亚急性瘤胃酸中毒对奶山羊血浆异常代谢产物及生化指标的影响

本试验通过递增饲粮非纤维性碳水化合物与中性洗涤纤维比(NFC/NDF)方式诱导奶山羊发生亚急性瘤胃酸中毒(SARA),旨在探讨SARA诱导过程中奶山羊血浆组胺(HIS)、脂多糖(LPS)含量及生化指标的变化。选取4只体况良好、体重接近的泌乳期萨能奶山羊,依次饲喂NFC/NDF为1.40、1.79、2.31、3.23的4种饲粮,每种饲粮饲喂15 d(为1组),前12 d为适应期,后3 d为采样期。酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)法检测血浆中HIS、LPS的含量,生化分析仪测定血浆生化指标。结果表明:1)当饲粮NFC/NDF由1.40递增至3.23时,成功诱导奶山羊处于SARA状态。2)在诱导SARA发生过程中,随着饲粮NFC/NDF增加,血浆HIS和LPS含量增加,NFC/NDF为3.23时显著高于NFC/NDF为1.40时(P0.05)。3)随着饲粮NFC/NDF增加,血浆免疫球蛋白M(Ig M)、免疫球蛋白A(Ig A)、免疫球蛋白G(Ig G)含量无显著变化(P0.05);血浆肌酐(CREA)、D-乳酸(LD)含量及肌酸激酶(CK)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、二胺氧化酶(DAO)活性无显著变化(P0.05);血浆γ-谷氨酰转移酶(γ-GT)活性呈升高趋势,NFC/NDF为3.23时显著高于其他各组(P0.05);血浆尿素氮(UN)含量降低,NFC/NDF为1.40时显著高于其他各组(P0.05);血浆碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性升高,NFC/NDF为3.23时极显著高于其他3组(P0.01);血浆游离脂肪酸(FFA)含量先升高后降低,且在NFC/NDF为2.31时极显著高于其他各组(P0.01);血浆β-羟丁酸(β-HB)含量降低,NFC/NDF为1.40时呈极显著高于其他各组(P0.01)。结果提示,随着饲粮NFC/NDF递增,血浆中HIS和LPS含量显著增加,引发了机体炎症反应,加重了瘤胃上皮的损伤和SARA病情,激发奶山羊免疫活化状态;诱导SARA发生过程中,血浆生化指标有不同程度的变化,提示SARA期间奶山羊处于应激状态,引发了肝功能损伤。     

亚急性瘤胃酸中毒奶山羊瘤胃上皮形态结构和通透性的变化

本试验旨在研究亚急性瘤胃酸中毒(SARA)对瘤胃上皮形态结构和通透性的影响。选用体况良好、体重相近的泌乳期萨能奶山羊9只,随机分为3组(对照组、SARA组、恢复组,n=3),对照组饲喂基础饲粮[非纤维性碳水化合物与中性洗涤纤维比(NFC/NDF)=1.40],SARA组和恢复组先后饲喂NFC/NDF为1.40、1.79、2.31、3.23的4种试验饲粮诱导SARA发生,每种饲喂15 d,恢复组奶山羊待SARA诱导成功后自由采食青干草30 d。对照组奶山羊分别在饲养30、60(与SARA组3只同时)和90 d(与恢复组3只同时)各屠宰1只。采集瘤胃腹囊部上皮组织用于石蜡切片、透射电子显微镜观察及尤斯灌流系统(Ussing chamber)研究。结果表明:1)组织切片结果显示,瘤胃上皮角质层厚度SARA组显著高于对照组和恢复组(P0.05),恢复组显著低于对照组(P0.05);颗粒层厚度对照组显著高于SARA组和恢复组(P0.05),但SARA组和恢复组之间无显著差异(P0.05);棘突层厚度3组之间无显著差异(P0.05);上皮总厚度恢复组显著低于对照组和SARA组(P0.05),但对照组与SARA组之间无显著差异(P0.05)。透射电子显微镜结果显示,SARA组瘤胃上皮紧密连接被破坏,细胞间隙增大,棘状层细胞线粒体出现降解并出现空泡。2)与对照组相比,SARA组和恢复组瘤胃上皮短路电流(Isc)、组织导电性(Gt)和辣根过氧化物酶(HRP)流速显著升高(P0.05),跨膜电位差(PD)显著降低(P0.05)。综合得出,SARA破坏了奶山羊瘤胃上皮形态结构的完整性,使瘤胃上皮通透性增加,导致瘤胃上皮屏障功能长期受损。     

