Changes in Selected Blood Minerals, Vitamins and Thyroid Hormones in Barky Ewes during Late Pregnancy, Post-Partum and Early Lactation

Abstract

The trial was carried out to investigate changes in the concentrations of selected blood minerals, vitamins and thyroid hormones in Barky ewes during late pregnancy, post-partum and early lactation under stable diet indoor condition. The experiment was carried out on 10 clinically healthy Barky ewes fed on ration composed of concentrate mixture and roughages according to their nutrient requirements during late pregnancy, post-partum and early lactation. Jugular blood samples were withdrawn from all ewes during the last 4 weeks of gestation, 2nd week post-partum and 4th week of lactation. The plasma concentrations of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), vitamin A, vitamin E, β-carotenes were performed. In addition, serum levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) were determined. Results showed that significant fluctuations (p<0.05) in the plasma levels of Zn, Se, vitamin A, vitamin E and β-carotene and serum T3 and T4 were occurred during late pregnancy, post-partum and early lactation. In conclusion, blood minerals, vitamins and thyroid hormones’ profiles can be used to predict pre-partum and post-partum problems associated with mal-nutrition

Keywords

• Barky ewes, blood minerals, vitamins, T3, T4, feeding