Concentrazioni plasmatiche di 15-chetodiidro-PGF2alfa, cortisolo, progesterone e 17 beta estradiolo nel periparto della capra

The aim of this study was to evaluate hormonal profiles during peripartum in Alpine goats. Thirty-one pregnant goats were observed during the time of parturition in order to check abnormalities of delivery and postpartum. Blood samples were taken twice daily from 7 days before to 7 days after delivery. Twenty-four goats delivered spontaneously viable kids, and 7 showed dystocia; 2 goats died during the study. Hormonal analyses show a similar trend for PGF2α, cortisol and estradiol, with a prepartum increase and a peak about 12 hours before delivery. Estradiol and cortisol levels start to decrease immediately, while PGF2α values keep high until 12 hours after delivery. Progesterone shows a negative trend starting from 2.5 days before parturition