Erythrocyte morphology variations in late pregnant ewes and their influence on erythrocyte indices.

The periparturient period in small ruminants is considered crucial due to major endocrine, metabolic, and behavioral changes. These physiological variations can affect the normal hematological values of the animal, as well as the number and morphology of erythrocytes. The aim of this study was to determine the different morphological changes of erythrocytes that can occur in ewes during late pregnancy and their influence on erythrocytic index values. Our experimental study included 100 Rembi ewes during late pregnancy that were apparently healthy. Blood samples were collected in an EDTA tube for each studied subject for hematological analysis and blood smear preparation. Nine distinct erythrocyte morphological anomalies were found in our data. The most frequent anomalies were anemia, acanthocytes, and hemoglobin crystallization, with prevalence rates of 17%, 16%, and 15%, respectively. We recorded 12% of ewes with Heinz bodies and 4% with blood parasites and anemia. Besides, the erythrocyte shape of 22% of the study subjects remained unchanged. Red blood cells (RBCs) and hematocrit (Ht) values in anemic ewes with blood parasites were significantly (P 0.05) lower than those with no alterations in erythrocyte morphology. In contrast, a non-significant difference in hemoglobin (Hb) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values was seen in our results in response to changes in erythrocyte morphology. Hence, the end of pregnancy in prolific ewes affects the hematological profile causing different changes in erythrocyte morphology. These changes can be used as a reliable tool to assess ewes' health status during this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]