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Oxolinic acid (OA), a broad-spectrum quinolone antibiotic that plays a crucial role in human medicine, is often used in aquaculture as a second-line treatment at 12 mg/kg biomass/day continuously for seven days. The objective of this study was to assess its effectiveness against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in terms of progression and healing of wounds, clinical biochemistry and histopathological changes upon challenge and treatment. To evaluate the efficacy, the juveniles were intramuscularly challenged with A. hydrophila at a sublethal dose of 1.93×106 cells/fish, followed by the administration of OA-supplemented feed at 2% body weight daily for seven days. OA treatment yielded better consequences in terms of increased feed intake and biomass and decreased plasma biochemical parameters, histopathological changes and improved recovery from A. hydrophila infection compared to the untreated group. Wounds of the OA-treated group healed at a faster rate, with complete healing within 12 days post-injection, while the wounds of the untreated group took longer to heal. Though the efficacy of OA against A. hydrophila infection in tilapia was established in this study, it is important to exercise caution regarding its application in aquaculture due to its classification as a critically important medicine for humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fresh fish in Nigeria is gaining acceptance as a result of knowledge of its nutritive value; however, it is mostly assessed by the consumers by mere looking. Fish that looks apparently healthy may not be actually healthy. Haematology, plasma biochemistry and serum are some good parameters for the assessment of fish health. This study evaluated the haematology, plasma biochemistry and blood enzymes of farm-raised African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, naturally infected with listeriosis in Oyo State. Fish were collected from 36 farms using stratified method. A total of 108 fish were collected where 37 were positive for listeriosis. The blood of the affected fish was used for this study. Haematology, plasma biochemistry and blood enzyme analysis were determined. Fish from Oyo zone had the highest PCV, Hb, RBC and MCHC with 29.33 ± 2.96%, 10.04 ± 1.04 dL, 3.55 ± 0.09 × 106/μL and 34.24 ± 0.74%, respectively; the highest heterocytes (39.00 ± 5.33%), eosinophils (4.00 ± 1.10%), basophils (0.50 ± 0.55%) and hetero:lymphocyte ratio (0.71 ± 0.14) were recorded in fish from Ogbomosho zone; WBC, platelets, lymphocytes and monocytes were highest in fish from Saki zone with 18.72 ± 0.44 × 106/μL, 224.00 ± 3.61 × 103/μL, 71.33 ± 1.53% and 3.33 ± 0.58%, respectively, while fish from Ibadan/Ibarapa zone had the highest MCV (163.40 ± 44.23 fL) and MCH (52.77 ± 14.95 pg). Total protein and globulin were highest in fish from Oyo zone with 6.61 ± 0.37 and 1.70 ± 0.38 g/dL, respectively, while albumin and A:G ratio were highest in fish from Ogbomosho zone. Fish from Ogbomosho zone had the highest AST, ALP, creatinine and glucose with 194.17 ± 10.11 μL, 232.17 ± 63.64 μL, 0.72 ± 0.19 μL and 277.50 ± 90.36 mg/dL, respectively; urea and cholesterol were highest in fish from Saki zone (8.30 ± 0.46 μL and 263.67 ± 3.51 mg/dL) while Ibadan/Ibarapa zone had the highest ALT (37.11 ± 14.72 μL). The study concluded that fish that are physically healthy which is the common factor used to judge the health status of the fish by majority of consumers do not mean that the fish are healthy. Haematology, biochemistry and blood enzymes of the fish infected with listeriosis are lower than the recommended levels. Therefore, further research should be carried out to detect a quicker way of examining healthy fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in order to determine plasma amylase and lipase concentrations in captive black-tailed prairie dogs ( Cynomys ludovicianus). Twenty-six healthy intact captive prairie dogs of both sexes were studied as part of an overall clinical health evaluation performed under general isoflurane anesthesia. Each animal underwent a complete physical examination, complete blood count, plasma biochemistry, and venous blood gas analysis. Venous blood samples were placed in heparinized blood-collection tubes and submitted for plasma amylase and lipase concentration analyses. The reference interval for amylase was 111.3-499.1 IU/L, and the mean and median plasma amylase concentrations were 323.2 and 341 IU/L, respectively (min = 152 IU/L, max = 481 IU/L). The reference interval for lipase was 25.7-78.4 IU/L, and the mean and median plasma lipase concentrations were both 49.5 IU/L (min = 27 IU/L, max = 80 IU/L). The new data presented in this report can promote better physiological understanding and improve clinical management of this rodent species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sobaity sea bream ( Sparidentex hasta) is distributed in the Western Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. For monitoring health status in this species in an aquaculture condition, standard reference values for haematological and plasma biochemical parameters are indispensable. Heparinized blood samples were collected from 143 healthy sobaity sea bream juveniles raised in cylindrical polyethylene tanks with filtered running seawater. Haematologic reference intervals were as follows: red blood cell (RBC) count 1.67-2.2 × 10 μL, total white blood cell (WBC) count 8.8-14.5 × 10 μL, lymphocytes 85-96 %, neutrophils 2-6 %, haemoglobin 28-60 g L, haematocrit (Hct) 24.5-33.8 %, mean cell volume (MCV) 126.3-191.7 fL, mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) 