Impact of VêO® Premium and Vitamin C On Some Hematological Parameters in Iraqi Ewes During Pregnancy

This study evaluated the impact of dietary supplementation on certain hematological parameters during pregnancy in ewes. Twenty ewes, aged 2-3 years from the Fallujah region in Anbar governorate were divided into four groups of 5 each for observation from June to October 2023. The G1 and G2 groups received 4 g and 2 g of VêO® premium (with barley and green fodder), respectively while G3 received 40 mg of vitamin C (with barley and green fodder) and G4 served as a control (only barley and green fodder). The findings revealed that Hb levels were significantly higher (P≤0.05) in G1 and G2 before pregnancy and during mating, while they increased in G3 and G4 at 45 and 75 days of pregnancy. RBCs were elevated in G3 throughout the trials. For G1 and G4, they rose at 75 days of pregnancy, whereas in G2 and G3, significant increases (P≤0.05) were noted before as well as at 45 and 75 days of pregnancy. ESR showed varying trends. G2 had higher values before pregnancy, G3 exhibited significant increases (P≤0.05) during the mating period, and G1 showed an elevation at 45 days of pregnancy. MCV was significantly higher (P≤0.05) in G1 before pregnancy, on days 45 and 75 of gestation, and in G4 during mating. Analysis by period revealed an increase in MCV in G1 before pregnancy, whereas all other groups showed increases during mating. MCH rose in G1 before pregnancy and at 45 days of gestation, while values increased only during the mating period for G2 and G4. No significant differences in MCHC or monocyte counts were observed among the groups. However, MCHC levels increased in G2 before pregnancy and during mating. Eosinophil counts rose in G1 and G2 at day 45 of pregnancy, while G4 recorded an increase at day 75. Across periods, eosinophil counts peaked on day 45 for G1 and G2, while that in G4 became apparent at day 75. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with VêO® premium or vitamin C significantly affects the hematological parameters in Iraqi ewes before and during pregnancy