Investigation of Some Biochemical Parameters and Mineral Substance During Pregnancy and Postpartum Period in Awassi Ewes

Abstract

Summary The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of the reproductive status on the serum chemistry and mineral substance in Awassi ewes at 21, 120 and 145 days of pregnancy and 7 and 14 days postpartum. All blood profiles were determined in 20 healthy pregnant Awassi ewes. Serum urea, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, total protein, albumin, alanine transaminase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK) were higher in pregnancy while serum glucose, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), P and Ca levels were higher in lactation. Neither the pregnancy nor the lactation effected AST, LDH, Fe and Mg levels. Lower (P<0.001) serum glucose levels were recorded on days 21, 120 and 145 of pregnancy, compared to days 7 and 14 postpartum. Blood total protein levels (P<0.01) decreased, while total bilirubin and direct bilirubin (P<0.01) increased, especially at 120 days of pregnancy. Serum urea (P<0.001) and ALT (P<0.05) levels increased on day 21 of pregnancy, compared with any other stages of gestation and days 7 and 14 postpartum. While serum CK (P<0.01) and albumin (P<0.001) levels were significantly higher on day 145 of gestation, serum ALP (P<0.05), and creatinine (P<0.001) levels were higher at 14 day postpartum. Although without statistical significance, the highest LDH concentration was found in the lactation periods. The mean level of serum Ca at 14 days postpartum was significantly (P<0.001) higher than prepartum period. The highest Mg levels were found at 14 days postpartum. Serum P levels were lower at 120 days of gestation and were higher 14 days postpartum. A gradual increase in serum Fe levels was recorded during pregnancy when compared to day 7 and 14 postpartum but it was not statistical significance. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that serum glucose, creatinine, urea, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, total protein, albumin, ALT, CK, ALP, Ca and P concentrations of the ewes similarly fed, could alter depending on gestation period and parturition which have to be taken in to consideration for the correct interpretation of serum chemistry and elements status.