Serum Trace Element Status in Pregnant and Lactating Goats in Benue State, North Central Nigeria

Trace element deficiencies during pregnancy and lactation in goats compromise neonatal health, milk yield, and dam reproductive performance. This study evaluated serum copper, zinc, selenium, and manganese concentrations in pregnant and lactating Red Sokoto goats in Makurdi, Benue State, North Central Nigeria. Sixty female goats were classified into three groups: non-pregnant dry does, late-pregnant does, and lactating does at peak milk yield, with twenty animals per group. Blood was collected by jugular venipuncture and serum trace element concentrations determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum copper and zinc concentrations were significantly lower in lactating does compared to both non-pregnant and late-pregnant groups, suggesting high mobilisation for milk synthesis without adequate dietary replacement. Selenium levels were below recommended reference values in all three groups, with the lowest concentrations in late-pregnant animals, indicating endemic selenium insufficiency in the study area. Manganese concentrations did not differ significantly across groups. Reproductive history data revealed higher rates of retained placenta and neonatal weakness in does with the lowest selenium and copper concentrations. These results indicate widespread trace element inadequacy in the study population and highlight the need for targeted mineral supplementation programmes for goat herds in Benue State. Keywords: trace elements, selenium, copper, pregnancy, lactation, goats.