Blood Metabolic Profile of Dairy Goats During the First Three Months of Lactation

This paper investigates the changes in the blood metabolic profile of 22 Alpine goats during the first three months of lactation (15th, 30th, 60th, 90th day of lactation). The goats were on average 5 years old and in the 4th lactation. The research proved a significant influence of the time of blood sampling on the goats' blood metabolic profile indicators during the first three months of lactation. Analysis of hematological and biochemical indicators in the goats' blood confirmed a significant decrease in RBC, HGB, HCT and neutrophil content, glucose, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, NEFA, and Mg concentrations, as well as a decrease in GPx and GR activity and an increase in MCV, MCH, eosinophil, basophil, urea and P-inorganic content. As lactation progressed, the research confirmed a decrease and then an increase in lymphocyte and monocyte content and changes in Ca concentrations. The confirmed changes in goats’ blood indicate a significant demand imposed on goats during the first three months of lactation, especially in early lactation (up to the 30th day of lactation), as there is an energy imbalance, hypocalcemia and the highest activity of antioxidant enzymes (GPx and GR) occurring in goats.