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Hematobiochemical Profile of Pregnant and Experimentally Pregnancy toxemic goats

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Abdelghany Hefnawy at Faculty of veterinary medicine Benha University - Egypt
Abdelghany Hefnawy
  • Faculty of veterinary medicine Benha University - Egypt
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Abstract

Hyperketonemia and hypoglycemia are more common obvious biochemical features of pregnancy toxemia as well as liver and kidney may be involved in the pathogenesis of toxemia. Fifteen pregnant goats with twins (3-4 years, 20-27 kg body weight and 120-130 days of gestation) were classified into two groups, control one consists of six goats and experimental group consists of nine goats for induction of pregnancy toxemia by the stress of fasting with access of water until the symptoms of pregnancy toxemia were appeared within 72 hours. Serum samples were obtained and analyzed for β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, AST, ALT, total lipids, cholesterol, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium using kits, while insulin, cortisol, T3, T4, growth hormone were measured by radioimmunoassay. Hematological profile was investigated on whole blood samples. β-hydroxybutyrate, AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, cortisol and insulin hormones were significantly higher in toxemic goats than those of control ones while glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, T4, total protein, globulin, albumin, cholesterol and total lipids values were significantly lower in toxemic goats than those of control ones while, there were no significant changes in phosphorous, T3 and growth hormone. A significant increase in leucocytes, hemoglobin, packed cell volume and neutrophils and a significant decrease in lymphocytes were observed in pregnancy toxemic goats than those of control ones. Clinical chemistry of pregnancy toxemia can affect hormonal, electrolytes and mineral balance as well as immune and hematological picture in goats.
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J. Basic. Appl. Chem., 1(8)65-69, 2011
© 2011, TextRoad Publication
ISSN 2090-424X
Journal of Basic and
Applied Chemistry
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*Corresponding Author
:
Saad Shousha Ph.D., Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, 13736
Moshtohor, Egypt.
E
-
mail:physiology2009@yahoo.com
Hematobiochemical Profile of Pregnant and Experimentally Pregnancy
Toxemic Goats
Abd Elghany Hefnawy 1, Saad Shousha 2, *, Seham Youssef 3
1 Department of Internal Medicine, 2 Department of Physiology, 3 Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, 13736 Moshtohor, Egypt.
ABSTRACT
Hyperketonemia and hypoglycemia are more common obvious biochemical features of pregnancy
toxemia as well as liver and kidney may be involved in the pathogenesis of toxemia. Fifteen pregnant
goats with twins (3-4 years, 20-27 kg body weight and 120-130 days of gestation) were classified into
two groups, control one consists of six goats and experimental group consists of nine goats for
induction of pregnancy toxemia by the stress of fasting with access of water until the symptoms of
pregnancy toxemia were appeared within 72 hours. Serum samples were obtained and analyzed for β-
hydroxybutyrate, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, AST, ALT, total lipids,
cholesterol, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium using kits, while insulin, cortisol,
T3, T4, growth hormone were measured by radioimmunoassay. Hematological profile was investigated
on whole blood samples. β-hydroxybutyrate, AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, cortisol and insulin hormones
were significantly higher in toxemic goats than those of control ones while glucose, sodium, potassium,
calcium, magnesium, T4, total protein, globulin, albumin, cholesterol and total lipids values were
significantly lower in toxemic goats than those of control ones while, there were no significant changes
in phosphorous, T3 and growth hormone. A significant increase in leucocytes, hemoglobin, packed cell
volume and neutrophils and a significant decrease in lymphocytes were observed in pregnancy toxemic
goats than those of control ones. Clinical chemistry of pregnancy toxemia can affect hormonal,
electrolytes and mineral balance as well as immune and hematological picture in goats.
KEY WORDS: Goat, pregnancy, toxemia.
INTRODUCTION
Pregnancy toxemia (gestational ketosis) caused by negative energy balance in late gestation is commonly
observed in ewes and goats [1-4], because during pregnancy, fetuses have a large glucose demand that is satisfied by
the mother. If the fetal demand and the mother supply become imbalanced due to fasting of the mother or the
increased nutritional demands of the rapidly developing fetal placental unit, females suffer from negative energy
balance and resulting in severe hypoglycemia [5, 6]. Ovine pregnancy toxemia frequently develops during the last 4
to 6 weeks of gestation, primarily in pregnancies with more than one fetus, about 60% of fetal growth takes place in
this last gestation period, and during this time approximately 33 to 36% of the circulating glucose is directed into the
fetoplacental unit to satisfy its energetic demands [7]. Hyperketonemia usually develops when, for yet, the capacity
of maternal endogenous glucose production can not cope with the increased demand of glucose, which is present in
the pregnant ewe.
