ISSN 1313 - 8820 (print)ISSN 1314 - 412X (online)

Volume 9, Number 4December 2017

2017

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Tsanko Yablanski (Bulgaria)Atanas Atanasov (Bulgaria)Svetlana Georgieva (Bulgaria)Nikolay Tsenov (Bulgaria)Max Rothschild (USA)Ihsan Soysal (Turkey)Horia Grosu (Romania)Stoicho Metodiev (Bulgaria)Bojin Bojinov (Bulgaria)

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English Editor

Yanka Ivanova (Bulgaria)

2017

ISSN 1313 - 8820 (print)ISSN 1314 - 412X (online)

Volume 9, Number 4December 2017

Body condition score, nonesterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations in goats with subclinical ketosis

V. Marutsova*, R. Binev

Department of Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

(Manuscript received 29 May 2017; accepted for publication 31 October 2017)

Abstract. Studies were conducted to establish the influence of the values of β-hydroxybutyric acid (ВНВА) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the blood on nd rdthe assessment of body condition score (BCS) of goats with subclinical ketosis (SCK). A total of 113 dairy goats with yearly milk yield of 680 L, in their 2 to 3

lactation and average body weight 50-60 кg were included in the study. The goats were divided in three groups: І group (n=27) – pregnant (from pre-partum days 15 to 0); ІІ group (n=28) – recently kidded (from postpartum days 0 to 15) and ІІІ group (n=58) – lactating (from postpartum days 30 to 45). It was established that the quantity of BHBA in goats from control groups I, II and III were between 0.17±0.11 mmol/l and 0.56±0.11 mmol/l. In goats from the three groups with SCK signs, blood BHBA was statistically significantly elevated vs control goats – from 0.88±0.11 mmol/l to 1.2±0.42 mmol/l (р<0.001). Blood ВНВА <0.8 mmol/l in goats are indicative a good transition from pregnancy to lactation, whereas an amount between 0.8 mmol/l and 1.6 mmol /l are indicative of the SCK. Blood BHBA concentrations indicative for clinical ketosis were not established in goats from the three groups (ВНВА <1.6 mmol/l). The body condition scores (BCS) of goats from the control groups was within the reference range – 2.45±0.3 – 2.85±0.2, whereas in goats with SCK - declines of varying degrees of reliability. In goats from the three groups with SCK signs, blood NEFA was statistically significantly elevated vs control groups.

Keywords: dairy goats, subclinical ketosis, β-hydroxybutyric acid, non-esterified fatty acids, body condition score

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, VOL. 9, No 4, pp 282 - 285, 2017DOI: 10.15547/ast.2017.04.053

Introduction

Ketosis in high-yielding dairy is a metabolic disease ruminants connected with sufficient economic losses in the industrial farming. The main economic losses in ketotic goats result from the death of affected animals, respectively early embryonic death, production losses, medication costs, triggering of secondary diseases and etc. (Caldeira et al 2007). Contrary to the considerable body of .,evidence on subclinical ketosis and clinical ketosis (CK) in (SCK) dairy cattle (Asl et al. 2011; McArt et al 2012), data about this , .,disease is goats comprise mainly pregnancy toxaemia and at a lesser extent, postpartum lactational ketosis. Ketosis in goats is a nutritional stress syndrome affecting dairy breeds (Saanen, Toggenburg, Bulgarian white milk and etc.). dults multipA , arous animals during pregnancy and in good body condition are affected during the early and late lactation. Determination of the body condition score provides information about the actual body reserves which the animal uses to cope with states associated with negative energy balance ( )NEB , stress and disturbed nutrition (Villaquiran et al. 2012; Roche et al. 2013). It can be used as an indicator for , , potential health problems in dairy goats cows sheep (Berry et ( and ) al. 2006; Mendizabal et al 2007; Villaquiran et al 2012)., ., .,

