Correlation Between Biochemical Parameters and Production Traits in Merino Cross Sheep Iii -: Glucose, Alkaline Phosphatase, Ceruloplasmin

Abstract

A group of 111 sheep raised in the Bandirma Sheep Research Institute were used as living materials for this study. Blood samples from 31 Hampshire Down x Merino, 33 Dorset Down x Merino, 27 German Black Headed x Merino and 20 Border Leicester x Merino crosses were taken. Plasma glucose, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and ceruloplasmin levels were determined. Some production traits such as greasy fleece weight, staple length, fiber diameter, ondulance, lamb birth weight, reproduction traits and the live weight gain of lambs were estimated. There were blood glucose differences between the breeds and an important correlation between greasy fleece weight and ALP and glucose levels.