Erythrocyte potassium, sodium and glutathione concentrations and their relationship with reproduction, body weight and fleece weight traits in Awassi sheep

Abstract

Relationship between erythrocyte potassium (K-c), erythrocyte sodium (Na-c) and blood glutathione (GSH) concentrations and production/reproduction traits were investigated in Awassi sheep. Thirty healthy sheep subjected to analyze for phenotypic and gene Frequencies of K-c, Na-c and GSH concentrations. Correlation between these parameters and production/reproduction traits such as greasy fleece weight, milk production, birth rate. single and twin birth late and body weight were calcualated. A positive correlation was found between birth rate and mean K-c concentration (r = 0.481, P<0.008) and Na-c concentration (1-0.454. P<0.013). Another correlation between GSH concentration and greasy fleece weight (r=-0.368, P<0.049) and milk production (r=0.379, P<0.050) parameters axis also evidenced. These suggest that K-c, Na-c and GSH concentrations may be included in the metabolic profile testing parameters.