Goats suffering from pregnancy toxemia become anorexic, depressed and recumbent and some affected
animals become constipated, grind their teeth, have acetone smell to their breath and suffering from dystocia.
Neurologic signs include blindness, circling, in-coordination, stargazing, tremors and convulsions. Death can
occurred if the case is left untreated [8]. Hyperketonemia and hypoglycemia are more common obvious biochemical
features. The main ketone bodies in the blood which are normally measured are acetoaectate and β-hydroxybutyrate.
Most of acetoacetate produced b y the liver is reduced to β-hydroxybutyrate by Hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase
enzyme accounting for the higher blood concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate [9].
In this study, hematological, clinical and biochemical parameters (among others, Hyperketonemia and
hypoglycemia) in pregnant and experimentally pregnancy toxemic goats were investigated and the endocrine
response to short fasting during late pregnancy in goats (changes in the insulin, cortisol, growth hormone, T4 and T3
blood concentration) had been studied as well as changes in electrolytes, some minerals, total lipids, cholesterol,
kidney and liver function tests in pregnancy toxemic goats were investigated.
65
Hefnawy et al., 2011
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Animal experiments: Fifteen pregnant goats with twins of 3-4 years old, 20-27 Kg body weight and 120-130-days
of gestation were selected after ultrasound examination and divided into two groups, control group consisted of 6
animals and experimentally pregnancy toxemic group consisted of 9 animals and used for induction of pregnancy
toxemia by short fasting with access to water until the symptoms of pregnancy toxemia appeared and the animals
were examined clinically every 12 hours (pulse, temperature, respiratory rate and ruminal movements). All
investigated animals were fed on 250 grams corn/ head / day, concentrates and barseem ad lib for two weeks before
the beginning of the experiment and NIH guidelines for the care and use of animals have been followed.
Blood sampling and parameters measured: Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at 72 hours from
the beginning of the induction of pregnancy toxemia where the clinical findings of pregnancy toxemia appeared.
Whole blood samples were taken for hematological investigation while serum samples were prepared and harvested
immediately and stored at +4°C (≤ 48h) until assay of β-hydroxybutyrate and glucose or at -20°C until analysis for
total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, AST, ALT, total lipids, cholesterol, total calcium, magnesium,
phosphorus, sodium and potassium using commercially available kits, while insulin, cortisol, T3, T4, and growth
hormone were measured by radioimmunoassay [10].
Statistical analysis: For presentation of results the means and their standard errors means (SEM) were calculated.
The results were subjected to Student’s t-test by using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software [11]. Results
were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05.
RESULTS
Induced pregnancy toxemic goats showed the clinical manifestations of caprine ketosis within 72 hours of
fasting in the form of anorexia, dullness, dyspnea, weakness, lateral recumbency, odor of acetone in the breath,
drowsiness, stiffness of the body and nervous signs.
In regard to the biochemical analysis, the values of β-HBA, AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, cortisol and insulin
hormones were significantly higher in induced pregnancy toxemic goats than those of control ones. The values of
glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, T4, total protein, globulin, albumin, cholesterol and total lipids
were significantly lower in induced pregnancy toxemic goats than those of control ones while, the values of
phosphorous, T3 and growth hormone were not significantly different between induced pregnancy toxemic goats
and control ones as shown in table (1).
Table (1): Biochemical parameters (Means ± SEM) in pregnancy toxemic and control goat (n=15) *p< 0.05,
**p < 0.01
Parameters Control Pregnancy toxemic goat s
-
Hydroxybutyrate (µmol/l)
326.57±29.77
744.38±24.97**
AST(u/l)
53±4.16
89±2.31**
ALT(u/l) 28.67±0.38 65.83±1.9**
Urea (mmol/l) 4.82±1.53 8.76±0.49**
Createnin (µmol/l) 110.5±5.30 211.28±12.37**
Cortisol (nmol/l) 488.34 ±77.25 1194.92 ± 121.94**
Insulin (pmol/l) 78.2 ± 1.45 118.41 ± 2.84*
Glucose (mmol/l) 2.9±0.14 1.34±0.04***
Sodium (mEq/l)
155.33±3
.48
120±2.97**
Potassium (mEq/l)
4.8±0.34
3.01±0.08*
Calcium (mmol/l) 2.47±0.21 1.63±0.08**
Magnesium (mmol/l) 1.36±0.08 0.74±0.06**
T4 (ng/ml) 11.25 ± 1.33 7.22 ± 0.94**
Total protein (g/l) 63.4±2 31.9±0.5**
Albumin(g/l) 37.6±2.2 16.2±1.4**
Globuli
n(g/l)
24.9±0.8
15.7±1**
Total lipids (mmol/l)
2.99 ± 0.28
1.78 ± 0.02**
Cholesterol (mmol/l) 16.9 ± 1.96 11.09 ± 0.45*
Phosphorous (mmol/l) 2±0.04 1.56±0.0 5 NS
T3 (nmol/l) 17.11 ± 5.01 12.22 ±1.54 NS
Growth hormone (Umol/l) 1.56 ± 0.19 1.68 ± 0.1 NS
66
J. Basic. Appl. Chem., 1(8)65-69, 2011
The values of total leucocytes, hemoglobin, packed cell volume and neutrophils were significantly higher
in the induced pregnancy toxemic goats than those of control ones and the value of lymphocytes was significantly
lower in the induced pregnancy toxemic goats than that of control ones as shown in Figure (1). However, there were
no significant changes in the other measured hematological parameters as shown in Figure (1).
