Seasonal Variation of Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene Levels in Ghezel Sheep

Authors : Gholamreza AFSHARI, Ali HASANPOOR, Hadi HAGPANAH

Pages : 127-129

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Publication Date : 0000-00-00

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The present study was conducted to investigate the variations in blood serum and hepatic levels of vitamin A and b-carotene in Ghezel sheep throughout the year. From 1000 sheep aged 1-5 years, blood and liver samples were collected before and after slaughter. The levels of vitamin A and b-carotene in both samples were determined spectrophotometrically. The results showed significant differences between summer and winter values insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P < 0.05);, but no differences were found between the sexes insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P > 0.05);. There were significant correlations between the vitamin A levels in serum and the liver insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P < 0.05);. Due to low levels of vitamin A and b -carotene in Ghezel sheep during the winter, supplementary feeding of vitamin A is recommended during this season.
Keywords : Vitamin A, Beta carotene, Ghezel sheep, serum, liver, spectrophotometry