Electrophoretic serum protein fraction profile during the different physiological phases in Comisana ewes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different physiological phases on serum total proteins and their fractions of ten Comisana ewes housed in Mediterranean area. From each animal, blood samples were collected at different physiological phases: late pregnancy, post-partum, early, mid-, end lactation and dry period. On all samples serum total proteins were determined by the biuret method, and albumin, α-globulins, β(1) -globulins, β(2) -globulins and γ-globulins concentrations were assessed using an automated system. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was applied to determine the significant effect of different physiological phases on the parameters studied. During the late pregnancy and post-partum, total proteins, β1- and β2-globulins and γ-globulins showed the highest values. Starting from post-partum, α-globulins increased to reach their peaks in mid-lactation. Early lactation was characterized by low γ-globulins values. The increase in serum albumin concentration and the drop in some globulin fractions determined the significant increase in albumin/globulin ratio. The obtained results contributed to improve the knowledge on electrophoretic profile during the different physiological phases in ewes, confirming that pregnancy and lactation periods affect the protein metabolism. Particularly, serum protein fractions pattern could give information about dehydration, plasma volume expansion and hepatic function, which occur during the different physiological phases. Dynamics of the protein profile - from pregnancy to dry period - which are provided by our results, could be considered as guidelines for the management strategies to guarantee the nutritional needs of these animals during the different physiological phases and to avoid a decline of productive performance and consequently an economic loss.     

Comparison of Biochemical Values of Paired Serum and Plasma Samples from American Flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber), Indian Runner Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), and Hyacinth Macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)

Single blood samples from 8 clinically normal adult Indian runner ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), 8 clinically normal American flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber), and 3 blood samples from each of 4 clinically normal hyacinth macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) were collected to compare the biochemical values of paired plasma samples from heparinized blood with those of serum samples from clotted blood. Small but significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between paired serum and plasma samples for some biochemistries. In flamingos, potassium (P = 0.001), albumin (P = 0.03), and alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.02) were significantly higher in serum compared with plasma, whereas total protein (P = 0.04) and globulin (P = 0.01) were significantly lower in serum compared with plasma. In Indian runner ducks, potassium (P = 0.0002), chloride (P = 0.02), and alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.0005) were significantly higher in serum compared with plasma, whereas total CO₂ (P = 0.02) and globulin (P = 0.007) were significantly lower in serum compared with plasma. Serum total protein was lower than plasma levels, but it was not significant (P = 0.05). In hyacinth macaws, total protein (P = 0.02) and the albumin:globulin ratio (P = 0.02) were significantly lower in serum compared with plasma. Although statistically significant, these differences were small and appear unlikely to be of any clinical relevance. There is minimal loss of plasma volume from heparinized blood samples compared with serum volume from clotted blood samples. This allows collection of smaller blood volumes from small or sick birds in a single lithium heparin anticoagulant tube to perform a hemogram on whole blood and a biochemical profile on the separated plasma that provides values similar to those of serum.     

贵州剑河白香猪血液生化指标的测定

试验选择26只6月龄的健康贵州剑河白香猪,测定其常规血液生化指标：血糖(Blu)、血清谷草转氨酶(GOT)、血清谷丙转氨酶(GPT）、血清总胆固醇（TC)、血清钙、血清无机磷、血清钾、血清总蛋白（TP)、白蛋白(ALB)、α-球蛋白、β-球蛋白、γ-球蛋白、白／球（T/G)比。测定结果表明,贵州剑河白香猪的血液生化指标值与人类相近或相似,是理想的医学实验用动物。     

Influence of multi-enzyme preparation supplemented with sodium butyrate on growth performance blood profiles and economic benefit of growing rabbits

The present study was carried out to explore the impacts of dietary supplementation of enzyme mixture with sodium butyrate on the growth performance, carcass traits, blood profile and economic benefit in two breeds of weanling rabbits adapted to survive in Egypt (New Zealand White and Rex). One-hundred and twenty weaned male rabbits (New Zealand White and Rex) of 6 weeks of age and 770.5 ± 20 g body weight were allotted randomly into four groups in a factorial arrangement. The obtained results indicated that there were non-significant differences in all growth performance traits, blood profile and economic parameters due to the breed effect. However, there were significant differences in most of carcass traits due to the breed effect except total giblets and New Zealand White breed showed the highest value of these parameters including dressing % (p < .01), forequarter and loin % (p < .001) and hindquarter % (p < .003) compared with Rex breed counterparts. The effect of the treatment and its interaction with the breed significantly (p < .05) improved body weight gain, feed consumption and carcass traits (percentage of dressing, forequarter, hind quarter and lion). However, final body weight and feed conversion ratio were not significantly influenced. Supplementing a diet with treatment significantly decreased blood triglycerides, cholesterol and the ratio between albumin and globulin (A/G ratio), while increased blood total protein and globulin. Although higher feed cost and total costs in treated groups than control ones in each breed, they showed higher total return and net return. Rex non-treated rabbit breed showed the lowest profitability measures compared with other groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of multi-enzyme with sodium butyrate is highly recommended in growing rabbits due to their beneficial effects on the growth performance and profitability.     

