COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF OXIDATIVE STRESS ENZYMES ACTIVITY, THYROID HORMONES AND ELECTROLYTES AT DIFFERENT REPRODUCTIVE STAGES OF RED SOKOTO GOAT IN SOKOTO, NIGERIA

The physiological changes in various body systems associated with different reproductive status are significantly important to support fetus, neonate and the dam as well. These adjustments affect oxidative stress enzymes, hormones and electrolytes. The objective of the study was to evaluate the changes in blood levels of oxidative stress enzymes activity, thyroid hormones and some electrolytes at different reproductive stages of Red Sokoto goat. The study was conducted using 20 Red Sokoto goats (RSG); the goats were synchronized using CIDR(R) and were naturally mated. Vet image 201 ultrasonographic machine was used to establish pregnancy. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (tT3) and total thyroxin (tT4) concentrations were assayed. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were monitored. Serum levels of electrolytes (sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and calcium (Ca2+) were determined. Analysis of variance was used for comparison between the reproductive stages. The activities of SOD and GPx varied significantly (p<0.05) at different reproductive stages while CAT activity was not affected by reproductive processes. Significant (p<0.05) changes in TSH, tT3 and tT4 concentrations were also recorded at different reproductive stages. Serum levels of Na+, K+ and Ca2+ differed significantly (p<0.05) at different reproductive stages. Higher postpartum changes in electrolyte levels, thyroid hormone concentrations and oxidative stress enzyme activities were discovered in Red Sokoto goat.