Comparison of Energy Related Metabolites During Peri-Parturition Period in Single and Twin-Bearing Lori-Bakhtiari Ewes

Background: the lori-bakhtiari sheep breed is one of the most common native breed in the south-western parts of iran. the peri-parturition period (2 weeks before to, 2 weeks after parturition), is generally of critical importance regarding the health, production and profitability of the ewes. objectives: this study was carried out to compare the serum concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acid (nefa), β-hydroxybutyrate (bhba), cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen (bun) and calcium (ca) during peri-parturition period in 30 single and 30 twin-bearing lori-bakhtiari ewes. methods: all blood profiles were determined in healthy ewes on days 14, 7 prepartum, and days 7 and 14 postpartum. results: serum glucose levels were lower in twin-bearing ewes, compared to single-bearing ewes on prepartum and day 7 after lambing. serum nefa, bhba and cholesterol levels were higher in twin-bearing ewes compared to single-bearing ewes during the peri-parturition period. lower serum ca levels were recorded 7 days before and after parturition in twin-bearing ewes, compared to single-bearing ewes. conclusions: the results showed that nefa and bhba recorded significant (p<0.05) changes during the peri-parturition period in twin-bearing ewes. these significant differences could be related to increased metabolic demands of the fetuses in twin-bearing ewes.