Effects of storage time on chemistry results from canine whole blood,heparinized whole blood,serum and heparinized plasma

The stability and storage characteristics of 24 blood constituents from dogs including nine enzymes (ALP, ALT, amylase, AST, CK, GGT, GLDH, LDH, lipase), 15 metabolites and minerals (albumin, bile acids, bilirubin, calcium, cholesterol, creatinine, fructosamine, glucose, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, protein, sodium, triglycerides, urea) were studied. Conditions studied included storing of nonanticoagulated and heparinized whole blood for 3 days (Part A), and storing of serum and heparinized plasma for 3 days (Part B). The storage temperature for both studies was +4 degrees C from day 0 to day 1, and +20 degrees C, from day 1 to day 2 and 3. Eight of 24 analytes showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) for three days in whole blood. However, the stability of all 24 analytes greatly improved by storing serum or heparinized plasma compared to nonanticoagulated or heparinized whole blood. In stored serum or heparinized plasma, 20 of 24 analytes showed no significant differences (p < 0.05) for 3 days. Nine of 24 analytes showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between serum and heparinized plasma, where CK, LDH, GGT, and potassium showed differences of possible clinical importance. This study strongly supports the practice of separating serum/plasma from clot/cells as promptly as possible to achieve improved stability for most analytes under test.     

Plasma biochemistry of one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius): Effects of anticoagulants and comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals but limited informations are existing for camel plasma biochemistry. Eleven clinically healthy one-humped camels were blood sampled in different tubes containing different anticoagulants and plain tubes for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, and chloride and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of AST, ALT, CK, total bilirubin, and inorganic phosphorus, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than in serum. Most parameters did not show any difference, but significant increase for CK activity and significant decrease for GGT, cholesterol, creatinine and chloride were seen when heparin was used as anticoagulant. Using EDTA as an anticoagulant caused a significant difference in the amounts of some measured parameters in plasma except glucose, AST, ALT, GGT, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, bilirubin, and triglyceride in comparison with serum.     

Plasma biochemistry of one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius): effects of anticoagulants and comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals but limited informations are existing for camel plasma biochemistry. Eleven clinically healthy one-humped camels were blood sampled in different tubes containing different anticoagulants and plain tubes for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, and chloride and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of AST, ALT, CK, total bilirubin, and inorganic phosphorus, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than in serum. Most parameters did not show any difference, but significant increase for CK activity and significant decrease for GGT, cholesterol, creatinine and chloride were seen when heparin was used as anticoagulant. Using EDTA as an anticoagulant caused a significant difference in the amounts of some measured parameters in plasma except glucose, AST, ALT, GGT, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, bilirubin, and triglyceride in comparison with serum.     

Effects of Common Anticoagulants on Routine Plasma Biochemistry of Horse and Comparison with Serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry have been studied in humans and various animals; however, limited information exists for effects on horse plasma biochemistry. Ten clinically healthy Thoroughbred horses were blood sampled in tubes containing different anticoagulants as well as no anticoagulant. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium and iron, and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, and GGT, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than in serum. When corrected for dilution, significant differences were seen for the amounts of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, bilirubin, calcium, iron, and the activity of ALT, ALP, and CK in citrated plasma. Most parameters did not show any difference; however, significant decreases in BUN, total bilirubin, ALT, and CK activity were seen when heparin was used as an anticoagulant. When compared with serum, using ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA) as an anticoagulant produced a significant difference in the amounts of measured plasma parameters with the exception of GGT, albumin, creatinine, inorganic phosphorus, and triglyceride.     

Effect of storage on some constituents of camel serum

SUMMARY Effects of storage at room temperature (23–25°C) and refrigeration (4–5°C) on various biochemical constituents of camel serum were investigated. Albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) did not change over 9 days when stored at 4–5°C. At 4–5°C, creatinine, iron and glucose in camel sera remained stable for 6 days; total protein for 7 days; and blood urea nitrogen for 8 days. Decreased activities in creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were apparent after 1, 6 and 7 days, respectively. At room temperature, total protein, albumin, globulin, calcium and phosphorus were stable throughout the 9 days. Changes in glucose and iron occurred after 3 days. Stability at room temperature for LDH was 1 day; AST, 3 days; GGT and ALT, 6 days; and AP, 8 days. CK activity had already declined by 4 hours and by 9 days, only 34% activity remained.     