日粮不同非纤维性碳水化合物与中性洗涤纤维的比值对奶山羊瘤胃液和血液中内毒素、组织胺含量的影响

试验旨在研究日粮不同非纤维性碳水化合物/中性洗涤纤维(NFC/NDF)对瘤胃液和血液中内毒素和组织胺含量的影响。选择3只安装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的关中奶山羊作为试验动物,采用自身对照试验法,依次饲喂NFC/NDF分别为1.02(Ⅰ组)、1.24(Ⅱ组)、1.63(Ⅲ组)、2.58(Ⅳ组)的4种日粮。结果表明,随着日粮NFC/NDF的提高,瘤胃液中内毒素和组织胺含量随之提高,导致血浆中内毒素和组织胺含量相应增加。当日粮NFC/NDF为2.58时,SARA发生,瘤胃液和血液中内毒素含量随病程发展显著升高(P＜0.05),瘤胃液中组织胺含量也随病程发展显著升高(P＜0.05)。因此,内毒素、组织胺对促进SARA发生、发展起着重要的作用。     

亚急性瘤胃酸中毒对瘤胃黏膜上皮细胞增殖与凋亡的影响

本试验选取9只健康处于泌乳期的奶山羊作为试验动物,按体重、泌乳量相近原则随机分为3组:对照组、SARA组和恢复组,对照组饲喂基础日粮;SARA组饲喂非纤维性碳水化合物与中性洗涤纤维比(NFC/NDF)为1.02、1.24、1.63和2.58的日粮诱导试验奶山羊发生SARA;恢复组诱导奶山羊发生SARA后自由采食青干草4...     

不同NFC/NDF比对奶山羊瘤胃微生物及瘤胃pH值变化的影响

试验研究了在不同非纤维性碳水化合物/中性洗涤纤维(NFC/NDF)比饲粮条件下诱发奶山羊亚急性瘤胃酸中毒(subacute rumen acidosis,SARA)过程中瘤胃微生物区系和瘤胃pH值的变化.该试验选用6只安装了永久性瘤胃瘘管的泌乳期关中奶山羊为试验动物,采用自身对照试验法,共分4期进行,每期10d,依次饲喂NFC/NDF比为1.02(Ⅰ期)、1.24(Ⅱ期)、1.63(Ⅲ期)、2.58(Ⅳ期)的4种饲粮,以逐渐增加饲粮精料的方法诱导奶山羊发生SARA.结果表明,随着饲粮NFC/NDF比的增大,瘤胃pH值显著降低(P＜0.05),并且瘤胃pH值下降幅度也随之加快；随着饲粮NFC/NDF比的增加,淀粉分解菌的数量增幅最显著(P＜0.01)；饲粮NFC/NDF比为1.63时,瘤胃细菌总数、乳酸杆菌及坏死梭形杆菌的数量显著增加(P＜0.05),当该比值为2.58时,埃氏巨型球菌和反刍兽新月单胞菌的数量出现显著增多(P＜0.05)；原虫数量在Ⅳ期降至最低,而牛链球菌的数量在整个试验期并未出现明显的波动.饲粮NFC/NDF比为1.63时,瘤胃内与碳水化合物分解有关的多数细菌的数量明显增加,SARA期时增幅更为明显,而此时原虫数量为最低.     

