Seasonal variations of some serum electrolyte concentrations in sheep and goats

Physiological, hematological, and biochemical responses in Hararghe-highland lamb subjected to water salinity levels of Lake Basaka in a semiarid area of Ethiopia

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of drinking salinity levels in Lake water on the growth performance, and physiological, and blood constituents of Hararghe-highland lambs. A total of 28 lambs (average IBW of 18 ± 1.18kg) were categorized into four levels of water salinity, namely freshwater (510 mg/l TDS), lake Basaka water (LBW; 2600mg TDS/L); lake Basaka water plus 100% TDS of LBW; 5200mg TDS/L) and lake Basaka water plus 200% TDS of LBW; 7900mg TDS/L). The current results suggest that increased total dissolved solid levels in lake water increase the water intake of lambs while not affecting IBW, FBW, AWG, and FCR. Additionally, drinking saline lake with increasing total dissolved solid levels increased rectal temperature and respiration rate and caused a significant (P < 0.05) change in the concentrations of glucose, albumin, urea, triglycerides, sodium, AST, and ALT. Some hematological variables and biochemical constituents like creatinine, total protein, cholesterol, chlorides, potassium, magnesium, and calcium showed no significant (P > 0.05) differences. In conclusion, Hararghe-highland lambs from Ethiopia could tolerate lake Basaka water with a high salt level (7952 mg/L TDS).

Biochemical and hormonal parameters of goats kept in a controlled environment consuming water with different levels of salinity

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the biochemical and hormonal variables of Moxotó and Canindé goats submitted to two temperatures - 26.0±0.6 (thermoneutral) and 32.0±1.2°C (above thermal comfort zone) - and consuming water with three levels of salinity (1.0, 6.0 and 12.0 dSm-1). Thirty-six animals (18 of each breed) were used, with an average age of 5.0±0.6months and an average weight of 20.0±2.3kg, housed in metabolic cages inside a climate chamber. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial scheme (2 breeds, 2 temperatures and 3 levels of salinity) and three replications. The glucose and urea had a significant effect (P>0.05) according to water salinity. Glucose, cholesterol, protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase and hormones (T4, T3 and cortisol) varied according to temperature (P<0.05). There was a significant effect of time on hormonal variables (P<0.05). Biochemical and hormonal variables changed according to temperature and day shift, so that metabolism was reduced in the animals under thermal stress and accelerated when animals were in the thermal comfort zone.

Effect of Season on Hematologic, Biochemical, and Hormonal Analytes in Rams of Two Breeds

Clinicopathological investigations are essential for the evaluation of the health status of ruminants. Apart from species-specific reference intervals, the effect of common biological factors should be considered for an accurate interpretation of laboratory data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of season on hematologic and biochemical analytes, and serum total thyroxine and cortisol in adult rams of two breeds. Four blood samples (one every season) were collected from each ram. Complete blood count was performed on the Advia 120 (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, USA), while the differential leukocyte count was manually conducted. Biochemical and hormonal analyses were performed on Flexor E (Vital Scientific, The Netherlands), AVL 9180 (Roche Diagnostics, Belgium), and Immulite 1000 (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, USA), respectively. Linear mixed effects models (R language) were employed for statistical analyses. Forty-three (26 Chios, 17 Florina), adult, clinically healthy rams were included. Statistically significant (p<0.05), mostly breed-independent seasonal differences were observed in almost all of the analytes. However, when assessing these differences in view of the respective reference intervals, only a few of them were considered biologically important. Specifically, mild hyperglycemia and mild decrease in the concentration of total calcium and inorganic phosphorus were detected in winter, while a mild increase in thyroxine concentration (autumn) and creatine kinase activity (spring and summer) was also noted. In conclusion, seasonal effects should be considered when evaluating laboratory results in rams; however, season does not appear to have an essential effect on the clinicopathological profile of rams reared in the Mediterranean region.

Variations in serum metabolites in response to season, cyclicity, and pregnancy in estrus-synchronized Damascus goats