日粮蛋白质水平对海南猪生产性能和血液生化指标的影响

试验旨在研究日粮不同蛋白质(crude protein,CP)水平对海南猪生产性能和血液生化指标的影响。选初始体重为(15.88±1.82)kg健康海南猪36头,随机分为3组,即试验Ⅰ组(CP为16.5%)、试验Ⅱ组(CP为18.5%)和试验Ⅲ组(CP为20.5%),每组3个重复,每个重复4头,试验期为40 d。结果表明:①日粮中蛋白质的添加水平对海南猪生产性能的影响差异不显著(P>0.05),但以试验Ⅱ组(18.5%)生产性能最佳;②日粮中蛋白质的添加水平对血液总蛋白和球蛋白的含量有显著影响(P<0.05),且随着日粮中蛋白质水平的提高,海南猪血液总蛋白和球蛋白含量也升高。提示,在海南猪生长前期饲喂蛋白质水平以18.5%日粮较为适宜。     

Effects of experimenters and different blood sampling procedures on blood metabolite values in growing pigs.

The aims of the present study were firstly to verify if sera obtained by jugular venipuncture and those obtained from an anterior vena cava cannula were comparable and secondly to observe the effect of different experimenters on the biochemical profile of pigs. In the first experiment, 16 Yorkshire pigs with a mean weight of 48.9 +/- 2.3 kg were venipunctured using either a vacuum tube system or a syringe. The experiment was conducted on two separate days, seven days apart, in a crossover design experiment. At the time of obtaining blood via venipuncture, blood was also withdrawn from the jugular cannula. The tip of the latter was in the anterior vena cava. No effect of the sampling system was observed. However, a significant decrease in serum concentrations of Na, P and CO2 and a significant increase in anion gap, total protein, albumin, globulin, total bilirubin, aspartate amniotransferase, L-gamma glutamyl-transferase and creatine kinase were observed from blood samples obtained by venipuncture. In the second experiment, ten pigs from the first experiment were sampled by an inexperienced manipulator. Variations of the same magnitude as observed in the first experiment were observed in sera obtained by venipuncture and anterior vena cava but 18 of the 22 biochemical variables of sera obtained from the anterior vena cava were significantly different than those from the first experiment. The results show that blood samples obtained by jugular venipuncture in pigs can differ from samples obtained from an anterior vena cava cannula, specially in enzyme concentrations, and the dexterity of the experimenter may have a major effect on blood values.     

Relationships of concentrations of certain blood constituents with milk yield and age of cows in dairy herds.

Regression analyses were performed on data from 48 Compton metabolic profile tests relating the concentrations of certain constituents in the blood of dairy cows to their milk yield, age and stage of lactation. The common partial regression coefficients for milk yield, age and stage of lactation were estimated for each blood constituent. The relationships of greatest statistical significance were between the concentrations of inorganic phosphate and globulin and age, and the concentration of albumin and milk yield.     

Effect of maternal cottonseed feed on the immune and antioxidant status of Santa Ines lambs

Cottonseed has been used as a nutritional alternative in animal production. However, consequences of this nutrient in the progeny is not well characterized. Thus, this work evaluated the effect on the immune and antioxidant status of the progeny of feeding Santa Ines ewe with or without cottonseed. Twenty-four Santa Ines ewes were distributed in two feeding regimes: cottonseed (CS) concentrate (n = 12) and soybean (SB) concentrate (n = 12). After birth, lambs remained with their mothers and blood samples were collected at 1^st, 3^rd, 7^th, 15^th, 30^th and 60^th day of life of 24 lambs born from mothers fed with (CS, n = 12) or without (SB, n = 12) cottonseed. Serum total protein, albumin, alpha beta globulin, gamma globulin, immunoglobulin G and M, activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and variables related to iron metabolism were affected only by sampling times (P < 0.05). The concentration of serum total protein, alpha beta globulin, gamma globulin and immunoglobulin G and M, GPx activity and ORAC values decreased as lamb age increased. Serum albumin concentration and CAT activity, in turn, increased as lamb age increased. In this work, maternal feeding with cottonseed did not affect the serum protein profile and antioxidant status of progeny during the lactation period, indicating no transfer of gossypol effects by milk secretions. Thus, the alternative in ruminants feeding with cottonseed can be used without maternal-descendant effects to immunity and oxidative stress in lambs.     

