Usefulness of serum protein electrophoretic pattern in the assessing the body homeostasis maintenance in sheep and goat housed in different management conditions

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the total plasma proteins of sheep and goats subjected to two different management conditions. A total of 40 clinically healthy, plupiparous animals were selected: 10 Maltese goats and 10 Comisana sheep from Farm A; 10 Maltese goats and 10 Comisana sheep from Farm B. Animals from Farm A were housed in a barn with access to an outdoor pen. Animals from Farm B grazed on improved natural pasture characterized by a botanical composition typical of Mediterranean semi-natural grasslands. Blood samples were collected from all animals via jugular venipuncture and the serum total proteins together with serum protein fractions (i.e. albumin, α-globulins, β1-globulins, β2-globulins, and γ-globulins) were assessed. Statistical analysis showed significant higher values of serum total proteins in pasture-raised sheep compared to those housed in a barn with access to an outdoor pen (P < 0.05), higher β2- and γ-globulin content in sheep housed in a barn with access to an outdoor pen compared to pasture-raised sheep (P < 0.05), in pasture-raised sheep compared to stalled sheep (P < 0.05). According to the results obtained in the present study, the management condition could be lead to stress condition in farmed animals, and, it is well established that stress provokes a response of the animal which involves a cascade of reactions, including acute phase protein response. The onset of the stress response represents an adaptive reaction with the goal of reestablishing the homeostasis.