Hematological changes during pregnancy and lactation in Pelibuey ewes infected with gastrointestinal nematodes

The objective was to determine the hematological parameters associated with physiological stages, type of lambing, age, and susceptibility in ewes infected with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Forty-six Pelibuey ewes of 1.5–4 years of age and naturally infected with GIN were sampled during pregnancy and lactation. Fecal nematode egg counts (FECs) were determined and blood samples obtained to determine the hematocrit (HCT), peripheral eosinophil count (PEC), total plasma protein (TPP), and immunoglobulin A level (IgA) in plasma . Hematological variables were measured in a MEDONIC analyzer. The variables were analyzed using mixed models with the SAS software. The FEC showed higher values ( P