Hematology and serum biochemistry values of captive Attwater's prairie chickens (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri).

Hematology and serum biochemistry values are reported for 33 Attwater's prairie chickens (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri) that were captive-reared at the San Antonio Zoo as part of a federal reintroduction program in Texas. Hematologic values include packed cell volume, and total and differential white blood cell counts. The biochemical values include concentrations of serum calcium, total protein, albumin, phosphorus, glucose, uric acid, and cholesterol. Mathematic computation of globulin concentration and albumin: globulin ratios were conducted. Also, determination of the serum activities of creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase was done.     

睾丸摘除对水牛血像和血液免疫功能指标的影响

选择６头健康、２～３岁、体重３００～４００ｋｇ雄性水牛,研究了睾丸摘除对血像和某些免疫功能指标的影响。结果表明：睾丸摘除后ＲＢＣ、ＰＣＶ、Ｈｂ、ＲＣＣ虽与摘除前比较有不同程度的变化,但差异均不显著;ＷＢＣ在睾丸摘除后１５ｄ内呈明显下降趋势,ＤＣ中的嗜酸性粒细胞、淋巴细胞和单核细胞（％）在摘除后１～４ｄ内降低或显著降低,而嗜中性粒细胞则显著升高,嗜碱性粒细胞摘除前后无明显变化;ＲＢＣ－ＣＲ１花环率和Ｂ－淋巴细胞（％）在摘除后１５ｄ内明显低于摘除前水平,ＲＢＣ－ＩＣ花环率在摘除后第５天明显下降,以后又逐渐回升到摘除前水平,Ｔ－淋巴细胞变化与Ｂ－淋巴细胞相反;血清总蛋白（ＴＰ）、白蛋白（Ａ）分别在摘除２ｄ后和头２ｄ显著下降,以后ＴＰ在低水平上变动,而Ａ略有回升,球蛋白（Ｇ）、β－Ｇ和γ－Ｇ在摘除后头２ｄ内均明显升高,以后变化与摘除前水平比较差异不显著,α－Ｇ在摘除前后无明显变化。     

Studies on some paraclinical indices on intoxication in horses from freshly cut Jimson weed (Datura stramonium)-contaminated maize intended for ensiling

Monitoring of changes in some blood laboratory parameters in 34 horses after ingesting freshly harvested maize that was to be used for ensiling, heavily contaminated with young Datura stramonium plants, is described. For a 7-day period the following parameters were monitored: haemoglobin content (HGB), red blood cell counts (RBC), white blood cell counts (WBC), haematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), differential white cell counts (DWC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), protein fractions, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB), blood glucose (Glu), total protein (TP), globulin (Glob) and albumin (Alb). The intoxication was accompanied by erythrocytosis, leukocytosis, regenerative left shift neutrophilia, lymphopaenia, eosinopaenia, increased haematocrit values, low erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hyperglycaemia, bilirubinaemia, hypoproteinaemia and increased activity of AST and LDH. No changes occurred in the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), albumin, globulin and globulin fractions (alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1, beta 2 and gamma). The blood parameters returned to normal between post-intoxication days 2 and 5. The observed changes in clinical chemistry indices could be used in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis and prognosis of Jimson weed intoxication.     

Evaluation of biochemical profile of dairy cows with metabolic diseases in tropical conditions