14.4-26.5 pg, mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) 92-180 g L, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) 1.5-5 mm h and RBC/WBC ratio 119.2-207.5. Plasma chemistry reference intervals were as follows: total protein 3.2-3.9 g dL, albumin 0.3-0.58 g dL, globulin 2.7-3.4 g dL, alkaline phosphatase 444-866 U L, alanine aminotransferase 239-506.5 U L, lipase 95.5-120 U L, amylase 4-8 U L, sodium 173-211 mmol L, chloride 103-136.5 mmol L, potassium 2.7-4.4 mmol L, calcium 2.6-3.1 mmol L, inorganic phosphorus 2.9-5.3 mmol L, osmolality 430-503 mOsm kg, glucose 6.16-7.88 mmol L, cholesterol 4.07-7.7 mmol L, triglyceride 2.22-3.91 mmol L, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 1.36-2.44 mmol L, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) 0.84-1.19 mmol L and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) 0.27-0.78 mmol L. Values reported here will be useful for evaluating the health status, interpretation and better understanding of various disease signs in sobaity sea bream juveniles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide the first reference values of the plasma biochemistry and haematology of Palaearctic coots of the genus Fulica. We analysed blood samples from 29 birds of the threatened crested coot Fulica cristata reared in captivity and 21 common coots, Fulica atra, from a wild environment. We report haematocrit levels, leucocyte formula, metabolites (uric acid, urea), substrates (cholesterol, triglycerides) and enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase). No differences were found between sexes within species. Except for monocytes and basophiles, significant inter-species differences were found for all blood and biochemical parameters. In general, mean values were higher for wild common coots. These results might suggest the better state of captive birds with regard to wild ones, likely due to differences in environmental conditions. Nevertheless, we cannot rule out the possibility that some of the inter-species differences reported in this study can be for phylogenetic reasons, so that the results reported here should be taken as reference values for Palaearctic coots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematology and plasma chemistry of the circulating blood of Eutropis carinata were studied during 2003 to 2008 and 2010 to 2011. Blood samples were taken from coccygeal and lower abdominal vein, and different blood parameters were measured for a population sample (15 males and 19 females) of the species, considering the sex of the lizards. Results revealed the erythrocytes' number and shape and the centrally located oval nucleus in both male and female lizards. Leukocytes were rounded, circular, or disk-shaped, and the mean size was larger in male than female lizards. The number of leukocytes was found to be maximum 1.74 × 10 in both sexes, and mean values of differential leukocyte count were 13.33 ± 4.51 and 15.66 ± 4.04 % heterophils, 5.66 ± 2.35 and 7.68 ± 1.59 % eosinophils, 61.33 ± 8.5 and 61.66 ± 7.5 % lymphocytes, 3.66 ± 1.52 and 2.33 ± 1.27 % monocytes, and 5.31 ± 2.45 and 5.24 ± 1.19 % basophils in male and female lizards, respectively. Hemoglobin content of the lizard did not differ between the sexes. In terms of plasma chemistry, there was a significant difference in the mean value of protein and cholesterol contents between male (60.85 ± 6.37 and 3.56 ± 3.97 mg/ml) and female (102.46 ± 5.26 and 2.48 ± 2.91 mg/ml) lizards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the normal values for 15 blood plasma biochemistry parameters and three indices of body condition (IBCs) in free-living Osprey ( Pandion haliaetus) nestlings in Brandenburg (Germany). Values were compared with those of other raptors, and possible sexual and age-related differences were examined. In addition, we looked for possible relationships of habitat quality (measured in terms of foraging conditions and human disturbances) to nestling nutritional condition and productivity. Female nestlings showed higher mean urea levels and lower glucose values than males, which could be related to higher growth rates and nutrient demand of females at the end of the nestling period. Seven parameters also showed variation with age, probably relating to increasing body mass, metabolic rates, and physical activity during the pre-fledging stage. Conversely, the IBCs showed poor correlations with selected nutritional parameters, probably due to the homogeneously acceptable nutritional conditions of the nestlings. Finally, we found that Ospreys did not seem to adjust initial parental investment in relation to habitat quality, since productivity was not affected by habitat indicators. However, in large broods, but not in small ones, nestling nutritional condition improved as foraging conditions improved. These results suggest that females that are in better physical condition seem to produce more and better nourished nestlings in better foraging conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of sheep theileriosis on some plasma biochemical parameters. Thirty adult fat-tailed sheep suffering from theileriosis were selected on the basis of clinical examination and positive peripheral blood smears, and 20 clinically healthy animals without parasitaemia (according to the blood smears) served as control. Biochemical analysis of infected cases revealed a significant ( P < 0.05) decrease in blood glucose and albumin, in addition to a non-significant decrease in total protein and creatinine concentrations when compared to the uninfected group. On the other hand, a significant increase of urea, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase, in