Blood biochemical parameters during the lactation and dry period in Tuj ewes

This study was conducted to determine the level of certain biochemical parameters reflecting the energy metabolism status on days 1 and 30 of lactation and 3 weeks after drying off in Tuj ewes. The trial was conducted on 10 clinically healthy, 2–3-year-old Tuj ewes. Blood samples were collected on days 1 and 30 of lactation and 3 weeks after drying off. The serum urea concentrations on day 30 of lactation were higher than those on the 1st day of lactation and 3 weeks after drying off (P < 0.001). Similarly, the serum urea concentration on the 1st day of lactation was higher than those 3 weeks after drying off (P < 0.001). Serum uric acid concentrations on day 30 of lactation were higher than those at the 1st day of lactation and 3 weeks after drying off (P < 0.01). Similarly the blood total protein levels 3 weeks after drying off were higher, compared to those on the 1st day of lactation (P < 0.01). A decrease in serum albumin, albumin/globulin and FFA levels were recorded 3 weeks after drying off and on day 30 of lactation compared to those on the onset of lactation (P < 0.001). Serum globulin levels 3 weeks after drying off and on day 30 of lactation were higher than those on the 1st day of lactation (P < 0.01). Whole triglyceride concentration 3 weeks after drying off were higher the compared to those on days 1 and 30 of lactation (P < 0.001). Serum glucose concentrations on days 1 and 30 of lactation were higher than those 3 weeks after drying off (P < 0.01). Serum T3 concentration 3 weeks after drying off and on day 30 of lactation were higher compared to those on the 1st day of lactation (P < 0.001), while, serum T4 levels on day 30 of lactation were lower than those on the 1st day of lactation and 3 weeks after drying off (P < 0.001). Current findings regarding the blood parameters on days 1 and 30 of lactation and 3 weeks after drying off may expand the knowledge for the diagnosis and prognosis of reproductive and metabolic diseases in sheep during these phases and warrants further research. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.