The effects of certai̇n vi̇tami̇ns and mi̇nerals admi̇ni̇stered prepartum on igg levels, oxi̇dati̇ve stress, passi̇ve transfer and metaboli̇c profi̇le i̇n goats

In this study, the effects of certain vitamins and trace elements administered during the late gestation period in goats were investigated in terms of maternal IgG levels, oxidative stress parameters, colostrum Brix and IgG levels, metabolic profile test parameters, passive transfer failure, and oxidative stress in the offspring. In the present study, 60 healthy goats in the third month of gestation were allocated to two groups: treatment (n=40) and control (n=20). During the third and fourth months of pregnancy, goats in the treatment group received injections of vitamins and minerals, whereas those in the control group were administered physiological saline. Blood samples were collected from both groups in the third month of pregnancy, and blood and colostrum samples were obtained at parturition. From the collected blood samples, IgG, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels were measured, and Brix values and IgG concentrations were determined in the colostrum. Metabolic profile parameters were measured using blood samples collected in the fourth month of pregnancy, at parturition, and 21 days postpartum. In kids, blood samples were collected at 24–48 h postpartum to measure IgG and total protein (TP) levels and at 72–96 h postpartum to assess TAS, TOS, and OSI levels. Additionally, birth weights, live weight gains, survival rates of the kids, and mastitis incidence in the dams were noted. According to the findings, no statistically significant differences were observed in IgG levels based on time (p=0.440) or number of offspring (p = 0.034). While significant time-dependent changes were detected in the TAS, TOS, and OSI values (p<0.001), no significant differences were observed in the TAS and TOS levels during the gestation and parturition periods (p>0.05). Although no significant difference was observed in the TAS levels according to the number of offspring, a decrease in the TOS levels was detected in both groups (p<0.001). A significant difference was found between the groups in OSI levels (p>0.042), with a more pronounced decrease observed in the study group (p = 0.046). The Brix values (p<0.001) and IgG levels (p = 0.038) of colostrum were significantly higher in the study group. In both groups, twin kids had higher Brix (p = 0.021) and IgG (p = 0.024) levels than singletons. The average Brix value of the twins in the study group was significantly higher than that of the twins in the control group (p=0.027). No significant intra- or inter-group differences were found in serum IgG and TP levels in the kids (p>0.05). While no significant differences were observed in TOS and OSI levels among the kids (p>0.05), a significant difference was noted in TAS levels (p = 0.011). No significant differences were observed in birth weight or live weight gain (p>0.05). However, the number of kid lost was lower in the study group (p = 0.008). Fewer cases of mastitis were also observed in the study group. All parameters measured for the metabolic profile exhibited significant time-dependent changes (p <0.001). While significant time-dependent differences were observed in BUN, glucose (Glu), GGT, calcium (Ca), NEFA, GLDH, and triglyceride (TG) levels (p <0.001), no significant differences were detected between the groups during gestation, parturition, and postpartum periods (p>0.05). Significant intergroup differences were observed at parturition for AST, albumin (ALB), cholesterol (CHOL), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) levels, and during gestation and postpartum for total protein (TP) and globulin (GLB) levels (p<0.001). According to the number of offspring, significant differences between the study and control groups were found in BUN (p <0.05), AST (p <0.001), GGT (p<0.001), ALB (p <0.001), TP (p <0.001), GLB (p = 0.003), CHOL (p = 0.008), Mg (p = 0.010), P (p = 0.008), and BHBA (p = 0.008) levels. In conclusion, the effects of easily accessible and applicable vitamins and minerals on IgG levels, oxidative stress, and metabolic profile parameters in goats were demonstrated. It is believed that the findings of this study will contribute to the scientific community and benefit livestock production in our country.