CHANGES OF BLOOD ACID-BASE INDICATORS IN ALPINE GOATS DURING PREGNANCY

The aim of the present paper was to determine the changes of acid-base indicators in the blood of Alpine goats during pregnancy. The research included 21 French Alpine goats during winter feeding season. Goats were divided per 7 in the group according to stage of pregnancy (up to 3 months, from 3 to 4 months, and more than 4 months). Feeding of goats was with a mixture of grains and meadow hay. In the blood of goats concentrations acid-base indicators (blood pH, BE(efc), blood gas analysis: pCO2, pO2, tCO2 as well as electrolytes: Na+, K+, Cl- and bicarbonate) were determined. Afterwards, anion gap (AG), SID (strong ion differences) and z-values were estimated. Comparing determined acid-base indicators in the blood of Alpine goats during various stages of pregnancy significant differences were not evident. Acid-base indicators in blood of Alpine goats did not differ compared to reference values, except AG in blood of Alpine goat during 4 month) which can be associated with an increased load of animals because of intensive development of the foetus. Mentioned minor changes of acid-base indicators in the blood of Alpine goats showed a significant resistance on the occurrence metabolic disease.