Diet affects nutrient digestibility, hematology, and serum chemistry of senior and weanling dogs

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of age and diet on serum chemistry, hematology, and nutrient digestibility in healthy dogs. Twelve senior (11 yr old; six males and six females) and 12 weanling (age = 8 wk old; six males and six females) beagles were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments: 1) an animal product-based (APB) diet or 2) a plant product-based (PPB) diet. The APB diet was primarily composed of brewer's rice, chicken by-product meal, and poultry fat, whereas the primary ingredients of the PPB diet included corn, soybean meal, wheat middlings, and meat and bone meal. Dogs remained on experiment for 12 mo. A 4-d total fecal collection was performed to determine apparent macronutrient digestibilities after 3 and 10 mo. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo on study. After 3 mo, dogs fed the APB diet had greater (P < 0.001) DM (6 percentage units) and OM (7 percentage units) digestibilities than dogs fed the PPB diet. Senior dogs had greater DM (2.5 percentage units; P = 0.07) and OM (3 percentage units; P < 0.01) digestibilities than young dogs. Dogs fed the PPB diet had a lower (P < 0.001) fecal DM percentage (7.5 percentage units) and greater (P < 0.001) fecal output (253 vs. 97 g/d, as-is basis). After 10 mo, age did not affect nutrient digestibility or fecal characteristics. However, the effect of diet after 10 mo was similar to that observed after 3 mo, as dogs fed the PPB diet had a lower (P < 0.001) fecal DM percentage (7 percentage units), lower OM (4 percentage units; P = 0.09) and fat (6 percentage units; P < 0.001) digestibilities, and greater (P < 0.005) fecal output (235 vs. 108 g/d, as-is basis). At baseline, most serum metabolites were different between age groups, with weanlings having several metabolite concentrations outside the reference ranges for adult dogs. Blood cholesterol, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, creatinine, total protein, albumin, bilirubin, sodium, chloride, and alanine transaminase were present in greater (P < 0.05) concentrations in senior dogs, but weanling dogs had greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of glucose, platelets, Ca, P, K, and alkaline phosphatase. Over time, blood cholesterol concentrations were affected by age (P < 0.05) and diet (P < 0.01). Senior dogs had greater (P < 0.05) cholesterol concentrations than weanling dogs. Moreover, dogs fed the APB diet had greater (P < 0.05) cholesterol concentrations than dogs fed the PPB diet. Overall, although serum metabolite concentrations of weanlings were different from senior dogs at baseline, as weanlings matured into young adults, metabolite concentrations were similar to those of senior dogs. Diet had the largest effects on nutrient digestibilities and fecal characteristics. Canine age and diet must be considered when interpreting experimental and clinical data.     

Reference ranges for laboratory parameters in ferrets

The purpose of this study was to establish reference ranges (robust methods) for 51 laboratory parameters in ferrets for use in private practice. Current literature concerning reference values in ferrets is often based on small patient numbers, methods of blood sampling not suitable for practice, and outdated laboratory methods. Blood was collected from the V saphena lateralis of 111 clinically healthy ferrets (age 11 weeks to 9 years; 61 male, 50 female). Age, sex (male or female) and fasting status were taken into consideration. Parameters evaluated included haematological parameters (packed?cell volume, haemoglobin, erythrocytes, erythrocyte indices, white blood cells, differential blood counts, platelets) (Cell-Dyn3500R; microscopical differential blood count), serum parameters (alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransaminase, glutamate dehydrogenase, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, α-amylase, lipase, cholinesterase, glucose, fructosamine, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, serum bile acids, bilirubin, urea, creatinine), serum electrolyte levels (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, iron) (Hitachi 911), and serum hormone concentrations (thyroxine, cortisol, oestradiol, progesterone) (Elecsys 1010). Results differing from reference ranges reported in current literature were attributed in most cases to the use of other blood sampling methods and laboratory equipment.     

