Vol. 45, No. 3, 2001 content next

SEASONAL CHANGES IN SOME SERUM INDICATORS IN PREGNANT AND BARREN LEINE SHEEP

Baranowski, P., Grzesiak, W.*

Department of Cattle and Sheep Breeding
Agricultural University of Szczecin
71-460 Szczecin
ul. Doktora Judyma 10
Poland		 *Laboratory of Biostatistics and Computer Science
Agricultural University of Szczecin
71-460 Szczecin
ul. Doktora Judyma 10
Poland

Summary

The seasonal changes were studied in the content of total serum protein (TSP), albumins and globulin (a1, a2, b and g) content, urea concentration, as well as the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and asparagine amitransferase (AST) in the serum of 21 pregnant and 7 barren Leine ewes, managed under production conditions with unlimited access to ambient light (54° 00' N; 15° 05' E). Prior to servicing, the oestrus and ovulation of the ewes were synchronised. Blood samples were collected in two stages: first, at turn of the year seasons, and next, every 4 weeks. The studies revealed that TSP content increased in spring, summer and the beginning of autumn, and declined in winter. The content of albumins was the highest in August and September ( = 44.08 g/l ± 4.92), a1-globulins in June ( = 3.13 g/l ± 0.79), a2- and g-globulins in August ( = 5.98 g/l ± 1.16; = 16.14 g/l ± 3.26), and b-globulins in November ( = 4.46 g/l ± 0.96). Urea concentration in serum was the lowest in spring (May and June), and decreased in autumn. In December and January, the concentration increased again. The activity of ALT and AST displayed an annual cycle, with an increase in spring and a decline in autumn. In the sheep of intensive sexual activity, the observed blood indices variability should be considered when interpretating laboratory tests in veterinary diagnostics.

Key words: seasonality; Leine sheep; biochemical blood indicators; pregnancy, lactation

References

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Folia Veterinaria / 2001