Erythrocyte potassium, sodium and glutathione concentrations and their relationship with reproduction, body weight and fleece weight traits in Awassi sheep

Abstract. Relationship between erythrocyte potassium (K_e), erythrocyte sodium (Na_e) and blood glutathione (GSH) concentrations and production/ reproduction traits were investigated in Awassi sheep. Thirty healthy sheep subjected to analyze for phenotypic and gene frequencies of K_e, Na_e and GSH concentrations. Correlation between these parameters and production/ reproduction traits such as greasy fleece weight, milk production, birth rate, single and twin birth rate and body weight were calculated. A positive correlation was found between birth rate and mean K_e concentration (r=0.481, P<0.008) and Na_e concentration (r=−0.454, P<0.013). Another correlation between GSH concentration and greasy fleece weight (r=−0.368, P<0.049) and milk production (r=0.379, P<0.050) parameters was also evidenced. These suggest that K_e, Na_e and GSH concentrations may be included in the metabolic profile testing parameters.