INFLUENCE OF AGE AND GESTATIONAL STATUS ON URINARY CYTOLOGICAL PROFILE IN ALGERIAN REMBI SHEEP

This study aims to evaluate the impact of age and gestational status on the urinary cytological profile in ewes raised in the Tiaret region of Algeria.The experiment was conducted in spring 2025, involving fifty Rembi ewes aged between 6 months and 9 years, which were distributed across three separate farms.Urine samples were collected using the transient apnoea method and subsequently analysed in the faculty laboratory.The analysis revealed heterogeneity in the cytological composition of urinary sediments, characterised by a predominance of cells, followed by crystals, casts, amorphous substances, and microorganisms.Variations according to age were observed for certain elements: leukocytes were more frequently detected in younger ewes (≤ 2 years), with a prevalence of 55.55%, while hyaline casts were predominant in older ewes (≥ 6 years), with a rate of 45.46%.Notably, high levels of various elements were also observed in females aged between two and six years, including amorphous phosphates (57.14%), cylindroid-type casts (100.00%),lipid casts (66.66%), waxy elements (50.00%), pigmented elements (50.00%), and granular elements (50.00%).A marked predominance is observed in certain types of crystals, specifically calcium oxalate trihydrate (100.00%),sulfonamides (100.00%), and calcium phosphates (66.67%).Concurrently, our analyses revealed the exclusive presence of yeasts, with a prevalence rate of 66.67%.In terms of gestational status, our results indicate a predominance of most components of the urinary sediment in non-pregnant ewes.Nevertheless, elevated values were observed for two particular components: urate amorphous crystals in pregnant ewes (60.00%) and hyaline casts in postpartum ewes (45.46%).The data collected underscore the influence of age and gestational status on urinary cytology, highlighting the importance of urine analyses as a tool for the early detection of urinary tract infections.