Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the usefulness of HbA1C as a test in monitoring the long-term glycemic control during the perinatal period in minks with the tendency to obesity. On the scanbrown mink farm, screening research on one-year-old females showing predilections to obesity was conducted. In the first year of the experiment, 120 females were assessed using body condition score (BCS) system. The two groups that differed significantly in body weight were selected based on the BCS system and then two treatment groups of 30 females were formed: BCS II (lean) and BCS IV (thick). The groups were subjected to tests during the two years of the experiment. The biological material was urine and blood taken from vena safena five times a year. In whole blood, the level of glycosylated hemoglobin A1C was determined by ion exchange chromatography with chromatographic-spectrophotometric test (BioSystems S.A. company). Plasma glucose level was determined using Cormay reagents and BS 130 apparatus. The level of glucose in urine was also determined using diagnostic Medi-Test Combi 10 VET strips. The results were statistically analyzed using the SAS Enterprise Guide 5.1. The descriptive statistics and the analysis of one-way variance (ANOVA) were used. Statistically significant differences were analyzed by Tukey test at the significance level α = 0.05. Glycosuria was found in females in all studied stages of the production cycle. In both BCS II and BCS IV, hyperglycemia was observed in late lactation and decreased after weaning. Average concentrations of HbA1C reached values from 3.64 to 5.17%. HbA1C is a useful test for monitoring glycemic control that is why the presented research should be continued due to the lack of reference values in case of HbA1C in minks, which can contribute to making the diagnosis and help in confirmation or exclusion of diabetes.
Highlights
Research worldwide shows that the problem of overweight and obesity in animals affects 45% of the population, of which approximately 35% of animals are obese and 10% have advanced obesity
Through the body condition score (BCS) system, minks were classified into four groups known as BCS I: very thin, with body weight of 713.6±10.9 g; BCS II: lean, with body weight 922.3±15.6 g; BCS III: ideal, weighing 1121.9±7.3 g; and BCS IV: thick, with body weight 1315±12.1 g
Our results indicate that a great number of females in perinatal period, thick (BCS IV), showed glycosuria
Summary
Research worldwide shows that the problem of overweight and obesity in animals affects 45% of the population, of which approximately 35% of animals are obese and 10% have advanced obesity. Both states, being widespread in the animal world, violate animal welfare (Shearer, 2010). Major abnormalities found in feline diabetes include impaired insulin secretion, peripheral insulin resistance, and increased basal hepatic glucose production (Behrend, 2002). This phenomenon is conducive to genetic predispositions and environmental factors, including insufficient or no physical activity and improper diet
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