From previous studies of ours (Marutsova and Marutsov, 2016; Marutsova, 6 201 ) is established that cows and goats with SCK and CK show changes in BCS and in some blood paraclinical parameters NEFA connected with BCS and(ВНВА, ), . Pugh (2002) Koyuncu and Altınçekiç (2012) supported the hypothesis that the body condition score of pregnant goats should be within 2.5 – 3.0(using a scale from 1.0 to 5.0); at the time of kidding, optimum BCS should be (in the lumbar region) and (in the 2.0 – 2.25 2.5 – 2.75sternal region) at the dry period (in the lumbar region) ; – 2.5 – 2.75and (in the sternal region) a 3.0 – 3.25 ; t the time of mating does

should have a score of 2.25 – 2.7 A BCS of 1.0 is an extremely thin . goat with no fat reserves and a BCS of 5.0 is a very overconditioned goat. Healthy goats should have a BCS of 2.5 to 4.0. BCS from 1.0 to 2.0 indicate a health or management problem ,(Detweiler et al. 2008; Villaquiran et al 2012). .,

A primary parameter used for detection of pregnancy toxemia (ketosis) in goats and large ruminants is blood BHBA concentration. The quantities of blood are usedBHBA for evaluation of the degree of NEB and lipid mobilisation in dairy animals (Oetzel 2007; ,Panousis et al 2012; Sordillo and Raphael 2013). ., , In goats with SCK, some researchers , , accepted (Rook 2000; Ramin et al. 2007)threshold blood BHBA concentrations > , others above0.7 mmol/l – 0.8 mmol/l (Bani Ismail et al 2008; González et al 2011)., ., . The threshold blood BHBA levels reported in association with CK are >1.6 mmol/l ., , , (Ramin et al 2007; Bani Ismail et al. 2008; Albay et al.2014). Deviations in BCS suggest the and BHBA values in goats presence of inadequate energy supply and occurrence of postpartum metabolic disorders (Mendizabal et al 2007; Koyuncu .,and Alt nçekiç 2012). NEFA are one of markers for the extent of ı , thefat mobilization from body depots and are assumed to be a reliable parameter for evaluation of , development negative energy balanceof fatty liver infiltration and occurrence of ketosis (Ingvartsen 2006; ,Huzzey et al 2011; Garverick et al. 2013).., ,

The reported contradictory data about body condition scores in pregnant and lactating with SCK and CK and its goats connection toblood ВНВА and NEFA values were the incentive for these experiments.

Material and methods

Animal s* e-mail: vaniamarutsova@abv.bg

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nd rdA total of 113 goats (2 and 3 lactation) from the dairy Saanen breed with 680 L annual lactational yield and average weight 50-60 kg were included in the study. All goats were regularly vaccinated and treated against ecto- and endoparasites. They were reared in facilities in compliance with the respective welfare standard for the species. Goats were fed rations in concordance with their physiological condition (pregnant, recently kidded and lactating).

Experimental designThe target goats were divided in three groups depending on

their physiological condition, namely: · I group – pregnant (from pre-partum days 15 to 0); · II group – recently kidded (from postpartum days 0 to 15); · III group – lactating (from postpartum days 30 to 45). Blood chemical test to determine the amount of BHBA was

performed in all goats, on the basis of the results they were classified as healthy (control, BHBA <0.8 mmol/l), affected with SCK (BHBA from 0.8 to 1.6 mmol/l) and CK (>1.6 mmol/l). The number of animals in each group was as follows:

· I group (n=27, pregnant), of which 17 healthy (control) and 10 goats (37%) with SCK;

· II group (n=28, recently kidded), of which 16 healthy controls and 12 (43%) with SCK;

· III group (n=58, lactating), of which 30 healthy and 28 (48.3%) with SCK.

Blood BHBA concentrations indicative for CK (BHBA >1.6 mmol/l) were not established in goats from the studied groups.

Blood samples and analysesBlood samples for determination of BHBA and NEFA were

obtained in the morning, before feeding, through puncture of the jugular vein using sterile 21G needles and vacutainers (with heparin – 5 ml, and without anticoagulant – 6 ml, Biomed, Bulgaria). Blood BHBA concentrations were determined in situ using a portable Xpress-I system (Nova Biomedical, UK). The values of NEFA in the blood serum determination using NEFA ELISA Kit (Changhay Crystal Day Biotech Co., LTD., Bioassay Technology Laboratory, China) and ELISA Reader Sunrise (Tecan, Switzerland).

