Biochemical changes in the plasma of pregnant crossbred sows (Sus domesticus)

Abstract

The plasma concentrations of Na, K, Cl, HCO₃, inorganic PO₄, Ca, urea creatinine, uric acid, total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio (A:G), cholesterol and triglycerides of Large White x Landrace x Hampshire sows were determined during oestrus, first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy and lactation. The plasma level of each parameter during oestrus was compared with the levels in the other phases. Plasma concentrations of globulin, total protein and creatinine increased during the first trimester (at least P<0.05) while the A:G decreased (P<0.01). The plasma concentrations of lipids, globulin, creatinine and Na were increased significantly while A:G decreased very significantly during the second trimester (P<0.05) and (P<0.01 respectively). Plasma Na concentration increased during the third trimester (P<0.01) while the bicarbonate level declined post-farrowing (P<0.05). Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were positively and very significantly correlated throughout pregnancy. Uric acid was positively, albeit non-significantly, correlated with lipids during pregnancy and lactation but negatively correlated with lipids during oestrus. Monitoring plasma concentrations of A:G, total protein, total globulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, Na and HCOs might be useful in pregnancy diagnosis and monitoring in a pig herd.

Key words: Biochemical changes, plasma, pregnant sows