Significance of measuring some enzymes and creatinine of amniotic fluid as an indicator of fetal age and development in sheep

In this study 110 samples of amniotic fluid of sheep at different
stage of pregnancy were assessed for creatinine (CR), alkaline
phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatin
kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and arginase. Significant
increase (p<0/01) in CR with increase in the age of fetus was
observed. The lowest CR concentration was at less than one
month old fetus and highest value was at 4-5 month old. No
specific pattern was observed in LDH, AST, ALP, CK and arginase
due to the age of fetus. In this case of enzymes, the lowest value
were observed at less than one month old and the highest at 4-5
months old. However no significant pattern was seen in the
enzymes at different ages. It is concluded that the best biochemical
factor for determination of the age and development stage of
sheep fetus is amniotic fluid CR.