etabolic hypocalcemia is one of the most common metabolic disorders in ewes, occurring in late
pregnancy or early lactation due to high calcium demand
for lambs. Therefore, the present study aimed to
evaluate clinical, hematological, and biochemical alterations associated with metabolic disorders particularly
hypocalcemia in ewes. A total of 50 Baladi ewe were examined, including 30 suffered from hypocalcemia and 20
apparent healthy control. Based on clinical and physical examinations, hypocalcemic ewe exhibited anorexia,
depression, recumbency, tremors, lethargy, pale mucous membranes, significant reduction in body temperature
with significant increase in pulse rate and respiratory rate. Hemogram revealed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease
in Hb, PCV, and MCV, along with a significant increase in WBCs. Biochemically, there was a significant (P <
0.05) decline in Ca, P, Mg, glucose, vitamin D, and albumin, while parathyroid hormone (PTH), alanine
aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine
phosphokinase (CPK), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), cortisol, urea, and creatinine were significantly elevated
compared to control. In conclusion, hypocalcemia in sheep induces marked clinical, hematological, and
biochemical alterations and is closely associated with dysfunctions of vital internal organs including liver,
kidneys and heart. Therefore, implementing a well-structured feeding management program particularly minerals,
vitamin D and carbohydrate during the late pregnancy is crucial to avoid metabolic disorders affecting sheep
productivity hypocalcemia is one of the most common metabolic disorders in ewes, occurring in late
pregnancy or early lactation due to high calcium demand
for lambs. Therefore, the present study aimed to
evaluate clinical, hematological, and biochemical alterations associated with metabolic disorders particularly
hypocalcemia in ewes. A total of 50 Baladi ewe were examined, including 30 suffered from hypocalcemia and 20
apparent healthy control. Based on clinical and physical examinations, hypocalcemic ewe exhibited anorexia,
depression, recumbency, tremors, lethargy, pale mucous membranes, significant reduction in body temperature
with significant increase in pulse rate and respiratory rate. Hemogram revealed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease
in Hb, PCV, and MCV, along with a significant increase in WBCs. Biochemically, there was a significant (P <
0.05) decline in Ca, P, Mg, glucose, vitamin D, and albumin, while parathyroid hormone (PTH), alanine
aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine
phosphokinase (CPK), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), cortisol, urea, and creatinine were significantly elevated
compared to control. In conclusion, hypocalcemia in sheep induces marked clinical, hematological, and
biochemical alterations and is closely associated with dysfunctions of vital internal organs including liver,
kidneys and heart. Therefore, implementing a well-structured feeding management program particularly minerals,
vitamin D and carbohydrate during the late pregnancy is crucial to avoid metabolic disorders affecting sheep
productivity