Values Of Blood Parameters Research Articles

SOME STUDIES ON USING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DRIED DISTILLERS GRAINS WITH SOLUBLES (DDGS) ON ANIMAL PERFORMANCE 1) EFFECT OF FEEDING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DDGS AS A SOURCE OF ENERGY ON SHEEP PERFORMANCE

This study aimed to use dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) as a replacement of yellow corn in sheep rations. The trial was carried out at Animal House of Animal Production Research Institute; Agriculture Research Center, Egypt. Laboratory evaluation of seven concentrate feed mixtures (CFM) containingDDGS at the rates of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% was carried out. Rations with 10, 20 and 30% DDGS as the best dry matter (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) were chosen to be used in total mixed rations and were compared with control ration in digestibility and feeding trials. Twenty-four Rahmany lambs averaging 22.79 kg live body weight (LBW) were chosen and randomly divided into four similar groups (6 in each) and assigned to receive four experimental rations (A,B,C and D rations) containing CFM with rate of 0, 10, 20 and 30% DDGS respectively. Additionally, berseem hay (BH) and rice straw (RS) beside CFM were offered to all animals during the trial at therate of 25: 25: 50, respectively. The feeding trial lasted 150 days. Body weight changes and feed intake were recorded as well as feed and economical efficiencies were estimated. Also, four digestibility trials were carried out to determine the digestibility and nutritive values of the experimental rations. Samples of rumen liquer and blood serum were taken to measure some rumen and blood parameters. The results showed that: 1- The chemical composition of experimental rations containing different levels of DDGS was almost similar in DM, OM and NFE. It showed somewhat higher in CP and EE% and lower CF% with increasing DDGS levels. 2- Increasing DDGS level up to 30% significantly (P<0.05) increased DM, OM, CP, EE, CF and NFE digestibilities, while increasing DDGS from 10 to 20% appeared to have higher nutrient digestibility with no significant differences, except for NFE digestibility. 3- All experimental rations containing DDGS (rations B, C and D) have higher nutritive values compared with control ration (ration A). Ration D containing 30% DDGS had thethe highest (P<0.05) values for TDN (64.15%) and DCP (9.36%) while there were no significances in the DE (2.83 MCal/ Kg DM) was not significant. 4- Averages daily gains were 109, 116, 124 and 137 gm/day for animals fed rations A,B, C and D, respectively, showing highly significantly (P<0.05) higher gains for lambs given ration D. Increasing DDGS levels from 10 to 20% increased LBW gains with no significant differences. However, the improvements in daily gains were 6.42, 13.76 and 25.69% with rations B,C and D, respectively. 5- Feed utilization efficiency expressed as kg DM or TDN per Kg gain was significantly (P<0.05) higher with ration D containing 30% DDGS, while increasing DDGS from 10 to 20% improved feed efficiency, but not significantly. However, increasing DDGS levels in experimental rations had no significant effecton utilization efficiency of DCP. Moreover, animals fed ration D (containing 30% DDGS) gave the highest gross margin, revenue and economical efficiency with the lowest feed cost per kg weight gain. 6- Animals fed rations containing DDGS (rations B, C and D) showed normal values of rumen and blood parameters with no adverse effects on animal performance. Generally, it may be concluded that inclusion DDGS in the rations of growing lambs at the rate of 30% tended to increase all nutrient digestibilities and nutritive values. Moreover, lambs fed ration containing 30% DDGS had higher weight gain, better fed utilization efficiency and lowest feed cost. The highest gross margin and revenue were recorded for the 30% DDGS rations with no adverse effect on ruminal and blood parameters.

Laboratory nutritional parameters can predict one-year mortality in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture

The purpose of this study was to investigate the contributing value of nutrition related blood parameters to one-year mortality following intertrochanteric fracture surgery in a Chinese population over the age of 65.

STUDIES ON HEMATOLOGICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF CHANNA MARULIUS (Ham.) FOUND INFECTED WITH FUNGI, ASPERGILLUS SPP.

