiles were studied in 145 Barbari and 145 Jamunapari goats from birth to sexual maturity. Glucose and cholesterol level were significantly different between season and at different age. Glucose level was higher at birth till 90 days. In Barbari goats, it decreased significantly at pre-pubertal age. In Jamunapari goats, it was significantly higher at 1 month of age. In Barbari goats, cholesterol level was significantly higher at 1 month and at 330–360 days of age. In Jamunapari goats, it attained the highest value at pubertal age while it had the lowest value at 330–360 days of age. The enzyme activity of SGOT and SGPT was different between breed and between age. At birth, the SGOT and SGPT activity was significantly lower for both the breeds. The activities increased significantly within 1 month of age. In Barbari goats, the SGOT activity remained at higher level for rest of age period except a slight drop at 9–10 months of age while SGPT activity was significantly high at 6 months and pre-pubertal age than at 3 months and 9–10 months of age. In Jamunapari goats, SGOT and SGPT activity attained significantly higher level at 1 month, 6 months, pubertal and post-pubertal age. Calcium and phosphorus level had a significant difference between breeds, between seasons, and between ages. In these goats, calcium level was significantly higher while phosphorus level was significantly lower at birth. Calcium level decreased significantly with the advancement of age in Jamunapari goats. It attained significantly higher level at 1 month of age and decreased significantly with the advancement of age except at 11–12 months of age and at puberty in Barbari goats. Phosphorus level attained the highest level of 9.79±0.46 mg/dl at 1 month of age in Barbari goats and at 3 months of age in Jamunapari goats. In both breeds, there was decrease in phosphorus values after 6 months of age.