Vol. 44, No. 2, 2000 previous next

LONG-TERM CHANGES IN HAEMOGLOBIN CONCENTRATION, HAEMATOCRIT LEVEL, AND SELECTED ELECTROPHORETIC FRACTIONS IN THE SERUM OF SUFFOLK SHEEP

Baranowski, P.1, Grzesiak, W.2

1 Department of Cattle and Sheep Breeding
Agronomical Academy
ul. Doktora Judyma 10
71-460 Szczecin
Poland		 2 Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding
Agronomical Academy
ul. Doktora Judyma 10
71-460 Szczecin
Poland

Summary

The study was conducted on the Suffolk breed of sheep, kept in production conditions with unlimited access to ambient light (53° 17' N, 14° 43' E). The study focused on the long-term observation of changes in the Hb concentration, Ht, MCHC index, as well as the concentrations of albumins and a1-, a2-, b-, and g-globulins. The mating of the animals was preceded by synchronizing their oestrus and ovulation on the 92nd day after the summer solstice. The blood was collected on the 21st day of September and December, 1994, and March, June and September, 1995 (period I). Thereafter (period II), the blood samples were collected monthly, from October 1995 up to and including, January 1997. Elevated levels of Hb and Ht in the blood along with higher concentrations of albumins and a1- and b-globulins in the serum were recorded during the autumn surge of sexual activity. The level of a2-globulins was stable over a long time, while the g-globulin concentration was higher in both spring and summer.

Key words: seasonal changes; blood indices; pregnancy; lactation; Suffolk sheep

References

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Folia Veterinaria / 2000