Hepatic Ultrasonography and Biochemical Alterations in Barki sheep under negative energy balance

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As little is known about the ultrasonographic features of pregnancy toxemia in sheep. The present study was designed to evaluate the significance of ultrasound as well as markers of negative energy balance for the diagnosis of pregnancy toxemia in Barki sheep. A total of seven apparently healthy Barki sheep, in late stage of pregnancy, were subjected to daily clinical examination. Of all ewes, six animals completed the study. The selected ewes were exposed to feed-restriction for five consecutive days to induce a state of negative energy balance. Serum and urine samples were collected on the day before feed-restriction (day 0) and then daily for the next five days. The collected serum samples were analyzed for glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, beta-hydroxyl butyrate (BHBA), Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), insulin and leptin. Urine samples were also tested for the presence of ketone bodies using reagent strips. In parallel, 5-MHz linear and convex transducer was used to examine the liver and associated structures at different time points of the study. All ewes showed no detectable clinical findings throughout the study period. Biochemical analyses showed significant decrease in serum values of glucose and cholesterol with a significant increase (p˂0.05) in values of triglyceride, BHBA, NEFA and insulin, while values of leptin showed no significant difference. Ketone bodies were also negative in the urine of all examined animals throughout study period. Ultrasonographic findings showed a significant increase (P˂ 0.05) in the mean liver size at the 3rd day of feed-restriction and onward as compared with day 0, while the highest value was at the 5th day of feed-restriction. However, the other ultrasonographic liver measurements did not show any significant variations. The diameter of portal vein and caudal vena cava were significantly decreased (P˂ 0.05) at the 3rd day of feed-restriction and ongoing as compared with day 0. There were also a focal hyper echogenic areas in the liver parenchyma observed at the 5thday of feed-restriction .It can be concluded that ultrasonography as well as metabolic profile could be used as an adjunctive tool for the diagnosis of negative energybalance in Barki sheep.

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