METABOLIC PROFILE OF SHEEP IN THE TRANSITION PERIOD AND ITS INFLUENCE ON NEONATE HEALTH.
blood biochemistry; lambs; passive immunity.
The intensification of sheep production, with a focus on increasing prolificacy, implies a greater incidence of metabolic disorders, especially in the transition period of the sows, which can lead to productive losses with consequences on the health of the animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate which biochemical markers in the pre-delivery of Lacaune ewes influenced their post-delivery, colostrum quality and lamb immunity. It was carried out on a school farm in the city of Bento Gonçalves - RS, from July to August 2019. 22 Lacaune ewes kept in a semi-extensive system receiving the same diet were used. On days - 19, -14, -7, -4 of the expected date of delivery and on days 1, 4, 7 and 14 days after delivery, blood samples, body condition score (ECC) and animal weighing were performed. . From the metabolic blood markers, the serum concentrations of albumin, beta hydroxy butyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), paraoxonase, calcium and magnesium will be evaluated in the sheep. In lambs, the serological parameters evaluated were total plasma proteins (PPT), paraoxonase, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT). Colostrum was collected up to 06 hours after delivery, to determine the brix® percentage. Blood collections from lambs were performed 48 hours after birth. The lambs' plasma was used to estimate the efficiency of colostrum and immunity by% brix and total plasma proteins (PPT). The use of Brix refractrometry proved to be an adequate analysis to estimate the concentration of total proteins present in the colostrum of sheep and in the plasma of lambs. After the serological analyzes, the statistical evaluation of the collected data will be made.