Serum proteins of three turkey strains under different seasonal conditions

Total serum protein and serum protein fractions of three local turkey strains (White, Red, and Black) were measured under different seasonal conditions. Total serum protein was influenced (P less than .05) by strain (6.00, 6.15, and 6.28 g/100 ml for White, Red, and Black, respectively) and sex (6.02 and 6.26 g/100 ml for males and females, respectively). Highest levels were recorded under moderate seasonal conditions and lowest under high temperature and low humidity. The interactions of strain X sex and sex X season were not significant (P greater than .05), whereas strain X season was significant (P less than .05). Highest levels of albumin were encountered in Black and Red strains. Sex and season did not exert significant effects (P greater than .05); only the interaction of strain X season was significant (P less than .05). Strain had a significant effect on alpha-1 but not on alpha-2, beta-, and gamma-globulins, whereas sex was a source of variation in all globulins (P less than .05). Season induced significant (P less than .05) variation in globulins. Maximal levels were observed under moderate temperature and relative humidity. Strain X season and strain X sex interactions were not significant with regard to alpha-1 values. Similar trends were observed in beta-globulins for strain X sex and season X sex interactions (P greater than .05).