The comparison of some biochemical parameters in hyperketonemic and normal ewes

The objective of this study is to assess and compare the alterations in some biochemical parameters in normal and ewes affected by subclinical pregnancy toxemia. Pregnancy toxemia in sheep and goats is a multifactor disorder of metabolism usually occurs in the last month of pregnancy. Hypoglycemia and hyperketonemia are the primary metabolic disturbances in pregnancy toxemia. Pregnant ewes in their last month of gestation were classified based on their BHBA levels in two groups of normoketonemic and hyperketonemic ewes. Serum concentrations of NEFA, BUN, ALT, AST, Cortisol, Calcium, Glucose, total Protein and Ceruloplasmin were determined and compared between these two groups. Serum levels of NEFA, Cortisol and Ceruloplasmin were significantly (p<0.05) higher in hyperketonemic ewes than normal ewes. Glucose and Calcium concentrations were significantly lower than normal ewes. Our results indicated that the hyperketonemic ewes are more likely to have hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia and hypercortisolemia compared to the normal ewes during the last month of pregnancy. Furthermore, it can be concluded that hyperketonemic ewes might have higher levels of serum Ceruloplasmin concentrations implicating the role and importance of stress in the pathophysiology of the condition