Oviductal and uterine fluid analytes as biomarkers of metabolic stress in ewes (Ovis aries)

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the oviductal and uterine fluid concentrations of metabolites in normal and metabolic stressed ewes. The study used reproductive tracts collected from mature normal (control group) and metabolically stressed (post parturient and high protein diet) Bellary ewes (Ovis aries) after slaughter. The oviductal and uterine fluids collected were analyzed for metabolites which included glucose, triglycerides cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), -hydroxybutyrate (-OHB), ammonia, urea, creatinine, uric acid and total protein. Significant changes were observed in the levels of glucose, total NEFA, -OHB, ammonia and urea in ewes under stress. -OHB, NEFA,total protein were significantly higher (P < 0.05)in oviductal fluid while -OHB and NEFA were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in uterine fluid of metabolically stressed (post parturient) ewes compared to that of normal ewes. Total NEFA and -OHB levels increased (P < 0.05) in post parturient stress while ammonia and urea levels increased in oviduct and uterine fluids following a high protein diet. The content of -OHB, total NEFA, ammonia, urea and glucose in oviduct and uterine fluids may be considered as possible biomarkers for metabolically stressed ewes. Our result may provide some basic information regarding the composition of uterine and oviduct fluid in control group and in ewes with metabolic stress.