Evaluation of Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Feedlot Libyan Local Lambs

This study was conducted to assess the impact of feed lot conditions on local breed lambs in Eastern Libya to identify any potential variation in hematological and biochemical parameters between the beginning and the end of the feedlot period. Blood parameters ranges may vary significantly depending on feeding, handling and transportation conditions. 20 clinically healthy native sheep from Al Jabal Al Akhdar Libya age between 6 and 7 months were included in this study, the animals were evaluated prior to their entry into the fattening phase.  Body condition scoring was used as more convenient and accurate method compared to visual assessment alone. Clinical examination revealed no significant changes in body temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, mucous membrane appearance or body condition score. The mean values of red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin concentrations, packed cell volume (PCV) and platelets (Plt) showed a noticeable increase by the end of the feedlot period. Additionally, significant increases were observed in several biochemical parameters including blood urea nitrogen (BUN) creatinine (CREA), total protein (TP), sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium (Mg), cortisol and alanine aminotransferase level.   Conversely, a significant decrease was observed the main counts of monocyte, basophil, eosinophil and albumin levels at the end of the feedlot period compared to the beginning.  In general, although statistically significant differences were detected in the mean hematological and biochemical parameters between the beginning and the end of feedlot period, these changes were not clinically remarkable.