Comparison of different methods of measuring protein and albumin in pigeon sera

Columbine serum total protein (TP) and albumin concentrations were determined using the biuret method and the bromocresol green dye binding (BCG) method or serum protein electrophoresis on cellulose acetate membranes (SPE). Results obtained using human and pigeon standards were compared. When pigeon albumin was used as a standard. TP values were consistently higher compared with values obtained using human protein as a standard. However, there was a high correlation between the results obtained with the two standards. The correlation between the BCG method and SPE for serum albumin determination was poor, irrespective of the standard used. The method cannot be recommended for pigeon blood. For avian clinical practice it is advised to establish TP concentration using the biuret method and a human standard and to calculate albumin concentration from the results of TP and SPE.