A pre- and postpartum study of selected biochemical parameters in ewes for the early detection of pregnancy toxemia
Abstract
A field investigation on the incidence of subclinical ovine ketosis was performed in two large sheep flocks in an agricultural region of central Greece. Sixty - four animals were allocated in 2 study groups: group C, consisted of 29 non-pregnant females and group S of 35 end-term pregnant ewes. The trial lasted 6 weeks, including the immediate pre- and postpartal period. Blood samples were collected on weekly intervals and used for determining the concentrations of ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), acetoacetate (AcAc), glucose, total (TB) and conjugated (CB) bilirubin, calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and the activity of sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) and γ-glutamyl transferase (yGT). All the animals remained clinically healthy throughout the trial and parturition was uneventful. Eighteen group S ewes (51.4%) delivered 1 lamb, 12 (34,3%) twins, 4 (11.4%) triplets and 1 (2.9%) 4 lambs. Although the overall evaluation of the biochemical analysis did not support the existence of subclinical ketosis, blood glucose remained significantly lower (P<0.05) in group S sheep, with its lowest value (2.3±0.34 mmol/1) recorded 1 week prior to parturition. Sporadic cases of subclinical hyperketonemia may occur, despite optimal flock management.
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ROUBIES (Ν. ΡΟΥΜΠΙΕΣ) N., POLIZOPOULOU (Ζ.Σ. ΠΟΛΥΖΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ) Z. S., MINAS (Α. ΜΗΝΑΣ) A., & PAPASTERIADIS (ΑΧ. ΠΑΠΑΣΤΕΡΙΑΔΗΣ) A. (2017). A pre- and postpartum study of selected biochemical parameters in ewes for the early detection of pregnancy toxemia. Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society, 54(1), 11–20. https://doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.15213
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- Vol. 54 No. 1 (2003)
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- Research Articles
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