Effect of L-Carnitine administration on energy metabolism during periparturient period in ewes

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of L-Carnitine administration on energy metabolism during periparturient period in fat tailed ewes. In Experiment 1, L-Carnitine (I g/50 kg, Treatment 1, n=8) and physiologic saline (Treatment 11; n=8) were administered subcutaneously weekly until lambing for seven or eight weeks. In Experiment 11, L-Carnitine (0.5 g/50 kg, Treatment 1, n=6) and physiologic saline (Treatment 11; n=5) administered subcutaneously twice a week until lambing for at least three weeks. Blood samples were collected during treatments and one week after lambing to determine serum non esterified faty acid (NEFA), beta-hidroxybutiric acid (BHBA), total triglyceride and glucose concentrations. In experiment 1, NEFA concentrations significantly (P<0.01) increased until parturition followed by sudden decrease, and the concentrations were significantly lower (P<0.01) in L-Carnitine group. In Experiment 11, serum NEFA concentrations were significantly (P<0.01) lower at and one week prior to lambing in ewes treated with more than four weeks compared to those treated with four or less than four weeks prepartum. Serum concentrations gradually (P<0.01) increased until parturition followed by sudden decrease in all groups. However, serum NEFA concentrations did not differ in Experiment II. In conclusion, L-Carnitine administration during periparturient period decreased serum NEFA concentrations without any changes in serum BHBA, triglyceride and glucose concentrations

The effect of administration of testosterone antibody, beta-Carotene and vitamin E on multiple pregnancy and MDA (Malondialdehyde) in Tuj breed sheep in non-breeding season

In this study, we aimed an increase in Multiple pregnancy and a decrease in MDA (Malondialdehyde) levels in Tuj breed sheep which are in non-breeding season by administration of testosterone antibody, beta-carotene and vitamin E. Testosterone antibody was obtained from a castrated Tuj ram following injections of testosterone. Experiment was carried Out in 29 sheep divided into three groups. Group I (n=10) was administered testosterone antibody, beta-carotene and vitamin E one week prior to placement of vaginal sponges. Group II (n=9) was administered testosterone antibody alone and Group III (n=10) was control group. Oestrus rates were detected as 90%, 88.9% and 100% in Groups I,II and III, respectively. Pregnancy rates were found 40%, 33.3% and 50% in Groups I,II and III, respectively. Multiple pregnancy was seen in Groups I and II but not in control group. MDA levels were increased in all sheep regardless of pregnancy on day 28 after vaginal sponge application, but no significant difference was detected between the gropus((P > 0.05). It was concluded that administration of testosterone antibody and beta-carotene caused an increase in multiple pregnancy rate in sheep