BLOOD METABOLIC PROFILE OF THE DUBROVNIK
SHEEP
– CROATIAN ENDANGERED BREED –
Zvonko Antunović1, Ivica Marić2,
Zdenko Steiner1, Mensur Vegara3, Josip Novoselec1
1Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek, Trg sv.
Trojstva 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
2Croatian Livestock Cеnter, M.
Marojevića 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
3University of Life Science, Department of International
Environment and Development Studies,
P.P. Box 5003, N-1432 As, Norway
zantunovic@pfos.hr
The Dubrovnik sheep is
the most endangered Croatian indigenous sheep breed. The aim of the paper
was to determine the blood metabolic profile and which blood metabolites
can be used in nutritional status assessment of the Dubrovnik sheep. The investigation was
conducted with 10 sheep of the Dubrovnik
sheep breed at the average age of 3 years, during summer feeding season.
The sheep were fed pasture and meadow hay. In the blood of the Dubrovnik
sheep were determined the higher concentrations of sodium and chloride
(175.40 and 128.60 mmol/l), and biochemical indicators (cholesterol –
2.34 mmol/l; triglycerides – 0.42 mmol/l; total proteins – 79.70 g/l and
albumins – 32.40 g/l), as well as lower concentrations of inorganic
phosphorus and iron (1.31 mmol/l and 23.52 µmol/l) in comparison with the
physiological values. Activities of enzymes and thyroid hormones in the
blood of sheep ranged within physiological limits. Determined levels of
most minerals (except inorganic phosphorus and iron) and biochemical
indicators showed to an adequate supply of sheep with minerals, protein
and energy and the possibility of lack of water during hot summer months.
Blood metabolic profile is suggested to use as a reliable criterion in
sheep nutritional status assessment.
Key words: Dubrovnik sheep; nutritional
status; blood metabolites
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