Serum Copper, Iron and Zinc Concentrations During Gestation and Early Lactation in Sangamneri Goats

A study was conducted on Sangamneri goats (24) maintained at College farm of Krantisinha Nana Patil College of Veterinary Science, Shirwal (Maharashtra). The goats were grouped into four groups according to physiological stages comprising of six animals in each as early pregnancy (up to 50 days), mid-pregnancy (between 51 to 100 days), advanced pregnancy (between 101 to 150 days) and early lactation (up to 30 days). Trace minerals like copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The concentrations of serum Cu, Fe and Zn during gestation and early lactation ranged from 1.63±0.15 to 2.67±0.13, 1.43±0.16 to 2.57±0.14 and 0.95±0.15 to 2.33±0.24 ppm, respectively. Significant (P<0.01) difference in concentration of serum Cu, Zn and Fe was observed among different stages. There was an increasing trend in serum Cu and Zn during gestation and early lactation and decreasing trend of serum Fe during gestation with a slight increase in early lactation. Considering the metabolic effects of Cu, Fe and Zn, additional supplementation of these minerals is essential during gestation and early lactation.