Role of ascorbic acid and appetite stimulants on a few blood serum biochemical characteristics in pregnant Iraqi ewes under heat stress

This study evaluated the effect of VêO® premium (2 or 4)g and ascorbic acid on pregnant ewes on some minerals. Twenty Iraqi ewes are aged 2-4 years in the Fallujah, Al-Anbar Government regions from August 5th, 2019, to February 9th, 2020. The ewes were divided randomly into four groups. It was fed naturally and on one diet, and the (G1) was given VêO® premium 4 g, (G2) was given VêO® premium 2 g, (G3) was given ascorbic acid 40 mg, and (G4) was treated as the control group. Blood samples were taken monthly via the external jugular vein before and during pregnancy. The serum samples were liquated in tubes and immediately stored at -20 °C until assay for analysis of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and magnesium. The results showed the effect of VêO® Premium and ascorbic acid on calcium concentration in G2 before pregnancy. Phosphorous concentration was significantly higher (P≤0.05) in the (G1, G2, and G4) before pregnancy, but no significant difference in potassium between the groups before and during pregnancy. Sodium concentration was significantly higher (P≤0.05) in the (G1, G2, G3, and G4) before pregnancy. Magnesium concentration was significantly higher (P≤0.05) in the (G2) during pregnancy and (G3) before pregnancy. It was concluded from the current study that the addition of VêO® premium (2 or 4)g and ascorbic acid (40 mg) to the feed increased some minerals before and during pregnancy in Iraqi ewes. Keywords: VêO® premium, ascorbic acid, minerals, pregnancy, Iraqi ewes