Breed and Reproductive Status Effects on Some Blood Parameters Dryland Goats (Algeria)

Background: The Damascus breed, known for its prolificacy and milking ability, is recently imported in Algeria. The current investigation aimed to study the effects of physiological status on blood progesterone and some biochemical parameters in Shami goats and their crosses with local breeds in arid conditions of Algeria. Methods: Ten female goats, aged 1.5 to 3 years, were divided into two equal groups: Damascus and Crossbred (Damascus × Arbia). Does were estrus synchronized and naturally mated. Blood samples were collected before intravaginal sponge insertion (non-pregnant), in early (30 days after sponge removal), mid (90 days), late pregnancy (130 days) and 30 days after kidding. Result: The results showed a significant effect of the reproductive stage on progesterone levels in both groups, on glycemia and cholesterolemia in Crossbred does (p less than 0.05) and uremia in the Damascus group. Concentrations of triglycerides and creatinine revealed no significant difference between physiological phases in both groups. Breed effect was detected in early and mid-pregnancy for P4. Changes in assessed parameters of both groups reflect the goat’s adaptation to the increased requirement of pregnancy and lactation in the arid conditions of Algeria.