This research intended to assess the energy metabolism indices (BHBA, NEFA and glucose) and evaluate the diagnostic relevance of oxidative stress indicators oxidant (MDA) and antioxidant (TAC and PON-1 enzyme), lipid profile and liver enzymes in pregnancy toxaemia in ewes. The study comprised a total number of 72 late pregnant ewes (14-20 weeks of gestation). Ewes were divided based on the result of clinical and biochemical findings (glucose and BHBA) into three groups; a clinical pregnant toxemic group (CPTG) (n=36), a subclinical PTG (n=20) and a control group (CG) (n=16). Blood samples were collected for each group and a panel of biochemical parameters was measured. Most of the biochemical markers showed notable variations in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). BHBA, NEFA, MDA, Liver enzymes (ALT, AST and γGT), Triglycerides and VLDL in clinical and subclinical pregnant toxaemic groups showed a significant increase above normal values of control group (P < 0.05). Glucose, TAC, PON-1 enzyme, Cholesterol, HDL, LDL and serum proteins in clinical and subclinical pregnant toxaemic groups showed a significant decrease below normal values of control group (P < 0.05).

Based on these findings, we suggest that monitoring changes in the presented energy metabolism indices, oxidant-antioxidant status, lipid profile, liver enzymes and protein assays in late pregnant ewes could be useful in early diagnosis of pregnancy toxaemia. The present study also showed that paraoxonase-1 enzyme (PON1) appears to hold potential as a biomarker for diagnosis of pregnancy toxaemia in ewes.