Serum biochemistry and oxidative stress indicators in West African dwarf goats under semi intensive management system

 This study aims to evaluate variations in serum biochemistry and oxidative status between male and female WestAfrican dwarfgoats under semi intensive management system. Twenty, each of bucks and does (12 months old) were randomly selected from a herd purchased from Oyo livestock market, in Oyo State. The average body weights of the goats were12.08 ± 3.26 and 12.15 ± 1.51kg does and bucks, respectively. Blood samples were collected from fastened goats and assayed for serum biochemicals, lipid peroxidation,  total antioxidant activity, catalase and superoxide dismutase using standard procedures. Data obtained were subjected to T-test. The result showed serum glucose, albumin,  cholesterol, total protein, globulin, triglyceride, creatinine, alanine amino transferase(ALT),aspartate amino transferase(AST) and urea were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the sexes. Serum high density lipoprotein was significantly (P<0.05) higher in does (13.96 mmol/l) than in bucks (5.91mmol/l) and alkaline phosphatase was significantly (P<0.05) higher in bucks (2580.55 IU/L) than in does (1594.58 IU/L). Serum lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant activity and superoxide dismutase were statistically similar (P>0.05) in both sexes. Serum catalase was significantly (P<0.05) higher in bucks than in does. From this study, it can be deduced that serum biochemical indices in does and bucks are similar except for alkaline phosphatase and high density lipoprotein. Bucks recorded higher catalase than does.It could be concluded that during physiological and environmental stress conditions, antioxidant supplementation should be adopted to boost the antioxidant capacity of the does.