CLINICAL CHEMICAL VALUES AND VARIATIONS IN RASA-ARAGONESA EWES AND LAMBS

Reference values of biochemical parameters in serum of Rasa Aragonesa ewes and their physiological variations were determined. Total protein s were 53.0-80.0 g/l, glucose 2.17-5.13 mmol/l, cholesterol 0.83-2.31 mmol/l, total bilirubin 1.85-6.49 mumol/l, urea 3.15-10.39 mmol/l, GGT 36-93 U/l (37-degrees-C), ALAT 11-33 U/l (37-degrees-C) and ASAT 71-2 09 U/l (37-degrees-C). Ewes were divided into three groups: A, 1 - and 2-year-old ewes; B, ewes 3 and 4 years old; C, older ewes. Age had si gnificant influence (P < 0.05) on ASAT only during pregnancy, with hig her levels for younger ewes. Blood parameters in lambs were determined at 5-10 d of life (nursing), 25 to 30 d of life receiving their mothe r's milk and 80-90 g of feed; and 45 to 50 d of life, weaned, receivin g only solid feed. Serum urea and ALAT tended to increase with age, wh ereas total protein, globulins. cholesterol and GGT decreased with age . These values are of practical importance in the diagnosis of disease s and metabolic disorders in Rasa Aragonesa ewes and lambs under field conditions.