The comparison of creatinine, iron, and blood metabolites in primiparous and multiparous Saanen Etawah crossbred goats in tropical country, Indonesia

The study aimed to explore changes in serum creatinine, iron, and blood metabolites in different parity statuses in traditionally managed Saanen Etawah crossbred goats. Mature lactating goats (n = 130) were divided into primiparous (n = 45) and multiparous groups (n = 85) (body condition score 3, early-middle stage of lactation). Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and centrifuged to collect plasma; blood metabolites were measured using UV Vis methods. The result showed creatinine concentrations in multiparous goats were significantly (P < 0.05) higher (0.87 ± 0.21 mg/dl) than in the primiparous group (0.79 ± 0.15 mg/dl). Meanwhile, the albumin concentration in primiparous goats (3.99 ± 0.20 mg/dl) was significantly higher than in multiparous goats (3.82 ± 0.16 mg/dl); also the total cholesterol level of primiparous goats (122.28 ± 29.20 mg/dl) was significantly higher than in multiparous goats (107.37 ± 24.40 mg/dl). The urea-creatinine ratio was higher in primiparous goats (27.07 ± 11.90) than in multiparous goats (22.37 ± 8.12). It was concluded that distinct blood metabolites between primiparous and multiparous goats were due to different physiological needs which led to different mobilization of stored nutrients inside the body. Different feeding strategies were suggested for each parity group following their nutritional needs, such as a high-protein diet to optimize primiparous body development, and a high-energy diet to enhance multiparous milk production before and after giving birth. Further research is needed to understand the exact optimal ratio of feed energy and protein. © 2024, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences. All rights reserved.