Figure (1): Hematological parameters (Means ± SEM) of pregnant and pregnancy toxemic goats (n=15). *p < 0.05.
DISCUSSION
Pregnancy toxemia of goats appears to occur when the animal can not meet the glucose demands of the
fetal/placental unit and hypoglycemia and ketonemia develop, and diagnosis of caprine pregnancy toxemia is based
on the stage of gestation, physical signs, hematological and biochemical measures.
Elevation of β-hydroxybutyrate resulted in a significant drop of glucose turnover [12-14], and theoretically
the possible mechanism responsible for the hypoglycemic effects of high concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate is
reduction of food intake and glucose turnover [13], but insulin cannot be involved in this effect, but ketone bodies
have a weak stimulus for insulin secretion in ruminant [14]. In this study, significant increase of insulin
concentrations in the induced pregnancy toxemic goats may refer to the fact that insulin may have an inhibitory role
of ketogenesis [15]
A significant decreased plasma calcium concentration accompanied by an elevated concentration of ketone
bodies observed in sheep during late pregnancy in other studies [1] and this agreed with the results of this study.
During the last trimester of pregnancy, the growing fetus also retains an increasing amount of calcium for the
circulation, which is required for skeletal development [12] and ewes that carry twins are in even greater need of
calcium and are at the same time at a higher risk of developing pregnancy toxemia than ewes with only one
offspring. Ovine pregnancies with more than one fetus are in fact more often accompanied with hypocalcaemia and
pregnancy toxemia than those with one lamb.
The marked drop in serum total protein, globulin, albumin, cholesterol and total lipids with significant
increase in AST and ALT could throw some light on the hepatic origin of caprine pregnancy toxemia which may be
attributed to fat mobilization [16-18] that associated with inadequate dietary intake [17] or due to hepatic damage
[19-21] or hepatic lipidosis [3].
Urea and creatinine concentrations were significantly higher in pregnancy toxemic goats than those of control
ones and these may be considered as indicator to involvement of the kidney in the pathogenesis of caprine pregnancy
67
Hefnawy et al., 2011
toxemia and increased catabolism and this expectation agreed with previous studies [17, 18, 20, 22]. It is found that
there was significant negative correlation between blood glucose and urea concentration while the correlation between
β-hydroxybutyrate and urea concentration was significantly positive [23] and this supports the result of this study.
Significant decrease in the serum levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium as well as
significant increase in the packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin concentration in the pregnancy toxemic goats
indicated that there were disturbances in the electrolytes and some minerals which may be attributed to stress of
starvation, dehydration and involvement of the kidney in the pathogenesis of caprine pregnancy toxemia or also due
to enhanced lipolysis that can induce hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia [24, 25]. It found that hypokalemia and
hypocalcaemia that are associated with pregnancy toxemic ewes may be attributed to anorexia and metabolic
acidosis, respectively, which are often associated with pregnancy toxemia [2, 3, 21] or inadequate feed intake and
incomplete renotubular absorption of potassium [1].
Studies of the effects of ketosis on the bovine immune system, thus far, have concentrated on the role of
ketones. In vitro responses of lymphocytes from calves with experimentally induced ketonemia compared with
normal calves were suppressed [26] and this agreed with the results of this study where there was significant
decrease in lymphocytes in pregnancy toxemic goats than that of control ones. Many studies indicated that toxic and
subtoxic concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate inhibited bovine lymphocytic proliferation [27, 28]
and reduced bovine T-lymphocyte blastogenesis [29]. A direct effect of ketone bodies on specific defenses has
already been reported [29], and the functional activity of neutrophiles- polymorphonuclear leucocytes can also be
affected [27, 30, 31]. Also, it is showed that in vitro concentrations of bovine ketone bodies similar to those of mild
or sever ketosis decreased chemotaxis and uptake of latex particles in sheep neutrophiles and these support the
results of this study and indicated that pregnancy toxemia has immunosuppressive effect in goats [31, 15].