不同NFC/NDF比对奶山羊瘤胃微生物及瘤胃pH值变化的影响

试验研究了在不同非纤维性碳水化合物/中性洗涤纤维(NFC/NDF)比饲粮条件下诱发奶山羊亚急性瘤胃酸中毒(subacute rumen acidosis,SARA)过程中瘤胃微生物区系和瘤胃pH值的变化。该试验选用6只安装了永久性瘤胃瘘管的泌乳期关中奶山羊为试验动物,采用自身对照试验法,共分4期进行,每期10d,依次饲喂NFC/NDF比为1.02(Ⅰ期)、1.24(Ⅱ期)、1.63(Ⅲ期)、2.58(Ⅳ期)的4种饲粮,以逐渐增加饲粮精料的方法诱导奶山羊发生SARA。结果表明,随着饲粮NFC/NDF比的增大,瘤胃pH值显著降低(P<0.05),并且瘤胃pH值下降幅度也随之加快;随着饲粮NFC/NDF比的增加,淀粉分解菌的数量增幅最显著(P<0.01);饲粮NFC/NDF比为1.63时,瘤胃细菌总数、乳酸杆菌及坏死梭形杆菌的数量显著增加(P<0.05),当该比值为2.58时,埃氏巨型球菌和反刍兽新月单胞菌的数量出现显著增多(P<0.05);原虫数量在Ⅳ期降至最低,而牛链球菌的数量在整个试验期并未出现明显的波动。饲粮NFC/NDF比为1.63时,瘤胃内与碳水化合物分解有关的多数细菌的数量明显增加,SARA期时增幅更为明显,而此时原虫数量为最低。     

饲粮不同NFC/NDF对奶山羊瘤胃溶纤维丁酸弧菌、牛链球菌及埃氏巨型球菌含量变化的影响

试验旨在探讨在饲粮不同非纤维性碳水化合物/中性洗涤纤维条件下,奶山羊发生亚急性瘤胃酸中毒(subacute rumen acidosis,SARA)过程中瘤胃溶纤维丁酸弧菌、牛链球菌及埃氏巨型球菌数量的变化。选用6只安装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的泌乳期关中奶山羊为试验动物,采用动物自身前后对照法,试验分4期进行,每期10d,依次饲喂NFC/NDF比分别为1.02(Ⅰ期)、1.24(Ⅱ期)、1.63(Ⅲ期)、2.58(Ⅳ期)的4种饲粮,以逐渐增加饲粮精料含量的方式诱导奶山羊发生SARA,并采用实时定量PCR技术对瘤胃内溶纤维丁酸弧菌、牛链球菌及埃氏巨型球菌的数量变化进行定量分析。结果表明:①随着饲粮NFC/NDF比的逐步升高,溶纤维丁酸弧菌和埃氏巨型球菌的数量均增加,但当饲粮NFC/NDF比升至2.58时,与其他试验期相比,埃氏巨型球菌的数量极显著增加(P<0.01),而溶纤维丁酸弧菌的数量却极显著降低(P<0.01);②牛链球菌的数量随着饲粮NFC/NDF比的逐步增加呈显著下降趋势(P<0.05),但到第Ⅳ期又恢复到第Ⅰ期的数量。结果提示,当奶山羊发生SARA时,瘤胃牛链球菌的数量无明显变化,对低pH值敏感的溶纤维丁酸弧菌数量急剧下降,而耐酸性的埃氏巨型球菌数量表现为大幅增加。     

