CONCENTRATION OF SOME ELEMENTS IN BLOOD SERUM OF NONLACTATING GOATS IN A SUBTROPICAL REGION OF SOUTHWEST OF MÉXICO STATE

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the mineral levels in blood serum of adult goats in the south of the State of México during the dry and rainy seasons. Eighty four multiparous (> 2 calving) does were sampled (LW 39 ± 8 kg). Blood samples were collected by jugular vein punction, followed by separation of blood serum by adding 10% trichloroacetic acid for later laboratory analysis. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized factorial experiment. There was as effect (P<0.05) of season on serum concentrations of P, and there was an interaction (P<0.01) of season*region for Ca, Na, Cu and Zn. Mg was unaffected by treatments.  Results suggest possible deficiencies in the diets of P, Ca, Cu and Zn.