Γ-globulin Concentration Research Articles

Can immunocrit be used as a monitoring tool for swine vaccination and infection studies?

BackgroundThe immunocrit is a cost-effective and straightforward technique traditionally used to assess passive immunity transfer to newborn piglets. However, it has not been previously used for monitoring the effect of vaccination and/or infections. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the immunocrit technique as an immunological monitoring tool in a vaccination and challenge scenario, using porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) as pathogen model. The immunocrit ratio was monitored in PCV-2 vaccinated (V) and non-vaccinated (NV) 3-week-old piglets (study day 0, SD0) that were subsequently challenged with this virus at SD21 and followed up to SD42. Additional techniques (PCV-2 IgG ELISA, optical refractometry, and proteinogram) were performed to further characterize the results of the immunocrit analysis.ResultsImmunocrit, γ-globulin concentration and PCV-2 S/P values followed similar dynamics: descending after PCV-2 vaccination but ascending after an experimental PCV-2 inoculation. However, statistically significant differences between V and NV animals were only found with the PCV-2 ELISA. In this case, V animals had significantly higher (p < 0.05) S/P values (S/P ratio = 0.74) than NV (S/P ratio = 0.39) pigs only after challenge at SD42. On the other hand, serum total protein obtained by refractometer (STPr) were maintained from SD0 to SD21 and increased in both groups from SD21 to SD42. Correlations between techniques were low to moderate, being the most robust ones found between immunocrit and optical refractometry (ρ = 0.41) and immunocrit with γ-globulins (ρ = 0.39). In a subset of sera, the proteinogram technique was applied to the whole serum and the supernatant of the immunocrit, with the objective to characterize indirectly the immunocrit fraction. The latter one included all protein types detectable through the proteinogram, with percentages varying between 64.3% (γ-globulins) and 82% (β-globulins).ConclusionThe immunocrit technique represented a fraction of the total serum proteins, with low to moderate correlation with all the complementary techniques measured in this study. Its determination at different time points did not allow monitoring the effect of vaccination and/or infection using PCV-2 as a pathogen model.

Diet supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae influences the electrophoretic parameters in blood in young Charolaise bulls.

The objective of the research was to investigate the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on some acute-phase proteins, haptoglobin and all electrophoretic parameters in young Charolaise bulls. Sixty bulls were divided into two equal groups: the control group (CG) receiving the base diet without yeast supplementation and the diet supplementation group (YG) receiving the base diet with 5g of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation. The base diet was total mixed ration allocated at 11.85 kg per animal per day. Blood samples were collected from all bulls on day 0 before the start of the diet supplementation, and on days 20 and 40 after the start. Total proteins, albumin, globulin fraction (α1-, α2-, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins), albumin: globulin ratio (A: G) and haptoglobin were determined. Two-way analysis of variance showed a significant effect of the yeast feeding time on all studied parameters except α2-globulins in both groups. The YG showed a higher average concentration of total proteins, albumin and A: G and a lower average concentration of γ-globulins and haptoglobin than the CG. These results indicated the beneficial effect of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the inflammatory status of the young bulls, which showed an adequate response in serum levels of the acute-phase proteins tested.

BLOOD PROTEIN SPECTRUM AFTER FEEDING RATS WITH METAL COMPLEXES IN THE COMPOSITION OF A POLYMER TRANSPORTER AND A NUTRIENT-DEFICIENT DIET

