Changes of acute phase protein levels in Saanen goat kids during neonatal period.

In the present study, the developmental changes of plasma acute phase proteins concentrations in healthy Saanen goat kids during neonatal period were investigated. Blood samples were collected from eleven goat kids at 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of age. Serum Amyloid A concentrations were higher during first two weeks and significantly decreased at days 21 and 28. There were no statistically differences in the mean haptoglobin concentrations throughout the study. Ceruloplasmin concentrations were lower during first week of life and significantly increased at days 14 and 28. Fibrinogen concentrations were only significantly high at day 28 compared to day 1. Concentrations of Acid Soluble Glycoprotein were higher during first three days and significantly decreased at days 7, 14, 21 and 28. Alterations of these acute phase proteins could be related with birth process and stress and/or factors in colostrum. As a result, the time related changes in acute phase protein levels in Saanen goat kids suggested that these proteins might play an important role in defense and physiological adaptation mechanisms during neonatal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]