The effect of dystocia on passive immune status, oxidative stress, venous blood gas and acid-base balance in lambs

The aim of this study was to research the effect of dystocia in lambs on passive immune status, oxidative stress, venous blood gas and acid-base balance. The study involved 20 lambs of both sexes. The lambs were divided into two groups, normal (n = 10) and dystocia (n = 10) births. Blood samples for blood gas, MDA, GSH, GSH-Px and IgG were collected at 0 h and at periodic intervals of 1, 3, 6, 24 and 48 h. Both groups' 0 h pH and glucose levels were under normal values and their pCO2 and lactate levels were above normal values. The blood pH increased in both groups in the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 24th and 48th hours at a significant rate when compared to 0 h and the pCO2 level decreased at a significant rate. Moreover, the blood pH of the dystotic lambs was found to be low according to the normal birth group in 0 h and the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 48th hours, but no statistical difference was determined. When it was compared to the normal birth group, the pO2 and O2 saturation in dystotic lambs was low at all hours but a statistical difference was determined only in the 48th hour. Lactate levels decreased in both groups. When the oxidative stress parameters were analysed, no statistical difference was determined although the malondialdehyde (MDA) level of the dystotic lambs was found to be higher than the normal birth group and its glutation (GSH) and glutation peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were lower. When the IgG levels of the lambs at the postnatal 48th hour were examined, no difference was found between the two groups. In conclusion, it was deduced that dystocia caused negative effects on the oxidative stress and blood gases but the changes in the lambs' passive immunity, oxidative stress, blood gases and vital functions could be reduced to a minimum level with early intervention in dystocia.