Selected biochemical serum parameters in ewes during pregnancy, post-parturition, lactation and dry period

Assessed were changes in selected biochemical parameters taking place during different stages of pregnancy, post-partum, lactation and dry period in ewes. The observations were conducted on 10clinically healthy Comisana ewes kept on one farm. Blood samples were withdrawn once before the morning feeding during dioestrus phase before pregnancy, and then on week 4, 11 and 18 of pregnancy, week 2 post-partum, week 5, 15 and 25 of lactation and finally once in a dry period (week 32). Blood serum total protein as well as serum albumin increased significantly during pregnancy compared to dioestrus phase. Compared to dioestrus, a significant increase during late gestation and a significant decrease during dry period was shown in blood urea. Total blood lipids showed a significant increase during pregnancy, post-partum and early lactation compared to dioestrus, while total cholesterol and triglycerides showed the opposite trend. The study showed marked changes in certain biochemical parameters of sheep blood serum during late pregnancy, post-partum, lactation and dry period.