Plasma lipids of newborn and adult ruminants and of lambs from birth to weaning

Abstract

The plasma lipid concentrations of newborn lambs, kids and calves and of adult ruminants in 0various physiological states have been reported. In newborn ruminants plasma lipid concentrations were 20–40 % of those found in their dams at parturition.The concentrations of blood lipids have also been estimated in five lambs from birth to weaning at 90 days post partum. The plasma free fatty acid concentrations rose to a maximum at about 45 days post partum and then declined. Possible reasons for this elevation in plasma free fatty acids have been discussed with reference to published data on age changes in lambs of plasma glucose and volatile fatty acid concentrations. The concentration of plasma esterified lipids, mainly phospholipids and cholesterol esters, were very low at birth and rose to reach maximum values at about 20 days post partum before declining to adult values at weaning. These changes have been discussed in relation to diet and rumen development.