The current study was carried out to determine the changes in serum electrolytes, liver enzymes, and hormones during breeding and non-breeding seasons in estrus-synchronized goats. Forty goats (n = 40) were synchronized by inserting the sponges intravaginally for 12 days; PMSG and PGF₂α were injected on day of sponge removal. Blood samples were collected from the goats at the time of sponges insertion (day -12), estrus day (day 0), and at 15 day after sponge withdrawal (day 15). The blood samples were analyzed for glucose, cholesterol (CHO), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄) and progesterone (P₄), calcium (Ca), phosphate (PO₄), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and chlorine (Cl) levels. Repeated measurements ANOVA of general linear model were used as statistical model. The results showed that seasons have an effect (p < 0.05) on glucose, Ca, Na, K, Cl, CHO, T₃, and T₄ levels. There was an effect (p < 0.05) of cyclicity only on P₄ level. Whereas, nonpregnant, or goats carrying singlet and twin fetuses have shown variation (p < 0.05) in glucose, Ca, and P₄ levels. Although, the correlations existed between different serum metabolites but strong correlations (p < 0.05) were observed either between Ca and Na or T₃ and T₄. In conclusion, the serum electrolytes and liver enzymes are correlated with hormones during the different seasons, pregnancy status, and fecundity. In recommendation, the results of the study could be as managemental tool to monitor the reproductive activity across seasons and to maintain pregnancy carrying twining in goat breeds.

Thermoregulatory response to outdoor heat stress of hair sheep females at different physiological state

Forty Dorper × Pelibuey sheep females were used to evaluate the effects of physiological state on physiological variables and serum concentrations of metabolites, thyroid hormones, and electrolytes under outdoor heat stress conditions. Females were selected as follows (n = 10 per group): weaning ewe lambs (WEL; 3 months old), replacement nulliparous ewes (RNE; 8 months old), non-pregnant and non-lactating multiparous ewes (NME; 3-4 years old) and lactating multiparous ewes (LME; 3-4 years old). While physiological variables were measured both morning and afternoon, blood samples were collected before feeding in the morning to determine all blood components. Three contrasts were constructed: (1) WEL vs. older ewes, (2) RNE vs. multiparous ewes, and (3) NME vs. LME. Compared with older ewes, WEL had higher (P < 0.01) rectal temperature (RT) and hair coat temperatures through the day, and also higher (P < 0.01) respiratory rate (RR) only in the afternoon. Serum levels of glucose and cholesterol were lower (P ≤ 0.02) in WEL than in older ewes. Nulliparous ewes compared with multiparous had always similar RT but higher (P ≤ 0.05) hair coat temperatures in most of the body regions by the morning and higher (P < 0.01) RR, without difference for hair coat temperatures in the afternoon. Only serum glucose (P = 0.07) and urea nitrogen (P < 0.01) levels were affected by parturition number, being lower in multiparous ewes. Regarding the effect of lactation, while RR was unaffected, afternoon RT and hair coat temperatures in most of the body regions through the day were higher (P ≤ 0.03) in lactating ewes. In addition, LME had lower (P < 0.01) serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, and urea nitrogen, but higher (P = 0.02) triiodothyronine levels than NME. In conclusion, ewe lambs and lactating ewes were less tolerant to heat stress, while nulliparous and multiparous ewes showed similar thermoregulatory ability.

Effect of altered ambient temperature through shelter modifications on physiological indicators of Malpura lambs reared in semi-arid region during winter

Microclimatic factors are of crucial aspect for the welfare of animals. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess the effect of altered ambient temperature through shelter modifications on physiological indicators of Malpura lambs reared in the semi-arid region during winter. Twenty-one Malpura lambs of 3-5 week age and average body weight 9.97 ± 0.51 kg were used in the present study. The lambs were divided into three groups (eg. G1, G2, and G3) and were kept in the different microenvironment by manipulation of shelter design. The G1 lambs were maintained at lower minimum temperature (8.59 ± 0.71 °C) in asbestos roofed shed, while G2 lambs were maintained at higher minimum temperature (14.59 ± 0.54 °C) in local handmade bamboo dome structure, and G3 lambs were kept at a medium minimum temperature (11.84 ± 0.64 °C) in thermocol insulated roofed shed from evening 18:30 h to morning 07:00 h. The study was carried out for one month between January and February. The parameters studied were physiological response (respiration rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature), skin temperature, blood metabolites and endocrine profile. The data were analyzed by general linear models. Higher average daily weight gain was recorded in the lambs kept in higher minimum temperature groups (20.54% higher in G2 and 24.68% higher in G3) as compared to G1 lambs. Microenvironment manipulation had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on most of the physiological response and skin temperature except morning respiration rate within low-temperature range. The present study reveals that Hb, PCV, T3, and cortisol level were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by microenvironment manipulation. The results of the study indicated that altered ambient temperature through altered shelter design of housing for raising of lambs in the semi-arid tropical region may support animal welfare during chilling nights of the winter.

