Erythrocyte potassium, sodium and glutathione concentrations and their relationship with reproduction, body weight and fleece weight traits in Awassi sheep

N Gunes,C Aydin,O Ozmen,C Duygu Udum,S Dikmen

doi:10.5194/aab-51-479-2008

Abstract

Abstract. Relationship between erythrocyte potassium (Ke), erythrocyte sodium (Nae) and blood glutathione (GSH) concentrations and production/ reproduction traits were investigated in Awassi sheep. Thirty healthy sheep subjected to analyze for phenotypic and gene frequencies of Ke, Nae and GSH concentrations. Correlation between these parameters and production/ reproduction traits such as greasy fleece weight, milk production, birth rate, single and twin birth rate and body weight were calculated. A positive correlation was found between birth rate and mean Ke concentration (r=0.481, P<0.008) and Nae concentration (r=−0.454, P<0.013). Another correlation between GSH concentration and greasy fleece weight (r=−0.368, P<0.049) and milk production (r=0.379, P<0.050) parameters was also evidenced. These suggest that Ke, Nae and GSH concentrations may be included in the metabolic profile testing parameters.

Highlights

Awassi sheep constitute approximately 7 % of sheep population in Turkey
Data regarding to erythrocyte potassium, sodium and glutathione levels, their types, phenotypic and gene frequencies of Awassi sheep are presented Table 1
Individuals having erythrocyte potassium concentration below or equal to 50 mEq/ L were grouped as LK whereas those having higher than this value were grouped as HK

Summary

Introduction

Awassi sheep constitute approximately 7 % of sheep population in Turkey. This breed has high adaptation capability and is the unique sheep race with high milk capacity which is able to live in flocks (AKCAPINAR, 2000). The author demonstrated that some sheep have erythrocyte potassium values of 80-90 mmol/ L (HK-type) while others have 20-30 mmol/ L (LK-type) This difference is genetically controlled and the gene(s) determining the HK type being apparently dominant to LK type (TUCKER, 1971). It has been evidenced by several researchers that erythrocyte potassium and sodium concentrations in domestic animals are associated with some production/ reproduction traits such as milk production, body weight, mortality rate, fleece weight, fertility and adaptation capacity (RASMUSEN et al, 1974; MULEI et al, 1988; TUCKER et al, 1973; ATROSHI, 1979; KRISHNAMURTHY et al, 1978; SENGUPTA, 1974; ANTUNOVIC et al, 2004; MILEWSKI and SZCZEPANSKI, 2006). The variability of erythrocyte K and Na concentration and blood GSH level of Awassi sheep and their relationship with some productive/ reproductive traits were investigated

Methods

Results

Conclusion