Present study deals with the hematological and histopathological alterations in Channa marulius found infected with fungi Aspergillus spp. Fishes have been collected from local water bodies and fish markets of Bhopal . Isolated fungi from infected specimens of fishes were identified as Aspergillus spp. Considerable changes have been observed in the mean values of blood parameters. Hemoglobin content, RBCs ,Percentage of Eosinophils and Monocytes were found significantly decreased with (30.6%) , (44.3%) , (14.5%) and (19.7%) respectively. WBCs , Neutrophils and Lymphocytes were found significantly increased to (48.8%) , (38.1%) and (20.9%) respectively. Histopathologically various types of destruction were observed in skin and muscles of infected fish . Penetrating fungal hyphae were observed in muscles and complete necrotization of muscles was observed with formation of mycotic fibrillar granulomas. Key words: Abundance, Ichthyofaunal Diversity, Pakhanjore.

A Comparison of Elevated Blood Parameter Values in a Population of Thoroughbred Racehorses

In racing Thoroughbred horses, blood cell counts and key biochemistry parameters are used to monitor horse health during training. The most common measure is total white blood cell (WBC) count, usually coupled with estimates of the relative abundance of the five main types of WBC. However, WBC can go down and up when challenged, making interpretation difficult. In contrast, a large majority of health issues that impact training should trigger an inflammatory response. In this study, we test the potential for two inflammatory biomarkers, fibrinogen and serum amyloid A (SAA), to provide more reliable indicators of health issues across a large sample of horses in training. We find that although WBC and other cell counts are generally correlated with each other and other biochemistry parameters across their full range of values, fibrinogen and SAA exhibit the greatest concordance among the top 15% of values. Moreover, horses with the top WBC values do not overlap significantly with those having the top fibrinogen and SAA values. Because most horses are healthy, these patterns suggest that natural variation in cell counts and biochemistry largely occlude values that might indicate health issues. In contrast, the subset of unusual horses with elevated levels of both fibrinogen and SAA are strongly suggestive of the expected handful of animals with minor, undetected issues. We conclude that fibrinogen and SAA have excellent potential as biomarkers and are likely to be more informative about conditions relevant to horses in training compared with the widely used WBC.

Use of Awamori-pressed Lees and Tofu Lees as Feed Ingredients for Growing Male Goats.

Awamori is produced by fermenting steamed indica rice. Awamori-pressed lees is a by-product of the Awamori production process. Tofu lees is a by-product of the Tofu production process. Research was conducted to test if dried Awamori-pressed lees and Tofu lees can be used as a mixed feed ingredient for raising male goats. Eighteen male kids were divided into three groups of six animals (control feed group (CFG), Awamori-pressed lees mixed feed group (AMFG), Tofu lees mixed feed group (TMFG)). The CFG used feed containing 20% soybean meal as the main protein source, while the AMFG and TMFG used feed mixed with 20% dried Awamori-pressed lees or dried Tofu lees. The groups were fed mixed feed (volume to provide 100 g/d increase in body weight) and alfalfa hay cubes (2.0 kg/d) twice a day (10:00, 16:00). Klein grass hay and water was given ad libitum. Hay intake was measured at 10:00 and 16:00. Body weight and size measurements were taken once a month. At the end of the experiment, a blood sample was drawn from the jugular vein of each animal and the carcass characteristics, the physical and chemical characteristics of loin were analyzed. DCP and TDN intakes in AMFG and TMFG showed no significant difference to the CFG. Cumulative measurements of growth in body weight and size over the 10 mo period in the AMFG and TMFG were similar to the CFG. Blood parameter values were similar to those in normal goats. Dressing carcass weight and percentages, and total weight of meat in the AMFG were similar to that in the CFG, but smaller in the TMFG. The compressed meat juice ratio was higher in both the TMFG and AMFG than the CFG. While the fat in corn, Awamori-pressed lees, and Tofu lees contains more than 50% linoleic acid, the loin fat in both the AMFG and TMFG was very low in linoleic acid due to the increase in the content of oleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. This indicates that feeding on AMF and TMF does not inhibit hydrogenation by ruminal microorganisms. As in the CFG, the total essential and non-essential amino acids in the loin of the AMFG and TMFG were well balanced. Compared to the CFG, the AMFG and TMFG were high in taurine and carnosine. The results indicate dried Awamori-pressed lees and Tofu lees can be used as a feed ingredient for raising male goats.