The significant decrease in T4 in pregnancy toxemic goats may be attributed to excessive secretion of
cortisol as there is a negative correlation between free T4 and cortisol as concluded in early study [32, 33]. The
response to fasting (negative energy balance) incorporates hormonal signals which initiate energy preservation.
Insulin, T4 and T3 are important hormones in the regulation of energy homeostasis. The decreases in T4 in
experimental pregnancy toxemic goats in the present study were similar to that recorded in ewes [4] and ferret [34]
with pregnancy toxemia.
In Conclusion, we can conclude that, kidney and liver are involved in the pathogenesis of caprine
pregnancy toxemia as well as pregnancy toxemia can affect the hormonal, electrolytes and minerals balance, as well
as hematological and immune status in goats.
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... Esse achado difere dos resultados de Hallford & Sanson (38) e dos de Vasava et al. (17) que não evidenciaram diferença significativa nas concentrações de P de ovelhas e cabras sadias em comparação com as acometidas por TP clínica. Diferem também dos encontrados por Hefnawy et al. (15) e dos de Souto et al. (16) que identificaram queda na concentração desse mineral em cabras acometidas clinicamente pela enfermidade. ...
... No entanto, com relação à forma clínica os valores foram inferiores e considerados como um bom parâmetro indicativo da doença. Da mesma maneira, Van Saun (39) e Hefnawy et al. (15) encontraram redução significativa de Na + em ovelhas e cabras com TP clínica. Lima et al. (49) também encontraram baixas concentrações deste elemento em cabras com a doença atribuindo a falha renal e desidratação, alterações estas não observadas em nosso estudo, provavelmente pela intervenção terapêutica nos animais com quadro clínico da TP. ...
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... The clinical signs found in the animals of the G3 group are compatible with the findings of Hefnawy et al. (15) , Souto et al. (16) , and Vasava et al (17) . The greater intensity of these symptoms may be related, among other factors, to the higher concentration of βHB during the gestation period in relation to lactation. ...
... This finding differs from the results of Hallford & Sanson (38) and de Vasava et al. (17) , who did not show a significant difference in the P concentrations of healthy ewes and goats compared to those with clinical PT. They also differ from the findings of Hefnawy et al. (15) and dos de Souto et al. (16) , who identified a drop in the concentration of this mineral in goats clinically affected by the disease. ...
... However, regarding the clinical form, the values were lower and considered a good parameter that is indicative of the disease. Likewise, Van Saun (39) and Hefnawy et al. (15) found a significant reduction in Na + in ewes and goats with clinical PT. Lima et al. (49) also found low concentrations of this element in goats with the disease, attributing it to renal failure and dehydration. ...
Protein, enzymatic and mineral indicators of clinical and subclinical pregnancy toxemia during the transitional period in dairy goats
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of clinical and subclinical pregnancy toxemia (PT) forms on the dynamics of blood metabolites, composing the protein, enzymatic and mineral profiles of dairy goats during the transitional period. 111 multiparous dairy goats were used in this research. The animals were raised under an intensive system. Experimental groups (n=3) were created using the βHB blood concentrations as a cut-off point. The G1 or control group (n = 40), G2 or subclinical PT group (n = 39) were established when least one of the experimental assessment times presented βHB values between 0.8 mmol/L and 1.6 mmol/L; whereas G3 or clinical PT group (n = 32), which at any of the experimental assessment times of βHB values were higher than 1.6 mmol / L when verified and also presented clinical signs of PT. The animals were evaluated on the 30th , 20th and 10th day ante-partum (dap), at parturition and on the 10th, 20th and 30th day postpartum (dpp). Total proteins (TP), albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Gamma glutamiltransferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), amylase, phosphorus, chloride and calcium, sodium and potassium ions were measured. The analysis of variance (F Test) was performed in order to investigate the effects and interactions between group and assessment times. Clinical and/or subclinical disease during the transitional period resulted in an increase of phosphorus and potassium concentrations (P<0.05), while a decrease in total protein, albumin, globulin, and ionized calcium values was observed (P<0.05). No statistical effect of PT on urea, creatinine, AST, GGT, CK, amylase and sodium was observed (P>0.05). Except the ionized calcium and phosphorus, the levels of all the metabolites were influenced (P<0.05) by late pregnancy, parturition and lactation. The occurrence of the subclinical form was higher than the clinical form during the transitional period. Among the all variables studied, mineral profile were those that suffered alteration resulting from PT, highlighting the ionized calcium. Attention is drawn to the magnitude of the impact of disease on these components interfering in animal health.
