LEVELS OF CERTAIN BLOOD NUTRIENTS IN GRAZING NONPREGNANT, PREGNANT AND LACTATING MARWARI EWES

Blood serum levels of inorganic phosphorus, calcium, copper, sodium, p otassium, urea nitrogen, total protein and blood glucose were measured in 16 month old Marvari ewes bred during autumn (September) or spring (March) and maintained exclusively on grazing. Serum phosphorus level was significantly decreased and calcium level increased during lactat ion as compared to pregnancy in March-bred ewes. In September-bred ewe s, although the calcium level increased, the phosphorus level did not decrease during lactation. Sodium level decreased during pregnancy of ewes bred in March. Blood glucose level decreased during advanced preg nancy in both the seasons. Serum protein level decreased only in Septe mber-bred ewes. Blood urea nitrogen values were significantly lower in November, February and March (8 to 13 mg/100 ml) as compared to May, August and September (21 to 28 mg/100 ml) in both mated and non-mated ewes. The low level of urea nitrogen could be indicative of low protei n status of the ewes, during the lean period.