UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Small ruminants such as sheep and goats play important role in the livestock subsector of India. The present study was conducted to ascertain the metabolic growth indicators during different stages of growth in Bannur female sheep maintained at Bandur Breeding Farm, Danagur Village, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya District. Twenty four female sheep divided into four groups with six animals in each group such as Group I (>3 to 5 months), Group II (>5 to 7 months), Group III (>7 to 9 months) and Group IV (>9 to 11 months) were utilized in the present study. The blood samples were collected from jugular vein at fortnightly intervals for two months (15^th, 30^th, 45^th and 60^th day). Each time about 5 to 8 ml of blood was collected in clot activated vacutainer. A drop of blood during collection was immediately processed for estimation of blood glucose and β- hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Serum samples were immediately processed for estimation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and creatine kinase (CK) activity and for metabolic indicators such as serum total protein.  It was found that the blood glucose, serum total protein, serum total cholesterol and potassium levels were increased significantly in advanced stages of age compared to early stage of growth. However, the BHB levels were constant in different age groups, calcium and phosphorus levels did not differ with respect to age. The ALP and CK activity reduced as the age advanced. It was concluded that the levels of blood glucose, BHB, potassium, ALP, CK and body weight gain could be used as physiological indicators of growth in Bannur female sheep to ascertain growth and the same can be extrapolated to other breeds of sheep.