Hematological parameters of pike Esox lucius in relation to different ages and seasons

The purpose of this study was to assess of some hematological parameters of Esox lucius collected from Anzali wetland from fall 2010 to summer 2011. Variations in hematological parameters such as hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), erythrocyte (RBC) and leukocyte (WBC) counts, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils of fish were compared according to age and seasonal differences. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in values of white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), MCV, MCH, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils between ages. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in RBC and WBC between all seasons. However, there were no significant differences in Ht, Hb, MCHC, MCH, MCV, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils between all seasons. Results of current study may be helpful in establishing a hematological data bank for this species including standard values of blood parameters.

Changes in blood parameters and electroencephalogram of cattle as affected by different stunning and slaughter methods in cattle

The present study aimed to provide a comparative analysis of the effects of penetrative stunning, non-penetrative stunning and post-slaughter stunning on biochemical parameters and electroencephalogram (EEG) associated with stress in heifers and steers. Ten animals were assigned to each of the following four treatment groups: (1) animals were subjected to conventional halal slaughter (a clean incision through the structures on the ventral neck at the approximate level of vertebrae C2–C3 – the trachea, oesophagus, carotid arteries and jugular veins) and post-cut penetrating mechanical stun within 10–20 s of the halal cut (U); (2) high-power non-penetrating mechanical stunning using a mushroom-headed humane killer, followed by conventional halal slaughter (HPNP); (3) low-power non-penetrating mechanical percussive stunning using a mushroom-headed humane killer, followed by conventional halal slaughter (LPNP); and (4) penetrative stunning using a captive-bolt pistol humane killer, followed by conventional halal slaughter (P). For each animal, blood samples and electroencephalogram recordings were taken before stunning, post-stunning (if applicable) and post-slaughter, and plasma concentrations of cortisol, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), adrenaline, noradrenaline and β-endorphin were determined. Irrespective of the stunning method, except for percentage change in plasma concentrations of noradrenaline, the values of blood parameters attained before and after stunning were not significantly different. The plasma noradrenaline concentration of the HPNP animals was significantly elevated following stunning. Following slaughter, the percentage change of plasma ACTH concentration in the P animals was significantly elevated. Neither stunning method nor sampling time had a significant effect on plasma β-endorphin concentration. On the basis of the EEG results, penetrative stunning seemed to be better in maximising the possibility of post-stunning insensibility, whereas U animals appeared to demonstrate an evident increase in EEG activity which is consistent with the presence of post-slaughter noxious stimuli associated with tissue cut and injury. The U animals had consistently higher, if not the highest, RMS values than did other stunned animals. This indicates a degree of EEG changes associated with stress and pain. On the basis of EEG data, our results suggested that penetrative stunning would be the most reliable method of ensuring insensibility and minimising pain. However, at slaughter, the P animals showed a dramatic elevation in the percentage change of circulating ACTH, suggesting physiological stress response. On a cautionary note, the results are not unequivocal, and it may be that the range of analyses available to researchers at this point of time are not sufficiently specific to allow definitive conclusions to be drawn.

Hematologic and serum chemistry reference intervals for free-ranging lions (Panthera leo)

Hematologic and serum chemistry values are used by veterinarians and wildlife researchers to assess health status and to identify abnormally high or low levels of a particular blood parameter in a target species. For free-ranging lions (Panthera leo) information about these values is scarce. In this study 7 hematologic and 11 serum biochemistry values were evaluated from 485 lions from the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Significant differences between sexes and sub-adult (⩽36months) and adult (>36months) lions were found for most of the blood parameters and separate reference intervals were made for those values. The obtained reference intervals include the means of the various blood parameter values measured in captive lions, except for alkaline phosphatase in the subadult group. These reference intervals can be utilized for free-ranging lions, and may likely also be used as reference intervals for captive lions.