不同NFC/NDF比日粮对奶山羊瘤胃细菌及瘤胃和血浆中内毒素及组胺含量的影响

旨在观察不同NFC/NDF比日粮对奶山羊瘤胃细菌及瘤胃和血浆中内毒素及组胺含量的影响。选用6只安装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的泌乳期关中奶山羊为试验动物,试验分四期进行,每期10d,依次饲喂NFC/NDF比分别为1.02(Ⅰ期)、1.24(Ⅱ期)、1.63(Ⅲ期)、2.58(Ⅳ期)的4种日粮,以逐渐增加日粮精料的方式诱导奶山羊发生亚急性瘤胃酸中毒(SARA)。分别利用pH动态监测记录系统和滚管培养法测定瘤胃pH、瘤胃细菌总数、淀粉分解菌及坏死梭形杆菌的浓度;以鲎试验试剂法和荧光分光光度法测定内毒素和组胺含量。结果表明:随着日粮NFC/NDF比的增大,瘤胃pH显著降低(P0.05),并且瘤胃pH下降速率和下降幅度也随之加快;日粮NFC/NDF比为2.58时,瘤胃内组胺和内毒素的浓度明显增加(P0.05),坏死梭形杆菌和淀粉分解菌的数量也显著升高(P0.01)。内毒素、组胺和坏死梭形杆菌三者浓度的异常增加对SARA发生和发展起重要作用。     

饲粮NFC/NDF对奶山羊瘤胃上皮细胞胰岛素样生长因子Ⅰ及其受体的基因表达的影响

本试验旨在探讨饲粮不同非纤维性碳水化合物和中性洗涤纤维比(NFC/NDF)条件下,诱导奶山羊发生亚急性瘤胃酸中毒(SARA)过程中瘤胃上皮细胞胰岛素样生长因子Ⅰ(IGF-Ⅰ)及胰岛素样生长因子Ⅰ受体(IGF-ⅠR)的基因表达量的变化。选用12只泌乳期关中奶山羊为试验动物,试验分4期进行,每期15 d,依次饲喂NFC/NDF分别为1.02(Ⅰ期)、1.24(Ⅱ期)、1.63(Ⅲ期)、2.58(Ⅳ期)的4种饲粮,以逐渐增加饲粮精料的方式诱导奶山羊发生SARA,并采用实时定量PCR(qRT-PCR)法对瘤胃上皮细胞中IGF-Ⅰ及IGF-ⅠR的基因表达量的变化进行相对定量分析。结果表明:随着饲粮NFC/NDF的升高,IGF-Ⅰ及IGF-ⅠR的基因表达量均出现不同程度的增加,Ⅱ期、Ⅲ期和Ⅳ期IGF-Ⅰ的基因表达量分别是Ⅰ期的1.70、2.71和9.61倍,IGF-ⅠR的基因表达量分别是Ⅰ期的1.88、3.09和10.19倍。饲粮NFC/NDF为2.58(即SARA期)时,与Ⅰ期相比,IGF-Ⅰ和IGF-ⅠR的基因表达量均出现极显著增加(P<0.01)。结果提示,以提高饲粮NFC/NDF的方法逐渐诱导SARA,IGF-Ⅰ及IGF-ⅠR的基因表达量显著提高,SARA发生后,它们的表达量有大幅增加。     

不同NFC/NDF比对奶山羊瘤胃微生物及瘤胃pH值变化的影响

试验研究了在不同非纤维性碳水化合物/中性洗涤纤维（NFC/NDF）比饲粮条件下诱发奶山羊亚急性瘤胃酸中毒（subacute rumen acidosis,SARA）过程中瘤胃微生物区系和瘤胃pH值的变化。该试验选用6只安装了永久性瘤胃瘘管的泌乳期关中奶山羊为试验动物,采用自身对照试验法,共分4期进行,每期10d,依次饲喂NFC/NDF比为1.02（Ⅰ期）、1.24（Ⅱ期）、1.63（Ⅲ期）、2.58（Ⅳ期）的4种饲粮,以逐渐增加饲粮精料的方法诱导奶山羊发生SARA。结果表明,随着饲粮NFC/NDF比的增大,瘤胃pH值显著降低（P〈0.05）,并且瘤胃pH值下降幅度也随之加快;随着饲粮NFC/NDF比的增加,淀粉分解菌的数量增幅最显著（P〈0.01）;饲粮NFC/NDF比为1.63时,瘤胃细菌总数、乳酸杆菌及坏死梭形杆菌的数量显著增加（P〈0.05）,当该比值为2.58时,埃氏巨型球菌和反刍兽新月单胞菌的数量出现显著增多（P〈0.05）;原虫数量在Ⅳ期降至最低,而牛链球菌的数量在整个试验期并未出现明显的波动。饲粮NFC/NDF比为1.63时,瘤胃内与碳水化合物分解有关的多数细菌的数量明显增加,SARA期时增幅更为明显,而此时原虫数量为最低。     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