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... In addition, the elevation of this variable in G3 is corroborated by the findings of Hefnawy et al. (2011) and Souto et al. (2013), who found similar behavior in goats with clinical PT as a result of the increased release of this hormone by the adrenal gland. This may also be to the inability of the fatty liver cellsas in the case of PTto metabolize circulating cortisol. ...
... In addition, results of Macedo et al. (2015), who concluded that clinical PT in sheep causes marked changes in the metabolism of these hormones. According to Hefnawy et al. (2011), who also found a significant decrease in T4 in goats with clinical PT, this reduction is possibly related to an excessive secretion of cortisol, characterizing a negative correlation between these variables. ...
Influência da toxemia da prenhez clínica e subclinica sobre o perfil energético e hormonal de cabras leiteiras durante o período de transição
Article
Full-text available
  • Jun 2023
O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência da toxemia da prenhez (TP) clínica e subclínica sobre os metabólitos sanguíneos de cabras leiteiras no período periparto. 111 cabras multíparas foram distribuídas em três grupos com base nas concentrações sanguíneas de ácido β-hidroxibutírico e sintomas clínicos de TP: o grupo controle (n=40, βHB ≤ 0,8 mmol/L), o grupo subclínico (n= 39, βHB entre 0,8 e 1,6 mmol/L) e o grupo clínico (n=32, βHB ≥ 1,6 mmol/L). As avaliações foram realizadas nos dias -30, -20, -10, 0, +10, +20 e +30 em relação ao parto. A concentração de βHB, ácidos graxos não esterificados, glicose, frutosamina, colesterol, triglicerídeos, insulina, cortisol, T3 livre e T4 livre foram medidos. ANOVA foi realizada para investigar efeitos e interações entre grupos e tempos de teste usando o SAS. Observou-se maior incidência de TP clínica no final da gestação, enquanto a TP subclínica foi mais frequente no início da lactação. A TP clínica e subclínica durante o período de transição resultou em aumento de βHB, NEFA e cortisol (P<0,05). Por outro lado, houve diminuição de frutosamina, triglicerídeos e insulina (P<0,05). A ocorrência de TP subclínica foi maior do que a forma clínica durante o periparto. O βHB validou a possibilidade de detectar cabras com alto risco de desenvolver TP aproximadamente três semanas antes do parto. As TP clínicas e subclínicas resultaram em alterações marcantes nas concentrações séricas de βHB, NEFA, insulina e cortisol, que são potenciais biomarcadores de TP.
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... Pregnancy toxaemia normally occur in the last trimester (last 6 to 4 weeks) of gestation in goat and sheep as a result of negative energy balance consequent to enhanced requirement for glucose by the developing foetuses (Schlumbohm and Harmeyer, 2008) [15] . Risk factors include multiple fetuses, poor quality of ingested energy, decreased dietary energy level, genetic factors, obesity, lack of good body condition, high parasitic load, stress factors and multiple pregnancies (Hefnawy et al., 2011) [9] . The disease is characterized by hypoglycaemia, low concentrations of hepatic glycogen, increased fat catabolism leading to high plasma concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), high concentrations of ketone bodies (hyperketonaemia) and high mortality rate (Van Saun, 2000) [16] . ...
... Pregnancy toxaemia normally occur in the last trimester (last 6 to 4 weeks) of gestation in goat and sheep as a result of negative energy balance consequent to enhanced requirement for glucose by the developing foetuses (Schlumbohm and Harmeyer, 2008) [15] . Risk factors include multiple fetuses, poor quality of ingested energy, decreased dietary energy level, genetic factors, obesity, lack of good body condition, high parasitic load, stress factors and multiple pregnancies (Hefnawy et al., 2011) [9] . The disease is characterized by hypoglycaemia, low concentrations of hepatic glycogen, increased fat catabolism leading to high plasma concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), high concentrations of ketone bodies (hyperketonaemia) and high mortality rate (Van Saun, 2000) [16] . ...
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... They are most commonly associated with highly dairy-productive animals (LK) and twinning gestations (a synonym for PT is "twinning disease") [21,22]. Multiparous (2nd or greater pregnancy) and oldest females with body condition scores ≤2 (thin status) or ≥4 (obesity; scale 0 to 5) are considered more susceptible [13,[23][24][25]. Proliferous breeds, e.g., Merino sheep and Boer goats, are prone to develop PT. ...