Effect of ACTH on plasma corticosterone and cortisol in eagles and condors

The effect of ACTH on plasma corticosterone and cortisol was determined in 12 eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and in 6 Andean condors (Vultur gryphus). In all raptors, the concentration of plasma corticosterone was substantially greater than that of cortisol. After ACTH administration, the eagles had a marked increase (P less than 0.001) in plasma corticosterone concentrations, but not in plasma cortisol. Administration of saline solution did not induce increased plasma corticosterone concentrations in the eagles. The condors had a smaller increase (P less than 0.002) in plasma corticosterone concentrations after ACTH administration, as compared with that of the eagles. However, administration of saline solution in 2 condors resulted in an increase in corticosterone similar to the increase after ACTH administration. In the condor, a stress-related release of endogenous ACTH may have an effect similar to that induced by exogenously administered ACTH. Plasma cortisol concentrations did not increase significantly after administration of ACTH or saline solution in either raptor species.     

Reference serum biochemical values for emus and ostriches.

Reference serum biochemical values were determined in blood samples from 15 male, 18 female, and 4 unsexed emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) 1 to 48 months old. Serum biochemical values also were obtained for 19 male, 26 female, and 4 unsexed ostriches (Struthio camelus) 1 to 60 months old. Parametric (mean +/- 2 SD) and non-parametric (fifth to 95th percentile) reference ranges and linear trends as influenced by age were determined for enzyme activities and concentrations of glucose, inorganic phosphate, BUN, uric acid, creatinine, triglyceride, cholesterol, total protein, and albumin. Species differences for all analytes, except cholesterol and inorganic phosphate concentrations, were detected. Creatine kinase values in ostriches were higher than those in emus. There were no linear relationships between age and analyte values in emus, and sex did not significantly (P < 0.05) affect the values in emus. Analyte values in ostriches tended to increase with age, but cholesterol, creatine kinase, inorganic phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations decreased with age. Glucose, triglyceride, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and cholinesterase concentrations in ostriches were not linearly associated with age. Age had a greater effect on the analyte values of female ostriches than it did on male ostriches. Concentrations generally increased with age in female ostriches, except for cholesterol, cholinesterase, inorganic phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations, which decreased with age.     

Iron Status and Erythrocyte Volume in Dogs With Congenital Portosystemic Vascular Anomalies

Microcytosis, hypochromasia, and low mean corpuscular hemoglobin are frequent hematologic abnormalities in dogs with portosystemic vascular anomalies (PSVA). The relationship of iron status to these abnormalities is unclear. We evaluated iron status and hematologic and biochemical parameters in dogs with congenital PSVA before (25 dogs) and after (11 dogs) partial ligation of the vascular anomaly. Serum iron concentration and total iron binding capacity were subnormal in 56% and 20% of dogs with PSVA, respectively. Transferrin saturation was normal in 68%, decreased in 20%, and increased in 12% of the dogs. Plasma ferritin concentration was either normal (56%) or high (44%), and was not associated with increases in ceruloplasmin concentration. Hepatic stainable iron was increased in 10 of 16 dogs. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were decreased in more than 60% of dogs with PSVA. Serum biochemical abnormalities included high bile acid concentration and alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities; and low urea, creatinine, cholesterol, and total protein concentrations. Serum iron concentration and clinical status (normal or PSVA) significantly influenced MCV ( P = .003 and P < .001, respectively), whereas age, ceruloplasmin, ferritin, cholesterol, bile acids, and total iron binding capacity did not. Partial ligation of PSVA was associated with resolution of clinical signs and the return to normal of iron status and all clinicopathologic abnormalities, except total fasting bile acid concentrations. These findings indicate that iron status is frequently abnormal in dogs with PSVA and that low serum iron concentration appears to be related to the development of microcytosis. The normalization of iron status and clinicopathologic abnormalities after treatment suggests that they are direct consequences of PSVA.     

Age-related variations in hematologic and plasma biochemical test results in Beagles and Labrador Retrievers

OBJECTIVE: To investigate age-related variations in results of hematologic and plasma biochemical tests performed on dogs of 2 common breeds. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. ANIMALS: 34 Beagles and 44 Labrador Retrievers. PROCEDURE: Blood samples were collected throughout the dogs' lives; 589 samples were collected from the Beagles and 964 samples were collected from the Labrador Retrievers (age at the time of sample collection ranged from 22 days to 15 years). White blood cell and RBC counts; hemoglobin concentration; Hct; mean cell volume; mean cell hemoglobin concentration; alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase activities; and calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, urea, protein, and albumin concentrations were measured. RESULTS: For all tests, there were significant effects of age on test results. There was a significant interaction between age and breed for all tests except hemoglobin, albumin, and phosphorus concentrations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that there were age-related changes in hematologic and plasma biochemical test results in these 2 breeds of dogs. Changes were most evident during the first year of life, reflecting growth and maturation of the puppies. In some instances, values for puppies diverged markedly from those for adults, necessitating the use of age-specific reference ranges for the interpretation of clinical data.     

