Variation of masses of body fat and protein and visceral organs of alpine goats in the first 60 days of lactation

Abstract

This study aimed to measure the changes of masses of body fat and protein, and also quantify the masses of organs and viscera of Alpine goats throughout the eight weeks of lactation. We used 51 multiparous Alpine goats, allocated in individual metabolic pens. The goats were distributed in a completely randomized design with six replications and eight treatments, and the treatments by weeks of lactation. Slaughters were carried sequential six goats per week of lactation to measure the mass of fat and protein, as well as the weight of the organs and viscera. Significant reduction in mass and adipose tissue protein, but adversely, and the tissue protein was mobilized with greater intensity in the first two weeks postpartum, since the fat falling steadily. There was no effect on liver weight, rumen, omasum, abomasum and large intestine, but there was a reduction in the weights of the small intestine, uterus and mammary gland. The Alpine goats within three weeks postpartum mobilize not just fat, but also body protein to meet the demand of milk production. Only the small intestine, uterus and mammary gland shown weight affected with eight weeks of lactation.