Blood biochemical profile as an objective measure of welfare in Lacaune sheep

Ivelina Nedeva, Todor Slavov, Veselin Radev, Dimitar Panayotov and Ivan Varlyakov

Abstract: Blood serum biochemical parameters of 32 Lacaune sheep divided into two groups by productivity (high- and low-producing) were studied. The surveys were conducted in three different seasons (summer, autumn and winter). An increase (p < 0.001) in blood serum urea was found during the summer compared to winter in both study groups. The total cholesterol in both study groups increased (p < 0.05) in the autumn compared to the summer. During the autumn, triglycerides increased (p < 0.01-p < 0.001) in low- and high-producing Lacaune sheep. A decrease (p < 0.001) in the level of AST was found in summer and autumn compared to winter in both studied groups of sheep. GGT levels decreased (p < 0.01) during the summer season in low-yielding sheep compared to the winter. In high- producing Lacaune sheep, the blood serum ALP decreased (p < 0.01) during the summer compared to the other two seasons. The total protein in the blood serum was not affected by the season in both groups of sheep. The studied blood serum biochemical parameters in Lacaune sheep were an objective factor for their welfare.

Keywords: blood serum enzymes; season; sheep; total cholesterol; urea; welfare

Date published: 2022-03-11