The content of total protein and its spectrum in the blood were studied when rats were fed metal complexes (ME; Fe+2/+3-, Zn+2-, Cu+2 - and Mn+2-) as part of a polymer transporter (MEmLPEG400) and a diet deficient in nutrients.&#x0D; It was found that when fed a complete diet, the content of total protein in the blood plasma of rats is 107.5±3.0 g/l and is 15.6 - 17.8% higher in the experimental groups. At the same time, in the blood plasma of animals of the experimental groups, the content of γ-globulins is 2.3 - 2.9 times (р &lt; 0.05 - 0.001) higher than in rats fed a complete diet, while the content of albumin, on the contrary, is reduced. The content of β-globulins is maximum (18.6±1.42%) in control animals and is 6.8 - 11.6% (p &lt; 0.05 - 0.001) lower than when fed wheat groats and metals in mLPEG400. With the addition of Cu+2-mLPEG400 to the diet, the content of α-globulins in the blood plasma of rats increases by 10.8% (p &lt; 0.01), and with Zn+2-mLPEG400 the content of prealbumin increases on 1.1 - 1.3% (p &lt; 0.01), compared to the control and when feeding wheat groats.&#x0D; In the spectrum of lipoprotein fractions, the content of chylomicrons is lower by 10.3% (р &lt; 0.05) after feeding wheat groats, however, with the addition of Mn+2-mLPEG400, on the contrary, the value is 13.6% (р &lt; 0.05) higher, compared to the control.&#x0D; In the blood plasma of rats fed wheat groats and Cu+2- and Zn+2-mLPEG400, the content of very low-density lipoproteins, as well as low-density lipoproteins (p &lt; 0.01 - 0.001), increased with the addition of Cu+2-mLPEG400, compared to animals for feeding a complete diet. In contrast, the content of high-density lipoproteins is 3.6% (р &lt; 0.05) lower after feeding wheat groats and after adding metals in mLPEG400: Cu+2 – by 4.1% (р &lt; 0.05), Fe +2/+3 – 4.2% (p &lt; 0.05), Zn+2 – 3.2% (p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; The content of fatty acids adsorbed on albumin in the blood plasma of animals of the control group and when fed wheat groats does not differ (21.1 - 23.9%) and decreases by 7.1 – 12.7% (р &lt; 0.05 - 0 .01) in rats that received metals in the composition of the polymer.

The content of total protein and its fractions in the hemolymph and body tis-sues of bees fed with Mg citrate

Mineral elements increase the capacity of organisms for their adaptation to abiotic factors and improve the biological value of animal products. The aim of the experiment was to study the effect of magnesium citrate on the content of total protein in the tissues of the whole organism, the content of soluble protein fractions in hemolymph, and catalase activity. The research was conducted on Carpathian honey bees. They were selected in the apiary at the Institute of Animal Biology of the National Academy of Sciences. The research was conducted in two stages. The first stage of the work was carried out on 5 groups of bees under the conditions of a laboratory thermostat for 20 days. Bees of the control group were fed daily with 1 ml of 50 % sugar syrup (SS) and 1 ml of H2O; group II – 1 ml of SS + 1 ml of 0.4 mg Mg/l nanocitrate; group III – 1 ml of CS + 1 ml of 2 mg Mg/l citrate; group IV – 1 ml of SS + 1 ml of 3 mg Mg/l citrate; group V – 1 ml of SS + 1 ml of 4 mg Mg/l citrate. The second stage of the study was conducted on four groups of bees and lasted 30 days. Bees of the control (I) group were fed daily with 1 ml of 50 % SS and 1 ml of H2O; group II – 1 ml of SS + 1 ml of 0.04 mg Mg/l citrate; group III – 1 ml of SS + 1 ml of 0.02 mg Mg/l citrate; group IV – 1 ml of SS + 1 ml of 0.01 mg Mg/l citrate. At the first stage, a decrease in α1-globulins in the hemolymph of bees of the III – V groups was established. The content of β-globulins increased in the II (P &lt; 0.001), III (P &lt; 0.01), IV (P &lt; 0.001) and V (P &lt; 0.001) experimental groups. The content of γ-globulins decreased in hemolymph of II (P &lt; 0.001) and III (P &lt; 0.01) groups. At the second stage, a decrease in α1–globulins was observed in the hemolymph of bees of the II, III and IV experimental groups compared to the control. The content of α2-globulins was significantly lower in the hemolymph of bees from IV group, and the content of β-globulins was higher in the hemolymph of the bees. An increase in the content of γ-globulins was established in II (P &lt; 0.05), III and IV (P &lt; 0.01) experimental groups. High catalase activity was observed in the hemolymph of bees of all experimental groups (P &lt; 0.001). The highest catalase activity was registered in bees of IV group. The use of 0.01 mg of Mg citrate in addition to sugar syrup feeding changed the ratio of individual hemolymph protein fractions. The relative content of albumin and β-globulin decreased and α2 and γ globulin content increased. An increase in the relative content of α1 and a decrease in β- and γ-globulins in the hemolymph of honey bees of the research groups were caused by Mg citrate in a dose of 0.04 mg.

Serum Protein Concentration and Serum Protein Fractions in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) under Human Care Using Agarose Gel Electrophoresis.

Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) is the most used and reliable method to determine the percentage of serum protein subfractions. The interpretation of the kinetics of total proteins and albumin and globulin fractions is receiving increased attention in wild animals, as well as in domestic animals, due to the possibility of identifying typical pathologic patterns. However, the interpretation of these data had to be performed in light of an appropriate method-and species- specific reference intervals (RIs). In marine mammals, as well as other non-domestic species, specific attention should also be given to the different environment (free ranging vs. human managed) and the associated different exposure to environmental stimuli. The aim of this report was to establish RIs for the serum protein fractions evaluated using agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) in bottlenose dolphins under human care. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 40 bottlenose dolphins during standard veterinary procedures to evaluate their health status. Total protein concentration was determined using the biuret method while AGE was performed using an automated system. A pooled dolphin's serum sample was used to determine the intra-assay and inter-assay imprecision of AGE. The RIs were calculated using an Excel spreadsheet with the Reference Value Advisor set of macroinstructions. The intra and inter-assay imprecisions were 1.2% and 2.5%, respectively, for albumin; 2.9% and 5.7%, respectively, for α-globulins; 3.8% and 4.0%, respectively, for β-globulins; and 3.4% and 4.8%, respectively, for γ-globulins. The total protein, albumin, α-globulin, β-globulin, and γ-globulin concentrations were 65.5 ± 5.4 g/L, 45.5 ± 4.9 g/L, 8.0 ± 1.0 g/L, 5.0 ± 2.0 g/L, and 7.0 ± 2.0 g/L, respectively. We established the RIs for the total protein and serum protein fractions using AGE in bottlenose dolphins under human care.

Serum C-reactive Protein and Protein Electrophoretic Pattern Correlated With Age in Horses

Inflammaging or chronic, low-grade inflammation is a phenomenon characterizing age-related pathologies and natural processes in aging tissues. This study aimed to investigate the effect of age on the serum levels of C-reactive protein and protein electrophoretic pattern in horses. Thirty Italian Saddle horses from the same horse training center, were enrolled and divided in three equal groups according to their age: Group A (2-4 years), Group B (7-10 years), Group C (15-20 years). Blood samples were collected from each horse to evaluate hematological parameters and the serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), total proteins, albumin, α1-, α-2, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins. One-way analysis of variance showed an age-related difference in the concentration of CRP, α1- and α2-globulins (P < 0.001) which increased with aging. Albumin and albumin:globulin ratio showed lower values in Groups B and C than Group A (P < 0.001). Age of horses showed a negative correlation with the values of albumin, and a positive correlation with CRP, α1- and α2-globulins concentration. The results of the current study suggest an increased acute phase response in adult and old horses compared to young ones. As α-globulin fractions include many other acute phase proteins (APPs) in addition to CRP, further studies to assess what other APPs could be involved in chronic inflammation or “inflammaging” are recommended in horse in order to improve knowledge on the key inflammatory biomarkers during aging in this species.

Gamma-Delta T-Cell Phenotype and Function in DAA-Treated HIV-HCV Co-Infected and HCV-Mono-Infected Subjects

HIV-HCV co-infected subjects are at risk of liver fibrosis which may be linked to immune imbalances. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) represent the mainstay of HCV treatment in co-infected individuals, yet their effects on immune cell populations playing a role in fibrogenesis is unknown. We assessed γδ T-cell phenotype and function, Treg and Th17 frequencies, as well as γ-globulins and B-cell activation in 47 HIV-HCV co-infected and 35 HCV mono-infected individuals prior to and following DAA treatment (SVR12). Γδ T-cell activation decreased in both groups yet persisted at higher levels in the HIV-HCV co-infected subjects. No differences were registered in terms of γδT-cell function. Of note, the Vδ2/Th17 ratio, inversely linked to liver damage, increased significantly in the two groups upon treatment, yet a negative correlation between the Vδ2/Th17 ratio and liver function enzymes was found in the co-infected subjects alone. B-cell activation and γ-globulin levels decreased in both settings, yet B-cell activation remained higher in the HIV-HCV co-infected individuals. In HIV-HCV co-infected and HCV mono-infected participants, the effect of DAA was limited to γδ T- and B-cell activation as well as γ-globulin concentrations and the Vδ2/Th17 ratio, with no changes in γδ T-cell function and Treg frequencies. Importantly, γδ T- and B-cell activation remained at higher levels in the co-infected individuals than in those with HCV mono-infection alone. The persistence of such alterations within these cell subsets may be associated with the risk of hepatic and extrahepatic complications.

