Metabolic profile of Santa Inês sheep in diferent stages of pregnancy reared in semi-intensive system in state of Amazonia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional metabolic condition of ewes at different stages of pregnancy. The analysis of the metabolic profile was through blood collection, using 30 sheep divided into three groups according to the stage of gestation (days): G1: between 50 and 60 days; G2: between 80 and 90 days, and G3: between 130 and 140 days. The analyzes of metabolites were performed by commercial kits. The concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin and urea did not differ, except for urea, which showed increased levels. The mean glucose remained below the normal minimum value. For cholesterol, the means were 89.86 mg / dL, 86.01 mg / dL and 92.23 mg / dL for G1, G2 and G3, respectively. The animals of G1 and G2 presented statistically similar means for triglycerides, differing from G3 animals. The β-hydroxybutyrate mean remained within the reference. Calcium levels were below the reference, showing the lowest level in G3 (8.86 mg/dL). Phosphorus levels decreased in G3. Any stage of pregnancy showed severe deficiencies in protein energy intake and diet, however requiring adequate calcium and phosphorus to the end of pregnancy.