Haematology and serum biochemistry of adult free-ranging mountain brushtail possums (Trichosurus cunninghami), including correlations with season, sex, age, habitat type and disease status

For many wildlife species only limited data are available on haematology and blood biochemistry for free-ranging populations because these are often difficult to obtain. We collected blood samples from wild adult mountain brushtail possums (Trichosurus cunninghami) in the Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria (Australia), over two years, to provide reference values for haematological and some serum biochemical parameters (serum protein, sodium, chloride, potassium, urea, creatinine, creatine kinase and cortisol) for free-ranging animals. We also investigated patterns associated with sex, season, age, habitat type and disease status, including a form of skin disease (rumpwear – one of the major diseases of brushtail possums) and parasite loads. Values for several blood parameters correlated with sex, and most also changed significantly with season. Eosinophil counts increased significantly with the number of strongyle eggs in faeces, and packed cell volume decreased significantly with increasing numbers of ticks. Surprisingly, there was a significant negative relationship between mean population serum cortisol concentrations and the prevalence of rumpwear. Serum sodium and chloride concentrations were significantly lower in possums with moderate to severe rumpwear; however, the biological significance of this is unclear. While there is a growing body of data on the blood parameters of marsupials, these are mainly derived from captive animals, or single sample sets from wild populations, thus are unlikely to accurately reflect the changing status of wild animals/populations across seasons and under varying environmental conditions and parasite loads. More comprehensive, longer-term data from free-ranging marsupial populations, such as those presented here, provide extremely important reference data to aid in determining the health status of wild populations and interpreting data collected from individuals.

SOME BIOCHEMICAL BLOOD PARAMETERS OF GATACKO BREED COWS IN EARLY LACTATION

This paper presents values of biochemical blood parameters of seven Gatacko breed cows in early lactation, and their interpretation according to the lactational stage and nutrition. Mean concentrations of albumines, globulines and total proteins (40.14 ± 4.88, 52.57 ± 7.76 and 92.57 ± 10.50 g/l, respectively) indicated dehidration and hemoconcentration. Activities of AST and ALT (131.29 ± 28.52 and 73.14 ± 13.50 U/l, respectively) and hyperbilirubinemy (30.14 ± 6.96 μmol/l) indicated liver damage by presence of liver fluke larvae, potentiated with influence of lactational stage and low nutritive status. Mean values of cholesterole, urea and calcium concentrations (4.32 ± 1.75, 6.36 ± 1.78, and 2.42 ± 0.18 mmol/l, respectively) were in the physiological range, but finding of hyperphosphatemia (2.37 ± 0.47 mmol/l) and altered calcium-phosphorus ratio, indicated mineral disbalance in ration. These findings were in accordance with data from our previous study, conducted on the same cattle breed.

Use of Awamori-pressed Lees and Tofu Lees as Feed Ingredients for Growing Female Goats.

