Breed effect on serum lysozyme activity in indigenous breeds of Sheep

Serum lysozyme is widely known for its immuno-protective action. The level is an index of macrophage function and this reflects the status of Reticulo-endothelial (RE) system in the body. It is a ubiquitous bacteriolytic enzyme present in the body fluids and tissues. It acts as an important antimicrobial component in the serum and body fluids. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to detect the effect of breed on mean serum lysozyme activity. A total of 275 animals of same age, sex and season of birth belonging to three breeds of indigenous sheep viz. Chokla, Malpura, and Muzaffarnagri were included under the present investigation. The serum lysozyme level in Chokla, Malpura and Muzaffarnagri was determined by Lysoplate assay method. Least square analysis was done to study the association of breed as well as genotype with mean serum lysozyme activity. There was significant difference (Pd≤0.05) of serum lysozyme activity among the breeds. Among all the three breeds, Chokla showed highest mean serum lysozyme activity. The mean serum lysozyme activity for Chokla, Malpura and Muzaffarnagri breed of sheep was 3.13±0.13 μg/ml, 2.39±0.14 μg/ml and 2.51±0.18 μg/ml, respectively.