European journal of molecular biology and biochemistry

INTENSIFICATION IN DECCANI SHEEP: HAEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL INFLUENCES

N. Venkata Raju, P.K. Pankaj*, D.B.V. Ramana and V. Kavitha

dr.prabhatkumarpankaj@gmail.com

Small ruminants, System of rearing, intensive, Extensive, Mineral, Blood biomolecules.

Present investigation has been carried out on eighteen growing lambs (Deccani breed) with an average body weight of 12 to 16 Kg at Livestock Farm, Hayathnagar Research Farm (1727N latitude and 7835E longitude and about 515 m above sea level), ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR-CRIDA) to investigate the impact of an extensive to intensive production system on blood bio-molecules in Deccani sheep. The animals were divided randomly into three groups (three males and females in each) taking into consideration the group averages of body weights in all 3 groups were as uniform as possible as extensive (without stall supplements), semi-intensive (restricted concentrate offering in stall) and intensive (stall feeding). Animals under experiment were observed regularly for body weight. Blood samples were taken from all animals in early morning. Hematological analysis in terms of red blood cell count (RBC) and white blood cell count (WBC) was performed within 1-2 hours after collection using haemocytometer. Serum was obtained by allowing the blood to clot in room temperature for 2 hours, centrifuged, and collected in a special eppendorf tubes. Serum samples were stored at -20°C until used. Serum was analyzed for total serum protein, albumin, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, uric acid and urea. Animals kept under intensive system (9.12%) of rearing could achieve superior body weight as compared to extensive (3.87%) and semi-intensive system (6.25%) of rearing. In all production systems, blood haematological and bio-molecular parameters were within the range of physiological limits. The animals kept under intensive system were having higher increase in RBC count, cholesterol and creatinine level with less increase in urea and uric acid levels, thus found to be superior to semi-intensive and extensive system of rearing, where glucose and protein level has increased but urea and uric acid level was severely increased. Thus, it can be suggested that intensive system of rearing is better than other systems in terms of RBC count and blood metabolites.