Relationship between different livestock managements and stress response in dairy ewes

Abstract. The gradual diffusion of intensive and semi-intensive production systems, especially in dairy sheep breeds, has led to the growing concern of consumers about the life conditions of farmed animals. Space allowance and structures of sheep houses are described as the main potential sources of discomfort for housed flocks, together with inappropriate milking procedures and human–animal interactions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the structure relative to milking room could represent a stressor in Sarda dairy ewes. Animals were divided into two groups according to their farm of origin. Group A (n=40) was from a farm whose milking room was an old warehouse with a waiting area limited and located outdoors and at a different level with respect to the milking room. The passageway of the entrance in the milking room was narrow and perpendicular to the milking positioning so the animal must bend 90∘ to enter in the room. Group B (n=40) was from a farm whose milking room was wide and modern with a large waiting area located at the same level. From all animals blood samples were collected at T0 (2 h before milking procedure at 06:00), at T1 (immediately after the animals entered the milking room, about 08:00) and at T2 (after milking procedure). In addition plasma cortisol and glucose values were evaluated. Statistical analysis showed significant effect of milking room (P<0.001) and of sampling time (P<0.05) on cortisol and glucose levels. The results obtained in the present study suggest that, in addition to milking, the characteristics of the room where this procedure occurs represent stressful stimuli that could influence negatively the productivity and welfare of dairy ewes.

Effect of season on physiological, biochemical, hormonal, and oxidative stress parameters of indigenous sheep

Aim:

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of summer and winter season on physiological, biochemical, hormonal, and antioxidant parameters in Indigenous sheep.

Materials and Methods:

The research was carried out during summer and winter season. 8 adult apparently healthy female sheep (aged 2-4 years) of similar physiological status were selected. Daily ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded to calculate the temperature-humidity index (THI). The THI value of summer and winter season were 82.55 and 59.36, respectively, which indicate extreme hot condition during summer season and extreme cold condition during winter season. Physiological parameters were recorded daily during the experimental periods. Blood samples were collected at weekly interval and analyzed for biochemical, hormonal, and antioxidant parameters. The results were analyzed using completely randomized design.

Results:

From data obtained in this study, we found that higher THI during summer have significant effect over various physiological, biochemical, hormonal, and enzymatic indices of indigenous sheep. The physiological response such as rectal temperature, respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), and skin temperature (ST) was increased significantly. We also found a significant increase in some biochemical parameters such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, creatinine (Cr), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), sodium (Na), and potassium (K). The level of cortisol hormone and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and lipid peroxidase (LPO) antioxidants increased significantly during summer. Whereas, some parameters such as glucose, cholesterol, calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (IP), triiodothyronine (T₃), and thyroxine (T₄) were decreased significantly during summer season.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that the THI is a sensitive indicator of heat stress and is impacted by ambient temperature more than the relative humidity in Indigenous sheep. Higher THI is associated with significant increase in RT, RR, PR, ST, BUN, uric acid, Cr, ALT, AST, Na, K, cortisol, SOD, GPx, and LPO and with a significant decrease in glucose, cholesterol, Ca, IP, T₃ and T₄.

Some hematological and biochemical parameters of different goat breeds in Sultanate of Oman "A preliminary study"

Aim:

In Sultanate of Oman, goats are considered as one of the most important livestock in which there are many breeds of goat such as Batinah, Jabali, Dhofari, Jabal Al-Akhdar, Sahrawi, and Sahrawi Musandam. Little hematological and biochemical information is known on Omani goat breeds; therefore, the main purpose of this study was to determine reference baseline data regarding hematological and biochemical values of different Omani goat breeds.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 30 healthy animals of different Omani goat breeds (Jabali, Jabal Al-Akhdar, Sahrawi, and Sahrawi Musandam) were selected randomly from different areas in Sultanate of Oman. The blood samples were collected from the jugular vein into two tubes for blood hematology and biochemical analysis. Statistical analysis was applied by using GraphPad Prism 7 software to calculate the minimum and maximum values to determine the range, mean, standard deviation of the mean and the p value.

Results:

No statistically significant variation in most hematological and biochemical parameters was found among the Omani goat breeds. The results of blood hematology revealed that the mean white blood cells (14.6±3.32 ×10³/µL), and the percentage of neutrophils in Omani goats (60.87±8.46%) were higher than that in most goat breeds. Higher values of red blood cells (12.8±1.28 ×10⁶/µL), hemoglobin (10.4±1.92 g/dl), hematocrit (38.29±4.06%), and lower values of mean corpuscular HGB concentration (27.05±3.5 g/dl) were observed in Omani goat breeds comparing to that in the other goat breeds. Lower values of total bilirubin (0.22±0.03 mg/dl), blood urea nitrogen (14.62±2.66 mg/dl), and cholesterol (48.58±19.05 mg/dl) were found in Omani goat breeds when compared to that of the other goat breeds.

