APPRAISAL OF ANTIOXIDATIVE STRATEGIES IN THE ERYTHROCYTES OF Marwari SHEEP DURING EXTREME AMBIENCES

The present investigation was carried out for appraisal of antioxidative strategies in the erythrocytes of Marwari sheep during moderate, hot and cold ambiences. Haemolysates were prepared to determine antioxidants. Antioxidants included vitamin A and vitamin C. Results revealed mean values of vitamin A and vitamin C in erythrocytes were significantly (p≤0.05) lower during hot and cold ambiences as compared to respective moderate mean value. The mean values were significantly (p≤0.05) higher in male animals in all the ambiences. Age effect showed a significant (p≤0.05) increase in the mean values of both indicators being highest in the sheep of 18-24 months of age. On the basis of pattern of observations obtained in the present study, it was appraised that definitive strategies are present in the animals and during adverse conditions modulations occur to combat the stress.