Subclinical ovine gestational toxaemia at parturition: Influence on determinant variables in lamb survival

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the impact of metabolic changes occurring in induced subclinical gestation toxaemia in ewes on metabolic parameters and vigour in the first 72 h of their lambs’ life. Fifty-one adult Corriedale ewes of known gestation date and fed on a natural pasture were randomly divided into four groups at day 145 of gestation. Group A (ewes with single pregnancies) and group C (ewes with twin pregnancies) were fed on a natural pasture throughout the trial; group B (ewes with single pregnancies) and group D (ewes with twin pregnancies) were subjected to 75% feed restriction for three days until they reached glycaemia and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) values indicative of subclinical gestational toxaemia. The birth-to-first station and birth-to-first suckling times of the born lambs were studied. Within the first hour after parturition and at 24, 48, and 72 h, glycaemia and BHB concentrations were determined in the blood of lambs, and body temperature and body weight were assessed at the same time. Relative weight gain at 72 h of age was calculated for all lambs. The BHB concentration determined at all times studied showed no difference among the groups. Subclinical gestation toxaemia induced in ewes subjected to feed restriction causes a decrease in the glycaemia of their lambs in the first hour of life; however, it does not cause an increase in ketone bodies. The metabolic changes induced in the mothers do not have negative effects on the vigour of the lambs at birth, as the weight, temperature, and the time it took for lambs to stand and suckle are not affected. However, they have a negative effect on relative weight gain in the critical period of the first 72 h of life.

Keywords

• ewe
• lamb
• pregnancy
• restricted feeding
• vigour