Body condition scoring The scoring of body condition of Saanen goats was done using

a five-point scale (1.0 – 5.0, 0.5 increments) (Villaquiran et al., 2012). The animals were evaluated visually, via palpation in the region of lumbar vertebrae and the sternum.

Statistical analysisStatistical analysis was done with Statistica 6.0 (Windows),

ANOVA test and StatSoft, Inc. (USA 1993). Results were presented as mean (x) ± standard deviation (SD). The level of statistically significance was р< 0.05.

Results

Blood BHBA analysis in the three control groups of Saanen goats were within the reference range (0.17±0.11 mmol/l for group I; 0.56±0.11 mmol/l for group II and 0.17±0.10 mmol/l for group III) (Figure 1). The amount of blood BHBA in goats from the three groups with SCK was statistically significantly elevated vs control groups (1.2±0.42 mmol/l (р<0.001) for group I; 0.88±0.11 mmol/l (р<0.001) for group II and 1.01±0.32 mmol/l (р<0.001) for group III.

The body conditions scores of goats from the three control groups (pregnant, recently kidded and lactating) was within the reference range – 2.85±0.2 for group I; 2.45±0.3 for group II and 2.50±0.27 for group III (Figure 2). The BCS of goats from group I (pregnant) with SCK tended to decrease insignificantly vs control group and was 2.35±0.1. The studies in the second group (recently kidded) and the third group (lactating) showed decreases, with varying degrees of reliability vs control groups – 1.83±0.4 (p<0.05) and 1.36±0.3 (p<0.001).

Blood serum NEFA in control goats from the three groups were within the reference range – 0.50±0.27 mmol/l for I group; 0.43±0.22 mmol/l for II group and 0.23±0.13 mmol/l for III group (Figure 3). In pregnant goats with SCK blood NEFA levels were increased as compared to controls up to 0.76±0.15 mmol/l (р<0.001); in group II average NEFA value was – 0.49±0.01 mmol/l whereas in group III – 0.37±0.28 mmol/l (р<0.05).

Figure 1. Changes in blood β-hydroxybutyrate (ВНВА) levels in Saanen goats from groups I, II and III with subclinical ketosis

I

1.5

1

0.5

0

1c

BHBA (mmol/l)

1c1c

II III

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а b сLegend: р<0.05; р<0.01; р<0.001; 1-vs control group 1;

(C – control group; SCK – with subclinical ketosis)

C C CSCK SCK SCK

Figure 2. Evaluation of body condition scores of Saanen goats from groups I, II and III with subclinical ketosis

I

4

3

2

1

0

Body condition score (BCS)

1a

1c

II III

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а b сLegend: р<0.05; р<0.01; р<0.001; 1-vs control group 1;

(C – control group; SCK – with subclinical ketosis)

C C CSCK SCK SCK

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Discussion

From the conducted field studies with goats and from previous studies of ours concerning cows and ewes (Marutsova, 2015, 2016), and also from studies of other authors (Rook, 2000; Ramin et al., 2007; Oetzel, 2007; Bani Ismail et al., 2008; González et al., 2011; Albay et al., 2014) is determined that BHBA levels in the blood of the examined animals is a indicator, showing the type of ketosis – subclinical or clinical. BHBA concentrations reflect the extent of oxidation of esterified fatty acids in the liver (LeBlanc, 2010; Sordillo and Raphael, 2013). Our data shows that goats are the most stable to ketosis because they suffer from SCK and not from CK. The dairy cows and sheep suffered from SCK and CK throughout the gestation, calving (lambing) and lactation (Rook, 2000; Hefnawy et al., 2011; Marutsova, 2015). The goats from the three groups (pregnant, recently kidded and lactating) did not suffer from CK as their blood BHBA levels were < 1.6 mmol/l. Our results show levels <1.2 mmol/l and coincide with the studies of Rook (2000), Ramin et al. (2007), Bani Ismail et al. (2008), González et al. (2011) and Albay et al. (2014). High BHBA levels in blood are a compensatory mechanism in response to occurring carbohydrate deficiency and Krebs cycle inhibition (Reece, 2004; Ingvartsen, 2006). The increased BHBA concentration in blood reveals the incomplete oxidation of NEFA in the tricarboxylic acid cycle at the time of NEB (Doepel et al., 2002). The rate of ketone bodies (acetone, BHBA and etc.) formation is proportional to the extent of lipolysis and oxidation of fatty acids (Roche et al., 2013). BHBA is a regulator of lipolysis in the adipose tissue (Van Hove et al., 2003).

