Effects of Bilateral Ovariectomy (OVX) on Thermoregulation and Blood Constituents in Adult Nubian Goats (Capra hircus)

Abstract

Aims: This study was designed to investigate the effects of bilateral surgical ovariectomy on thermoregulation and blood constituents in adult Nubian goats. Materials and Methods: Twenty female goats were randomly assigned into 2 groups, group A served as control and group B was subjected to bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) by standard surgical method and monitored for 4 weeks. The effect of OVX on rectal temperature (Tr), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), body weight (BW) and blood components were investigated. The data were analyzed using an independent sample T-test. Results: In OVX group, both Tr and RR decreased during the experimental period. Tr decreased (p<0.05) at week 4 and (HR) (p<0.01) increased at week 2 in OVX group. The packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBCs) and haemoglobin concentration (Hb) declined (p<0.05) in OVX group at week 1. Also, in OVX group, the total leukocyte count (TLC) increased (p<0.01) at week 1 and neutrophils ratio (p<0.05) at week 2. Both total protein and albumin levels in OVX group were decreased significantly (p<0.01) in weeks 1 and 2. Glucose level increased (p<0.001) at week 1 in OVX group. The serum levels of urea, GOT and GPT of OVX group were relatively higher compared with control group values. Conclusions: The study concluded that ovariectomy induced variable effects on thermoregulation, haematological and serum biochemical parameters in adult Nubian goats .