The sheep (n = 34) were divided into two groups. The first group (n = 22) was mated; the second group (n = 12) was not mated.
Their serum samples were collected four times a year at the each season and under reproductive status.
The periods are 1, early pregnancy (October); 2, late pregnancy (January); 3, lactation (April); and 4, dry season (July).
The results of this study indicated that
(1) total protein (TP), globulin, cholesterol, creatinine, uric acid and T4/T3 vary with reproductive status but not seasonal variations; (2) alanine aminotransferase, T4, fT4 concentrations in serum vary only with reproductive status;
(3) the urea, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, amylase, albumin, triglyceride, VLDL, Vit A–E, T3 and fT3 concentration could vary with both reproductive status and seasonal variations;
(4) the glucose, ã-glutamyl transpeptidase, folate concentrations were altered neither season of the year nor the reproductive status;
(5) a single reference interval for folate, ã-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), glucose, TP, globulin, cholesterol, creatinine, uric acid and T4/T3 can be used for both mated and non-mated sheep because of no differences were found due to the reproductive status.
Taking the results together suggests that reproductive status and seasonal variations have to be taken into consideration for a correct interpretation of the serum chemistry values of sheep.
Nutritional supplements are required for sheep during certain periods to avoid a decline of their performance, which would then represent consequent economic, loses.
Source: Yokus, B., Cakir, D. U., Kanay, Z., Gulten, T. & Uysal, E. (2006): Effects of Seasonal and Physiological Variations on the Serum Chemistry, Vitamins and Thyroid Hormone Concentrations in Sheep. In: Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A 53 (6), 271-276.
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