DYNAMICS OF MORPHOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL BLOOD INDICES OF SOUTHERN MUTTON STUD RAMS AT ADAPTATION IN THE ALTAI REGION
The research of morphological and biochemical blood indices dynamics in the rams of the southern mutton breed imported to the Altai Region to improve meat qualities of the West Siberian mutton sheep was conducted. The experimental part of the research was conducted on the OAO “Stepnoye” farm of the Rodinskiy District of the Altai Region in 2011 and 2012. To reveal morphological and biochemical blood indices during the adaptation, the following blood samples were taken: right after the arrival, and in one, three and six months after the transportation. High levels of RBC, WBC and hemoglobin (Hb) were found in the blood samples taken right after the arrival, which showed the development of stress reaction. RBC and WBC count on the third month on the arrival reduced by 13% and 24% (P < 0.01) respectively. Hemoglobin level tended to increase by 1.5%. Total protein level was by 3% lower than the value revealed in one month after the arrival. The blood samples taken in six months after the arrival of the animals revealed the following increase of formal elements' content: RBC by 20%, WBC by 26%, Hb by 2% compared to the previous indices. The stabilization of morphological and biochemical blood indices was observed on the third month after the arrival of the animals to the Altai Region.