Physiological and biochemical responses of West African dwarf sheep to partial feed restriction

摘要: An experiment was conducted determine the effects of partial feed restriction on body physiology and blood biochemistry West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep. Adult ewes (18) were randomly assigned to undergo 3 levels (4,8 12 days, from 0600-1200 hr ) with remaining divided into pre-restriction (control) post-restriction (recovery) animals. Blood samples (40ml) collected each animal at 0800 every 4 days for 16 days. Over pulse rate increased significantly in restricted sheep 90.33 beats/min 116.0 beats/min, but returned near control values (71.0 beats/min) by beginning (day16) period thereafter, not different 65.68 beats/min. Mean respiration decreased 45.0 breathdinin a nlininlum 19.0 breathslniitl during first ofpartial 42.06 beaths/min period. Rectal temperature did vary over entire experiniental There statistically significant increases sedimenation differential white cells (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes lymphocytes) counts, decreases haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, oxygen content, plasma protein, osmolarity, Ca, K, CI values. no change Mg, pH, PCO2, HCO3 ,, except PO2, which constantly time. The results this study suggested that has good capacity withstand prolonged (12 days) restriction, most likely because large reserve hematopoeotic spleen, coupled animals effective use its physiological mechanisms stress adaptation.