Evaluation of Occurrence of Renal Dysfunction in Goats Using Some Biochemical Markers.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study evaluated the demographical distribution and occurrence of kidney dysfunction in goats in Umuahia, Abia state, using known biochemical markers. A total of 145 goats presented for slaughter at the Ahiaeke abattoir were evaluated. Prior to slaughter, sex, age, breed and health status of the goats were determined. Blood was collected from the jugular vein at slaughter for haematology and serum biochemical analyses. Urine was collected from the bladder for urinalysis using test strips. Standard procedures were adapted for all the analyses performed. Results showed that 56.6 % of the goats were females, 89 % were adults, 92.4 % were Red Sokoto breed and 95.2 % were apparently healthy. Out of 145 goats sampled, 3 (2.1 %) were diagnosed with kidney dysfunction based on positive serum creatinine and urine protein levels, while 10 (6.9 %) had positive serum urea values. There was significant association (P and < 0.05) between the health status of goats and all the biochemical parameters measured to ascertain renal dysfunction. No such associations exist between sex, breed and the biochemical markers measured. We conclude that kidney dysfunction exists in Nigerian goats, and health status is a determinant of renal dysfunction.

Keywords : renal biomarkers, health status, sex, breed, age, goat