The established by us lower BCS of goats with SCK correlated negatively to higher blood BHBA. This relationship resulted from the additional suppression of the appetite from higher blood ketone bodies concentrations. The weight loss during the early postpartum period in dairy goats and BHBA concentrations from 0.8 to 1.9

th thmmol/l between the 10 and 30 lactation days in our study were compatible with signs of classic type 1 subclinical ketosis in dairy cows.

The established changes in serum non-esterified fatty acids levels as indicator of systemic negative energy balance are unidirectional – in dairy goats with SCK from the different groups

(pregnant, recently kidded and lactating) they increased vs controls attaining 0.76 mmol/l, especially in recently kidded goats. These results support the thesis that the lipolysis, assisted by insulin resistance in the period of early lactation, occurred at a higher rate so the net quantity of NEFA was substantially higher that the amount that could be converted in the liver (Doepel et al., 2002; Hayirli, 2006; Allen and Piantoni, 2013; Roche et al., 2013). The extent of lipid mobilization and the decreased appetite determine whether the levels of ketone bodies in dairy animals would be normal, or they would develop subclinical and/or clinical ketosis (Allen and Piantoni, 2013) pre-partum and postpartum (Joshi et al., 2006; Ospina et al., 2010; Roche et al., 2013).

Conclusion

Blood ВНВА < 0.8 mmol/l in dairy goats are not only threshold values for SCK, but could be accepted as indicating a good transition from pregnancy to lactation. The levels between 0.8 mmol/l and 1.6 mmol/l are indicative from SCK. The goats from group I, II and III (pregnant, recently kidded and lactating) do not suffered by clinical ketosis (ВНВА <1.6 mmol/l). BCS provides information about the actual body reserves which the animal uses to cope with states associated with NEB and disturbed nutrition and it is an important tool in the management of feeding programmes for dairy goats herds. Non-esterified fatty acids were increased in goats with SCK.

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Figure 3. Changes in blood non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels in Saanen goats from groups I, II and III with subclinical ketosis.

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Comparative study of rapeseed, monofloral types and multifloral honey by some physico-chemical parametersI. Zhelyazkova, S. Lazarov

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Instruction for authors

Preparation of papersPapers shall be submitted at the editorial office typed on standard typing pages (A4, 30 lines per page, 62 characters per line). The editors recommend up to 15 pages for full research paper ( including abstract references, tables, figures and other appendices)The manuscript should be structured as follows: Title, Names of authors and affiliation address, Abstract, List of keywords, Introduction, Material and methods,Results, Discussion, Conclusion, Acknowledgements (if any), References, Tables, Figures.The title needs to be as concise and informative about the nature of research. It should be written with small letter /bold, 14/ without any abbreviations. Names and affiliation of authorsThe names of the authors should be presented from the initials of first names followed by the family names. The complete address and name of the institution should be stated next. The affiliation of authors are designated by different signs. For the author who is going to be corresponding by the editorial board and readers, an E-mail address and telephone number should be presented as footnote on the first page. Corresponding author is indicated with *.Abstract should be not more than 350 words. It should be clearly stated what new findings have been made in the course of research. Abbreviations and references to authors are inadmissible in the summary. It should be understandable without having read the paper and should be in one paragraph. Keywords: Up to maximum of 5 keywords should be selected not repeating the title but giving the essence of study. The introduction must answer the following questions: What is known and what is new on the studied issue? What necessitated the research problem, described in the paper? What is your hypothesis and goal ?Material and methods: The objects of research, organization of experiments, chemical analyses, statistical and other methods and conditions applied for the experiments should be described in detail. A criterion of sufficient information is to be possible for others to repeat the experi-ment in order to verify results.Results are presented in understandable