Serum constituents analyses in dairy cows: effects of duration and temperature of the storage of clotted blood

We studied the effects of storage time and temperature of clotted whole blood on the amounts of 17 analytes in bovine blood serum. Serum separated after blood was allowed to stand for 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24h at room temperature or on ice. Results obtained for phosphorous, magnesium, urea, cholesterol, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), triglyceride, albumin, total protein and gamma-glutamyletransferase (GGT) were not influenced by storage at room temperature or on ice for as long as 24h. Duration of the clotted whole blood storage had a significant effect on calcium, glucose concentrations, creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities and temperature had a significant effect on glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, CK and bilirubin concentrations.     

Effects of heparin, citrate, and EDTA on plasma biochemistry of sheep: Comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals, but limited information is existing for sheep plasma biochemistry. Ten clinically healthy Baloochi breed of sheep were blood sampled in different tubes containing each anticoagulants and plain tube for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and magnesium and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of GGT, bilirubin and inorganic phosphorus, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than that of serum. For corrected citrated plasma significant differences were seen for the concentrations of glucose, creatinine, calcium and the activity of ALP.Most parameters did not show any difference, but significant increase was seen for albumin concentration when heparin was used as an anticoagulant. Using EDTA as anticoagulant caused a significant difference for the concentrations of some of the measured parameters in plasma except glucose, GGT, cholesterol, albumin, bilirubin, CK, and inorganic phosphorus comparing with serum.     

A comparison of nutritionally-related blood metabolites among Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on sweetveld

The objective of the study was to determine monthly variations in serum glucose, cholesterol, total protein (TP), urea, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus beef steers raised on sweetveld. Twenty-five Nguni, 15 Aberdeen Angus and 15 Bonsmara 8-month old steers were studied from June 2006 until March 2007. Across the 9 months, Nguni had higher concentrations of glucose (P =0.019) and cholesterol (P =0.001) than the other two breeds. The overall glucose and cholesterol concentrations in the Nguni were 4 and 2.86mmol/L, respectively. There was a breedxmonth interaction on glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, calcium, albumin and phosphorus concentrations. Breed had no effect on TP, urea, globulin and AST concentrations. Breed and month differences obtained could be attributed to changes in environment temperature and nutrient content of the forage.     

Serum chemistry of free-ranging white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in Svalbard

BACKGROUND: Abnormal physiological conditions and diseases can change the concentrations of enzymes, metabolites, and minerals in the body. Serum chemistry information may thus be indicative of a specific disease; interpretation of such information requires knowledge of serum chemistry reference intervals from a seemingly healthy population of the species. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to obtain serum chemistry reference intervals for a population of white whales. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 21 free-ranging white whales (beluga; Delphinapterus leucas). The whales were live-captured in nets during 1996-2001 in Storfjorden, Van Mijenfjorden, and Van Keulenfjorden (Svalbard, Norway). While the whales were briefly physically restrained, blood was collected from the caudal vein into vacuum tubes without anticoagulant. The blood was left to clot for 4-6 hours before serum was obtained by centrifugation. The serum samples were then kept at -20 degrees C until analysis. Enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase [ALP], creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], amylase, lipase), metabolites (urea, creatinine, bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids, glucose), and minerals (calcium, phosphate, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride) were analyzed in an Advia 1650 System (Bayer, Tarrytown, NY, USA). Cortisol was analyzed in an Immulite One system (Diagnostic Products Corporation, Los Angeles, CA, USA). The major blood proteins (albumin and globulins) were separated by gel electrophoresis in a Beckman Paragon electrophoresis system (Beckman Coulter, Inc., Fullerton, CA, USA). RESULTS: Serum values for all analytes were reported as median and range, and reference intervals were calculated as 10-90th percentiles. Activities of ALP and LDH and cortisol concentration were higher, and protein and bilirubin concentrations were lower compared with those previously reported for white whales from Canada; remaining results were strikingly similar in these 2 white whale populations. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide valuable serum chemistry reference intervals for future health assessments of white whales in Svalbard and other white whale populations, as well as captive individuals.     