Tribological behaviour of 3D printed materials for small joint implants: A pilot study

Additive manufacturing is a progressive method in endoprosthetics enabling customisation of implants. However, the challenge is to design articulating surfaces that are wear resistant in a long term. To tackle this challenge, it is necessary to understand the interaction between the surfaces and the lubricant synovial fluid as well as the mechanism of lubrication film formation. In this study we observed three synovial fluid constituents (albumin, γ-globulin a hyaluronic acid) in the contact area simultaneously with the coefficient of friction (CoF). Two metal alloys, CoCrMo and Ti6Al4V covered by DLC, were selected for the experiments as they are both suitable for the additive technology and commonly used in implants manufacturing. The tests were running on a custom-made pin-on-plate tribometer equipped for optical fluorescence measurements. The test apparatus allowed reciprocating motion and observation of the contact area. Our results showed differences in the pace of the CoF increase between the alloys and differences between the samples manufactured by the conventional and the additive manufacturing method. Both the conventionally and additively manufactured CrCrMo samples showed a stable CoF values from the beginning of the experiments: 0.66 (SD 0.02) for the conventional manufacturing CrCrMo samples and 0.53 (SD 0.01) for the additive manufacturing CrCrMo samples. The Ti6Al4V/DLC samples showed a stable CoF values similar to those of the CoCrMo samples not until the 240 s of experiment. These results are related to the protein formation in the contact areas as suggested by a similar increasing trend of the individual synovial fluid constituents in the contact. Increasing protein amounts in the contact led to CoF increase. There were also differences in the ratios of the individual constituents, where both the CoCrMo and the Ti6Al4V/ DLC samples manufactured additionally showed lower concentrations of γ-globulin and hyaluronic acid. These pilot results, on the one hand, support the potential of the additive manufacturing in the implantology and, on the other hand, demonstrate the application of a method suitable for the analysis of the lubricant behaviour in the contact. The method is limited in using the intensity of the emitted light to observe the behaviour of the lubricant film. Future development of the method will require a direct quantification of film thickness.

The Effects of Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on Turkey Poults: Assessment of Biochemical Parameters and Histopathological Changes.

A lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a large molecule and an outer membrane glycolipid found in Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli). These molecules (LPS) target acute inflammatory responses and significant physiological changes. Importantly, E. coli is considered one of the most important bacterial causes of avian colibacillosis that affect domestic turkey industry. However, little information is available about the potential influence of LPS on the biochemical parameters and histopathological changes in turkey poults. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecules on serum biomarkers and histopathological changes in turkey poults. The birds were randomly divided into five groups, as follows: group I did not receive any inoculation; group II was inoculated with sterile saline; and groups III, IV, and V were inoculated intraperitoneally with LPS at 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/kg of body weight (BW), respectively. The biochemical parameters and the histopathology of different organs were examined in all birds one day post-inoculation. Our results revealed hypolipidemia, hypoglycemia, a significant decrease in uric acid, and a significant increase in serum activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK), as well as cardiac troponin T concentrations in treated groups. Moreover, there was a significant increase in α1-, β-, and γ-globulin concentrations and a decrease in albumin and α2-globulin concentrations in group V. However, a significant increase in α2- and γ-globulin levels and a decrease in albumin levels were detected in groups III and IV. In addition, significant decreases in the albumin/globulin ratio were recorded in all LPS-treated groups. Hepatocellular and cardiac muscle necrosis, slight renal changes, and massive pulmonary inflammatory reactions were recorded. This study provides valuable information about serum biomarkers, protein fractions, and histopathological changes in turkey poults treated with LPS for further investigations of pathophysiological mechanisms in avian medicine along with biomedical research.

Changes in globulin fractions ratio in newborn calves with signs of dyspepsia

Ensuring the safety of young farm animals in the early postnatal period is an urgent task for veterinary specialists in industrial animal husbandry. The article considers the dynamics of comparing changes in the ratio of globulin fractions in newborn calves with symptoms of dyspepsia and clinically healthy calves. According to the results of the clinical examination, clinical signs of dyspeptic disorders were registered in 55% of the animals on the 1st and 2nd day of life. After 14 days – in 40% of the total number of examined patients. In calves with dyspepsia in the 1st and 2nd observation periods, representatives of the beneficial microflora, opportunistic and pathogenic microflora were registered as part of the intestinal microbiocenosis. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and E. coli (with normal enzymatic activity), Staphylococcus, Proteus, E. сoli (hemolytic) and mold fungi of the genus Aspergillus. In the composition of protein fractions of blood serum in these calves on the 1st and 2nd day of life, the percentage of albumin was 1.8 times lower than in clinically healthy calves. In the composition of globulin fractions, the concentration of α-globulins was 30% lower. β- and γ-globulins are higher on average by 43%. On the 14th day, changes in the composition of globulin fractions in animals of both groups had a similar trend. The redistribution in the composition of protein fractions occurred due to an increase in the content of γ-globulins, which are serum immunoglobulins. They are able to localize in the intestinal lumen to counteract infection. Redistribution of the composition of protein fractions occurs as secondary signs in various diseases. Determination of their concentration can give the veterinary specialist grounds for a more complete differential diagnosis.

