Comparison of circulating metabolic and hepatic indices between fat-tailed and semi-fat-tailed ewes in different pre and post-partum periods

Abstract

SEBdAni: Comparison of circulating metabolic and hepatic indices between fattailed and semi-fat-tailed ewes in different pre and post-partum periods. Vet. arhiv 89, 43-53, 2019. ABSTrACT Tail fat is present in some breeds of sheep and they use this fat according to their energy requirements. We hypothesized that this fat deposition may interfere with the metabolism of ewes during pregnancy and lactogenesis. Hence, the present study was carried out to clarify the probable effect of tail fat on metabolic and hepatic biomarkers during different pre-and post-partum periods of fat-tailed in comparison with semifat-tailed ewes. Adult Mehraban (n = 10) and Chios (n = 10) ewes were selected and blood sampling was performed from all ewes at 2 and 4 months after mating, and 1, 2 and 3 months after parturition. Serum concentrations of glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, gamma glutamyl transferase, beta-hydroxy acid, non-esterified fatty acids, triglyceride, cholesterol, high, low and very low density lipoproteins, total, direct and indirect bilirubin were assayed in all specimens. Glucose in Chios ewes was significantly higher than in Mehraban at all the times studied. The circulating levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, gamma glutamyl transferase, triglyceride, cholesterol, high, low and very low density lipoproteins, beta-hydroxy acid and non-esterified fatty acids were significantly higher in Mehraban ewes than in the Chios breed at different pre-and post parturient periods. The results of the current research revealed that metabolic and hepatic biomarkers alter during the pregnancy and lactation periods in sheep, which reflects the energy demands and metabolic alterations during these periods. Furthermore, it may be stated that the presence of tail fat in Mehraban ewes may alter the metabolic and hepatic functions in this breed. Tail fat may interfere with lipid metabolism and hepatic function during peri-parturient periods and it may be suggested that semi-fat-tailed breeds, such as Chios, may have more intensive metabolic pathways due to lower body fat storages.

Hematological and Biochemical Blood Parameters during Pregnancy in Algerian Rembi Ewes

“…The significant (P <0.05) elevated levels of ALT and AST activities were observed in the last two months compared to other months in our results. These findings were similar to those of previous studies carried out on pregnant ewes and reflect the increase in ALT and AST activities during late pregnancy, which has been linked to the accumulation of triglycerides in the liver that contributes to its dysfunction [15,17,24]. According to Roy et al [25], the increase in ALT activity during the prepartum period can be due to the release of this enzyme from the placenta and uterus.…”

“…Analyses of GGT activity in this study showed a highly significant (P <0.05) increase in the second month of gestation compared to the other months. A number of studies have reported that the GGT activity in ewes increases significantly at the end of pregnancy following an increased hepatic metabolism and hepatic lesions that occur in ewes during this period [26,24].…”

The effect of twinship on selected hematological and biochemical parameters in late pregnant ewes

“…It has been reported that as pregnancy progresses in ewes, serum ALT and AST values increase (9,14). It has been suggested that the increase in these enzymes indicates an increase in liver metabolism and may have resulted from a decrease in dry matter intake in late pregnancy (9). Taghipour et al (43) depending on high corticosteroid levels during late pregnancy and delivery.…”