Metabolic Periparturient Diseases in Small Ruminants: An Update
Article
Full-text available
  • Nov 2024
Metabolic diseases are significant diseases that affect the welfare, health, and production of small ruminant flocks raised for dairy and meat purposes. In breeding females, they mainly occur from six to eight weeks before and after parturition, respectively. Pregnancy toxemia and lactational ketosis are manifestations of hyperketonemia, primarily due to energetic deficit. Hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia are related to the metabolic unavailability of calcium and magnesium, respectively. This review aimed to identify and discuss the current and most relevant aspects related to individual and herd health management of these interrelated metabolic diseases with impact on the sheep and goats’ farm sustainability. These diseases are primarily due to nutritional deficits, but homeostatic and homeorhetic disruptions are responsible for clinical signs and forms. Currently, their clinical diagnosis and monitoring are mainly assessed by biochemistry of body fluids and feed bromatological evaluation. Epidemiological studies and measuring risk factors also contribute to their prevention. Nevertheless, research on specific biomarkers and composite indices related to these diseases, in the context of herd health management and precision medicine, are new pathways driven to suitable and efficient animal production.
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... Hypophosphatemia in early lactation may be due to hyperparathyroidism increasing urinary phosphorus loss to compensate for hypocalcemia, and increased phosphorus demands for milk production [34]. Hypomagnesemia is linked to enhanced lipolysis in PT [40]. Hypokalemia and hyponatremia were observed, likely due to reduced feed intake, dehydration, urinary losses from ketoacidosis, and impaired renal reabsorption [34]. ...
Risk factors and metabolic indicators associated with the percentage frequency of subclinical ketosis on Ouled Djellal ewes in eastern highlands of Algeria
Article
Full-text available
  • Sep 2024
  • REV CIENT-FAC CIEN V
This study investigated the frequency, risk factors, and metabolic indicators for detecting subclinical ketosis (SCK) in Ouled Djellal ewes. Out of 54 enrolled ewes, those with BHB ≥ 0.86 mmol·L-1 without clinical signs formed the SCK group, while ewes with BHB < 0.86 mmol·L-1 were healthy controls, either in late pregnancy or early lactation. The SCK frequency was higher in early lactation (37%). Increased risk was associated with twin-bearing (OR=4.96, 95%CI=1.967-12.503, P=0.001) and thin ewes with BCS < 2.5 (OR=2.74, 95%CI=0.71-10.73, P=0.003). SCK ewes had significantly lower glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, Ca, Mg, Na, and K levels, but higher AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, LDH, and CK levels. The best diagnostic indicators were Ca (AUC 94.4%, cutoff < 81 g·L-1 , SE 77.46%, SP 100%), AST (AUC 84.4%, cutoff > 94.19 U·L-1 , SE 74.65%, SP 83.78%), and K (AUC 79.3%, cutoff 4.1 mmol·L-1 , SE 71.83%, SP 75.68%). Monitoring BHB and BCS, especially in twin-bearing ewes during the transition period, is recommended for ketosis prevention. Further large-scale validation of these metabolic indicators as SCK predictors in Ouled Djellal ewes is warranted.
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... Table 3 depicts the serum concentration of hormones viz., T3 (nmol/L), T4 (nmol/L) and Cortisol (ng/mL) in the experimental groups. T3 and T4 were important hormones in regulating energy balance (Hefnawy et al., 2011). Environmental temperature was the main external regulator of the thyroid gland activity (Dickson, 1993). ...
Exploring Thermoregulatory Responses and Hormonal Changes in Heat Stressed Assam Hill Goats
Article
  • Jan 2024
Background: Livestock productivity and health are adversely affected by heat stress (HS). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of HS on the thermoregulation and hormonal profile in Assam Hill Goats reared in the subtropical hilly regions of Meghalaya so as to arrive at a conclusion on its heat adaptation abilities. Methods: An experiment was conducted during the year 2022 for 120 days with twelve (12) Assam Hill Goats, aged between 3-5 months, randomly divided into 2 groups (n=6 per group). The goats in group I were exposed to HS through natural exposure to sunlight during the extreme summer months (May to August) for 07 hours (8 AM to 3 PM) during grazing. The control animals (CON, group II) were maintained under shade with no exposure to sunlight. Thermoregulatory responses viz., rectal temperature, respiratory rate and pulse rate and body weight data were recorded every 15 days interval of the sampling period. The hormonal profile viz., serum T3 (nmol/L), T4 (nmol/L) and Cortisol (ng/mL) were also determined. Result: Results revealed a significant (p less than 0.05) increase in rectal temperature, pulse rate (day 45 onwards to day 120) and respiratory rate in HS group in comparison to CON. A significantly (p less than 0.05) lower average daily gain was recorded in HS group. Serum T3 and T4 concentrations were significantly (p less than 0.05) reduced and cortisol concentration was significantly (p less than 0.05) elevated in HS group in comparison to CON. In conclusion, Assam Hill Goats exposed to environmental HS shows elevated thermoregulatory responses, decreased thyroid hormone activity and increased cortisol activity to reduce production to support life sustaining activities in the hilly regions.
