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Body condition and blood metabolite characterization of alpaca (Lama pacos) three months prepartum and offspring three months postpartum

2003; Elsevier BV; Volume: 48; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s0921-4488(02)00257-2

1879-0941

Samantha Burton, Todd F. Robinson, B. L. Roeder, N.P. Johnston, Etel Latorre, Sofia Reyes, B Schaajle,

Veterinary Equine Medical Research

Abstract This study characterized body condition, blood metabolites and neonatal growth patterns from alpaca 90 days pre- and postpartum at the Kampenaike Research Station in Punta Arenas, Chile. Forty-two multiparous alpaca were maintained on pastures consisting of primarily Festuca dolicophylla and Poa pretensis during the experiment (early spring to late summer). Body weight (BWT) and body condition scores (BCS) were recorded and jugular blood samples obtained from dams bi-weekly and from their crias on days 0, 1, 3, and 7, and bi-weekly during the experiment. Plasma samples were analyzed for glucose, plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), creatinine, electrolytes (Na, K, Cl and Ca), and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. Pre- and postparturient BWT was different (81 kg versus 72 kg, P 35. Creatinine decreased (P day 35. Blood electrolytes were affected by parturition, most notably calcium changes attributed to lactation. Cria weights increased from 8.3 to 25.0 kg (195 g per day ±0.005 S.E.M.). Cria blood glucose, PUN, and creatinine concentrations were 10.1, 6.9 mmol/l, and 298.8 μmol/l, respectively at birth, decreasing (P day 35. Data illustrate the effects of parturition on dam blood metabolite and electrolyte concentrations and changes that occur in the neonatal alpaca, demonstrating metabolic adjustments occurring between 7 and 14 days of age.