Dynamics of protein and purine metabolism parameters of ducks by age and sex

The blood composition of poultry is a labile system that reflects the activity of metabolic processes in the organism. The study of morphological and functional changes occurring in the body of ducks in postnatal ontogenesis is an urgent area and is important for breeding birds of this species, as it serves as a scientific basis for the diagnosis and prediction of various forms of pathologies. The article presents data on the age-related dynamics of metabolic parameters of blood serum in ducks of the Cherry-Veli cross. The authors determined the content of total protein, protein fractions, uric acid, creatinine in the blood serum of ducks of both sexes at the age of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48 weeks. In each age group, 45-50 animals were examined. There is a pronounced pattern of fluctuations in protein metabolism, depending on age and gender. It has been proven that ducks have a clear age-related dynamics of protein metabolism indicators: with age, there is an increase in the content of total protein, protein fractions (albumin, α-, β- and γ-globulins), an increase in protein metabolism in the serum of females in the pre-lay period, and also at the beginning of the productive period, which is due to the mobilization of the body for the formation of egg components. The authors found that sexual dimorphism is expressed in the content of total protein albumin, α-, β- and γ-globulins, starting from puberty (from 105-126 days of age), and fluctuations in the main indicators of purine metabolism (uric acid and creatinine) in terms of age and sex expressed slightly.

Immunological Responses and the Antioxidant Status in African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Following Replacement of Dietary Fish Meal with Plant Protein.

African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were subjected to a 30-day feeding trial to determine the appropriateness of using plant protein (PP) (soybean and sunflower meal) as a fishmeal (FM) replacement in the diet and its effects on immune status, antioxidant activity, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) gene expression, and disease resistance. A total of 150 C. gariepinus (51.01 ± 0.34 g) were randomly distributed among five groups in triplicate. Five experimental diets were formulated to replace 0 (control), 33.5, 50, 66.5, and 100% FM with soybean and sunflower meal to form the experimental diets (R0, R33.5, R50, R66.5, and R100, respectively). After 30 days, the diet containing PP for FM had no significant impact on total, and differential leukocyte counts determined at the end of the feeding period. The total globulin concentration showed significantly greater differences in the following order R0 > R33.5 > R50 > R66.5 > R100. The R0 group had the highest concentration of serum γ-globulin, while R100 had the lowest concentration. The antioxidant status complements 3 (C3), lysozyme activity (LYZ), and antiprotease activity were not significantly different between R0, R33.5, and R50 groups, while they were significantly lower in R100. The serum nitric oxide activity (NO) exhibited significantly greater differences in the following order R0 > R33.5 > R50 > R66.5 > R100. PACAP was significantly higher in the R33.5 group. The highest cumulative mortality caused by Aeromonas sobria was recorded in the R100 group (60%) and the lowest in the R0 group (30%). In conclusion, the results indicate that the immunological responses and antioxidant status of C. gariepinus were not affected when they consumed a diet with FM replaced by up to 50% with PP (SBM and SFM) with methionine and lysine supplementation, but total globulin, NO, and cumulative mortality were impaired with a diet containing a 100% FM replacement.

Вплив цистицеркозної інвазії на показники протеїнового обміну та клітинний імунітет кролів

The composition of blood proteins depends on the functional state of animals, as well as on various pathologies. The goal of the work was to establish the effect of cysticercosis invasion on the protein metabolism and cellular immunity of rabbits. Rabbits were divided into two groups after visual identification of the larval cysts presence: healthy (control) and diseased (experimental). Biochemical blood tests were performed using reagent sets produced by “Filisit-Diagnostika” (Ukraine). Spontaneous cysticercosis invasion of male rabbits caused changes in protein metabolism. The content of total protein in infected animals was higher by 8.79% (P&lt;0.05) than in control. The increase in the total protein content was due to the globulin fraction, which was 1.50 times (P&lt;0.05) higher in affected animals than in healthy rabbits. This rise occurred as a result of a high content of γ-globulins, both in absolute value by 1.69 times (P&lt;0.05), and in percentage by 1.51 times (P&lt;0.05). The albumins, which are completely synthesized by liver, were lower by 10.08% (P&lt;0.05) in rabbits with cysticercosis. The protein coefficient of experimental animals was lower by 43.89% (P&lt;0.05) compared with the control. The concentration of uric acid in diseased rabbits was lower by 34.09% (P&lt;0.05) than in healthy ones. We have observed a high number of T-, B-lymphocytes and T-helper cells, especially the last two indicators, which increased respectively 1.54 times (P&lt;0.01) and 1.36 times (P&lt;0.05) against the background of a low number of T-suppressors and O-lymphocytes — almost 5 times (P&lt;0.001) in affected animals than in healthy rabbits. In our opinion, such changes in the proteinogram and cellular immunity indicate the intensification of immune reactions in the body of rabbits infected with the Cysticercus pisiformis as a result of inflammatory processes that occur in the liver under the action of a mechanical, toxic effect of the helminths.

BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF BLOOD SERUM IN YOUNG PIGS UNDER FEEDING OF “LG-MAX” FEED ADDITIVE

The acquired domestic and foreign experience of pig breeding development, an increase of animal productivity , and reduction of pork cost by 65–70% and more is determined by scientifically substantiated feeding. At the same time, the biochemical parameters of pig blood serum can be used to assess the functional state of the body and predict animal productivity and meat quality. The purpose of the study was to determine the morphological and biochemical blood parameters in young pigs with the inclusion of LG-Max and Sel-Plex feed additives to the main diet. When using in pig feed ing LG-MAX feed additive at a dose of 4.0 g/day, the blood biochemical parameters in pigs of the experimental groups compared with the control were within physiological limits according to the age of the animals. At the same time, during the experimental period it was found that the biochemical parameters in blood serum of pigs of the experimental group compared to the control of the appropriate age are in the following dynamics: in 120 - day -old pigs , significantly increases the content of total protein, the concentration of γ-globulins and aspartate aminotransferase , decreases the content of albumin, glucose, creatinine, cholesterol , and alkaline phosphatase; in 155-day-old pigs, the concentration of γ-globulins and the albumin/globulin ratio significantly increases and the urea, calcium , and chloride content increases; cholesterol and iron levels were significantly lower. Keywords: biochemical parameters, blood serum, LG-MAX feed additive

Hematological parameters and protein metabolism in the blood of pregnant rats under the effect of vanadium citrate

Dose-dependent changes in protein metabolism in the blood and hematological parameters of pregnant rats under the effect of vanadium citrate are presented in the article. The animals were divided into five groups: group I – non-pregnant females, II – pregnant females consuming pure water without additives, III, IV, V – females which during the mating and pregnancy period received the solution of vanadium citrate at concentrations of 0.03, 0.125 and 0.50 μg V/mL water. The research findings show that in pregnant animals of group II, the level of urea and alkaline phosphatase activity increased, meanwhile aspartate aminotransferase activity decreased, as compared to the non-pregnant females of group І. The levels of total protein and albumin decreased; however, the content of β-globulins increased in the pregnant animals of group II, as compared with that in group I. Also, in the rats of group II, there was a decrease in hemolysis time, total content of erythrocytes and hemoglobin, the content of old and mature erythrocytes, while the content of young erythrocytes increased, as compared to group I. The platelet content and thrombocrit in rats of group II increased in comparison with group I. The content of leukocytes and lymphocytes in pregnant animals of group II decreased, while the content of granulocytes increased, in contrast to non-pregnant rats. Under the effect of vanadium citrate at concentrations of 0.03–0.50 μg V/mL, there was a significant increase in the maximum number of prohemolized erythrocytes, the time of maximum hemolysis was delayed by 0.4–0.6 min, as compared with the pregnant rats of group II. This did not affect the time of total hemolysis in rats of groups III and V, as compared with the pregnant animals in group II. Under the effect of vanadium citrate, an increase in the content of young erythrocytes was observed, as compared with group II. The hemoglobin content decreased at the concentration of 0.125 μg V/mL, while at the concentration of 0.50 μg V/mL it increased, as compared to the pregnant animals of group II. Also, under the effect of vanadium citrate there was a decrease in the mean hemoglobin concentration in the erythrocyte. In pregnant animals fed with vanadium citrate solutions, the platelet content and thrombocrit, the relative width of platelet distribution by volume decreased, as compared with the pregnant rats of group II. The content of leukocytes, lymphocytes and granulocytes under the effect of vanadium citrate increased, as compared with the pregnant animals in group II. Under the effect of vanadium citrate at the concentration of 0.03 μg V/mL, the level of albumin, creatinine and aspartate aminotransferase activity increased in blood plasma in comparison with group II. Meanwhile, at the concentration of 0.125 μg V/mL, the relative content of γ-globulins and aspartate aminotransferase activity increased, alkaline phosphatase activity and urea level decreased in comparison with group II. However at the concentration of 0.50 μg V/mL, the relative α- and γ-globulins content and aspartate aminotransferase activity increased, at the same time, the relative β-globulins content and urea level decreased in comparison with group II. Therefore, vanadium citrate normalizes the indicators of protein metabolism during pregnancy, thus it can be considered as a potential dietary drug for the pregnant.

