Metabolic adaptation after experimental clinical pregnancy toxemia in ewes

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of induction of clinical ketosis or pregnancy toxemia (PT) and subsequent effects on serum biochemical factors. Seven native pregnant ewes aged 3–4 years, 45–50 kg weight with BCS of 3.5–4 on a 0–5 scale were selected. The pregnancy of ewes was confirmed by ultrasound examination. Blood samples were harvested from the jugular vein before and after the induction of PT by food deprivation. Serum β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), Nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), BUN, glucose, calcium, total protein, and cortisol concentrations were measured. Serum BHBA, NEFA, BUN, and cortisol concentrations after induction of PT were significantly higher (P < 0.01), and calcium showed significantly lower concentrations (P < 0.01) but glucose and total protein measures did not show significant changes (P > 0.01).
Source: Comparative Clinical Pathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research