Plasma unesterified fatty acid and triacylglycerol concentration of the goat (Capra hircus) during pregnancy and lactation.

1. The concentrations of unesterified fatty acids and triacylglycerol were measured in plasma obtained from goats at various stages of pregnancy and lactation. 2. The plasma unesterified fatty acid concentration increased during the last third of pregnancy: highest concentrations were found at parturition and during early lactation. 3. The plasma triacylglycerol concentration showed a transient increase during mid-pregnancy: the concentration fell around parturition and no evidence for hypertriglyceridemia was found during late-pregnancy. 4. Results are compared with those of other studies of ruminant and non-ruminant species.