Changes in propionate and glucose metabolism during synchronization of oestrus in ewes

Abstract

SUMMARYPropionate and glucose metabolism were compared in two groups of Scottish Blackface ewes, one in which ewes had been fitted with vaginal pessaries impregnated with progesterone-analogue for the synchronization of oestrus and the other when ewes were in anoestrus. In ewes given the same amount of feed, the production rate of propionate increased significantly (P < 0·05) from 33 in anoestrous ewes to 44 gC/day in ewes with pessaries. The proportion of glucose-carbon apparently synthesized from propionate also increased significantly (P < 0·05) from 0·31 in anoestrous ewes to 0·44 in ewes with pessaries. The proportion of glucose-carbon apparently recycled was also significantly (P < 0·01) increased from 0·12 to 0·22. No changes were observed in glucose concentration, production rate or oxidation rate between the two groups of ewes.