addition to a non-significant rise in triglyceride, cholesterol, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase levels were found in the infected group in comparison to the controls. This study concluded that theileriosis in sheep was associated with some alterations in blood parameters which could be useful in the diagnosis of ovine theileriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hematology, plasma biochemistry, and urinary excretion of glucose and certain minerals in nine pluriparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows affected with clinical parturient paresis were reported in this study. For comparison, 12 normal cows from represented herds were selected to match age, parity, and lactation stage of affected cows. Cows affected with parturient paresis had subnormal rectal temperature, bradycardia, and hyperpnea. Rumen motility was reduced in all affected cows. Cows affected with parturient paresis had significantly elevated packed cell volume and significantly increased numbers of leukocytes and neutrophils. In the plasma biochemical analysis, affected cows had significantly elevated glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and total protein. Plasma insulin was significantly decreased in affected cows. Plasma calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium concentrations in affected cows were significantly lower than in normal cows. In the urine analysis, no significant changes were found between the two groups in any of the studied parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bird growth rates are usually derived from nonlinear relationships between age and some morphological structure, but this procedure may be limited by several factors. To date, nothing is known about the capacity of plasma metabolite profiling to predict chick growth rates. Based on laboratory-trials, we here develop predictive logistic models of body mass, and tarsus and wing length growth rates in Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica chicks from measurements of plasma metabolite levels at different developmental stages. The predictive model obtained during the fastest growth period (at the age of 12days) explained 65–68% of the chicks'' growth rates, with fasting triglyceride level explaining most of the variation in growth rate. At the end of pre-fledging period, β-hydroxybutyrate level was also a good predictor of growth rates. Finally, we carried out a field test to check the predictive capacity of the models in two colonies of wild Gull-billed Tern, comparing field-measured and model-predicted growth rates between groups. Both, measured and predicted growth rates, matched statistically. Plasma metabolite levels can thus be applied in comparative studies of chick growth rates when semi-precocial birds can be captured only once. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, on the cholesterol levels in egg yolk and plasma in Japanese quail. Additionally, the effects of these fatty acids on selected biochemical parameters, and yolk and quail weights were investigated. Thirty healthy laying Japanese quails were divided into two groups including control and omega-3 fatty acid treated group. Fish oil capsules were administrated orally to the quails in the omega-3 treated group every other day for 3weeks. Yolk cholesterol level was found to be significantly lower in the omega-3 treated group compared to the control. Plasma cholesterol levels were lower; plasma calcium levels were higher at 3rd week in omega-3 fatty acid treated group than those in control. On the other hand, plasma phosphorus and glucose levels in omega-3 fatty acid group were significantly lower at 3rd week than those at the beginning of experiment. In conclusion, it was found that orally supplemented omega-3 fatty acid reduced the levels of cholesterol in egg yolk and plasma in quails. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lithium heparin and sodium heparin anticoagulants were compared with the aim to measure concentrations and activity of selected plasma biochemical analytes in wild and captive Morelet's crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii). Blood samples were obtained from the ventral caudal tail vein in 63 crocodiles (32 wild and 30captive) and each sample was placed in both lithium heparin and sodium heparin. Plasma was removed and duplicate samples were assayed for the following: cholesterol, glucose, uric acid, creatinine and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The only analyte having a significant difference (t = -2.95, df = 56, P < 0.01) when comparing the two anticoagulants was ALT. Still, the difference was not considered to be clinically signifi cant. The results of this study indicates that the type of heparin used as an anticoagulant, does not affect concentratrions and activity of certain plasma biochemicals of Morelet's crocodiles, and perhaps other species of crocodilians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigated tissue fatty acids (FA) profiles, systemic and portal plasma biochemical characteristics, and cecal digesta biogenic amines in piglets fed diets containing flaxseed (FS) and a multi-carbohydrase enzyme supplement (C). Enzyme supplement provided 500 U pectinase, 50 U cellulase, 400 U mannanase, 1200 U xylanase, 450 U glucanase and 45 U galactanase per kg of diet. Ninety-six pigs were weaned at 17 d of age and based on a 2×2 factorial arrangement allotted to 4 diets in a completely randomized design to give 6 pens per diet (4 pigs per pen). The diets contained wheat, barley, peas, soybean meal and canola meal with 0 or 12% FS and fed without or with C. Diets were fed for 28 d after