Vol. 12, Special Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
Mehak Nisar, Shafayat Ahmad Beigh, Muzaffar Shaheen, Abdul Qayoom Mir, Mohammad Iqbal Yatoo, Shoaib Kamil and Mudasir Andrabi

Abstract:
The influence of ewe parity on maternal and lamb health has long been recognized in the domain of animal and veterinary sciences. Understanding the intricate interplay between these factors, which directly or indirectly impact maternal and offspring well-being, is imperative for optimizing the health of both the mother and the offspring. In this context a study was designed that aimed to investigate the variations in hematological parameters among lambs born to ewes of different parities. Twelve healthy pregnant ewes were selected and categorized into two groups based on parity: Primiparous (PP) and Multiparous (MP). Subsequently, hematological parameters of the lambs born to these ewes were analyzed at various time points, on Day 0 (birth), 7, 14, 28, 60, and 90 post-birth. The parameters under investigation included Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC), Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC), Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC), Absolute Monocyte Count (AMC), Total Leukocyte Count (TLC), Total Erythrocytic Count (TEC), and Hemoglobin (Hb). Significant disparities in the absolute counts of lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils were observed between the two parity groups (p-value < 0.05), with higher levels noted in the primiparous group lambs. Additionally, a significant time * group interaction was identified for all these absolute counts (p-value < 0.05). Notably, Total Leukocyte Count (TLC) exhibited a significant difference between the two groups (p-value < 0.05), with markedly higher levels in the primiparous group lambs. A significant time * group interaction was evident for TLC in both groups (p< 0.05). Conversely, Absolute Monocyte Count (AMC), Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC) and Hemoglobin levels (Hb) displayed no significant differences between the two groups (p-value > 0.05), and no time * group interaction was observed. These findings underscore the hematological distinctions resulting from variations in maternal parity, shedding light on the intricate dynamics influencing the health of lambs born to primiparous ewes.