Abstract

This study was carried out to determine changes in serum electrolytes and liver enzymes during the oestrous cycle in Red Sokoto goats. Eleven (11) apparently healthy Red Sokoto goats were synchronized with a single injection of 7.5 mg of PGF_2α. The goats were bled via jugular venipuncture in oestrus or late oestrus, metoestrus/early dioestrus, mid-dioestrus and late dioestrus/proestrus. Mean serum sodium, potassium and chloride levels non-significantly fluctuated during the oestrous cycle. Calcium levels in oestrus or late oestrus were higher (P < 0.05) than in late diestrus/pro-oestrus. There was a positive correlation between oestradiol and calcium concentrations (r = 0.771; P < 0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations non-significantly fluctuated during the oestrous cycle. Progesterone and AST concentrations were correlated (r = 0.925; P < 0.05) during the oestrous cycle. In conclusion, some serum electrolytes and liver enzymes fluctuated and correlated with ovarian steroids in different phases of the oestrous cycle. The information generated may be useful as physiologic reference values for reproductive herd health management. 

Key words: Red Sokoto goats, oestrous cycle, electrolytes, liver enzymes.