Prevalence of gastric lesions in racing Alaskan sled dogs

Human and equine athletes are reported to have a high prevalence of gastric disease, and anecdotal evidence suggests a similar phenomenon applies to racing sled dogs. To investigate the prevalence of gastric disease in racing sled dogs, we conducted 2 gastroscopy studies on dogs competing in the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race. A pilot study of dogs that were either dropped from the 2000 Iditarod Sled Dog Race because of illness or that finished the race indicated that, approximately 5 days after competing, 10 of 28 dogs (35%) had endoscopic evidence of gastric ulceration, erosion, or hemorrhage. The next year, an endoscopic study of 73 dogs participating in the 2001 Iditarod race was performed in order to evaluate a larger population of dogs. Data from 70 of these dogs could be used; 34 (48.5%) had ulceration, erosion, gastric hemorrhage, or some combination of these findings. When this group of 70 dogs was compared retrospectively to a control group of 87 dogs presented to the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the Iditarod sled dogs had a significantly higher prevalence (P = .049) of gastric lesions. These findings suggest that, similar to athletes of other species, elite canine athletes have an increased prevalence of gastric disease compared to the canine population at large.     

Internal Parasites and Haematological Values in Cattle Slaughtered in Buea Subdivision of Cameroon

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.     

Chemotaxis of macrophage in inflammation

Our particular attention in this article was given to natural mediators for macrophages isolated from the sites of tissue injury. A number of chemotactic factors, which may satisfy many criteria making them acceptable as inflammatory leucocyte chemotactic factors, has been separated. Among them, our laboratory has isolated three macrophage (monocyte) chemotactic factors (MCF-a, -b and -c). Their purification, characterization and functional specificity are discussed.     

Evaluation of biohydrogenation rate of canola vs. soya bean seeds as unsaturated fatty acids sources for ruminants in situ

An experiment was conducted to study disappearance of C14 to C18 fatty acids, lag times and biohydrogenation (BH) rates of C18 fatty acids of ground soya bean and canola seeds in situ. Three ruminally fistulated Dallagh sheep were used to determine ruminal BH of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Differences in the disappearance of fatty acids through the bags and lag times were observed between the oilseeds. We saw that the longer the incubation time of the oilseeds in the rumen, the lower the content of C18:2 and C18:3. Significantly higher lag times for both C18:2 and C18:3 were observed in ground canola compared to ground soya bean. BH rates of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids in soya bean were three times higher than those of canola. These results suggest that the fatty acid profile of fat source can affect the BH of UFAs by rumen micro‐organisms. So that UFAs of canola had higher ability to escape from ruminal BH. It seems that fatty acid profile of ruminant products is more affected by canola seed compared to soya bean seed.     

Serum biochemical values and mineral element contents of tissues in yaks

Serum biochemical values and the wet weight to dry weight ratios of tissues were determined in yaks in Shandan county of Gansu province. The liver, kidney, heart and muscle contents of seven elements in yaks were also analysed. Most serum biochemical values were similar to those of cattle, camels and sheep, but the calcium concentration was considerably above the normal range for other ruminants. The liver contained the highest concentrations of copper, manganese and cobalt and the kidney of selenium, iron and calcium.Abbreviations Alb albumin - ALT alanine aminotransferase - AST aspartate aminotransferase - BUN blood urea nitrogen - Chol cholesterol - Glob globulin - -GT -glutamyl transpeptidase - IP inorganic phosphorus - TP total protein