Effect of lameness on serum cortisol and some antioxidant and oxidant parameters in sheep

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of lameness on serum cortisol, total oxidant and total antioxidant capacity in sheep with different lameness scores. The study was conducted in private sheep farms located in Bolvadin district of Afyonkarahisar. A total of 36 sheep were used in the study; 12 healthy sheep and 24 lame sheep, aged between 2-6 years. The sheep were divided into two groups as healthy sheep and lame sheep. The animals in the two groups were walked freely and observed for lameness scoring. Lameness scoring was performed on all sheep included in the study and lameness scores were noted. Blood samples were taken from healthy and lame sheep and serum cortisol, TAS and TOS values were measured. It was observed that serum cortisol and TOS levels were numerically higher in lame sheep compared to healthy sheep, but there was no statistically significant difference between these values (p<0,05). Among the lame sheep; 18 (75%) had a lameness score of 1, 6 (25%) had a lameness score of 2, and none of the lame sheep had a lameness score of 3. Footrot was detected in 18 (100%) of the sheep with a lameness score of 1. Footrot was detected in 2 (33%) of the sheep with a lameness score of 2, footrot was detected in 1 (17%), and ovine digital dermatitis was detected in 3 (50%). When evaluated in terms of the cause of lameness; footrot was detected in 20 (83%) of the lame sheep, digital dermatitis was detected in 3 (13%), and 1 (4%). In conclusion, it is thought that lameness in sheep minimally affects serum cortisol, TAS and TOS levels and may cause mild or moderate stress in sheep depending on the severity of lameness. Key words: Cortisol, TAS, TOS, Sheep, Lameness, Stress