Effect of Age and Physiological Status on Some Serum Energy Metabolites and Progesterone in Ouled Djellal Breed Ewes in Algeria

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of age
and physiological status on progesterone and energy metabolism of
Ouled Djellal (O.D) breed ewes. 40 healthy ewes were divided into
two groups, primiparous and multiparous, with 20 ewes in each
group. The body weights (BW) (Kg) were 46.6 ± 4.20 and 59.2 ±
3.02, and consuming less 25 to 30% of their basal energetic
requirements. The values of serum glucose, triglycerides and
cholesterol were lower in pregnant than in non-pregnant ewes. The
high to very high significant differences were found during the 15th
week of pregnancy for glycaemia and triglyceridemia respectively.
Concerning serum progesterone, a very highly significant difference
(p<0.001) was noted in the pregnant group, and the values were
higher in MP than in PP. After lambing, the triglyceridemia values
were slightly lower in primiparous than in multiparous pregnant
ewes. In order to prevent imbalance during critical periods of
reproduction, we can use the serum metabolic profile.





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