tables and figures, accompanied by the statistical parameters needed for the evaluation. Data from tables and figures should not be repeated in the text.Tables should be as simple and as few as possible. Each table should have its own explanatory title and to be typed on a separate page. They should be outside the main body of the text and an indication should be given where it should be inserted.Figures should be sharp with good contrast and rendition. Graphic materials should be preferred. Photographs to be appropriate for printing. Illustrations are supplied in colour as an exception after special agreement with the editorial board and possible payment of extra costs. The figures are to be each in a single file and their location should be given within the text. Discussion: The objective of this section is to indicate the scientific significance of the study. By comparing the results and conclusions of other scientists the contribution of the study for expanding or modifying existing knowledge is pointed out clearly and convincingly to the reader.Conclusion: The most important conse- quences for the science and practice resulting from the conducted research should be summarized in a few sentences. The conclusions shouldn't be numbered and no new paragraphs be used. Contributions are the core of conclusions. References:In the text, references should be cited as follows: single author: Sandberg (2002); two authors: Andersson and Georges (2004); more than two authors: Andersson et al.(2003). When several references are cited simultaneously, they should be ranked by chronological order e.g.: (Sandberg, 2002; Andersson et al., 2003; Andersson and Georges, 2004).References are arranged alphabetically by the name of the first author. If an author is cited more than once, first his individual publications are given ranked by year, then come publications with one co-author, two co-authors, etc. The names of authors, article and journal titles in the Cyrillic or alphabet different from Latin, should be transliterated into Latin and article titles should be translated into English. The original language of articles and books translated into English is indicated in parenthesis after the bibliographic reference (Bulgarian = Bg, Russian = Ru, Serbian = Sr, if in the Cyrillic, Mongolian =

Мо, Greek = Gr, Georgian = Geor., Japanese = Jа, Chinese = Ch, Arabic = Аr, etc.)The following order in the reference list is recommended:Journal articles: Author(s) surname and initials, year. Title. Full title of the journal, volume, pages. Example:Simm G, Lewis RM, Grundy B and Dingwall WS, 2002. Responses to selection for lean growth in sheep. Animal Science, 74, 39-50Books: Author(s) surname and initials, year. Title. Edition, name of publisher, place of publication. Example: Oldenbroek JK, 1999. Genebanks and the conservation of farm animal genetic resources, Second edition. DLO Institute f o r A n i m a l S c i e n c e a n d H e a l t h , Netherlands.Book chapter or conference proceedings: Author(s) surname and initials, year. Title. In: Title of the book or of the proceedings followed by the editor(s), volume, pages. Name of publisher, place of publication. Example: Mauff G, Pulverer G, Operkuch W, Hummel K and Hidden C, 1995. C3-variants and diverse phenotypes of unconverted and converted C3. In: Provides of the Biological Fluids (ed. H. Peters), vol. 22, 143-165, Pergamon Press. Oxford, UK.Todorov N and Mitev J, 1995. Effect of level of feeding during dry period, and body condition score on reproductive perfor-

thmance in dairy cows,IX International Conference on Production Diseases in Farm Animals, September 11–14, Berlin, Germany.Thesis:Hristova D, 2013. Investigation on genetic diversity in local sheep breeds using DNA markers. Thesis for PhD, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, (Bg).

The Editorial Board of the Journal is not responsible for incorrect quotes of reference sources and the relevant violations of copyrights.

Animal welfareStudies performed on experimental animals should be carried out according to internationally recognized guidelines for animal welfare. That should be clearly described in the respective section “Material and methods”.

Volume 9, Number 4December 2017

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