Serum biochemical indicators of liver function in neonatal foals

Serum biochemical indicators of liver function were determined in healthy, age-matched foals during the first 270 days of life. Values were compared with those of healthy adult horses and with those determined on the day of birth (less than 12 hours old). Serum alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and L-iditol dehydrogenase activities were increased during the first 2 weeks of life. Serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and total and unconjugated bilirubin concentrations peaked during this same period. During the early neonatal period (less than 12 hours old), globulin concentrations (mainly beta 2 and gamma fractions) were low and albumin/globulin ratios were high. However, individual values for all analytes were varied.