Serum protein electrophoretic pattern in piglets during the early postnatal period

Abstract

The pattern of serum proteins, the typical features of the electrophoretogram in newborn piglets and during their postnatal development is not completely described. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the changes in serum protein electrophoretic pattern and features of the electrophoretograms during the early postnatal period. Significant changes during the monitored period were found in all evaluated parameters (P < 0.001). The most marked changes were observed mainly in the period before weaning. The concentrations of total proteins, albumin and γ-globulins were before colostrum intake low, γ-globulins represented the smallest proportion of protein fractions. The proportion of α1-globulins was after birth a dominant protein fraction. Significant increase of total proteins, α2-, β- and γ-globulins and decrease of α1-globulins was found 2 days after colostrum intake. The albumin and A/G values increased after birth gradually until weaning. After weaning a significant changes were found in absolute concentrations of total protein and albumin, and in relative values of β-globulin fractions. Presented results showed marked developmental alterations in the serum protein pattern in piglets along with the age. The study also brings new knowledge in the field of description of typical features of electrophoretograms in the observed period of piglet’s life.