Evaluation of Body Temperature, Respiration, Heart Rate and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Arabian Sheep

Abstract

Arabian sheep breeds play an important role in the livestock economy. These breeds are of great importance due to their adaptability to hot, dry climates, water and fodder shortages, and their ability to produce meat, milk, and wool. This study was conducted to determine the normal values of clinical and serum biochemical indices in Arabian sheep. For this purpose, 30 purebred Arabian sheep were selected from the Breeding Center of Ramin University in Khuzestan Province. The studied sheep were divided into three groups based on age: under one year (4 animals), one to two years (15 animals), and over two years (11 animals), all of which were non-pregnant. The health status of the sheep was confirmed based on history, clinical, ultrasonographic, and laboratory examinations. The results obtained in the present study showed that the heart rate (per minute) and body temperature of the sheep, regardless of age, were 79.03 ± 13.88 beats/min and 39.33 ± 0.53 °C, respectively. Also, in the present study, the values of BUN, creatinine, ALP, and AST were 26.06 ± 7.43, 1.28 ± 1.48, 365.27 ± 154.69, and 105.89 ± 24.34, respectively. Given that all the sheep studied were purebred Arabian sheep, the findings obtained in this study can be considered reference values for Arabian sheep and can be used as a basis for clinical evaluations and the assessment of pathological conditions. The results obtained in the present study showed that heart rate and some blood biochemical factors (blood glucose level) were lower than those reported in studies conducted by other researchers. Also, the BUN value obtained in the present study was higher than that reported in other studies. Considering the differences observed in some of the indicators obtained in the present study, as well as the importance and distribution of this breed in different regions and the significance of clinical and blood biochemical indicators, the availability of normal reference values for each region is of great importance.