Abstract
Abstract. It is considered to be necessary to assess the metabolic status of ovine regarding the modern consumers model, which are increasingly concerned about safe meat production without adverse effects on their health. This leads to an increased preference for meat produced naturally or ecological products. Aims: The objectives of sheep farms are to obtain milk and meat in a sustainable system mainly based on animal health and welfare. Health is a central element to the animals’ welfare as biological functioning of the body is influenced by natural environmental conditions. Predominant factor for the occurrence of metabolic disturbances in sheep is reduced dietary diversity. Based on these considerations, our research objectives were to highlight the health and welfare of sheep naturally bred by determining the influence of various factors on the metabolic profile. Materials and methods: Blood samples were collected from sheep of different breeds and age groups (26 males and 26 females of Karakul breed and 26 males and 26 females of Tzurcana breed) after the stalling period. Biochemical parameters were determined using the Accent 200 automatic biochemical analyzer. Results: Biochemical profile indicators determined on blood samples from studied Karakul and Tzurcana ovine breeds, following statistical analysis, showed insignificant differences between males and females for each separate breed, for: total protein concentration, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, amylase, alkaline phosphatase, calcium and aspartate aminotransferase (Tzurcana breed) and magnesium for the two breeds. The reduced level of serum proteins in the spring season was a consequence of a feed deficiency in leguminous hay, which contributed to the decrease of the total serum protein level. Obtained results from our experiments showed calcium concentration as established within the limits mentioned in the specialized literature, as a consequence of the use in spring of alfalfa hay feed, which is a rich source of vitamins and mineral substances, especially calcium. Conclusion: Current research showed that biochemical profile values in studied lamb and adult ovine populations were influenced by the cold season and specific feeding during stalling time, but these variations represent animal organism adaptation to environmental conditions, ensuring dynamical balance.
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Schedule a callMore From: Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca Animal Science and Biotechnologies
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