Serum Biochemistry and Haematology of Iranian Red Sheep (Ovis orientalis gmelini) in Sorkhabad Protected Area, Zanjan, Iran: Comparison with Age and Sex

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive studies in blood values t have been somewhat reported in wildlife animals but this study is the first one in Iranian red sheep. OBJECTIVES: The present study was aimed to reveal alterations of some biochemical and hematological parameters in Iranian red sheep (Ovis. Orientalis gmelini) in the Zanjan province (Sorkhabad protected  area), Iran. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from 52 clinically and para-clinically healthy Iranian red sheep with different age (under 2 years, 31 sheep and over 2 years, 21 sheep) and sex (37 male and 15 female). Thereafter, some hematological parameters such as RBC, PCV, Hb, MCH, MCV, MCHC, WBC, Differen- tial leukocyte count along with biochemical parameters (T3, T4, glucose, total protein, albumin, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglyceride, creatinine, urea, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, CK) were analyzed. RESULTS: The results indicated significant alterations (p<0.01) of T3, T4, phosphorous, magnesium, GGT and ALP in both sex and age groups, significant alterations in glucose and creatinine only in sex group and significant changes based on age in cholesterol, HDL and LDL. No significant changes were observed in the other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: In Iranian red sheep, some parameters of serum biochemistry indicate significant chang- es based on gender and age that should be considered in laboratory tests of animal health. Meanwhile, fur- ther research should be performed in this regard.