Treatment of lead toxicity and crop stasis in a California condor (Gymnogyps californianus).

A free-ranging California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) presented severely dehydrated, unable to stand, very weak, and with a distended crop. Toxicologic analysis revealed an elevated blood lead level of 291.4 microg/ ml. There was no evidence of lead exposure on radiographs. The condor was treated with chelating agents and intensive supportive care. Over a period of 10 days, a majority of its clinical signs improved, and lead levels dropped to near normal. However, the condor was left with a severe, persistent crop stasis and malnutrition. An esophagostomy tube, and later an ingluviostomy tube, were placed and maintained for a period of 1 mo. The condor was managed with continuous infusion feeding. After the feeding tube was removed, the condor was managed with small amounts of soft food orally. After 10 wk of treatment, the crop returned to normal function.     

Hematologic and clinical chemistry reference values in red lories (Eos spp.)

We established reference ranges for three hematologic and 15 clinical chemistry parameters of 40 clinically healthy birds of the genus Eos. The following species were included to the study: Eos histrio (n = 19), Eos squamata (n = 8), Eos bomea (n = 5), Eos reticulata (n = 4), Eos cyanogenia (n = 4). Detailed information concerning methodology, which is often missing in papers dealing with reference values, is included. As far as possible, data are compared with literature, and some thoughts on obvious deviations are given. The problem of establishing reference values in rare species is reviewed.     

Clinicopathologic study of horses surviving pyrrolizidine alkaloid (Senecio vulgaris) toxicosis

Twenty horses of various ages had inadvertently ingested alfalfa hay contaminated with Senecio vulgaris. Among them, 4 died of liver disease. Blood was collected from affected horses at monthly intervals for 7 months and at the 9th and 14th months. The following serum enzymes and chemical items were assayed: aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, BUN, glucose, cholesterol, inorganic phosphate, calcium, total protein, and albumin. Amino acid profiles, conjugated bile acids, sulfobromophthalein clearance times, and liver histopathologic changes via serial biopsies were also monitored. Liver histopathologic changes revealed lesions progressively increasing in severity. Aspartate aminotransferase and plasma amino acid ratios indicated chronic liver degeneration (0.05 level of significance). gamma-Glutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase as well as BUN values fluctuated, but returned to within reference values. Horses appeared clinically normal 14 months after intoxication, but were unable to tolerate stress of exercise.     

Aggressive behavior is reduced in bulls actively immunized against gonadotropin-releasing hormone

The purpose of this research was to compare the frequency of aggressive behavior's in beef bulls actively immunized against gonadotropin-releasing hormone relative to contemporary nonimmunized control bulls and surgically castrated steers. Eight males were assigned to each ofthese treatments in each of 4 yr. Immunized males were treated with a GnRH-keyhole-limpet hemocyanin (KLH) conjugate at approximately 4 mo of age. A secondary (booster) immunization was administered at 12 mo. Steers were castrated at 4 mo of age. Animals in each treatment in each year were housed as a single group prior to testing. At approximately 16 mo of age, each group of eight animals was placed in a 10- x 16-m enclosure for 20 min on five occasions at 2 to 3 d intervals. An observer recorded butts initiated by each animal as well as participation in bouts of sparring. Relative to control bulls, immunocastration reduced the frequency of butts initiated (P < 0.05) and participation in sparring bouts (P < 0.05) to levels typically observed in steers (P > 0.05). These observations indicate that active immunization against GnRH reduces the incidence of aggressive behavior in male beef cattle and are consistent with our postulate that immunoneutralization of GnRH is an effective alternative to surgical castration in the management of beef cattle.     