Okinawan Awamori is produced by fermenting steamed indica rice with black mold, yeast, and water. Awamori-pressed lees is a by-product of the Awamori production process. Tofu lees is a by-product of the Tofu production process. This research consisted of two experiments conducted to elucidate whether or not dried Awamori-pressed lees and Tofu lees can be used as a mixed feed ingredient for raising female goats. In experiment 1, digestion trials were conducted to ascertain the nutritive values of dried Awamori-pressed lees and dried Tofu lees for goats. The digestible crude protein (DCP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) contents of dried Awamori-pressed lees and Tofu lees were 22.5%, 22.5% (DCP), and 87.2%, 94.4% (TDN) respectively. In experiment 2, 18 female goats (Japanese Saanen×Nubian, three months old, body weight 15.4±0.53 kg) were divided into three groups of six animals (control feed group (CFG), Awamori-pressed lees mixed feed group (AMFG), Tofu lees mixed feed group (TMFG)). The CFG control used feed containing 20% soybean meal as the main protein source, while the AMFG and TMFG treatments used feed mixed with 20% dried Awamori-pressed lees or dried Tofu lees. The groups were fed mixed feed (volume to provide 100 g/d increase in body weight) twice a day (10:00, 16:00). The klein grass hay and water was given ad libitum. The hay intake was measured at 08:00 and 16:00. Body weight and size measurements were taken once a month. At the end of the experiment, a blood sample was drawn from the jugular vein of each animal. The DCP and TDN intakes in AMFG and TMFG showed no significant difference to the CFG. Cumulative measurements of growth in body weight, withers height, chest depth, chest girth, and hip width over the 10 mo period in the AMFG and TMFG were similar to the CFG. By contrast, cumulative growth in body length and hip height in the AMFG and TMFG tended to be larger than the CFG. Cumulative growth in chest width in the AMFG was significantly larger (p<0.05) than the CFG. Blood parameter values were similar to those in normal goats reported by other scientists. The coats of the AMFG and TMFG animals looked shinier than the animals in the CFG. The results demonstrate that dried Awamori-pressed lees and Tofu lees can be used as a feed ingredient for the raising female goats.

Parameters of haematology, clinical chemistry and lipid metabolism in the common marmoset and alterations under stress conditions

Common marmosets are suitable non-human primate models for many human diseases. Standard values for blood parameters are required to evaluate physiological and pathological situations. Two studies were conducted: study I to determine standard values and study II to examine these under changed housing conditions. In study I, all parameters for clinical chemistry were similar in range for both genders with these specifics: male marmosets had significantly higher total and LDL cholesterol levels than females, whereas the mean corpuscular volume and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin were significantly lower than in females. In study II, glucose, lymphocytes and salivary cortisol were significantly lower, and faecal cortisol was increased during the change of housing conditions. In conclusion, standard values for haematology and clinical chemistry for the common marmoset were determined. Further on, parameters that are influenced by relocation stress and its importance for experimental results are described.

Mechlorethamine (NTG) effects on the erythrocytic and leukocytic blood parameters during experimentally induced pleuritis in rats

BackgroundAccording to cytotoxic and mutagenic properties, nitrogranulogen (NTG) changes the character of inflammatory reactions. Our previous studies have shown that NTG can enhance immunological defense reactions, because of its high affinity to DNA, and causes disorders in the synthesis of acute phase proteins (e.g., haptoglobin, transferrin, fibrinogen and complement protein C3) [15]. The aim of the current studies was to determine the influence of three different NTG doses: 5µg/kg b.w. (body weight), 50µg/kg b.w. and 600µg/kg b.w. (cytotoxic dose) on the values of hematological blood parameters: RBC, HGB, HCT, RDW, MCV, MCH, MCHC, PLT, MPV, PCT, PDW, WBC, NEUT, LYMPH, MONO, EOS and BASO in pleuritis-induced rats. MethodsThe animals were randomized into five groups: Group I – control group; Group II – IP (induced pleuritis) group; Group III – NTG5 group; Group IV – NTG50 group; Group V – NTG600 group. The blood was collected from all the groups at the 24thh, 48thh, and 72ndh after the initiation of the carrageenin-induced inflammatory reaction. ResultsThese investigations have revealed that NTG administered at the dose of 5µg/kg b.w. caused the drop of the leukocyte and lymphocyte numbers and the rise of the neutrophil number at the 72ndh of the experimental-induced inflammatory reaction. Moreover, the dose of: 5µg/kg b.w. was an immunomodulatory property and it also increased the erythrocytic parameters. On the contrary, NTG applied at the doses of 50µg/kg and 600µg/kg b.w. contributed to the drop of both: the erythrocytic and leukocytic parameters during the whole time of the inflammatory reaction. ConclusionsThe results suggest that nitrogranulogen affects the erythropoiesis.

Maternal health status correlates with nest success of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) from Florida.

