Clinical and biochemical parameters evaluation of pregnant and non-pregnant ewes from pantaneiro genetic group

Abstract

This study evaluated the clinical biochemical profile of pregnant and non-pregnant ewes from pantaneiro genetic group. Twenty ewes were used, divided into two groups, PREGNANT (n = 13) and NON-PREGNANT (n = 7). Blood samples were collected weekly from five prepartum weeks to eight  postpartum weeks from pregnant ewes, and over eight consecutive weeks from NON-PREGNANT ewes, corresponding to the period of postpartum at PREGNANT ones. Analyses were performed to determine the concentrations of glucose, albumin, phosphorus, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), aspartate aminotrasferase (AST), urea, and cholesterol. During prepartum, the urea concentration was lower (27,82 mg/dL ±1,64 - P < 0,0001)  and AST enzyme level was higher(80,93 U/L ±2,44 - P < 0,0001). During calving, increased concentrations of glucose (86,17mg/dL ±2,93 - P < 0,0001) were observed in relation to the other periods; while, during postpartum, phosphorus was reduced (4,79 mg/dL ±0,16- P < 0,0111) and BHB increased (2,37 mmol/L ±0,16- P < 0,0001). Albumin concentrations were lower in NON-PREGNANT ewes 2,22 g/dL ±0,06- P < 0,0001). The levels of the metabolites analyzed are similar to those found in other sheep breeds. The metabolic changes occur around parturition; therefore, for the prevention of metabolic disorders,it is important to have reference levels aiming to control biochemical parameters during the peripartum of pantaneiras ewes.