Conclusion:

The obtained results are considered as the first values to be published for the different Omani goat breeds. This study is considered as preliminary study which can be used as a reference for further studies to determine reference values for the studied breeds to aid the veterinarians in the interpretation of the laboratory data and for the selection of the appropriate treatment.

Analysis of the energetic metabolism in cyclic Bedouin goats (Capra hircus): Nychthemeral and seasonal variations of some haematochemical parameters in relation with body and ambient temperatures

Several studies have examined changes in some haematochemical parameters as a function of the different physiological status (cyclic, pregnant and lactating) of goats, but no relevant literature has exhaustively investigated these variations from anestrous to estrous stages in cyclic goats. In this paper, we report nychthemeral and seasonal variations in ambient and body temperatures, and in some haematochemical parameters (glycemia, cholesterolemia, triglyceridemia, creatininemia and uremia) measured during summer, winter and spring, in seven (7) experimental cyclic female Bedouin goats (Capra hircus) living in the Béni-Abbès region (Algerian Sahara desert). Cosinor rhythmometry procedure was used to determine the rhythmic parameters of ambient temperature and haematochemical parameters. To determine the effect of time of day on the rhythmicity of the studied parameters, as well as their seasonality, repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied. The results showed that in spite of the nychthemeral profile presented by the ambient temperature for each season, the body temperature remained in a narrow range, thus indicating a successful thermoregulation. The rhythmometry analysis showed a circadian rhythmicity of ambient temperature and haematochemical parameters with diurnal acrophases. A statistically significant effect of the time of day was shown on all studied haematochemical parameters, except on creatininemia. It was also found that only uremia, cholesterolemia and triglyceridemia followed the seasonal sexual activity of the studied ruminant. This study demonstrated the good physiological adaptation developed by this breed in response to the harsh climatic conditions of its natural environment.

Effects of seasonal ambient heat stress (spring vs. summer) on physiological and metabolic variables in hair sheep located in an arid region

Twenty Dorper × Pelibuey primiparous ewes were used to evaluate effects of seasonal ambient heat stress (i.e., spring vs. summer) on physiological and metabolic responses under production conditions in an arid region. Ten ewes experiencing summer heat stress (i.e., temperature = 34.8 ± 4.6 °C; THI = 81.6 ± 3.2 units) and 10 under spring thermoneutral conditions (temperature = 24.2 ± 5.4 °C; THI = 68.0 ± 4.8 units) were corralled together to measure rectal temperature, respiratory frequency, and skin temperatures at 0600, 1200, 1800, and 2400 h on four occasions over 40 days. Blood metabolite and electrolyte concentrations were also measured at 0600 and 1800 hours. Data were analyzed with a completely randomized design using repeated measurements in time. Rectal and skin temperatures, as well as respiratory frequency, were higher (P < 0.01) in summer than spring at all measured days. Blood serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and chlorine concentrations were lower (P < 0.01) in summer than spring at 0800 and 1800 hours. In contrast, summer heat stress increased (P < 0.01) blood urea and potassium concentrations at 0800 and 1800 hours. Compared with spring thermoneutral conditions, summer heat stress affected the physiological and metabolic status of hair breed ewes in an arid region, which included blood metabolite and electrolyte adjustments to efficiently cope with summer heat stress.

Age-related changes of serum mitochondrial uncoupling 1, rumen and rectal temperature in goats

Thermoregulatory processes are induced not only by exposure to cold or heat but also by a variety of physiological situations including age, fasting and food intake that result in changes in body temperature. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the differences in serum mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), rumen temperature (TRUMEN) and rectal temperature (TRECTAL) values between adult and kids goats. Ten adult male Maltese goats aged 3-5 years old (Group A) and 30 male kids, raised for meat, were enrolled in this study. The kids were equally divided into 3 groups according to their age: Group B included kids aged 3 months, Group C included kids aged 4 months and Group D included kids aged 5 months. Blood samples and measurements of TRUMEN and TRECTAL were obtained from each animal. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to evaluate the effect of age on the studied parameters. Statistically significant higher serum UCP1 levels (P<0.001) were found in Group A as compared to Groups B, C and D. Higher TRUMEN values (P<0.001) were found in Group A than in Groups B, C and D, and in Group B than in Groups C and D. Group A showed lower TRECTAL values (P<0.001) than Groups B, C and D. The Pearson's Correlation test was applied to assess significant relationship among studied parameters showing a statistically significant negative correlation between the values of TRECTAL and serum UCP1 in all studied Groups (P<0.001). These results indicate that goats have good control of body temperature suggesting that further details about the thermogenic capacity and the function of UCP1 in kids and adult goats are worth exploring.