Tissue and plasma enzyme activities in juvenile green iguanas

OBJECTIVE: To determine activities of intracellular enzymes in 8 major organs in juvenile green iguanas and to compare tissue and plasma activities. ANIMALS: 6 green iguanas < 1 year old. PROCEDURE: Lysates of liver, kidney, epaxial muscle, heart, lung, spleen, small intestine, and pancreas were analyzed for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), glutamate dehydrogenase (GMD), and amylase (AMS) activities. RESULTS: In general, low tissue enzyme activity coincided with low plasma activity. The CK activity was high in epaxial muscle and the heart and low in all other tissues tested. The AMS activity was found exclusively in the pancreas. Moderate LDH and AST activities were found in all tissues. Low ALT and ALP activities were found in a variety of tissues. Plasma and tissue activities of GGT and GMD were low or undetectable. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that plasma CK activity may be muscle specific in iguanas, but high values may not always indicate overt muscle disease. The AMS activity may be specific for the pancreas, but the wide range of plasma activity would likely limit its diagnostic usefulness. Activities of AST and LDH may reflect tissue damage or inflammation, but probably do not reflect damage to specific tissues or organs.     

Application of the Vettest 8008 system for the biochemical analysis of vervet monkey plasma

A clinical biochemistry analyser designed specifically for veterinary use was used to analyse plasma samples from 24 vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). Two millilitres of heparinised blood was collected from each of the 24 monkeys on four occasions at intervals of one week. Plasma was separated and analysed for the concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, total proteins, albumin, globulins, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and the activities of alkaline phosphatase (AP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatine kinase (CK). The tests were easy to perform, used small volumes of plasma, and yielded consistent results for most of the analytes. The activities of CK and AP, but not AST, appeared to be influenced by haemolysis, and there were significant individual variations in the activity of LDH.     

Laminitis and dermatitis in heifers associated with excessive carbohydrate intake: skin lesions and biochemical findings

The effects of a sudden addition of a large quantity of readily fermentable carbohydrate to the feed ration of pregnant heifers are described. Clinical and pathological changes caused by the resulting disease were confined to the digits and skin. The 4 acutely affected heifers were reluctant to get up or move (group II). They tended to lie down or stand with feet bunched together and the back arched, often shifting weight from limb to limb. They walked stiffly with great tenderness and pain in the digits. Extreme pain was noticed when the digits were examined. In 4 of 8 heifers, separation of the sole at the heel, with leakage of exudate, and under-running of the sole were observed. Necrotic dermatitis of the legs, alopecia and hyperkeratosis of the tail were noticed in all 8 heifers. Skin lesions appeared simultaneously. Four of the heifers (group I) recovered, and the other 4 (group II) were sent to slaughter. No post mortem examination was performed. The biochemical findings revealed a significantly higher concentration of total serum globulins and sodium, and increased activity, in CK, LDH and AST. A significantly decreasing pattern was noted in blood urea concentration, cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin and calcium. No significant differences among the various groups were found in the activities of amylase, GGT, and concentration of creatinine, total bilirubin, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium and potassium.     

Age-specific plasma biochemistry reference ranges in <1 year old dogs in Japan

The purpose of this study was to investigate and propose possible reference intervals of plasma biochemical analytes in young dogs (<12 months old) in Japan, using 896 canine plasma samples, collected from an array of veterinary clinics throughout the greater Tokyo metropolis area in Japan. The following biochemical parameters were assessed: albumin (ALB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), amylase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CRE), glucose, lipase, total cholesterol (T-Cho), and total protein (TP) were evaluated. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that partitioning according to age or gender may be necessary for some plasma analytes. Age appeared to significantly affect ALB, ALT, ALP, BUN, Glucose, Lipase, and Total Protein (P=?<0.001, <0.001, <0.001, 0.013, <0.001, 0.025, and <0.001, respectively). On the other hand, gender significantly influenced ALP, Amylase, Lipase, and T-Cho levels (P=0.017, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively) whereas it may be borderline significant with ALT (P=0.072).     

