Effect of mating season and stage of Pregnancy on plasma aldosterone and some major elements in barki ewes [electronic resource].

Includes reference.

Plasma aldosterone, potassium (K), sodium (Na) and calcium (Ca) were determined during stages of pregnancy in thirty Barki sheep, divided into two equal groups according to mating season ( i.e. summer versus winter ). Aldesterone was elevated from day of mating to days 75 of gestation, thereafter it steadily increased (P<0.01) until 135 days of gestation. Level of potassium exhibited a slight increase in summer than that in winter on day 15 and day 90 of gestation. However, it remained almost similar for both groups till the 60 days of gestation, slightly increased on day 75 then progressively declined till lambing. The changes between the two season groups were slight and not significant. Mating season had nosignificant effect on sodium value. Plasma sodium level was not changed from mating until day 75 of pregnancy, then the concentration of sodium was decreased up to the day of parturition. A remarkable decline in plasma calcium level was noticed from mating to late of pregnancy in the two experimental groups. The reduction in plasma concentrations of Na, K and Ca during pregnancy stress, which may be a mechanism to reduce the loss in K during pregnancy may be associated with bone formation ofthe fetus.

Summary in arabic.

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