Of the seven sea turtle species, the critically endangered leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) exhibits the lowest and most variable nest success (i.e., hatching success and emergence success) for reasons that remain largely unknown. In an attempt to identify or rule out causes of low reproductive success in this species, we established the largest sample size (n = 60–70 for most values) of baseline blood parameters (protein electrophoresis, hematology, plasma biochemistry) for this species to date. Hematologic, protein electrophoretic and biochemical values are important tools that can provide information regarding the physiological condition of an individual and population health as a whole. It has been proposed that the health of nesting individuals affects their reproductive output. In order to establish correlations with low reproductive success in leatherback sea turtles from Florida, we compared maternal health indices to hatching success and emergence success of their nests. As expected, hatching success (median = 57.4%) and emergence success (median = 49.1%) in Floridian leatherbacks were low during the study period (2007–2008 nesting seasons), a trend common in most nesting leatherback populations (average global hatching success = ∼50%). One protein electrophoretic value (gamma globulin protein) and one hematologic value (red blood cell count) significantly correlated with hatching success and emergence success. Several maternal biochemical parameters correlated with hatching success and/or emergence success including alkaline phosphatase activity, blood urea nitrogen, calcium, calcium∶phosphorus ratio, carbon dioxide, cholesterol, creatinine, and phosphorus. Our results suggest that in leatherbacks, physiological parameters correlate with hatching success and emergence success of their nests. We conclude that long-term and comparative studies are needed to determine if certain individuals produce nests with lower hatching success and emergence success than others, and if those individuals with evidence of chronic suboptimal health have lower reproductive success.

Farklı Taşıyıcılarla Rasyona Eklenen Demir Dikeni (Tribulus terrestris) Bitki Tozunun Etlik Civcivlerde Performans, Karkas Özellikleri ve Kan Parametreleri Üzerine Etkisi

Summary This study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary powder of Puncture Vine (Tribulus terrestris (TT)), carried with cotton oil, cellulose and bentonite on growth performance, carcass characteristics, TBA (thiobarbituric acid) value of breast meat and blood parameters of broiler chicks. In total, 192, day old broiler chicks were divided into 12 groups of 16 chicks each one was one replicate with similar body weights. Treatment birds were fed on their own diets supplemented with 0 (control); 1 g TT; 2 g TT; 0.1 g cotton oil; 0.5 g cellulose; 0.5 g bentonite; 1 g TT with 0.1 g cotton oil; 2 g TT with 0.2 g cotton oil; 1 g TT with 0.5 g cellulose; 2 g TT with 1 g cellulose; 1 g TT with 0.5 g bentonite and 2 g TT with 1 g bentonite per kg diet during 6 weeks. Results showed that there were no significant differences between control and treatment groups (P>0.05) with respect to the observed parameters (growth performance, body components, TBA value and blood parameters), except abdominal fat pad. Bentonit control (30.5 g), 1 g of TT carried with bentonite (31.0 g) and 1 g of TT carried with cellulose (31.4 g), increased abdominal fat pad compared to control (26.4 g) (P<0.01). It is concluded that future studies on TT as a feed supplement by examining different extraction methods, coverage methods, doses and carriers are needed.

Short communication: Reference values for blood parameters in Holstein dairy cows: Effects of parity, stage of lactation, and season of production

