Studying the Effects of Supplementing (Reashure) to Pregnant Sheep on Incidence of Ketosis and Health Status Pre and after Lambing

Osman A Hameed, Taj Elsir SA A

Abstract

Pregnancy toxemia is a metabolic disease of pregnant ewes which causes significant economic losses in the sheep industry due to maternal and fetal death. Early and accurate diagnosis of subclinical metabolic disorders, like pregnancy toxemia and ketosis, is important for the dairy sheep industry. The main objective of the present study is to increase understanding (awareness) about pregnancy toxemia in sheep. Specific objectives are: • To evaluate blood ketone and glucose levels asscreening testsforthe detection of pregnancy toxemia in sheep (ketosis) • To study the impact of feeding protected choline (ReaShure) on the incidence of pregnancy toxemia during pre and postpartum period BHB level and glucose level tests have recently become increasingly available and could be used as simple, rapid tests for both the diagnosis of sick sheep and the routine monitoring of herd group. Blood glucose measurement is not a precise and reliable index for evaluation of SCK in sheep. Feeding protected choline (ReaShure) to sheep during pregnancy reduces incidence of pregnancy toxemia (ketosis), abortion and animals were healthier