Changes in maternal blood beta-hydroxybutyrate and plasma non-esterified fatty acids concentrations in periparturient commercial dairy goats bearing single and twin foetus

摘要

Periparturient dairy goats often enter a state of negative energy balance (NEB) when the energy demand for maintenance and lactation exceeds that of dietary energy intake. The energy imbalance causes the animal to mobilise body lipid stores to meet energy requirements. Multiple pregnancy may further exacerbate NEB due to rumen compression and increased energy requirements (NRC, 2007). The main blood indicators of lipomobilization are beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Examination of differences in maternal energy status of goats bearing single or twin fetuses is especially important due to goats' high incidence of multiple births (Haldar et al., 2014).