Effect of sheep’s genotype and grazing site on haematological and redox status indicators

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of sheep's genotype and grazing site on their hematological and redox status indicators. The experiment was carried out on sheep of the Swiniarka and Uhruska breeds grazed in naturally valuable areas (xerothermic grasslands) and kept in a sheepfold. Several blood indices were determined by ABACUS Junior Vet, including the numbers of leukocytes, thrombocytes and erythrocytes, hemoglobin and procalcitonin concentrations, hematocrit, the mean red cell volume and the average hemoglobin concentration in red blood cells, the percentages of lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes, the degree of erythrocyte anisocytosis and the degree of variation in platelet volume. The concentrations of lipid peroxides and malonic dialdehyde, the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase and total antioxidant potential were determined by spectrophotometric methods. The study showed that Swiniarka sheep had a greater antioxidant potential and higher white blood cell counts than Uhrusian sheep. It was found that sheep's grazing place had a significant influence on the antioxidant status and hematological indicators of their blood. An improvement in antioxidant potential and hematological blood parameters was achieved in sheep grazed in naturally valuable areas, that is, in the Stawska Gora nature reserve and on xerothermic grasslands in Grodek and Katy, compared to sheep fed in a sheepfold.