Effect of Different Environmental Factors on Some Haematological and Biochemical Parameters and Selected Blood Minerals in Ouled Djellal Ewes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the altitude on the concentrations of the various blood parameters considered as good biological markers of ewes. A total of 160 ewes having 3-5 years of age, multiparous, non-pregnant, non-lactating and reared in arid areas of South East Algeria were included. The plasma concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, urea and creatinin were determined as well as minerals (Ca, P) and hematological parameters (haemoglobin, haematocrit). No significant variation (P>0.05) of hematological parameters and mineral levels was detected between the plain and tableland ewes. Same observation was found for biochemical parameters but between mountain and tableland ewes. While cholesterol, triglyceride, total proteins and urea levels were higher (P<0.01) at the altitude of 150m, hemoglobin, haematocrit and creatinin, were significantly lower (P<0.05) at the same altitude. The study found lowest glucose concentrations were detected at 600m. Moreover, the results of the study showed the highest calcium concentration was found at the altitude of 150 m and the lowest at the altitude of 1000 m (1.12±0.35 mmol/L vs. 0.52±0.03 mmol/ L). Phosphorus levels were higher at altitudes of 150 m than at the altitude of 600 m and 1000 m (0.93±0.42 mmol/ L vs. 0.68±0.54 mmol /L, 0.23±0.01mmol/ L). The highest haemoglobin concentration and value of haematocrit were detected in mountain ewes at the altitude of 1000 m (120.61 g/ L, 40%) and the lowest at the altitude of 150 m (73.2 g/ L, 31%) (P<0.001). We concluded that haematological and biochemical parameters in Ouled Djellel ewes reared in arid area may be impacted by altitude.