Biochemical composition of amniotic fluid during different stages of gestation in Gaddi sheep

Abstract

The study was conducted on amniotic fluid collected from fifty gravid uteri of Gaddi sheep at different stages of gestation. The foetii were measured for their crown rump length and then divided into 4 stages i.e. stage I (31-60 days), stage II (61-90 days), stage III (91-120 days) and stage IV (121- till term). The mean concentration of glucose showed a declining trend from stage I to stage IV of gestation. The level of total protein remained consistent initially and decreased slightly in later stages of gestation. Creatinine and urea increased from stage I and II to stage III of gestation. Activity of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was significantly higher in stage I of gestation. Alkaline Phosphatase showed highest activity in stage III of gestation. Changes in the concentration of glucose, urea, proteins or enzymes in foetal fluid reflect alterations in the functioning of liver during pregnancy and can be used as an important tool to assess the healthy state of pregnancy.