Confidence intervals for blood parameters used for nutritional and metabolic profile testing in cattle were calculated for clinically normal lactating Holstein cows, taking into account the effects of parity, stage of lactation, and season. Blood samples were collected from 740 cows in 33 Italian dairy herds according to a predefined protocol. Herds were visited during summer and the following winter, sampling 12 lactating cows at each visit (4 primiparous and 8 multiparous). Six cows were selected from the early-lactation group (days in milk: 10 to 89) and the other 6 were selected from the mid-lactation group (days in milk: 90 to 215). Cow selection criteria excluded animals clinically exposed to periparturient diseases as well as animals not considered in good health by a veterinary clinical examination. For each blood variable, outliers were identified and discarded. Data were then analyzed for their Gaussian distribution and variables with not normal distribution were log-transformed to adjust for lack of normality. Herd mean values were calculated for each blood parameter according to 3 main classification factors: parity (primiparous vs. multiparous), stage of lactation (early vs. mid) and season of production (summer vs. winter). The resulting data set was statistically analyzed using a mixed model with the fixed effects of these factors, their interactions, and the random effect of herd. General 95% confidence intervals were calculated for blood variables that showed a relevant herd variance component such as albumin, triglycerides, aspartate, urea, glucose, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, direct and total bilirubin, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. For the remaining parameters, specific confidence intervals were calculated for each level of the significant main factors. Parity affected blood concentration of total protein, globulin, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, creatinine kinase, and phosphorus. Blood nonesterified fatty acids, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, creatinine kinase and cholesterol were influenced by stage of lactation. The season of production had a significant effect on total protein, globulin, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus, sodium, and chlorine. The outcomes of this work will improve the accuracy of the biochemical profile as a tool for dairy practitioners to assess the metabolic status of lactating Holstein cows.

Fattening performance, blood parameters and slaughter traits of Karya lambs consuming blend of essential oil compounds

The effects of feeds containing a blend of essential oil compounds on fattening performance, some blood parameters, the slaughter traits, and internal organ weights of Karya lambs were researched. The lambs were divided into 2 treatment groups: the first group (control, C) consumed mixed feed without blend of essential oil compounds, while the other group (BEOC) consumed mixed feed with blend of essential oil compounds. The mixed feed of BEOC group contained 1 g blend of essential oil compounds per kg. Karya lambs weighed an average of approximately 19.05±1.65 kg and aged 5.5 months. Each lamb was housed in the individual pen and consumed alfalfa hay at 0.2 kg/lamb/day and mixed feed ad libitum . During a period of 56 days, the body weights (BW), body weight gains (BWG), total dry matter intake and feed conversion ratios (FCR) of males and females of BEOC group showed better results, but they were not important statistically (P>0.05). Blood parameters of male and female lambs between group C and group BEOC were similar values, but the values of blood parameters in favour of group BEOC were noticed recovery, numerically. It was determined that only the conformation score and lung weight of female lambs were significant (P<0.05). All the other slaughter traits and internal organs weights were not significantly observed the effect depending on the feeding diet containing a blend of essential oil compounds.

Hematologic and Blood Chemistry Reference Values for Free-ranging Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus)

Baseline hematologic and serum chemistry values are used by veterinarians and wildlife biologists to identify abnormally high or low levels of particular blood parameters in a target species. This vital information can assist animal care providers in making informed decisions on the care of wildlife and help to determine diagnoses for certain illnesses. Published blood parameter values are not available for wild-caught muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus). We measured 27 blood parameter values from 29 free-ranging, riparian muskrats caught from June-November 2008 in east-central Illinois, USA, and compared mean values between adults and juveniles. Adult muskrats had higher levels of globulins (F(1,27)=6.394, P ≤ 0.018) and eosinophils (F(1,25)=6.883, P ≤ 0.015) than did juvenile muskrats, possibly because of increased exposure to parasites and allergens over time.

Changes in the haematological profile of the West African hinge-backed Tortoise (Kinixys erosa) anaesthetized with ether or thiopentone sodium

