Selected Biochemical Indices in Sheep during Pregnancy and after Parturition

The aim of the study was to establish differences in energetic, protein, and enzymatic profiles in ewes bearing single or twin lambs. Blood samples were collected from 40 ewes of improved Wallachian breed at the beginning of pregnancy, one month before parturition, shortly after parturition, and one month after parturition. Significantly (P<0.01) lower glucose levels (2.13 vs. 2.59 mmol.l) in the group with twins one month after the parturition was found. In all the sampling intervals, in both groups hypoglycaemia was found. In group of ewes with single foetus, significantly (P<0.01) lower levels of ß-hydroxybutyrate were recorded one month before parturition compared with the group with twins (0.39 vs. 0.48 mmol). At the 1 and 2 samplings, in the group with single foetus significantly lower serum levels of creatinine (106.53 vs. 117.73 μmol.l; 110.59 vs. 134.83 μmol.l) also were noted. In both groups, increased activities of LDH (1 and 2 samplings) and CPK (2 and 3 samplings) were recorded. Other indices investigated did not show any significant changes or differences.