Monthly Dynamics of Plasma Elements, Hematology, Oxidative Stress Markers, and Hormonal Concentrations in Growing Male Shiba Goats (Capra hircus) Reared in Tokyo-Japan

Abstract

From a clinical point of view, the establishment of laboratory variables during the first few months of an animal's life helps clinicians to make sure they base their medical decisions on laboratory values for the specific breed and age group. The present study aimed to investigate the monthly dynamics in some plasma elements, hematology, reproductive hormones, and oxidative stress marker profiles during the first five months of age (neonatal and peri-puberty stage) in male Shiba goat's kids. Sixteen kids were investigated from the first to the fifth month (M1 to M5), and the data were presented as the statistical difference between them. Whole blood and plasma samples were collected monthly for analysis of basal hematology, plasma elements concentration (trace elements: Cu, Zn, Se, Fe, and Cr; macroelements: Ca and Mg), circulating hormones (cortisol, FSH, LH, IGF1, immunoreactive inhibin, testosterone, T3, and T4), and oxidative stress markers (MDA, CAT, SOD, and GPX). The results showed age-related changes in the observed parameters. The fifth month recorded the lowest level of almost all investigated minerals, except for Cr. Plasma hormone levels revealed age-dependent increases in IGF-1 and testosterone, age-related decreases in T3 and T4, and non-significant changes in cortisol and FSH. Besides, the concentrations of inhibin and LH were significantly higher at M1-M3 compared with M4-M5. Plasma SOD, GPX, and CAT were increased with age. In conclusion, age-related changes and a distinction of age in months was found necessary to interpret the laboratory results, specifically in terms of age in months and the peri-puberty stage in young goats, which are important to follow up the age-specific diseases, reproductive status, and treatment follow-ups in this stage.

Keywords: Shiba goats; antioxidants; hematobiochemical; plasma elements; puberty; reproductive hormones.

Figure 1

Whisker box plots showing the median (central horizontal line) and interquartile range (25% downward, 75% upward bars) of plasma element concentrations in male Shiba goat’s kids during the first five months of life. The upper and lower ends of the whiskers show the maximum and minimum values. Different letters indicate a significant difference between ages per month (p < 0.05).

Figure 2

Whisker box plots showing the median and range of plasma hormone concentrations in newborn goat’s kids during the first five months of life. Different letters indicate a significant difference between ages per month (p < 0.05). FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone; LH, luteinizing hormone; IGF1, insulin-like growth factor 1; T3, triiodothyronine; T4, tetraiodothyronine.

Figure 3

Whisker box plots showing the median and range of plasma level of oxidative stress markers in male Shiba goat’s kids during the first five months of life. Different letters indicate a significant difference between ages per month (p < 0.05). CAT, catalase; MDA, malondialdehyde; SOD, superoxide dismutase; GPX, glutathione peroxidase.

Figure 4

Heatmap illustrating the correlation results between plasma element concentrations (Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Se, Cr, Fe) and hematology, oxidative stress markers, and plasma hormonal profile (A). The relationship between oxidative stress markers (MAD, SOD, GPX, CAT) and hematology and hormonal profile throughout the study period was also presented (B).