A STUDY ON SOME METABOLIC ALTERATIONS DURING PERIPARTUM PERIOD IN EWES IN RELATION TO NUMBER OF KIDS

Abstract

The present study investigated the biochemical effects of number of kids in ewes at peripartum period. Twenty crossbred ewes were allocated into two groups. Group (1): 12 ewes bearing single lambs, and group (2): 8 ewes bearing twin lambs. Considering the lambing day as day zero, blood samples were collected at - 21, - 7, +7, +14 and +21 days, respectively. Serum levels of progesterone, oestradiol-17g and cortisol were determined by radioimmunoassay. Glucose, total cholesterol, triacy!glycerol, total lipids and serum proteins were colorimetrically determined. Protein fractions were determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Inorganic phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, alkaline phosphatase activity and aminotransferases (aspartate aminotransferase, AST and alanine aminotransferase, ALT) activities were colorimetrically determined. ) Serum progesterone levels significantly increased at 21 and 7 days before lambing in ewes bearing twins than in ewes bearing single lambs. CJ Serum oestradiol-173 levels significantly increased in ewes bearing twins at 7 days before lambing than in ewes bearing single lambs. 0 Serum cortisol levels showed significant changes during different stages in both ewe groups. c Serum glucose levels were significantly lower at 7 days before, 7 and 14 days after lambing in ewes bearing twins than in ewes bearing single lambs. l3a2NY=ll>el&-l>