Influence of the season and the reproductive status of ewes on blood parameters

• Published in: Small ruminant research Vol. 45; no. 1; pp. 39 - 44
• Main Authors: Antunović, Z, Senčić, Đ, Šperanda, M, Liker, B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.07.2002
• Subjects: Blood; Ewes; Reproductive status; Season; Ewes; Season; Blood; Reproductive status
• ISSN: 0921-4488; 1879-0941
• DOI: 10.1016/S0921-4488(02)00109-8

This research was aimed at determining the influence of the season (winter and summer) on the reproductive status of the ewe, based on blood parameters of 20 sheep in late pregnancy and lactation. Ewes in fourth and fifth lactation were, on an average 4 years old, healthy and in good condition. During the winter, the ewes were kept in stables and fed a grain mixture (300 g/day), meadow hay (ad libitum), and in the summer grazed on natural pastures. In the summer, a higher Ca concentration ( P<0.01) was recorded in the serum of ewes in late pregnancy and those in lactation ( P<0.05). Higher K and Fe concentrations ( P<0.01) were detected in the blood of lactating ewes in summer than in winter. From analysis of the blood serum of ewes in late pregnancy and lactation, higher Na concentrations ( P<0.01) were detected in winter. Correspondingly, ewes during late pregnancy had higher inorganic P, K and Fe concentrations ( P<0.05). In summer, lactating ewes had a higher ( P<0.01) concentration of Na, K, Cl and Fe, and higher ( P<0.05) inorganic P concentrations in blood serum. Furthermore, a higher concentration of serum urea ( P<0.01) and total proteins ( P<0.05) were detected in ewes during late pregnancy and lactation. The average blood glucose concentration in lactating ewes was higher ( P<0.01) during summer. Higher cholesterol concentrations were recorded during late pregnancy in winter ( P<0.01) and higher levels in summer ( P<0.05). Results obtained on the basis of biochemical blood parameters, indicate the need for animal metabolic profile monitoring, to determine the nutritive status of animals, and take preventative prophylactic measures for health disorders, to increase productivity.