J. Bio. & Env. Sci

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of physiological stages and seasons on some blood markers of Ouled Djellal breed from semi-arid zone of east Algeria. The study was conducted on healthy ewes during winter and spring, divided into getationals and lactating females. The concentrations of plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea and creatinine were determined. The levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides have not showed any significant difference between gestationals and lactating females during winter as well as during spring. However, urea and creatinine levels showed significant differences between gestational and lactating females in spring. Concerning the seasons, results indicate higher concentrations of cholesterol and creatinine of gestational females as well as urea level of lactating ewes in spring compared to winter. To conclude, the physiological stages has influenced urea and creatinine concentration, while spring has increased cholesterol, creatinine and urea level. *Corresponding Author: Cherif Abdennour  cherifabdennour@yahoo.fr Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES) ISSN: 2220-6663 (Print) 2222-3045 (Online) Vol. 11, No. 6, p. 274-283, 2017 http://www.innspub.net J. Bio. & Env. Sci. 2017 275 | Soumaya et al. Introduction The sheep production system in Algeria is a fundamental element of the economy, particularly in the steppes and semi-arid high plains, where they are particularly adapted to the natural environment and to diversified pastoral resources (Kerboua et al., 2003). In fact, sheep meat is traditionally the most appreciated especially during the various festivals (Abdelguerfi and Ramdane, 2003), it represents 40% of the production of red meat (Itelv, 2000). Adem (1986) and Chellig (1992) reported that the sheep flock, the leading supplier of red meat in Algeria, is dominated by three main breeds; Ouled Djellal, El Hamra and Beni Ighil, which are well adapted to the factors of the environment. The Ouled Djellal is the largest breed in Algeria with about 63% of the total sheep population, distributed particularly in the East and in the center of the country. It is an excellent meat producer (Chellig, 1992), typical of the steppe and the high plains and the most adapted to the nomadism. Ouled Djellal is an entirely white race with fine tail, high waist, long legs and suitable for walking. It has a recognized production skill, where it promotes better nutrition with faster growth rates and higher weight gains. The energy requirements of animals vary with various factors such as age, sex, live weight, body condition, physiological status, environmental conditions, physical activity and genetic characteristics. (Caldeira et al., 2007). Energy intake is by far the most critical dietary factor affecting the health, lactation and reproduction of animals. Certain serum markers are useful in assessing the energy status and growth of animals such as glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, urea and creatinine. Some studies have been carried out on Ouled Djellel breed concerning its dominance on the Algerian territory, its morphological characteristics (Kerboua et al., 2003, Aissaoui et al., 2004, Ghozlane et al., 2005, Benaissa, 2001; Belacel 1991, Dekhili and Mahane 2004, Harkat and Lafri 2007) and genetic variability (Fadlaoui 2006, Benyoucef et al 1995). Moreover, lipid and carbohydrate profiles (Hamadeh et al., 1996, Abdelrahman et al., 2002, El Sherif and Assad, 2001, Nazifi et al., 2002, Titaouine, (2015), in addition to the nutritional need (Tabouche 1985; Abaab et al., 1995; Mamine, 2010) and reproduction process were investigated on Ouled Djellal breed (Abbas et al., 2002, Dekhili and Aggoun, 2005). The objective of this work is to evaluate certain biochemical markers related to the energetic and nutritional status of Ouled Djellal breed at two physiological status during the winter; where there is a relative reduction in temperature and food, and during the spring where weather and the nutritional conditions are much more favorable. Materials and methods The study location The study was carried out on a pilot farm covering 374 hectares (Fig 2), located in the North-East of Algeria (36°17'11 "N, 7°57'4" E). Ewes were feed mainly on natural pasture, straw, in addition to dry and green barley (FPYT, 2016). However, 40 ewes of Ouled Djellal breed (aged between 15-24 months) during the winter and springs were randomly selected. Ewes were then divided into 02 physiological stages; lactatings (20) and gestational females (20). Samples’ collection Blood samples were taken by puncture of the jugular vein at 9am; before food intake in heparinized tubes, and then centrifuged at 1500g for 10 minutes at 4°C. The plasma was stored at -20°C until analyzed. The biochemical markers (glycemia, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine) were determined. Statistical analysis Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the Minitab software (version 17). Results are subjected to a one-way ANOVA analysis, to determine the effect of physiological stages and season on the markers considered. Results are described as mean ± standard deviation. The differences were considered significant at p <0.05. J. Bio. & Env. Sci. 2017 276 | Soumaya et al. Fig 1. Location of the study site.. Results and discussion Comparison between the physiological stages The comparison between two physiological stages of females throughout the same season was presented in Tables 1-5. Table 1. Variations of plasma glucose (g/l) of Ouled djellal during two physiological stages.