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Serum biochemical reference values for gestating and lactating sows.
An J M Verheyen1, Dominiek G D Maes, Bart Mateusen
1Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium. an.verheyan@ugent.be
Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997)
|May 26, 2006
Summary
Reference values for sow serum biochemical parameters were established. Reproductive state and parity significantly influence these values, impacting health assessments in high-producing herds.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Establishing reference values for serum biochemical parameters in high-producing sows is crucial for health monitoring.
- Reproductive status and parity are known factors that can influence physiological parameters in sows.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference values for key serum biochemical parameters in clinically healthy, high-producing sows.
- To investigate the influence of reproductive state and parity on these biochemical parameters.
Main Methods:
- Serial blood sampling of 132 clinically healthy sows from eight herds at four key reproductive stages (pre- and post-farrowing).
- Analysis of fourteen serum biochemical parameters related to metabolism, organ function, and inflammation.
Main Results:
- Reproductive state significantly affected most parameters, except urea and non-esterified fatty acids.
- First-parity sows exhibited distinct differences in gamma-glutamyltransferase, phosphorus, haptoglobin, albumin/globulin, and haptoglobin/albumin ratios compared to older sows.
- Significant between-herd variations (>50%) were observed for gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and non-esterified fatty acids.
Conclusions:
- Serum biochemical parameters are vital diagnostic tools for assessing sow health.
- Accurate interpretation requires consideration of the sow's reproductive state and parity.
- Herd-specific variations highlight the need for tailored reference ranges in some cases.