Influence of Feed Intake on Blood Chemistry Parameters In Kacang Goats.

Influence of feed intake on blood chemistry parameters in Kacang goats was studied. Nine clinically healthy female adult goats were used in this study. Animals were kept in individual box for 8 weeks. During the first 4 weeks the animals were fed at the level of about 40% of the feed requirement for maintenance plus medium activity (the restricted feeding period) and during the 5th-8th week (the fullfeeding period) they were offered full feed intake for maintenance plus medium activity (dry matter intake at the level of 3% of body weight). Feed intake was measured daily and the body weight was measured weekly. Blood samples were collected at the end of the 4th week and the 8th week for blood chemistry analyses. Paired t-test was used to evaluate the effects of feed intake on blood chemistry parameters. Restricted feeding (0.320±0.065 kg dry matter/d) for 4 weeks in clinically healthy female adult Kacang goats resulted in a decrease of body weight gain as well as serum calcium and protein concentrations, but in an increase of serum creatinine and inorganic phosphate concentrations. No significant feed intake related changings of blood pH and base excess were observed. There were some indications that the animals might use their fat and protein as energy reserves during the restricted feeding. In conclusion, nutritional status has significant influence on some blood chemistry parameters in Indonesian Kacang goats. Serum calcium, inorganic phosphate, creatinine, and protein concentrations are nutritionally related blood metabolits which are useful for assessment of nutritional status in Kacang goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]