Pregnancy-Related Changes of the Blood Biochemical Profile in Ouled Djellal Ewe’s Breed Under Semi-Arid Conditions (Algeria)

In mammals, the pregnant female carries many physiological and anatomical changes. Biochemical profiles are very important tools for monitoring gestation progress. This study was designed to investigate pregnancy-related changes of blood metabolites in Ouled Djellal ewes under semi-arid conditions. Blood samples were collected from ten non pregnant multiparous ewes 4 weeks before conception and 4, 12 and 18 weeks of pregnancy age. The pattern of changes of some biochemical parameters were studied. Cholesterol level showed no significant changes during pregnancy, while triglyceride, AST and Ca decreased up to the 12th week of pregnancy, whereas the total protein, albumin, and creatinine increased toward the 12th week of pregnancy. Urea reached maximum levels at the end of the pregnancy, contrary to ALT that was significantly decreased. Glucose concentration showed a continual decrease varying from 2.08 ± 0.78 g.l⁻¹ at the first month of pregnancy to 0.35 ± 0.36 g.l⁻¹ at the 18th week of pregnancy. On the other hand, pregnancy establishment increased significantly the glucose, triglyceride, albumin, and urea, but it decreased significantly the cholesterol and creatinine levels. No differences were observed between pregnant and non-pregnant ewe for the rest of the parameters. These results demonstrated a clear evidence of pregnancy-related distribution of blood biochemical indices of Ouled Djellal ewe under semi-arid conditions. Some substrates and enzymes were mainly higher during the first half of pregnancy (triglyceride, AST and Ca), and some others increased from the mild pregnancy period (total protein, albumin and creatinine), while urea and ALT changes were observed at late pregnancy. The energetic demand increased with advancing pregnancy.