Seasonal relations between serum monoamine oxidase activities and copper levels in Angora male goats (Capra hircus)

Abstract

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) activities and copper levels were determined and seasonal variations examined in 25 healthy 18-24 month old Angora male goats, raised in the usual feeding and hygiene environment. The analysis of variance showed that MAO seasonal activities were very variable. Using Mc Ewen Units the average MAO activities were 687.0 ± 16.25, 558.0 ± 37.00, 464.7 ± 18.80 and 595.2 ± 11.0 in the spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively, and were found to be significantly different. Blood copper levels were regarded as “normal” in all seasons (except for one animal in the autumn and two animals in the spring and winter). Blood copper levels were significantly lower in the spring, autumn and winter than in the summer (p < 0.01). Average blood copper levels were 72.50 ± 5.00 µg/100 ml, 90.40 ± 4.20 µg/100 ml, 63.40 ± 1.80 µg/100 ml and 71.62 ± 3.90 µg/ 100 ml in the spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. The correlation between serum MAO activities and copper levels in Angora male goats varied with the seasons. It was significantly negative (p < 0.05) in the winter. No correlation was observed in the other seasons.