Laboratory Investigation of Haematological and Biochemical Parameters Throughout The Periparturient Phase in Fat-Tailed Ewes

Abstract

The periparturient period is defined as the period immediately preceding and following parturition. Dairy animals encounter obstacles during this period. The goal of the study was to identify the various physiological stressors that ewes encounter during this time and the kind of special care that should be offered to them in order to deal with this problem. Thirty fat-tailed ewes were used in this research. All animals were examined clinically and ultrasonography. Blood samples were taken firstly during the diestrus stage (group 1), then during late gestation (group 2), and finally during postpartum (Group 3). Haematological and biochemical parameters were assessed. The results revealed a significant decrease in RBCs count, haemoglobin concentrations, and hematocrite % during the periparturient phase compared to the diestrus phase. WBCs count exhibited a significant increase during the periparturient period. The metabolic profile involves total protein and albumin, which decreased significantly during the periparturient period compared to the diestrus phase, while urea concentration showed the opposite trend. Total cholesterol and triglycerides showed a significant increase over the periparturient phase. Mineral investigations indicate that ferritin and calcium concentrations decreased significantly throughout the periparturient period compared to the diestrus phase, while phosphorus and magnesium concentrations showed non-significant changes. The study revealed a wide variety of alterations in several clinical, haematological, and biochemical parameters of ewe’s blood throughout the periparturient phase. This study will provide an opportunity to identify management changes for the prophylaxis of ovine diseases, improving overall herd health and animal welfare.

Keywords

• late gestation
• post-partum
• laboratory diagnosis
• ferritin
• sheep