Blood Metabolic Profile of Transhumant Baruwal Sheep Grazing Pastures of Two Different Altitudes at Similar Temperature Humidity Index

Abstract

The current study was conducted on native Baruwal sheep reared often in transhumance systems in Nepal. The main objective of the study was to examine how altitude affects some physiological and serum chemistry variables, as well as the haematology of these animals. 24 adult animals, 18 nonpregnant and nonlactating females and 6 intact males were discovered in a transhumance flock. Climate data was acquired and physiological measures (rectal temperature (RT), respiration rate (RR), and pulse rate (PR)) were evaluated when the sheep were in two stopovers at altitudes of 2,393 m asl in March and 3,391 m asl in June. We collected and examined grazing sward samples for close examination and blood samples for specific haematological and serum chemical traits. Both stopovers' settings fell within the sheep's thermo-comfort zone, and their pastures had the maximum crude protein content. According to statistical analysis, there was a significant (p<0.05) decrease (p<0.05) in RT, RR, and PR; a significant (p<0.05) increase (p<0.05) in PCV, Hb, RBC and serum creatinine; and a significant (p<0.05) decrease (p<0.05) in platelets, blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol. The results showed that altitude has an impact on the physiology and blood parameters of Baruwal transhumance sheep. The results show that altitude has an impact on the physiology and blood parameters of Baruwal transhumance sheep. The findings of this study may aid in the nutrition and feeding management of transhumant sheep and their grazing strategies.