Serum biochemical and hematological parameters in crossbred swine from birth through eight weeks of age

Nineteen serum biochemical and seven hematological parameters were determined for crossbred swine from birth through eight weeks of age. From birth (before nursing) to eight hours (after ingestion of colostrum) of age, there was an increase in concentrations of serum total protein, blood urea nitrogen and total bilirubin and increased activities of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and lactic dehydrogenase. There was a decrease in serum sodium, chloride and potassium concentrations, hemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume during the same period. There was an increase in both serum potassium concentration and erythrocyte count from five (weaning) to six weeks of age. At the same time, there was a decrease in serum sodium and chloride concentrations. The mean concentration of serum cholesterol did not change during the first 24 hours of neonatal life; however, it increased during the 24 to 72 hour period with a linear decrease to six weeks of age.