Serum Profiles of Luteinizing Hormone,Oestradiol and Cholesterol and Ovarian Functions in Layer Poultry Birds (Gallus domesticus) Fed Diets Containing Furazolidone

This study was carried out to assess the serum profiles of luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol, cholesterol and ovarian functions in layer poultry birds (Rhode Island Red: Gallus domesticus) fed a diet containing various concentrations of furazolidone (FZ). A total of 40 birds were randomly assigned to receive FZ 0, 200, 400 or 800 mg/kg feed (ppm) daily during the pre-laying age, i.e. 13-18 weeks (for 5 weeks). Blood samples were collected at weekly intervals. Concentrations of LH and oestradiol in serum were estimated at alternate weeks using radioimmunoassays. Serum cholesterol levels were analysed by an enzymatic calorimetric method. Furazolidone administration was terminated at the 18th week of age. The birds were sacrificed at 22nd week of age and ovarian tissues were processed for morphometric studies. Serum LH, oestradiol and cholesterol levels were affected by age (p < 0.001) and FZ dose (p < 0.001). Serum LH and oestradiol levels were lower (p < 0.05) in birds receiving FZ 800 mg/kg feed daily compared with the controls, whereas serum cholesterol profiles were lower (p < 0.05) in all FZ-administered groups than in the control group. The mean weight of ovaries having no yolky follicles observed in the group receiving FZ 400 or 800 mg/kg feed per day was reduced (p < 0.05) compared with the control group. Dosing FZ at 800 mg/kg feed per day reduced (p < 0.05) the mean volume of ovaries having no yolky follicles compared with the control group. In birds receiving FZ 800 mg/kg feed per day, the mean length of the oviduct was reduced (p < 0.05) as compared with the control group. Morphometric studies revealed that the mean number of oocytes with diameter in the range 401-800 microm decreased (p < 0.05) in birds fed FZ 400 or 800 mg/kg feed per day. Initial egg production was affected by age (p < 0.001) and dose (p < 0.001) of FZ. The mean number of eggs laid by different groups revealed that egg production was reduced (p < 0.05) in birds receiving FZ 800 mg/kg feed per day as compared with the controls. The present data suggest that FZ causes suppression in serum profiles of LH, oestradiol, cholesterol and ovarian functions in Rhode Island Red layer poultry birds. Therefore, great care must be taken with use of FZ in layer poultry birds (Gallius domesticus) with regard to dosage and duration of administration.     

Hematologic and serum biochemistry values in two species of free-ranging porcupines (Coendou prehensilis, Coendou melanurus) in French Guiana.

Individuals of two porcupine species (Coendou prehensilis and Coendou melanurus) were translocated during the flooding of a forest at a hydroelectric dam site in French Guiana. Blood samples were collected for 11 mo to determine hematologic and serum chemistry reference mean values and ranges and to look for blood parasites. Male C. prehensilis had significantly higher hemoglobin levels, packed cell volumes, and creatinine and potassium values than did females of the same species. Coendou prehensilis had significantly lower amylase levels but higher creatinine, calcium, lactate dehydrogenase, and gamma glutamyl transferase levels than C. melanurus.     

On the clinical chemistry of the Bennett's wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus)

The following parameters were determined in blood serum of apparently healthy Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) using the Hitachi 917 (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) and/or the Vettest 8008 (IDEXX-GmbH, Woerrstadt, Germany): alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, ammonia, alpha-amylase, aspartate aminotransferase, Ca, Cl, cholesterol, cholinesterase, creatine kinase, creatinine, gammaglutamyltransferase, glucose, iron, lactate dehydrogenase, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, protein, sodium, total bilirubin, triglyceride, and urea. The results for cholesterol, glucose, total protein, triglyceride and for the enzymes alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and lactate dehydrogenase differed significantly between both methods (P < 0.05). There is a negative correlation between the age of the Bennett's wallabies and the activity of the alkaline phosphatase. Five protein fractions could be separated on cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The mean concentrations of fructosamine and beta-hydroxybutyrate were 447.3 micromol/L and 0.27 mmol/L, respectively. The estimated vitamin A intake had no influence on the vitamin A concentration in serum. The serum vitamin E concentration was in general low and vitamin E was below the detection limit of 0.82 micromol/L in 29 out of 42 serum samples. The use of these analytes is discussed concerning the knowledge about the physiology, nutrition and diseases of macropods.     

