Changes in hematological and hematochemical parameters in lactating dairy sheep according to different pasture management and heat stress risk: A longitudinal study.

Sheep in Italy are exposed to heat stress (HS) for several months, increasing the risk of HS-related problems such as the decrease in growth, reproductive performance, milk quantity and quality and natural immunity. This study aimed to assess changes in hematological and biochemical parameters in dairy sheep from three different farms with varying pasture management: A (no water or shade), B (water but no shade), and C (both water and shade). From March to June, when HS risk is high, monthly blood samples (T1-T4) were collected from 20 sheep per farm (total n = 60).