| Popis: |
The pregnancy toxemia in ewes is a nutritional metabolic disorder towards end of the gestation period which is caused by poor carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism. The predisposing factors for the illness are nutritional deficit in sheep during late pregnancy, which is brought on by a diet low in energy or a reduction in rumen capacity due to fetal growth. Ewes must consume enough food during pregnancy to maintain their bodies' normal metabolism and also for proper development of fetus. Toxemia specifically manifests in the final 5–6 weeks of pregnancy, when the fetuses have developed to around two-thirds of their gestational potential. In the last six weeks of pregnancy, about 80% of fetal growth occurs, with the fetal-placental unit utilizing 30–40% of the mother's glucose supply (Rook, 2000). Fat stores are mobilized in considerable amounts if ewes do not obtain at least half of the necessary energy at this time (Firat and O'zpinar, 2002) and in consequent to excessive fat mobilization the ketone bodies like Beta Hydroxybutyric (β-HB) acid accumulate. Hypoglycemia and hyperketonemia are symptoms of pregnancy toxemia. |
