B- ENDORPHIN LEVELS BEFORE MATING, DURING PREGNANCY, PREPARTURITION AND POSTPARTURITION IN GOATS

Document Type : Research article

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Abstract

B-endorphin level was estimated in serum of goats before mating, during different months of gestation, the day before parturition, the day after parturition as well as a week after parturition using radioimmunoassay technique. The obtained results revealed that the serum levels of B-endorphin at different stages of pregnancy were significantly higher compared to the determined level before mating and conception. The levels of B-endorphin were increased significantly with the progress of pregnancy and reached its maximal level (726.18 Pg/ml) at the day before parturition and declined after parturition. It can be concluded that B-endorphin is necessary for the adaptation mechanism in physiological stress conditions.