Protein spectrum and blood biochemical parameters in stallions with different sperm motility

The analysis of the protein spectrum of blood was carried out by electrophoresis in agarose gel in combination with the determination of biochemical parameters in 30 stallions of the Arabian breed, divided into groups according to the indicator of progressive sperm mobility. Group 1 included stallions with progressive mobility (PM) up to the 25th percentile (PM, % <53.35), group 2 - stallions with progressive mobility within the 25-75th percentile (53.35 <PM, % <65.18), and group 3 - stallions with progressive mobility above the 75th percentile (PM, %> 65.18). In the 1st group of stallions, the highest concentrations of α2-globulins and γ-globulins of blood were found. The 3rd group of stallions showed the lowest concentration of glucose and urea.

Analysis of factors influencing the transfer of passive immunity in the donkey foal

An inadequate colostrum intake results in Failure of Passive Transfer, a condition that makes foals more susceptible to potentially fatal infectious diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the transfer of passive immunity in the donkey, using electrophoresis as main diagnostic tool. A group of 20 Ragusana crossbreed jennies (age 3–19 years) and their foals were enrolled. The γ-globulin content of colostrum and dams’ and foals’ sera was measured, then the effects of foals’ season of birth and age and parity of the jennies on γ-globulin concentration and on the efficiency of the immune transfer were evaluated. Influence of season factor was analysed by grouping the data on the basis of foaling season (spring, summer or autumn). For the evaluation of age and parity the jennies were divided into two categories: younger/older and primiparous/pluriparous, respectively. Finally, the possible association of these factors with the efficiency of the immune transfer was investigated. According to the horse reference range, 70% of donkey foals showed complete transfer of passive immunity (γ-globulin >8 g/L; 13.15 ± 4.60 g/L) and 30% had a partial Failure of Passive Transfer (γ-globulin 4–8 g/L; 5.78 ± 1.29 g/L), but without showing clinical signs. Age and parity did not significantly affect passive immunity transfer, nor did the season. Total Protein values measured through refractometer were positively correlated to the γ-globulin content (r = 0.69; p < .01), confirming the possibility to use this diagnostic tool in the field as a first, inexpensive approach for colostrum evaluation. Highlights The transfer of passive immunity in the donkey is still poorly investigated. We investigated the transfer of passive immunity in donkeys using electrophoresis. Influence of age, parity and season on the immune transfer has been evaluated.

Arrival cortisol measurement in veal calves and its association with body weight, protein fractions, animal health and performance

Male dairy calves are exposed to an accumulation of transport, social and environmental stressors while transferred to fattening units. As a consequence, calves show high cortisol concentrations upon arrival at the veal facility. Whether cortisol levels as measured on arrival can be associated with animal health, welfare and production results is currently unknown.The first objective of this prospective cohort study was to determine possible associations of arrival serum cortisol concentration with health and production variables of veal calves and other arrival predictors like body weight and γ-globulin concentration. The second aim was to investigate potential clustering of arrival risk factors in veal calves for developing bovine respiratory disease (BRD) based on arrival body weight, serum cortisol concentration, total protein and protein fractions. In total, 105 male Holstein calves from two consecutive production cycles in a single, commercial white veal farm were blood sampled directly at arrival on the farm to determine serum cortisol, total protein and protein fractions. All calves were weighed the day after arrival and clinical signs, average daily weight gain (ADG) and carcass weight were collected. Also, all calves of both production cohorts were repeatedly examined by thoracic ultrasonography at the onset of group respiratory disease symptoms (2−3 weeks after arrival) and four weeks later. Linear and logistic mixed models together with k-means clustering were used for statistical analyses.Calves showed on average high, but individually variable serum cortisol concentrations (mean value = 96.6 ng/mL ± standard deviation (SD) = 48.8; Range (R) = 50.0−317 ng/mL). Arrival cortisol, body weight and γ-globulin content were not significantly associated. Serum cortisol and albumin concentrations at arrival were associated with chronic, unresponsive pneumonia. For each increase of serum cortisol concentration by 10 ng/mL, the odds for lung consolidation of ≥1 cm in depth at the second ultrasonography increased, odds ratio (OR) = 1.03 (95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–1.06; P < 0.050). For every decrease in serum albumin concentration by 1g/L, the OR for developing pneumonia was 1.23 (95 % CI= 1.04–1.46; P < 0.015). Additionally, two clusters of calves were identified based upon arrival status: a low risk cluster with below average stress-induced cortisol values, above average body weight, no acute phase response (APR) and no failure of passive immune transfer (FPIT), and a high risk cluster with above average cortisol values, below average body weight, APR and FPIT. High risk calves had higher odds for developing clinical BRD (OR= 3.88 (95 % CI=1.20−12.53; P < 0.020)) and lung consolidation ≥1 cm in depth at week 6−7 after arrival (OR= 3.93 (95 % CI=1.34−11.53; P < 0.013)).Avoiding high cortisol levels upon arrival of calves is important for animal welfare, but also for reduction of the prevalence of chronic, unresponsive pneumonia and the associated need for (repeated) antimicrobial treatment and production losses.

