Dynamics of some blood biochemical parameters in Boujaâd ewes from early to late gestation and the possibility of early pregnancy diagnosis

Abstract

Abstract. This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical parameters of Boujaâd sheep under Moroccan semi-arid conditions during pregnancy and postpartum stages in pregnant (P) ewes compared to non-pregnant ewes (NP). Blood samples were collected from 24 healthy Boujaâd ewes (59 ± 4.2 kg) enrolled in the current study. From (1 to 30 days), these samples were collected daily; from day 30 onwards, they were gathered at three-day intervals. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein to be analyzed for glucose, cholesterol, total protein, creatinine, urea, and triglycerides. In the present study, no significant difference was observed before synchronization in all parameter studies between pregnant ewes (P) and non-pregnant ewes (NP) (P>0.05). The results showed the lowest glucose level in pregnant ewes during all pregnancy stages, while total proteins, urea, and triglycerides showed the opposite trend. During early pregnancy (18-30 days), the cholesterol levels were lower in P compared with NP ewes, whereas no difference was found from 30 days to parturition. Creatinine was higher in pregnant ewes during early pregnancy (18-30 days). In comparison, there was no statistically significant (P>0.05) variation in creatinine levels between the P and NP ewes after 30 days of gestation. To conclude, marked changes accompanied specific biochemical parameters. The biochemical parameter indicating a clear difference is triglycerides, which may indicate an early pregnancy diagnosis in sheep considering the exact day of mating or artificial insemination in animals.