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... The disease is the result of inappropriate metabolism of carbohydrates and fats followed by the development of a negative energy balance (NEB) and low levels of glucose in the blood. Predisposing factors for the occurence of the disease are also number of lactations, breed, feeding, the number of fetuses, other diseases (such as lameness or dental disease, that limit food intake), etc. (Hefnawy et al., 2011). Under these conditions, ewes do not meet the nutritional needs of developing fetuses, mobilize more body fat, with resultant ketone body production and hepatic lipidosis (Schlumbohm and Harmeyer, 2008). ...
PATHOHISTOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN LACАUNE EWES WITH KETOSIS
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2023
The aim of the present study was to establish the pathohistological and biochemical changes in ewes from the Laucane breed with ketosis. Blood samples were obtained from 106 dairy ewes for determination of β-hydroxybutyrate (ВНВА), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose (Gl), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and total bilirubin (Tb). The ewes were divided in three groups: pregnant, recently lambed and lactating. Target ewes were classified as healthy (C), affected with subclinical ketosis (SCK) and with clinical ketosis (CK) depending on their blood BHBA levels. The quantities of NEFA in sheep with SCK were statistically significantly elevated, while in sheep with CK-decreased. The levels of glucose decreased, while the activities of ASAT, ALAT and Tb levels were increased in ewes with SCK and CK ketosis. Histological examination revealed cellular vacuolation in hepatocytes, karyolysis, karyorrhexis, necrotic changes and high-grade fatty dystrophy of the liver and kidneys in ewes with ketosis.
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Metabolic and endocrine characteristics of pregnancy toxemia in the ferret
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2009
Metabolic and endocrine characteristics of pregnancy toxemia are well documented in small ruminants, but less known in other species. The objective of this study was to measure plasma levels of certain metabolites and metabolic hormones related to the energetic status in blood from sick and healthy, non-pregnant (control) ferrets. Blood was collected from moribund, hypothermic, late pregnant females suffering from pregnancy toxemia (n = 4) and from healthy female ferrets (n = 14) to measure glucose, ketone (βOH-butyrate, BHB), insulin, thyroxine (T 4) and 3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T 3) concentrations. In contrast to healthy animals, hypoglycemia, hyperketonemia, hypoinsulinemia and decreased T 4 and T 3 levels were detected in females with pregnancy toxemia and necropsy showed excessive hepatic lipidosis. In summary, it can be concluded that pregnancy toxemia caused by a negative energy balance in ferrets resembles the late-gestational hyperketonemia of twin-pregnant ewes, and moreover that similar endocrine changes may occur.
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Sheep and Goat Medicine
Book
  • Jan 2012
Authoritative yet easy to read, Sheep and Goat Medicine, 2nd Edition covers all the latest advances in sheep and goat medicine, including medical treatment, surgery, theriogenology, and nutrition. Full-color photographs and clear instructions provide the answers you need, guiding you through common procedures and techniques such as restraint for examination, administration of drugs, blood collection, and grooming; these descriptions are often accompanied by explanatory diagrams and charts. With diseases, surgeries, and treatments organized by body system, information is always easy to find. New to this edition are chapters on parasite control, nutritional requirements, and performing a necropsy. Developed by Dr. D.G. Pugh, a world-renowned expert on the medical care of sheep and goats, this reference is unmatched for its comprehensive coverage of herd health, physical examination, anesthesia, and multisystem diseases. Clear writing style makes the book useful and easy to understand, even for sheep and/or goat owners who are not veterinarians. Both surgery and medicine are covered in each body systems chapter, so it's easier to choose between treatment options for specific disorders. Superbly illustrated surgical procedures clearly demonstrate the steps to follow in performing surgical procedures. An explanation of the differences in normal behavior between sheep and goats shows how they are not the same, and require different methods of treatment. A consistent, logical format in each body systems chapter makes information easy to find by beginning with physical examination and diagnostic procedures, followed by discussions of common diseases that involve the system. Consistent headings include pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. A comprehensive nutrition chapter covers diet evaluation, method of balancing rations, total parenteral nutrition, and examples of nutritious diets. Practical formulas are included for making sodium sulfite for testing passive transfer, and Sheather's solution for fecal flotation. Useful appendixes summarize essential information on drugs and drug dosages, fluid therapy, and normal values and conversions. A diverse, authoritative panel of contributors provides current information on the care of valuable breeding stock as well as pets. Full-color photographs and graphics accurately depict conditions and procedures. New Fluid Therapy and Nutritional Support chapter covers emergency and critical care essential to the care of sheep and goats. New Gastrointestinal Parasitism chapter covers treatments for parasites, key to the successful management of all flocks. New Necropsy chapter helps you prevent disease outbreaks in a flock by determining the cause of death.
