Abstract:

The objective of this study is to investigate postpartum profiles of biochemical blood constituents and body weight changes in Ouled Djellal ewes (n=10), during four weeks following parturition. Fundamental indices of the protein and energy metabolism, levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, chloride, sodium were determined. These biochemical indices were evaluated at one week intervals for four week period. Body weight measurements were taken at lambing, at the second and at the fourth week postpartum. Serum glucose, triglyceride, creatinine, Alanine aminotransferase (AST), Aspartate aminotransferase (ALT), calcium levels and body weight were found to vary significantly during postpartum. However, serum cholesterol, urea, albumin, total protein, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, chloride, sodium levels did not vary significantly during the experiment period. In conclusion, during the first month of postpartum ewe in semi-arid area, there are significant changes in certain blood biochemical indices and body weight, which are attributed to increase metabolic activities due to lactation.