Investigation of Relationship Between Glutathione and Birth Weight and Live Weight Gain in Lambs

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the glutathione level in Morkaraman, Morkaraman x Dorsetdown (F1) and Morkaraman x Corriedale (F1) lambs and to demonstrate its relationship with birth-weight and live-weight gain. Fourtyone Morkaraman, 36 Morkaraman x Dorsetdown, 30 Morkaraman x Corriedale lambs were used as animal materials. Blood samples obtained from the animals were analysed by using spectrophotometric technique for the level of glutathione. In Morkaraman, Morkaraman x Dorsetdown and Morkaraman x Corriedale lambs, GSH(h) levels were 17.7+/-1.1, 19.9+/-0.9, 18.6+/-1.7 mg/dl respectivels and GSH(H) levels were 40.3+/-2.2, 36.2+/-1.9, 31.1+/-0.9 mg/di respectively. Relationship between birth-weight and GSH level of Morkaraman and Morkaraman x Corriedale was statistically significant (p<0.001). There was also statistically important relationship (p<0.05) between GSH level and live-weight gain in Morkaraman x Corriedale lambs.