The Investigation of Pregnancy Toxemia Diagnostics in Dairy Goats
Open Access
- Author:
- Twomey, Claire
- Area of Honors:
- Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Robert John Vansaun, Thesis Supervisor
Robert John Vansaun, Thesis Honors Advisor
Justin D Brown, Faculty Reader - Keywords:
- Pregnancy Toxemia
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Glucose
Goats
Non-esterified fatty acids - Abstract:
- Pregnancy Toxemia is a common and widespread disease which prominently effects late pregnant goats and sheep. There is a lack of research and information on pregnancy toxemia in goats and the use of biomarkers and meters to measure pertinent blood values which can help diagnose the disease. The study objectives were to evaluate the accuracy of the CentriVet Handheld Blood Glucose and Ketone Monitoring Meter in measuring blood glucose and blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) values in dairy goats and to determine relevant blood changes and biomarkers in relation to a diagnosis of pregnancy toxemia. There was a high association between glucose values measured by the CentriVet handheld meter and the laboratory values (r2 = 0.852, P < 0.001). Additionally, the BHB values measured by the CentriVet handheld meter had a high association with the laboratory values (r2 = 0.877, P < 0.001). The CentriVet Handheld Blood Glucose and Ketone Monitoring Meter was validated for its use in measuring BHB and glucose in does at a farm level. BHB and NEFA had a significant relationship (P < 0.05) demonstrating how NEFA mobilization of body fat is strongly related to ketone body synthesis. Additionally, a highly significant relationship was revealed between BHB and calculated anion gap as well as the relationship between BHB and total CO2 (P < 0.0001). This relationship supports the idea that acid base balance is disrupted in does with pregnancy toxemia. NEFA and glucose did not have a significant relationship (P > 0.05) supporting the idea that glucose homeostasis disruption may not be a required component to the disease process. Other significant relationships were found during analysis which should be further explored moving forward.