The effect of lead poisoning on hematologic and biochemical values in trumpeter swans and Canada geese

BACKGROUND: Lead is a persistent contaminant in the environment, and waterfowl are susceptible to lead toxicity from ingestion of lead pellets and fishing weights. Lead affects numerous physiologic processes through inhibition of enzyme activity and protein function, but its effects on commonly assessed avian blood values are incompletely understood. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to evaluate hematologic and biochemical changes associated with blood lead concentrations in trumpeter swans and Canada geese. METHODS: Data for CBCs, plasma biochemical profiles (total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, total bilirubin, calcium, phosphorus, gamma-glutamyltransferase [GGT], aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, amylase, and lipase), and whole blood lead concentrations were retrospectively analyzed for 69 trumpeter swans and 52 Canada geese. Laboratory data obtained prospectively from an additional 20 trumpeter swans also were included. RBC morphology was semiquantitated in blood smears from 70 of the birds. Data were analyzed initially by ANOVA and covariance. A statistical model then was constructed to determine the relationship between each parameter and lead concentration. RESULTS: In both avian species, PCV, hemoglobin concentration, and MCHC decreased significantly (P < .05) with increasing blood lead concentration. Uric acid concentration and GGT activity were increased in trumpeter swans and phosphorus concentration was decreased in Canada geese in association with high blood lead concentration (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Lead toxicosis induced significant changes in the values of commonly measured hematologic parameters in waterfowl. These changes may be useful indicators of severe lead intoxication during routine laboratory assessment. Changes in clinical chemistry values, although statistically significant, were too inconsistent to serve as indicators of lead toxicosis.     

Stomach impaction in ostriches (Struthio camelus): blood chemistry,hematology, and treatment

This study involved 14 ostriches of both sexes between 3 and 24 mo of age. Some hematologic and biochemical parameters were studied in animals with stomach impaction. Clinical examination of the birds revealed anorexia, emaciation, decreased defecation, listlessness, separation from the flock, and recumbence. The total number of leukocytes (10.4 x 10(3) mm3), the concentrations of serum glucose (166 mg/dl), and total protein (2.4 g/dl) decreased; serum creatine phosphokinase (1240 U/L) and alkaline phosphatase (598 U/L) increased; whereas no changes were found in the concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and copper. Medical treatment was initiated in 13 animals; six of them recovered and seven birds died. Necropsy revealed edema, erosions, and hemorrhagic ulcers in the stomach of the dead birds. Foreign bodies such as sand; stone; pieces of wood, glass, and plastic; and metallic objects were encountered in the stomach at the necropsy. In one bird, metallic foreign body was diagnosed and the bird was referred to surgery. Under stress factors, ostriches tend to eat foreign material; therefore, adequate housing, nutrition, and care are crucial in prevention of stomach impaction.     

外源肌苷酸对肉鸡生长性能、肉品质及血清生化指标的影响

本试验旨在研究不同剂量外源肌苷酸对三黄鸡生长性能、肉品质及血清生化指标的影响。选取健康的1日龄三黄肉公鸡1 500只,随机分为5组(各组饲粮中分别添加0、0.05%、0.10%、0.20%、0.30%的肌苷酸),每组6个重复,每个重复50只,试验期52 d。结果表明:1)在肉鸡生长前期(1~36日龄)0.30%肌苷酸组料重比显著低于0.20%肌苷酸组(P0.05);而整个生长期(1~52日龄),各组生长性能无显著差异(P0.05)。2)0.20%肌苷酸组胸肌蒸煮损失较对照组降低了21.83%(P0.05),剪切力降低了16.72%(P0.05);0.30%肌苷酸组胸肌重显著高于对照组(P0.05)。与对照组相比,0.20%肌苷酸组胸肌红度(a*)、黄度(b*)值显著提高(P0.05),而0.10%、0.30%肌苷酸组亮度(L*)值显著降低(P0.05)。3)52日龄时,0.30%肌苷酸组胸肌肌苷酸含量最高,较对照组提高了38.8%(P0.05),0.20%肌苷酸组腿肌肌苷酸含量比对照组提高了26.14%(P0.05)。4)52日龄时,与对照组相比,0.30%肌苷酸组血清中球蛋白含量显著提高(P0.05),而总蛋白含量、碱性磷酸酶活性有所提高,但差异不显著(P0.05)。5)36日龄,与对照组相比,0.30%肌苷酸组血清中总胆固醇含量显著降低(P0.05),同时,0.05%肌苷酸组高密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量提高了38.41%(P0.05)。以上结果表明,在三黄鸡饲粮中添加外源肌苷酸可降低肉鸡生长前期料重比,改善肌肉颜色,显著提高肌肉肌苷酸的沉积量;另外,外源肌苷酸可提高肉仔鸡血清中总蛋白、球蛋白、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量及碱性磷酸酶活性,降低总胆固醇的含量,提高了体内蛋白质及脂质代谢水平;综合生长性能、肉品质及血清生化指标,在三黄鸡饲粮中添加0.30%外源肌苷酸效果最佳。     

