COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE GESTATION AND LACTATION PERIODS IN EWES, IN TERMS OF VARIATIONS OF THE MAIN METABOLIC PARAMETERS.

This research aims to highlight the differences between the metabolic status in gestation and lactation in ewes, translated by a series of variations of the haematological parameters. A number of 25 representative blood parameters was determined in the 90th day of gestation and 40th day of lactation. We observed similarities in these parameters’ variations in both periods, but also some discrepancies - more pronounced variations in the lactation period. Regarding the biochemical profile, almost all parameters decreased in lactation; Triglycerides, Cholesterol, Albumin decreased significantly (p<0.05). On the contrary, the Urea increased significantly (p<0.05). As concerning the enzymatic activity, it was increased in both periods, but more pronounced in lactation; GGT and AST increased significantly (p<0.05). The calcium decreased significantly (p<0.05) in lactation, while the other electrolytic parameters did not show significant variations. The RBC and Hb decreased non-significantly (p>0.05), whereas Ht decreased significantly (p<0.05) in lactation. Overall, the parameters maintained the same trend in both periods, but more important variations were observed in the lactation period, indicating that, compared to gestation, lactation represents a more demanding period in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]