ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Changes in haematological, cholesterol and cortisol values in Syrian Awassi rams and ewes during winter and summer seasons

In the present study, the effects of temperature changes during summer and winter seasons on haematological parameters, total cholesterol, and cortisol level in male and female Syrian Awassi sheep were studied. Blood samples were collected weekly from ten animals (five rams and five ewes) during August and January months (2022-2023), and these samples were analyzed by a Veterinary Hematology Analyzer to determine the haematological parameters, and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA) to determine the level of cortisol and total cholesterol. The results showed that there were significant differences in white blood cells (WBC), monocytes (MON) and granulocytes (GRA), as well as in haemoglobin (HGB) between August and January for both females and males. No significant difference was recorded between the two months for both sexes regarding platelet count (PLT) and mean platelet volume (MPV). There were significant differences (P < 0.001) between the months of August and January in females for the level of cortisol and cholesterol, while no significant difference (P > 0.05) was recorded for males between these two months. It was concluded that there were significant differences in the values ​​of some blood components between summer and winter for males and females Awassi sheep, but the differences in the level of total cholesterol and cortisol were clearer in the females than in males between summer and winter. In general, this study showed the ability of the Syrian Awassi sheep to adapt higher temperature degrees than the lower ones in semi-arid area where Syrian Awassi flocks are raised.