Evaluation of Clinical and Biochemical Traits in Egyptian Barki Sheep with Different Growth Performances

**Background:** The Barki sheep breed is economically important in Egypt for its high-quality meat and wool and its adaptation to arid environments. Growth performance is a critical economic trait, yet few studies have examined clinical and biochemical markers of growth in this breed. This study aimed to identify differences in clinical and biochemical profiles between stunted and good body condition Barki sheep, and to rule out common debilitating infections as causes of poor growth.

**Methods:** Nineteen female Barki sheep, all 12 months old and raised under identical conditions from 4 months of age on a single farm in Qena governorate, Egypt, were divided into two groups based on observed body weight at 12 months: stunted/test (n=10) and good body condition/control (n=9). All animals received the same vaccination (Covexin® 8 at 4 and 5.5 months) and deworming (Trimec at 7 and 10 months) protocols. Clinical examination included body weight, body condition score (BCS, 1–4 scale), temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, ruminal movements, and systemic assessment. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture for serum separation. Biochemical parameters (total protein, albumin, urea, blood urea nitrogen [BUN], creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, total and direct bilirubin, ALT, AST, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc) were measured using colorimetric methods. Globulin was calculated. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and growth hormone (GH) were measured by ELISA. Serological testing for Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii, Toxoplasma gondii, and Neospora caninum was performed using commercial ELISA kits. Fecal samples were examined for parasites via direct smear and concentration sedimentation-flotation. Statistical analysis used unpaired Student's t-test (p<0.05 significant; p<0.0001 highly significant). Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated between body weight and significant parameters.

**Key Results:** Stunted sheep had significantly lower body weight (20.5±2.4 kg vs. 27.8±2.5 kg, p<0.0001) and BCS (1.5±0.52 vs. 3.3±0.51, p<0.0001). Pulse rate was significantly higher in stunted sheep (87.1±8.9 vs. 68.6±5.3 beats/min, p<0.0001), as was respiratory rate (30.1±4.3 vs. 24.6±4.5 breaths/min, p=0.0134). Body temperature did not differ (p=0.203). Appetite, feces, and most systemic clinical findings were normal in both groups, though stunted sheep had rough, rusty coats. Biochemically, stunted sheep showed significantly lower cholesterol (35.7±5.8 vs. 49.8±8.8, p=0.0007), triglycerides (36±3.3 vs. 46.9±10.4, p=0.0059), total protein (6.7±0.44 vs. 7.2±0.48, p=0.0445), albumin (3.6±0.27 vs. 4.1±0.4, p=0.0087), and creatinine (0.58±0.09 vs. 0.81±0.1, p value not explicitly stated but reported as significant). Urea (29.6±3.2 vs. 26.9±2.9) and BUN (13.8±1.5 vs. 12.3±1.4) were significantly higher in stunted sheep. No significant differences were found for liver function tests, glucose, globulin, or any minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc; all p>0.05). TSH and GH levels were lower in stunted sheep but not statistically significant (p>0.05). All sheep tested negative for Brucella spp., C. burnetii, and N. caninum antibodies. For T. gondii, 1/10 stunted (10%) and 2/9 control (22.2%) sheep were seropositive. Fecal examinations were negative for gastrointestinal parasites in all animals. Pearson's correlation with body weight was strongest for BCS (r=0.917, strong), followed by albumin (r=0.683, moderately strong), triglycerides (r=0.537, moderately strong), cholesterol (r=0.489, weak-to-moderate), GH (r=0.4005, weak-to-moderate), and total protein (r=0.393, weak-to-moderate).

**Clinical Implications:** This study identifies serum total protein, albumin, cholesterol, and triglycerides as useful biochemical markers for monitoring growth performance in Barki sheep. The findings suggest that stunted growth in these animals is associated with nutritional/metabolic deficiencies rather than subclinical infection with common endemic pathogens. The normal mineral profiles and liver function indicate adequate feed intake and organ function despite poor growth. These biomarkers could be applied in livestock management to identify and exclude animals with poor growth potential, improving economic efficiency. Limitations include the small sample size and lack of genetic pedigree data. Further studies with larger cohorts and known genetic backgrounds are needed to confirm these findings.