The aims of this study were to characterize the biochemical profile, the reproductive performance and to identify potential predictive biomarkers of disease state of dairy cows with hyperketonemia, lipomobilization and hypocalcemia raised in tropical conditions in southeastern Brazil. Dairy cows (n = 50) were divided into a group of healthy cows (n = 14), cows with lipomobilization (n = 14), cows with hypocalcemia (n = 11), and a group of cows with hyperketonemia (n = 11). Evaluation of body condition score (BCS), body weight (BW) and blood samples was performed on 21, 14, 7, 4 and 2 days before calving, parturition, 1, 7, 14, 21, 30, 45 and 60 days post-partum and milk production was recorded on days 7, 14, 21, 30, 45 and 60 after parturition. Blood samples were assayed for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutammyltransferase (GGT), albumin, total protein, globulin, fibrinogen, total cholesterol, triglyceride, urea and creatinine concentrations. The biochemical profile, BCS, BW, milk production and reproductive performance differed (p < .05) among the groups. Our findings indicate changes in the biochemical profile of dairy cows with metabolic diseases and impaired production and fertility of dairy cows in this group. Variable importance in projection plots demonstrated that cholesterol, urea, total protein, albumin and fibrinogen in the serum were the strongest discriminators between cows with hypocalcemia and healthy cows; and AST, cholesterol, urea and triglycerides for cows with hyperketonemia and healthy cows; and cholesterol, urea, triglycerides, total protein and fibrinogen for lipomobilization and healthy cows, which might be useful as predictive biomarkers of the disease state.     

Retrospective surveillance of metabolic parameters affecting reproductive performance of Japanese Black breeding cows

This retrospective study was conducted to confirm the relationship between pre- and postpartum metabolic parameters and postpartum reproductive performance and to clarify seasonal characteristics of the metabolic parameters by using our metabolic profile test (MPT) database of Japanese Black breeding herds. In evaluation 1, MPT databases of blood samples from multiparous cows collected prepartum and postpartum were divided into two groups according to calving interval, and each MPT parameter was compared. In evaluation 2, the same MPT databases used in evaluation 1 were divided into two groups according to the sampling period. Significant differences were found in the prepartal total protein and postpartal γ-glutamyltransferase in evaluation 1. In evaluation 2, significant differences were found in the prepartal and postpartal total protein, albumin/globulin ratio, and glucose. Clear seasonal differences in MPT results emphasized the usefulness of the MPT in breeding cattle herds fed home-pasture roughage and suggest that unsatisfactory reproductive performance during hot periods reflects inadequate nutritional content of the diet and possible reduced feed intake due to heat stress.     

Serum protein response and renal failure in canine Babesia annae infection

Babesia annae piroplasms have recently been recognised as a cause of infection and disease among dogs in Europe. The pathogenesis and clinical implications of this emerging disease remain poorly understood. We conducted this study to describe the electrophoretic profiles associated with the infection and to determine if B. annae associated azotaemia is caused by renal failure. We examined by microscopy 2,979 canine blood samples submitted to a diagnostic laboratory in NW Spain between September 2001 and April 2002. Small ring-shaped piroplasms were detected in blood smears of 87 samples and the identity of 58 of these presumptive cases were confirmed by PCR. This group of 58 infected dogs and a reference group of 15 healthy non-infected dogs were our study population. For all the dogs, serum protein response to -albumin, alpha-1 globulin, alpha-2 globulin, beta globulin and gamma globulin- was measured by capillary electrophoresis. The response of infected and non-infected dogs was compared and within infected dogs, the response of those with azotaemia (19) was compared with that of non-azotaemic dogs (39). Infected dogs presented a significant elevation of total proteins and all the different globulin fractions, and significantly lower levels of albumin compared to non-infected dogs. Among infected dogs, those presenting azotaemia had significantly lower concentrations of total proteins, albumin, beta and gamma globulins, and significantly higher values of alpha-2 globulin. Specific gravity was below the threshold of 1,025 for all dogs with azotaemia for which a urine sample was available (7) suggesting that azotaemia, in these dogs was of renal origin. Azotaemic dogs had higher concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides, probably as a result of a liver compensatory response to the loss of proteins. We conclude that serum protein response in B. annae infected dogs corresponds to the pattern of a haemolytic syndrome with intense inflammatory reaction and that the azotaemia associated to the infection is very likely of renal origin.     

Studies on the synovia in healthy horses with particular reference to the protein composition.

Synovial fluid and blood were collected from 18 clinically healthy brood mares in resting conidition. The following parameters were analysed: total leucocytes, glucose, alkaline phosphatase (AP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein, albumin, total globulin, albumin/globulin ratio and electrophoretic protein picture. The serum/synovia ratios were calculated for all parameters. It was considered to be of greater diagnostic value to compare these serum/synovia ratios rather than to look at the individual concentrations in synovia. The results obtained did not materially differ from those in the existing literature. In addition, this study confirmed that small protein molecules could more easily penetrate the synovial membrane than high-molecular proteins.     

