Biochemical variable levels of newborn lambs under extensive rearing system

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical variables in newborn lambs of an extensive rearing system. In this study, 30 multiparous ewes, with simple parturition, and their 30 lambs were used. Blood samples were drawn from the ewes (on days 1, 5, and 10 postpartum) and lambs (before ingestion of colostrum, and on days 1, 5, and 10 postpartum), in order to measure the serum variables related to lipid and protein metabolism (total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, triglycerides, and cholesterol). Ewe’s blood levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, and urea did not differ throughout the evaluated periods (P > 0.05). However, on day 1 postpartum, the levels of triglyceride were higher than on day 10, while the cholesterol levels decreased progressively, following the evaluation periods (P < 0.05). In lamb’s samples, the levels of total proteins, albumin and globulin were higher on day 10, when compared with the other periods (P < 0.05). Unlike, serum levels of urea, triglycerides and cholesterol were higher on the first day of life, when compared with the levels before the ingestion of colostrum and with the fifth and tenth days (P < 0.05). Therefore, our results allowed to conclude that on the first day of life (for lambs) and in postpartum (for ewes), there occurred a fluctuations of biochemical variables, mainly related to lipid and protein metabolism. These variations may be related to the ingestion of colostrum and/or milk in lambs, and hormonal changes in ewes.