Metabolic stress indicators in ewes (Ovis aries) under post-parturient and high protein diet conditions.

Abstract

Background and Objective: Metabolic stress negatively impairs animal health and production. Investigating the changes in the behavioural and hemato-biochemical profile of metabolic stressed animals could serve as clinical markers of metabolic stress. Identification of such indicators could lead to the improvement of treatment success in metabolic disorders. The present study aimed to investigate the indicators of metabolic stress under post-parturient and high protein diet conditions in ewes via changes in behavioural, haematological, serum metabolites, urinary metabolites, serum and urine cortisol, metabolic hormones and electrolyte and enzymatic parameters. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty female cycling ewes of 2.5-3 years of age were selected and assigned to three groups, group-I: Control (n = 40), group-IIa: Post-parturient (n = 40) and group-IIb: High protein diet (n = 40). Whole blood was collected and used for haematological assay. Serum was used for estimation of biochemical, enzymatic, hormonal and electrolyte analysis. Results: Higher concentrations of Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), $-hydroxybutyric acid($-OHB), cortisol and calcium in the serum of post-parturient ewes (group-IIa) compared to high protein diet (group-IIb) and control ewes (group-I). Changes in concentrations of biochemical parameters (glucose, cholesterol, total NEFA, $-OHB, T3, T4, insulin growth factor-1 (IGF1) insulin, calcium, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase and lactic dehydrogenase) indicated an energy insufficiency of ewes in metabolic stressed ewes (Group-II). Increase of White Blood Cells (WBC) count, hemoglobin and haematocrit values and behavioural changes were also observed in post-parturient ewes (group-IIa). Conclusion: Metabolic stress has a significant influence on serum levels of glucose, urea, ammonia and $-OHB, stress related hormones, calcium, magnesium, Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH).