Abstract
The aim of this study was to provide basic haematological information to allow improved nutritional management for velvet production in spotted deer (Cervus nippon) by investigating biochemical changes in blood values during the antler growth period. Blood samples, obtained from the jugular vein of twenty-five deer, were taken every 10 days from casting (day 0) to harvesting (day 50) of velvet antler. Negligible changes were found in the concentrations of total protein, albumin, and creatinine during the antler growth period, but there were significant changes in the concentrations of urea (p<0.05) and uric acid (p<0.01). The concentration of triglyceride was significantly higher (p<0.05) during the antler growth period compared to casting time, while serum high-density lipoprotein concentrations were low and remained unchanged during the antler growth period. Serum glucose concentration increased (p<0.05) significantly and was slightly changeable during antler growth. The serum concentrations of Ca and P did not fluctuate during antler growth, while those of Na, K and Cl showed slight differences between the time of casting and the rest of the antler growth period. No significant changes in concentrations of AST, ALT, amylase, CK, GGT and LDH were detected during the antler growth period. However, the concentration of ALK-P increased during antler growth reaching its peak on day 50 after casting. We found a significant difference in the concentration of ALK-P between the time of casting and the rest of the antler growth period (p<0.01). Consequently, antler growth was associated with mild changes in measured serum biochemical values with the exception of ALK-P activity in spotted deer.
Highlights
Sempere et al, 1989; Garcia et al, 1997)
Blood analysis Frozen serum was used for the assay of biochemical values, total-protein, albumin, urea, uric acid, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, glucose, total-bilirubin, direct-bilirubin, creatinine, alkaline phophatase (ALK-P), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), amylase, creatine kinase (CK), GGT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and inorganic elements such as Ca, P, Na, K, and Cl
Experiment were used in the trial. These animals were The content of triglyceride was significantly high during the selected and divided into 5 unreplicated groups of five on antler growth period compared to casting time and the the basis of body weight and previous record of antler content of high-density lipoprotein was low with no production for the convenience of management
Summary
While endocrine has been intensively studied, blood values of deer, The annual cycle of casting and regeneration of antlers during the antler growth season have lacked in deer is a unique phenomenon in mammalian species, in investigation. Environmental and nutritional factors since the Recently, we have seen some reports obtained from antler cycle is closely related to endocrine and blood domesticated deer under intensive feeding conditions, but constituents Blood analysis Frozen serum was used for the assay of biochemical values, total-protein, albumin, urea, uric acid, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, glucose, total-bilirubin, direct-bilirubin, creatinine, alkaline phophatase (ALK-P), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), amylase, creatine kinase (CK), GGT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and inorganic elements such as Ca, P, Na, K, and Cl. Serum were measured by Epx. Abbott Spectrum (Abbott Laboratories, USA) at the Medical Center of Konkuk University. Statistical analysis Statistical analysis was performed with the SAS package (SAS Institute, 1995) and the significance of differences was done by Duncan’s multiple range test using the Linear General Model after dispersed analysis
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