Biochemical evaluation of amniotic and allantoic fluids of the Red Sokoto goat in the second term of pregnancy—a preliminary study

Abstract

The amnion and allantois contain fluids and serve as cushion to protect the foetus against mechanical shock. Biochemical studies of the amniotic and allantoic fluids are important in understanding foetal metabolism and possible pathologic condition which may occur during gestation. This study evaluated the biochemical profile of the allantoic and amniotic fluids of pregnant Red Sokoto goats in their second term of pregnancy. Aliquots of each of the allantoic and amniotic fluids were aspirated and placed into separate clean sample bottles. These foetal membrane fluids samples were preserved at −20° and used for the biochemical evaluations. The foetuses were exteriorized, and the sexes of the foetuses were noted, while their crown-rump lengths (CRL) were measured. The CRL was used for gestational age determination. Allantoic and amniotic fluids from does of gestational age between 50 and 100 days were selected for the study. Gestational age between days 50 and 75 was considered early stage of the second term of pregnancy, while gestational age between days 76 and 100 was considered late stage. Standard procedures were followed in the determination of foetal fluid alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, and urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, sodium, and chloride ion levels. No significant (p > 0.05) variation was recorded in the mean allantoic and amniotic fluids values of AST, ALT, and sodium and chloride ions. Mean allantoic fluid values of urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, and potassium ions were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of amniotic fluid. In the early stage of the second term of pregnancy, mean allantoic fluid values of urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, chloride, and potassium ions were significantly lower (p < 0.05) when compared to the values obtained at the late stage. In the late stage of the second term of pregnancy, mean ALT, urea nitrogen, creatinine, and calcium amniotic fluid values were higher than the values obtained at the early stage. As the gestational age increases, allantoic and amniotic fluid levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine, and calcium ion increases.

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