Assessment of mineral profile in Algerian Arbia goats across reproductive phases: Implications for reproductive performance

The objective of this research is to analyze key mineral parameters in Algerian Arbia goats during different reproductive phases to evaluate the variation in these parameters and their influence on some reproductive performance. The study was conducted at the Technical Livestock Institute (I.T.E.L.V) of Ksar Chellala in Tiaret, Algeria, from October 2022 to May 2023. During all stages of reproduction (estrus period, pregnancy, and post-partum period), 21 primiparous and multiparous Arbia goats were studied, aged between one and ten years and weighing 24.19±6.08 kg at mating. Plasma calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron, were estimated using the DIRUI CS-T180 Auto-chemistry Analyzer. Plasma sodium, potassium, and chloride levels were measured with ion-selective equipment (Easy Lyte ® Plus, MEDICA). In this study, mineral levels fluctuate in both groups: in primiparous and multiparous females, there is no appreciable difference (p>0.05) for electrolytes Na, K, and Cl throughout the various reproductive phases. However, P, Ca, and Fe concentrations were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the last month of pregnancy; also, Fe levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the post-partum phase. Nevertheless, the mineral plasma parameters during the late pregnancy stage and the age and weight of the goats at mating have a significant relationship. The multiparous kids (n=7) had a higher birth weight than the primiparous kids (n=8) (3.12±0.54 and 2.84±0.78, respectively). In Arbia goats, primiparous females were more fertile (100%), more productive (72.72%), and more prolific (114.28%) compared to multiparous females. Finally, it is found that parity influences the weight of the progeny at birth as well as the mineral concentrations at various stages of reproduction in Arbia goats. On the other hand, the reproductive characteristics of Arbia goats decline with parity.