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Biochemical and therapeutic studies on pregnancy toxaemia in ewes
Article
  • Sep 1996
  • Indian Vet J
Decreased blood glucose levels were noticed in pregnancy toxaemic ewes and blood glucose levels returned to normal levels in treated ewes which was found statistically significant. Decreased blood urea nitrogen recorded in treated ewes was statistically significant. Increased serum AST and ALT levels observed in pregnancy toxaemic ewes and decreased levels in post therapy was found highly significant. Rintose @ 200 ml i.v. per day for 3 days proved to be superior over oral glucose therapy in the treatment of pregnancy toxaemic ewes.
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Partition of maternal glucose production between conceptus and maternal tissues in sheep
Article
  • Jan 1983
Experiments were conducted in late-gestation, conscious, pregnant ewes to measure maternal glucose production and the net glucose uptake by the uterus, fetus, uteroplacenta, and nonuterine maternal tissues. Glucose concentration in the ewes varied naturally or decreased in response to fasting. Normoglycemic ewes (63.8 ± 8.7 mg/dl) had a glucose production rate of 178.7 ± 44.5 mg/min compared with a rate of 76.9 ± 20.6 mg/min for hypoglycemic ewes (34.7 ± 7.4 mg/dl). Uterine glucose uptake (56.5 ± 16.8 mg/min), fetal glucose uptake (15.7 ± 5.2 mg/min), uteroplacental glucose uptake (40.8 ± 13.4 mg/min), and nonuterine maternal glucose uptake (122.2 ± 27.7 mg/min) in the normoglycemic ewes were significantly greater than in the hypoglycemic ewes (28.7 ± 5.4, 7.5 ± 4.4, 21.2 ± 6.6, and 48.2 ± 15.2 mg/min, respectively). The fractional distribution of maternally produced glucose among nonuterine maternal tissues, the fetus, and the uteroplacenta was not altered markedly by hypoglycemia despite a 57% reduction in maternal glucose production.
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Caprine ketosis pregnancy toxaemia in does.
Conference Paper
  • Jan 1995
Caprine ketosis pregnancy toxaemia in does.
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Correlations among serum glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate and urea concentrations in non-pregnant ewes
Article
  • Mar 2005
  • SMALL RUMINANT RES
An observational investigation was designed to find out the correlations among serum glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and urea concentrations in 26 non-pregnant ewe flocks and probable flock differences among parameters under study. A 501 blood samples were collected from Jugular vein. The average number of 19 apparently healthy ewes was selected from each flock. Glucose, BHBA and urea concentrations were assessed by spectrophotometer methods using commercial kits (Runbut, Zeist Chimi and Pars Azmon), respectively. The SPSS statistical program and case summarize, one way, factorial ANOVA and correlation tests were used where appropriate to analyze the data. Mean ± S.E.M. for serum glucose, BHBA and urea concentrations were 46.89 ± 0.77mg/dl, 0.673 ± 0.03 and 4.87 ± 0.05mmol/l, respectively. Mean comparison of glucose, BHBA and urea concentrations among flocks showed significant differences for glucose (F = 37.4, P < 0.001), BHBA (F = 15.5, P < 0.001) and urea (F = 3.2, P < 0.01) concentrations among flocks. The results of factorial ANOVA among glucose, BHBA and urea concentrations showed that BHBA and urea had significant effects (P < 0.001) on the glucose concentration of non-pregnant ewes. Spearman correlation tests of the results between glucose, BHBA and urea concentrations showed a negative correlation between glucose and urea concentrations (r = −0.32, P < 0.01) and positive correlation between BHBA and urea concentrations (r = 0.11, P < 0.05) while no correlation was observed between BHBA and glucose concentration. Thus, it is concluded that serum glucose, BHBA and urea concentrations at their normal range varied among flocks and the differences between them were significant. The presence of significant correlations among serum parameters in non-pregnant ewes could be useful to compare with values in late pregnant ewes in order to study pregnancy toxemia.
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