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Serum enzyme changes in newborn calves fed colostrum
1Department of Pathobiology College of Veterinary Medicine Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, Virginia 24061.
Veterinary Clinical Pathology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Newborn calf serum enzyme activities, including gamma-glutamyl transferase (gammaGT), increase after feeding. GammaGT specifically rises due to colostrum absorption, aiding interpretation of calf health markers.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Neonatal Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Serum enzyme activities in newborn calves are crucial indicators of health.
- Post-feeding physiological changes can significantly alter these enzyme levels.
- Understanding normal enzyme fluctuations is vital for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate transient increases in serum enzyme activities in newborn Holstein calves after feeding.
- To differentiate enzyme elevations caused by colostrum absorption from other factors.
- To provide guidance for the correct interpretation of serum enzyme activities in neonatal calves.
Main Methods:
- Ten newborn Holstein calves were fed pooled colostrum.
- Serum enzyme activities (gammaGT, AST, ALP, ACP, LDH, CK) were measured over time.
- A control group of two calves received enzyme-free pasteurized milk.
Main Results:
- Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (gammaGT) increased 62.5-fold after colostrum feeding, indicating absorption.
- Other enzymes (AST, ALP, ACP, LDH) also showed transient increases, suggesting tissue release.
- Calves fed pasteurized milk showed similar enzyme increases, except for gammaGT.
Conclusions:
- Serum gammaGT elevation in newborn calves is primarily due to absorption from colostrum.
- Increased activities of other serum enzymes likely result from tissue release or physiological changes.
- Accurate interpretation of neonatal calf serum enzyme profiles requires consideration of post-feeding absorption and tissue dynamics.