The effect of ether or thiopentone sodium on haematological parameters of tortoise was determined by evaluating the Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) and White Blood Cell (WBC) count of ether or thiopentone-anaesthetized West African Hinge-Backed Tortoise (Kinixys erosa). The blood clotting and sleeping time were also determined. Fifteen tortoises were randomly but equally divided into three groups. Tortoises in Group I were administered with 0.9% Physiological saline, while tortoises in Group II and III were administered with ether and thiopentone sodium respectively. Ether was administered by inhalation while thiopentone sodium was administered intramuscularly. The sleeping time was significantly longer for ether than for thiopentone sodium. The difference in the sleeping time is ascribed to the differences in the physicochemical, pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic properties of the two anaesthetics. Blood clotting was delayed in tortoises anaesthetized with ether compared with thiopentone-anaesthetized tortoises, which makes thiopentone a more reliable anaesthetic agent for invasive surgical procedures in the tortoise than ether. The two anaesthetics elicited depression of the haematological parameters of the tortoises with significant (P<0.05) decreases in the PCV and RBC values. Hb concentration and MCV were significantly decreased for ether-anaesthetized tortoises, while MCH was significantly decreased for thiopentone-anaesthetized tortoises. The WBC count was elevated in ether-administered tortoises while the value decreased in thiopentone-administered tortoises. The elevation of WBC count was attributed to the irritant effect of ether. It was concluded that ether or thiopentone caused depression of haematological parameters in West African Hinge-Backed tortoise which should be taken into consideration when interpreting values of blood parameters obtained from anaesthetized subjects. Key words: Ether, thiopentone sodium, haematology, sleeping time, West African hinge-backed tortoise.

EFFECTS OF SODIUM BICARBONATE SUPPLEMENT ON THE NUTRITIVE VALUE, RUMEN FERMENTATION AND PERFORMANCE OF GROWING FRIESIAN CALVES RATIONS.

Twelve 7 month old male Friesian calves with an average body weight of 111+ 8.4 kg were used is this study. Calves were distributed into three groups similar in number. The experimental rations were formulated as follows : ration 1 (R1) 64% concentrate feed mixture (CFM) + 36% clover hay (CH) (control), ration 2 (R2) : 64.12% CFM + 34.36% CH + 1.52% sodium bicarbonate (SB) and ration 3 (R3) : 60.61% CFM + 36.19% CH + 3.2% SB. The digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, NFE, NDF and ADF and the value of TDN, ME, (Mj / kg), NE (Mcal / kg), DDM% and RFV were higher (p<0.05) for R2 than R1 and R3, while there was no significant difference between R1 and R3. The CF and NFC digestibility coefficients were increased (p<0.05) when feeding on R2 compared with R1, while there was no significant difference between R1 and R3 or between R2 and R3. The predicted values for starch and sugar fermentations using CNCPS were (640 and 274 g/d, respectively) with feeding R1,(475.8 and 276.8 g/d, respectively) for R2 and ( 431.7 and 267 g/d, respectively) for R3 , and the total microbial protein was 815 , 825 and 775 g/d when feeding on R1 , R2 and R3 , respectively. The DM intake was increased when feeding on R2 than R1 or R3 because the passage rate was higher when feeding on R2 (8.5 %/h) than feeding on R1 (7.6 %/h) or R3 (7.8 % g/h). The mean values for total VFA were higher (p<0.05) with feeding R1 or R2 than R3. The mean values were 9.67, 9.88 and 8.05 ml eq / 100 ml RL for R1, R2 and R3, respectively. The mean values for NH3-N concentration decreased (p<0.05) when feeding R2 than R3, but without significant effect with feeding R1. the mean values were 10.96, 9.36 and 13.5 mg/100ml RL when feeding on R1, R2 and R3, respectively. The mean values of blood parameters were not significantly affected by feeding R1 or R2 or R3. The mean values of ADG were 0.62, 0.69 and 0.66 kg for steers fed on R1, R2 and R3, respectively. Concerning to the amino acids composition of the tested rations, the AAs composition were less than the requirements except for tryptophan. The mean balance AA values (% of requirement) were 70.45 , 68.14 and 71.73 with feeding on R1, R2 , R3 , respectively. The production efficiency was lower when feeding on R2 than feeding on R1 or R3 (16.77, 18.74 and 18.85% respectively), and the economic efficiency, was also lower when feeding on R2 than feeding on R1 or R3. In general, the data indicated that feeding ration at a level 64.12% CFM + 34.36% CH + 1.52% sodium bicarbonate for growing Friesian calves increased the nutritive values of the ration than using 3.0% sodium bicarbonate.