Risk Factors and metabolic indicators associated with the percentage frequency of subclinical Ketosis on Ouled Djellal Ewes in Eastern Highlands of Algeria

Abstract

This study investigated the frequency, risk factors, and metabolic indicators for detecting subclinical ketosis (SCK) in Ouled Djellal ewes. Out of 54 enrolled ewes, those with BHB ≥ 0.86 mmol·L-1 without clinical signs formed the SCK group, while ewes with BHB 94.19 U·L-1, SE 74.65%, SP 83.78%), and K (AUC 79.3%, cut–off 4.1 mmol·L-1, SE 71.83%, SP 75.68%). Monitoring BHB and BCS, especially in twin–bearing ewes during the transition period, is recommended for ketosis prevention. Further large–scale validation of these metabolic indicators as SCK predictors in Ouled Djellal ewes is warranted.

Keywords

• Metabolic indicators
• Ouled Djellal ewes
• prevalence
• risk factors
• subclinical ketosis