Abstract :
The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in blood fructosamine concentrations
of ewes during late pregnancy and lactation. The relationship of serum fructosamine to
changes in the serum glucose and blood protein and albumin concentrations were measured
in 10 crossbred dairy ewes. Blood was sampled 10 days prior to lambing (D−10), on
day 10 (D + 10), day 20 (D + 20), day 90 (D + 90) and on day 130 post partum (D + 130). The
concentration of serum fructosamine significantly decreased on D+ 10, then significantly
increased on D+ 20 (p < 0.05), remaining on the same level until D+ 130. The concentration
of serum glucose was highest on D−10, and gradually decreased, being significantly
lower on D+ 130 post partum, compared to D−10. Similarly the serum albumin and total
protein concentrations were highest on D−10, and significantly decreased on D+ 10. The
concentration of both parameters increased by D+ 20, but then decreased on D+ 90 and
D+ 130. The significant decrease in fructosamine concentration observed on D+ 10 probably
resulted from the substantial and rapid decrease in total serum protein and albumin
concentrations, also established during the same period. The results confirm that in ewes,
similar to other species, the shorter serum protein life span during the transition period
has an influence on the decrease in blood fructosamine concentrations. These should be
considered during the interpretation of serum fructosamine concentration as part of blood
biochemical findings during the pre and post partum period.
