Aims: This study was designed to investigate the effect of Pear millet on glycaemic control and lipid profile in streptozocin diabetic rat model. Methodology: Forty healthy mature male rats were used in this study. The rats divided into 4 groups, ten rats in each and group (A) and (B) normal control rats while group (C) and (D) considered as diabetic rats. Diabetes induced by intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg streptozocin and confirmed by high blood glucose level which considered day 0. The experiment 1, included two groups (A and C), equal rats and the parameters investigated were measured in days 0, 14 and 28. The experiment 2 included two groups (B and D) were received 20% pearl millet and the blood samples were measured in days 0, 14 and 28. Results: The obtained results revealed significant (P<0.05) reduction in insulin and adiponectin (P<0.001) and elevation of blood glucose (P<0.001) in diabetic rats in group C, while significant (P<0.05) reductions in blood glucose, LDL levels and significant (P<0.05) elevation in adiponectin and HDL levels were detected in rats in group B and D.  Conclusions: The studies provide evidence that pearl millet induces hypoglycemic effect and improved lipidemic control in diabetic rats.

Aims: This study was designed to investigate the effects of bilateral surgical ovariectomy on thermoregulation and blood constituents in adult Nubian goats. Materials and Methods: Twenty female goats were randomly assigned into 2 groups, group A served as control and group B was subjected to bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) by standard surgical method and monitored for 4 weeks. The effect of OVX on rectal temperature (Tr), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), body weight (BW) and blood components were investigated. The data were analyzed using an independent sample T-test. Results: In OVX group, both Tr and RR decreased during the experimental period. Tr decreased (p<0.05) at week 4 and (HR) (p<0.01) increased at week 2 in OVX group. The packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBCs) and haemoglobin concentration (Hb) declined (p<0.05) in OVX group at week 1. Also, in OVX group, the total leukocyte count (TLC) increased (p<0.01) at week 1 and neutrophils ratio (p<0.05) at week 2. Both total protein and albumin levels in OVX group were decreased significantly (p<0.01) in weeks 1 and 2. Glucose level increased (p<0.001) at week 1 in OVX group. The serum levels of urea, GOT and GPT of OVX group were relatively higher compared with control group values. Conclusions: The study concluded that ovariectomy induced variable effects on thermoregulation, haematological and serum biochemical parameters in adult Nubian goats .

Background and Objectives: Haemorrhage is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity of mother and foetus. Pregnancy is associated with changes which may influence responses to bleeding. This study was designed to examine the influence of controlled haemorrhage and compare thermoregulation and haematological and biochemical parameters in pregnant and nonpregnant rabbits. Materials and Methods: Twelve pregnant and nonpregnant rabbits, 6 in each group, were used in the studies. Both groups of animals were subjected to 20% haemorrhage of total blood volume on gestation day 21. The rectal temperature (Tr), respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) were monitored for 2 days following bleeding. Blood samples were collected at 24 hrs before induction of bleeding and then after bleeding at 30 min, 24 hrs and 48 hrs. The samples were used for measurements of haematological parameters; coagulation profile, arterial blood gases and serum electrolytes. Results: The general trend indicates lower Tr values in pregnant rabbits at 30 min post-haemorrhage. The values of RR and HR were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher in pregnant and nonpregnant animals at 24 hrs post-haemorrhage. The pregnant rabbits showed significant (P<0.05) decrease in platelets count at 24 hrs post-haemorrhage compared to the nonpregnant values. In pregnant rabbits, haemorrhage was associated with significant increase in PT. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was significantly (P≤ 0.01) prolonged at 24 hrs post-haemorrhage in pregnant and nonpregnant rabbits. The partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) in pregnant and nonpregnant rabbits was significantly (P≤ 0.01) increased at 24hrs and 48 hrs post-haemorrhage. The partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) decreased significantly (P≤0.01) at 30 min post-haemorrhage in pregnant rabbits. There was a slight increase in Na and Ca levels in pregnant rabbits’ post-haemorrhage. Haemorrhage in rabbits was associated with significant decreases in plasma osmolality in pregnant rabbits. Conclusion: Pregnancy induces modifications in some physiological responses to haemorrhage. The information generated could be used in monitoring maternal health during pregnancy and risks of changes associated with haemorrhage in mammals.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the stages of pregnancy in two ecotypes of sheep, located in different grazing areas on thyroid status and certain blood metabolites. Eighty clinically healthy ewes (40 Hamari and 40 Kabashi ecotype) aged 2-5 years were used in the study. For each ecotype, the ewes were divided into four groups according to the reproductive status. Group (A): 10 ewes non-pregnant non-lactating (dry) served as the control. Group (B): 10 ewes in the early stage of pregnancy (first trimester). Group (C): 10 ewes in mid-stage of pregnancy (second trimester). Group (D): 10 ewes in the late stage of pregnancy (third trimester). Blood samples were used to measure serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), plasma glucose concentration and serum triglyceride levels. The study detected that Hamari ecotype was supplied with salt and minerals block during watering by its owners. The results showed that in both ecotypes, the serum TSH levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher during the early stage of pregnancy then, it decreased significantly (P<0.01) as the pregnancy advanced. While serum T4 levels were higher during the early stage of pregnancy, then it decreased significantly (P<0.01) during the late pregnancy in both ecotypes. Serum T3 level was significantly (P<0.001) higher in both ecotypes during early and mid-pregnancy, then declined to the lowest value during the late stage. The plasma glucose level was significantly (P<0.001) lower during mid and late pregnancy in both ecotypes. There was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in serum triglyceride level when pregnancy advanced in both ecotypes. Kabashi ecotype showed significantly higher serum triglyceride levels in the control group (P<0.001) during early pregnancy stage (P<0.01) and mid pregnancy stage (P<0.05) compared to the values of serum triglyceride levels in Hamari ecotypes. This study indicated that pregnancy altered thyroid status in both ecotypes, however, the influence of pregnancy on the thyroid status was less in the Hamary ecotype which supplemented by mineral and salt blocks. Therefore, supplementation with minerals during pregnancy might enhance the metabolic profile on the natural pasture grazing.