Effect of Cold and Nutritional Stress on Blood Metabolites of Corriedale Sheep in Jammu and Kashmir

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of cold and nutritional stress on the blood metabolic profile of Corriedale sheep. Ten animals were randomly selected from each of four different age and sex groups of Corriedale sheep. Blood samples were collected from these animals at monthly intervals during autumn (September to November) and winter (December to February) seasons. Serum glucose concentration increased during autumn and thereafter decline was observed in winter. Serum total protein level showed decline from autumn to winter with autumn levels being significantly (P<0.05) higher than winter levels except for adult males. Serum albumin levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in autumn than winter in different groups while serum globulin and urea did not show a definite trend. Serum cholesterol levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in autumn than winter while no such trend was observed in serum triglyceride. In general serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in autumn than winter while serum alkaline phosphatase showed no specific pattern. It was concluded that cold stress induced by a harsh winter besides poor availability of quality feeds and fodders reduces the performance of sheep which is reflected in changes in most of their blood metabolic characters.