MSc.

The present study was undertaken with the objective to assess the changes in antioxidant status indicators and metabolic profile of goats during pregnancy and lactation and to evolve any possible relationship between antioxidant markers and other relevant blood parameters. The study was carried out in 33 adult healthy female Malabari and crossbred goats aged between 3 to 6 years maintained at University Goat and Sheep Farm, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy during the period of March to November 2009. Blood samples were collected during early (between 40-60 d), mid (between 90-110 d) and advanced (between 130-150 d) period of gestation and on 7th, 45th and 70th d post-partum. Antioxidant and metabolic parameters were analyzed and were compared with dry and nonpregnant goats.

The research findings showed a significant increase in MDA level during mid-gestation period and 70th d of lactation as compared to control. The activity GSH-Px and GSH level increased significantly in the mid-gestation from initial stage and then decreased in the advanced stage of gestation. Significant reduction in the values of GSH-Px activity was observed during early and advanced gestation and 7th d of lactation and GSH level was significantly increased only during mid-gestation when compared with control group. During the entire study period a significant increase in ascorbic acid concentration was noted only during early gestation, when compared with control group. Significant increase in OSF was noticed during mid-gestation compared to control group as well with other stages of gestation and lactation.

Glucose concentration was significantly decreased in mid and advanced gestation and 45th d of lactation period when compared with control group. A significant reduction was observed in serum cholesterol during early gestation and a significant increase during advanced gestation, 7th and 70th d of lactation
when compared with control. No significant changes were observed in serum total protein during pregnancy and lactation period. But in the albumin level a slightly significant reduction during 45th d of lactation period was noticed. When compared to control group, significant increase was observed for creatinine during advanced gestation and 70th d of lactation and for blood urea, during advanced gestation and 45th d of lactation. There was a significant reduction in Na during advanced gestation and 70thd of lactation but a significant elevation in serum K during early gestation and 70th d of lactation compared to the control group. Haematological examinations revealed a significant increase in Hb during early gestation and reduction during 45th and 70th d of lactation and PCV was decreased during 70th d of lactation compared to the control group.

In the present study, animals were in a low energy state mainly in mid-gestation period which is evident from the variations in the level of glucose, cholesterol and urea. During the same critical period of pregnancy, indicators of oxidative stress like MDA and OSF were maximum. In order to overcome the oxidative stress, antioxidants like GSH-Px and GSH were found to be increased at this stage, providing the protection of maternal organs and fetus against the negative influence of free radicals. When the animals reached peak lactation, the metabolic status was stabilized and that was reflected in the antioxidant status. The present study concludes with the finding that low energy metabolic status of animal is correlated with the oxidative stress.