Liver-related biochemical changes in the serum of dogs being treated with phenobarbitone

The concentrations of phenobarbitone, albumin, bile acids and cholesterol, and the activities of alkaline phosphatase (AP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) were measured in the serum of 95 epileptic dogs whose clinical signs were controlled with phenobarbitone. The dogs were divided into groups on the basis of the concentration of phenobarbitone in their serum, the dose administered and the duration of the treatment. The concentration of phenobarbitone in serum was directly related to the activities of ALT, AP, GGT and GLDH and inversely related to the concentration of albumin. There was no significant relationship between the duration of treatment and the serum concentration of phenobarbitone, but there was a significant relationship between the duration of treatment and the activities of ALT, AP and GLDH. Thirty-five of the dogs (37 per cent) had serum activities of AP above the normal range, 19 had abnormally high activities of ALT, and 15 had high activities of GLDH, but these incidences were not related to the serum concentration of phenobarbitone. The dogs receiving higher doses for longer periods had the highest incidence of high activities of AP, ALT and GLDH. The concentration of bile acids in seven of the dogs was above the normal range but there was no relationship between the concentration and either the serum concentration, dose or duration of treatment with phenobarbitone.     

Gender Differences–Induced Changes in Serum Hematologic and Biochemical Variables in Mangalarga Marchador Horses After a Marcha Gait Competition

The aim of this study was to investigate whether marcha exercise results in changes in serum hematologic and biochemical variables and whether this condition differs in male and female horses. Thirty-five Mangalarga Marchador horses, 18 males and 17 females were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained before and immediately after a marcha competition. Samples were used for measurement of hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), red blood cell (RBC), total and differential white blood cell (WBC), total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine (Crea), and urea (BUN) levels. Data were submitted to analysis of variance using the SAS statistical program, and means were compared by the Tukey test (P < .05). In both males and females, RBC, HCT, AST, and GGT activity increased in response to exercise, but there were no significant differences between genders. In females, significant increases in TP, BUN, Crea, CK, and LDH levels were detected after the marcha gait, but no such changes were detected in males. Total WBC concentrations increased in response to the exercise in both, males and females; however, there were no differences between genders. Plasma HGB, Alb, and ALP levels after marcha gait did not differ in both genders. Marcha exercise–induced significant hematologic and biochemical changes in serum of Mangalarga Marchador horses, independently of gender. However, females presented more blood changes after marcha gait. Gender differences should be taken into consideration in experiments with athletic horses.     

Blood biochemical profiles of thai indigenous and Simmental x Brahman crossbred cattle in the Central Thailand

Plasma biochemical profiles were studied in 112 mature (3 to 5-year-old) healthy cattle comprised of 61 Thai indigenous and 51 Simmental x Brahman crossbred male and cyclic female cattle at Nongkwang (Central Thailand) Livestock Research and Breeding Center, Thailand. Data were analysed for the effect of breed and sex. The results showed that the plasma glucose and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the two breeds were significantly (P < 0.05) different. Furthermore, the urea, creatinine, albumin, total protein, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in Thai indigenous were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than in crossbred cattle. However, creatine kinase did not significantly differ in crossbred and indigenous animals. A sex difference was found in glucose level with male Thai indigenous having significantly higher levels (P < 0.05) than the other three groups. Plasma urea concentration in male crossbred cattle was lower than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Female crossbred cattle had significantly (P < 0.05) lower plasma creatinine levels than the other animals. Furthermore, levels of albumin in male and total protein in female crossbred were the lowest (P < 0.05) among the groups. The AST, ALT, ALP and GGT levels were significantly (P < 0.05) different between male and female. Female crossbred cattle had the lowest (P < 0.05) AST and GGT levels, whereas lowest (P < 0.05) ALT and ALP concentration was determined in male individuals of these breeds.     

Plasma biochemistry of ostrich (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Struthio camelus</Emphasis>): effects of anticoagulants and comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals, but limited information is existing for ostrich plasma biochemistry. Ten clinically healthy ostrich were blood sampled in different tubes containing each anticoagulant and plain tube for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, uric acid, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and magnesium and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. The concentrations of glucose, uric acid, total protein, and calcium were significantly lower in citrated plasma than that of serum. For dilution corrected citrated plasma significant differences were only seen for the concentration of uric acid. Most parameters did not show any differences, but significant increase were seen for glucose, total protein, albumin, and phosphorus concentrations when heparin was used as an anticoagulant.     