Effects of poly I:C in porcine iron deficient neutropenia

Withholding iron dextran treatment normally given to pigs at 1-3 days of age to prevent anemia resulted also in neutropenia. Polyinosinic acid:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) at 0.5 mg/kg IV at 25 days of age resulted in induction of putative interferon 2 to 24 hours later, with significantly (P less than 0.05) lower concentrations in iron-deficient (Fe-) female pigs than in iron-supplemented (Fe+) female pigs. Poly I:C caused several transient toxic manifestations, including elevations in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, potassium (K), total bilirubin and phosphorus (P), marked leukopenia (both neutropenia and lymphopenia), and declines in serum albumin, calcium, cholesterol, glucose and globulin. Certain blood chemistries before poly I:C were significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) different: albumin, globulin, cholesterol and K were higher in females than in males; albumin, globulin, glucose, P and K were higher in Fe- than in Fe+ pigs; and total carbon dioxide was higher in Fe+ than in Fe- pigs.     

In vitro and in vivo characterization of avian reoviruses. II. Clinical evaluation of chickens infected with two avian reovirus pathotypes

The effect of two avian reovirus isolates (2408 and 1733) on digestion and nutrient metabolism in infected chickens was assessed by an in vitro absorption assay and clinical blood chemistry analysis. Birds of various ages were inoculated orally and intratracheally with reovirus and sampled periodically for the respective assays. Transitory malabsorption was observed in the duodenum of birds infected with reovirus 2408. Conversely, increased absorption was detected in the ileum of these same birds. Clinical blood chemistry analyses of birds infected with both isolates revealed that severely affected birds had abnormally elevated plasma total protein, plasma albumin, and calcium levels. Decreases were found in percent bone ash and, due to abnormally high globulin levels, in albumin:globulin (A:G) ratios. A significant (P less than 0.05) correlation between body weights and total protein, albumin, A:G ratio, and bone ash was found in infected birds. The most pronounced metabolic and physiologic changes occurred in the severely affected birds, and, in general, pathogenicity of the isolates was reflected by the degree of metabolic change.     

Characterization of some parameters of non-specific immunity in beef cattle (II)

Serum protein, immunoglobulins, complement, lysozyme, serum bactericidal activity and blast transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes were tested in beef cattle in different herds and age groups. These parameters were evaluated in their time-kinetics, in comparison with age-matched groups of dairy cattle. Like dairy calves, beef calves up to 4 months of age were shown to have low levels of serum bactericidal activity and haemolytic complement; besides, a worse profile was detected in serum protein and gamma 2 globulin levels. Al(OH)3 and oil-adjuvanted vaccines had a favourable influence on immunoglobulin and lysozyme synthesis. An acute stressing event like transportation was shown to decrease mitogen-driven lymphocyte stimulation for at least 10 days after arrival.     

高温对肉用仔鸡生产性能和某些血清生化指标的影响

本文研究了高温对肉用仔鸡生产性能和５种血清生化指标的影响。结果表明：不同生长时期的高温对肉用仔鸡的生产性能和血清生化指标有不同程度的影响。如２２２４日龄肉用仔鸡在３４±１．５℃下，采食量减少，体重、血清总蛋白和白蛋白均显著下降（Ｐ＜０．０５），饲料转化率、血糖、球蛋白和胆固醇无显著变化。２２４２日龄给予高温处理，鸡采食量和饲料转化率均降低，体重、血糖、血清总蛋白、白蛋白和球蛋白均显著下降或极显著下降（Ｐ＜０．０５或Ｐ＜０．０１），胆固醇仍无明显变化。４０４２日龄给予高温处理，鸡的生产性能和各项血清生化指标均显著下降或极显著下降（Ｐ＜０．０５或Ｐ＜０．０１）。     

The Value of the Glutaraldehyde and Formaldehyde Tests in Evaluation of the Globulin Level in Bovine Blood

So-called liability reactions are based on the gelification of blood globulins when reacting with, i.e., glutaraldehyde or formaldehyde. Solidifying time is inversely proportional to the globulin concentration of the blood. In the present investigation glutaraldehyde and formaline-gelification tests were compared concerning their diagnostic and prognostic value in dairy cows with internal diseases.The investigation confirmed earlier results. The correlation between globulin concentration and gelification time was significant, and both tests give very good possibilities to reveal hyper-γ-globulinaemias.The 2 tests were relatively equal as regards the reliability. Even though the formol-gel reaction allows a somewhat better safety and semi-quantitative differentiation than the glutaraldehyde test, the latter has obvious practical advantages. It can be done on whole blood and with a short observation time. Thus, the blood globulin status can be evaluated during the visit on the farm.