Blood Metabolic Profile and Hemogram across Lactation in an Extensively Managed Flock of Dalmatian Pramenka Ewes: Influence of Stage of Lactation and Litter Size

Background/Objectives: Determination of blood metabolic profile and hemogram are particularly valuable in animals kept in extensive and semi-intensive farming systems, as within those systems, it is not possible to properly monitor animals. This research investigated changes in the hemogram indicators and blood metabolic profile of Dalmatian Pramenka ewes by comparing different lactation stage and litter size. Methods: This study investigated changes in the hemogram indicators and blood metabolic profile of 33 Dalmatian Pramenka ewes during lactation as influenced by the lactation stage (taken on the 40th, 70th and 100th day of lactation) and the litter size (1 or 2 lambs in litter). Referring to the litter size, 11 ewes had twins, and 22 ewes had one lamb in litter. Results: This study confirmed the significant influence of stage of lactation on the blood metabolic profile (minerals: Ca, P-inorganic, Mg, Fe, metabolites: urea, glucose, triglycerides, ALB, GLOB and A/G ratio, and ALT enzyme) and most of the hemogram indicators (RBC and WBC content of HGB and HCT and portion of monocytes) in the blood of lactating ewes. The influence of litter size on the hemogram and blood metabolic profile was insignificant, yet its only statistically significant effect was determined for urea concentrations in the blood of ewes. Conclusions: When planning quality monitoring procedures of a herd, a blood metabolic profile and hemogram of the animals should be implemented as routine herd-monitoring tools for indigenous sheep breeds raised under extensive production systems.