Evaluation of the agreement between Brix refractometry and serum immunoglobulin concentration in neonatal piglets

Neonatal piglets lack immunoglobulins at birth. Sufficient colostrum intake (CI) and immunoglobulin absorption are essential for an appropriate passive transfer of immunity via the colostrum. Most methods to measure immunoglobulins in serum of piglets are labour-intensive, expensive or imprecise and not designed for on-farm use. The present diagnostic test study evaluated digital Brix refractometry to measure immunoglobulins in serum of neonatal piglets and to suggest thresholds for different serum immunoglobulin concentration. Additionally, agreements between Brix refractometry and optical refractometer (serum total protein, STP) and between Brix refractometry and ELISA (immunoglobulin G, IgG) were also investigated. Forty-five sows and 269 piglets from three different farms were enrolled in the study. Piglets were weighed at birth and 24 h later to calculate the CI. Serum was collected at 24 h after birth and analysed for STP, γ-globulins (electrophoresis), % Brix and IgG. In piglets, median (interquartile range, IQR) CI was 412 (196) g per piglet. Median (IQR) STP, γ-globulin and % Brix concentrations in piglet serum were 60 (11) g/L, 35 (10) g/L and 8 (2) %, respectively. Average (±SD) IgG concentration was 49 ± 23 g/L. Passing-Bablok regression revealed a strong concordance between % Brix and STP (Kendall's tau (Τ): 0.620, P < 0.0001, n = 267) and % Brix and γ-globulin concentration (Kendall's Τ: 0.575, P < 0.0001, n = 267). The agreement between the Brix refractometer and IgG concentration was poor (Kendall's Τ: 0.267, P < 0.0001, n = 269). Receiver operating characteristic curves were performed to evaluate test characteristics of Brix refractometry for three γ-globulin cut-off values, i.e. 10, 20 and 30 g/L. The % Brix cut-off values resulting in the optimal combination of sensitivity and specificity were 5.4 (100 and 98.5%), 7.0 (100 and 89.3%) and 7.9 (90.1 and 80.6%), respectively. In conclusion, digital Brix refractometry is a sufficiently fast and practical method to assess serum γ-globulin concentrations in neonatal piglets on-farm and to evaluate them by considering the thresholds found in this study. Further studies are needed to validate those thresholds regarding piglet's survival in the pre-weaning period.

Plasma carotenoids and immunity in a despotic avian scavenger.

Carotenoids are pigmented compounds acquired through diet that have important functions as antioxidants and immune modulators. We studied the association between immunity and circulating carotenoids in Andean condors (Vultur gryphus). We evaluated the relationship between α-, β-, and γ-globulin blood concentrations and different circulating carotenoids in two groups of Andean condors that differ in their mean health status, rehabilitating (suffering different pathologies), and wild individuals (trapped when displaying their physiological behavior). In rehabilitating individuals, α-, β-, and γ-globulin concentrations were higher than in wild individuals. This shows that rehabilitating individuals were developing an immune response associated with the pathologies that they were suffering at the time of sampling. In addition, circulating carotenoids were lower in rehabilitating than in wild individuals. We found negative correlations between α-, β-, and γ-globulins and different circulating carotenoids in rehabilitating individuals, but not in wild condors. Xanthophylls were strongly related to α-, β-, and γ-globulin blood concentrations in rehabilitating, but not in wild condors. Our results suggest that there is a potential relationship between circulating carotenoids and immunity in the Andean condor. Given that this species may display a carotenoid-based pigmentation, our results could suggest that a trade-off between the immune system and external coloration could operate in this species, which may have implications in their access to food resources and mate selection and, thus, in their conservation.