Maternal Body Condition Score, Gestation Type, and Metabolic Profiles in Tropical Sheep: Implications for Lamb Survival and Performance

In tropical systems, peripartum challenges ewe nutrition, making body condition score (BCS) a key indicator of energy reserves and health. This study assessed the effects of BCS at pregnancy diagnosis (BCS‐PD < 3 or ≥ 3), gestation type (singleton or multiple), and time on metabolic profiles, colostrum quality, and lamb performance in 70 crossbred Texel ewes. Seven BCS assessments were conducted from pregnancy diagnosis to 21 days postpartum; however, only BCS‐PD was used for analyses. A 2 × 2 factorial design with repeated measures was applied. Seven blood samples were collected between 60 days prepartum and 21 days postpartum. Time, BCS‐PD, and gestation type influenced metabolic parameters, with interaction effects observed for β ‐hydroxybutyrate, peaking postpartum in ewes with BCS‐PD ≥ 3 carrying multiple fetuses. Non‐esterified fatty acids increased postpartum, while glucose, cholesterol, albumin, and creatinine declined. Colostrum Brix was highest in ewes with BCS‐PD ≥ 3 and multiple gestations, though lamb serum protein was unaffected. Singleton lambs were heavier than multiples, and males were heavier at weaning. BCS‐PD was associated with metabolic status but not directly with lamb growth. Nutritional management based on BCS maintained ewe health and ensured 96% lamb survival, highlighting the value of monitoring BCS in tropical systems.