Breed‐specific variation of hematologic and biochemical analytes in healthy adult Bernese Mountain dogs

Background: Hematology and serum biochemistry reference intervals in dogs may be affected by internal factors, such as breed and age, and external factors, such as the environment, diet, and lifestyle. In humans, it is well established that geographic origin and age may have an impact on reference intervals and, therefore, more specific reference intervals are sought for subpopulations. Objective: The objective of this study was to validate and transfer standard laboratory reference intervals for healthy Bernese Mountain dogs and to create new intervals for analytes where the established laboratory reference intervals were rejected. Methods: The procedure was performed using the human Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute‐approved model modified for veterinary use. Thirty‐two dogs were included in the study using a direct a priori method, as recommended. Results: While 23 of the standard laboratory reference intervals were readily validated, 7 of the analytes (eosinophils, MCHC, alkaline phosphatase [ALP], γ‐glutamyltransferase, total bilirubin, amylase, and cholesterol) required new reference intervals according to the standard. These were calculated using the robust method. In particular, the new reference range for ALP was wide compared with the established laboratory reference interval. No clinical causes were found for differences in the results of these analytes. Conclusion: We found significant differences in 7 hematologic and serum biochemical analytes for which a breed‐specific variation appears to be the most plausible explanation. Breed‐specific reference intervals for Bernese Mountain dogs will help avoid misinterpretation of laboratory results in the diagnostic process.     

Bovine lipoprotein and apolipoprotein profiles as influenced by sex and growth.

Three (intact) Angus males and females that were half-sibs and born within 21 d of each other were selected for this study. Each animal was bled periodically from birth to slaughter (18 mo) to determine the qualitative composition of plasma lipoproteins and apolipoproteins during its growth and development. Major components observed were: 1) very low-density (VLDL), 2) low-density (LDL), and 3) high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Individual amounts of triglycerides, cholesterol, and proteins for the VLDL were not different (P greater than .05) between sexes at any time during growth and development. At 1 yr of age and 15 mo of age, females had significantly larger (143.4 and 93.5 mg/dl) amounts of protein in the HDL than males (67.0 and 93.5 mg/dl), respectively. Within the male group, the LDL triglyceride concentration of calves was significantly (P less than .05) higher (7.4 mg/dl) than at all other bleeding times. Within the female group, cholesterol values for the VLDL were significantly (P less than .05) larger as calves and weanlings (16.5 and 21.7 mg/dl respectively) than for other bleeding periods. At all stages of growth and development, the HDL apoprotein profiles showed a distinct band with a weight of about 28,000 Da, which represented apolipoprotein-A-I. During the suckling stage, pooling of LDL fractions provided two components on the acrylamide gel (7.5 to 20%), apolipoprotein-B and a low molecular weight band. At 12 and 15 mo, no low molecular weight band was present in the pooled LDL fraction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Age-related changes in plasma biochemical values of farmed emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

SUMMARY Blood samples were collected from 40 emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) of 4 different age groups ranging from 1 week to 14 months. Plasma values of glucose, cholesterol, uric acid, total protein, albumin, creatine kinase, aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were measured. Fourteen-month-old birds had lower plasma glucose values and enzyme activities and higher plasma protein values than younger birds. One-week-old birds had higher cholesterol and uric acid values than other age groups. Plasma calcium, phosphorus and magnesium values did not differ across the age profiles sampled.