Assessement of plasma total protein and protein fractions during peripartum period in ewes

The aim of this study was to determine the blood protein changes during different physiological stages and to compare with pregnancy and dairy period in ewes. A total of 120 blood samples were taken from thirty Ouled Djellal ewes (the native sheep breed in Algeria) at the beginning of pregnancy (on 30 days), at the late of pregnancy (on 120 days) and on days 7 and 30 postpartum. The mean concentrations of total proteins, albumin, globulins (in gram per litre) and urea (in mmol/l were measured. A significant decrease (p<0.05) in total protein, urea, and albumin levels occurred at the 120th day of pregnancy compared to the beginning of pregnancy. While, globulins concentrations were higher (p<0.05) on late pregnancy. It was concluded that blood protein levels declined during late gestation when the nutrient demands of the fetus were maximal. Moreover, the results of the study showed a significant increase (p<0.01) in albumin concentrations during the post partum period. There were however, during this period a significant reduction (p<0.01) in the plasma concentrations of globulins.