Clinico-chemical blood parameters in foals in the first two months of life]

Eighteen healthy foals were studied from birth until 2 months of age. Blood samples were obtained at the following times: presuckle, 30 hours, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks of age. Changes in serum P, Mg, Ca, Na, K, Cl, iron, AP, ASAT, ALAT, GGT, GLDH, CK, lipase, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, uric acid, protein and fibrinogen and in plasma total solids were examined and the values compared to reference values of adult horses. There were characteristic age related changes in several parameters. Single measurements should be interpreted cautiously to allow for individual variations.     

Relationship between separation time of plasma from heparinized whole blood on plasma biochemical analytes of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)

Concentrations and activities of selected biochemicals of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) were determined for plasma that was separated from whole blood samples that were kept up to 96 hr post collection (PC) in a refrigerator. Blood samples collected from seven juvenile captive loggerhead sea turtles were added to tubes containing lithium heparin and were placed on ice. Equal amounts of anticoagulated whole blood from the lithium heparin tubes were then aliquoted into plastic tubes and stored as whole blood under refrigeration until they were centrifuged at 0, 4, 24, 48, and 96 hr PC. Plasma was removed and the analytes that were measured were alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, glucose, urea nitrogen, uric acid, total protein, albumin, and globulin. Compared with values at 0 time, the only analyte to be significantly different at 24 hr PC was GGT (activity decreased by 25%). Compared with values at 0 time, significant differences at 96 hr PC were only seen in AST (2% increase), GGT (25% decrease), glucose (7% decrease), and uric acid (25% increase). Although a statistically significant difference was found in concentrations of phosphorus and cholesterol over time by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), the follow-up multiple comparison procedure could not define the specific time points at which significant differences occurred. For all other analytes, significant differences over the time course of the study were not found. In these instances, the power of the ANOVA was sufficient (> or = 0.80) to detect any arithmetic differences of a clinically relevant magnitude. Although plasma should be separated from the cellular component of blood as soon as possible PC, in a field situation in which a centrifuge is unavailable, samples can be stored in a portable cooler up to 24 hr without appreciable change in select biochemical analytes.     

Changes in selected biochemical indicators in blood serum in anestrous gilts

The biochemical profile [levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chlorides and iron, the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and the concentrations of total protein, albumin, cholesterol, urea, glucose, and vitamins A and E] was studied in the blood serum of 40 anoestrous and 40 control inseminated animals in a production herd with an increased occurrence of anoestrus in gilts. The anoestrous gilts showed significantly lower levels of albumin (P less than 0.01) and glucose (P less than 0.01) and ALP activity (P less than 0.05), and significantly higher concentrations of urea (P less than 0.01), vitamin A (P less than 0.01) and vitamin E (P less than 0.05) and ALT activity (P less than 0.05), as compared with the inseminated controls. An extended enzymatological examination consisting of the evaluation of the activities of ALP, AST, ALT and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GMT) was performed in another set of 22 anoestrous and 20 mated gilts. The anoestrous gilts showed a statistically significant increase in the activities of AST (P less than 0.01), GMT (P less than 0.01) and ALT (P less than 0.05) and an insignificant increase in the activity of ALP in comparison with the control animals. The comparison of the obtained values of the studied biochemical criteria with literary data indicated a lower concentration of magnesium and a higher ALP and ALT activities in the anoestrous and inseminated gilts in both groups under study. A high acidity of fat and a medium to high fungus infestation (Mucor sp., Aspergillus sp.) were found by chemical and mycological examination of the administered feed mixtures. The histological examination of the ovaries of anoestrous animals showed cystically degenerative changes, proliferations of fibrous elements, and partial atrophy of ovarial cortex. It has been inferred from the observations that mycotoxins may be involved in the increase in the occurrence of anoestrus, either by a direct effect on sexual organs or by impairing the function of liver which, secondarily contributes to the rise of ovarial dysfunctions.