engleski

Blood metabolic profile of the Dubrovnik sheep - Croatian endangered breed

The Dubrovnik sheep is the most endangered Croatian indigenous sheep breed. The aim of the paper was to determine the blood metabolic profile and which blood metabolites can be used in nutritional status assessment of the Dubrovnik sheep. The investigation was conducted with 10 sheep of the Dubrovnik sheep breed at the average age of 3 years, during summer feeding season. The sheep were fed pasture and meadow hay. In the blood of the Dubrovnik sheep were determined the higher concentrations of sodium and chloride (175.40 and 128.60 mmol/l), and biochemical indicators (cholesterol – 2.34 mmol/l ; triglycerides – 0.42 mmol/l ; total proteins – 79.70 g/l and albumins – 32.40 g/l), as well as lower concentrations of inorganic phosphorus and iron (1.31 mmol/l and 23.52 μmol/l) in comparison with the physiological values. Activities of enzymes and thyroid hormones in the blood of sheep ranged within physiological limits. Determined levels of most minerals (except inorganic phosphorus and iron) and biochemical indicators showed to an adequate supply of sheep with minerals, protein and energy and the possibility of lack of water during hot summer months. Blood metabolic profile is suggested to use as a reliable criterion in sheep nutritional status assessment.

Dubrovnik sheep ; nutritional status ; blood metabolites

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