Establishment of reference intervals of selected blood biochemical parameters in Shami goats

Abstract

Background: Reference intervals (RIs) of various blood biochemical parameters are used in assessing the clinical health and nutritional status of animals. Blood biochemical analyte RIs are not currently available in Shami goats.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the RIs of selected blood biochemical analytes in Shami goats.

Methods: Blood from 120 animals (females N = 70; males N = 50) was used to determine the RIs of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin, fibrinogen (FIB), urea, creatinine (CRT), AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, glucose (GLU), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and chloride (CL) using commercially available kits.

Results: The RIs for selected blood biochemical analytes in Shami goats were: TP (34.9-83.5 g/L), ALB (22.3-55.1 g/L), globulin (9.9-50 g/L), FIB (2.19-5.45 g/L), urea (0.55-9.5 mmol/L), CRT (11.4-221 µmol/L), aspartate aminotransferase (7.9-299 U/L), ALT (2.3-49 U/L), ALP (7.7-950 U/L), GGT (4.5-185 U/L), GLU (1.3-6.8 mmol/L), Ca (1.65-2.6 mmol/L), Na (120-180 mmol/L), K (3.7-6.3 mmol/L), CL (91.9- 125 mmol/L), and the albumin:globulin ratio (0.45-3.9).

Conclusions: The RIs of the selected blood biochemical analytes in Shami goats were determined in this study. These results can be used in the clinical diagnosis of diseases in Shami goats and to evaluate their general health and nutritional status.

Keywords: blood biochemistry profile; general health status; nutritional status; small ruminants.