Haematological and biochemical parameters in Verata goat breeds reared in a Mediterranean semi-extensive system

Little haematological and biochemical information is known on Verata goats in a Mediterranean production system and this information can be useful for understanding the metabolism, nutritional and health status of this breed of goats. Blood components of goats (haematological and biochemical parameters) may be influenced by different factors, such as age, sex, reproductive status, or lactation stage. The results showed significant statistically differences in some physiological states such as the lower glucose levels in lactating goats, possibly associated to milk yield, regarding glucose is the only precursor for lactose synthesis, or the differences observed between pregnant and young goats related to the cholesterol levels that may be explain because cholesterol is a precursor of the steroid hormones, and varies during the oestrus cycle, gestation, and lactation. Therefore, this study could be considered as preliminary reference values for further studies to determine reference baseline data regarding haematological and biochemical values of Verata goat breed to aid the veterinarians in the interpretation about nutritional and health animal status.