which time fresh fecal samples were collected and one pig per pen was held under surgical plane of anesthesia to sample systemic (jugular vein) and portal blood. Pigs were then euthanized to sample liver and loin area (comprised: longissimus thoracis+back fat+skin) tissues and cecal digesta. There was no interaction (P >0.05) between FS and C on any response criteria. Pigs fed FS diets had higher (P < 0.01) ω-3 FA and lower (P < 0.01) ω-6 FA contents in both the liver and loin area which resulted in lower ω-6:ω-3 ratios in these tissues. There was higher (P < 0.05) docosapentaenoic acid (DPA [C22:5n-3]) in the liver of pigs fed diets with C than pigs fed diets without C. In the loin area, pigs fed FS diets had lower (P < 0.01) unsaturated and total FA contents than those fed non-FS diets. Piglets fed FS diets had lower (P < 0.05) levels of systemic K+, portal acetic acid, cecal amine and fecal fat digestibility but higher (P < 0.05) portal lactate levels than pigs fed non-FS diets. Enzyme supplementation increased (P < 0.05) systemic glucose content. In conclusion, FS with or without C supplementation lowered tissues ω-6:ω-3 FA ratio, supported lactate fermentors and reduced biogenic amine levels in the caecum. Enzyme supplementation increased plasma glucose independent of FS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals, but limited information is existing for sheep plasma biochemistry. Ten clinically healthy Baloochi breed of sheep were blood sampled in different tubes containing each anticoagulants and plain tube for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and magnesium and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of GGT, bilirubin and inorganic phosphorus, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than that of serum. For corrected citrated plasma significant differences were seen for the concentrations of glucose, creatinine, calcium and the activity of ALP. Most parameters did not show any difference, but significant increase was seen for albumin concentration when heparin was used as an anticoagulant. Using EDTA as anticoagulant caused a significant difference for the concentrations of some of the measured parameters in plasma except glucose, GGT, cholesterol, albumin, bilirubin, CK, and inorganic phosphorus comparing with serum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals but limited informations are existing for camel plasma biochemistry. Eleven clinically healthy one-humped camels were blood sampled in different tubes containing different anticoagulants and plain tubes for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, and chloride and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of AST, ALT, CK, total bilirubin, and inorganic phosphorus, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than in serum. Most parameters did not show any difference, but significant increase for CK activity and significant decrease for GGT, cholesterol, creatinine and chloride were seen when heparin was used as anticoagulant. Using EDTA as an anticoagulant caused a significant difference in the amounts of some measured parameters in plasma except glucose, AST, ALT, GGT, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, bilirubin, and triglyceride in comparison with serum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of feed restriction on plasma hormones (triiodothyronine — T3, thyroxine — T4, and corticosterone), protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and mineral metabolism and activity of plasma enzymes (creatine kinase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase) were studied in meat type female chickens (Gallus gallus). Ad libitum fed birds were compared with those subjected to severe and moderate quantitative feed restriction from 16 to 100 days of age. Feed restriction elevated plasma T4 and corticosterone levels and reduced T3. A feed restriction-induced decrease was observed for plasma protein and albumin concentrations, but not for uric acid and creatinine. Total plasma lipids, triacylglycerols, cholesterol, high density lipids, and calcium were lower for the feed restricted chickens, in particular during the latter phase of the experiment. Concentrations of glucose and phosphorus were not altered by feeding treatment. Activity of alkaline phosphatase was significantly increased in restricted chicks from day 58. Significant changes of plasma biochemical parameters induced by severe and moderate quantitative feed restriction illustrate that limiting feed intake poses an intensive stress on meat type chickens during the rapid growth period. However, activities of creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were significantly higher in ad libitum fed chickens during this period. This elevation in enzymatic activity may be in response to tissue damage, indicating potential health and welfare problems also in ad libitum fed meat type chickens, resulting from selection for intensive growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This is the first study of plasma biochemical parameters in free-living altricial birds during an entire developmental period in a nest, represented by European starling (Sturnus vulgaris). Dynamics of postnatal changes from hatching until close to fledging (days 1 to 15) were registered. Parameters of protein metabolism represented by total proteins, albumin and globulin concentrations increased continuously during the observed developmental period. There were two peaks in uric acid concentration on days 5 and 11. To the contrary, the creatinine content did not change throughout the observed period and increased only on day 15. Creatine kinase activity gradually increased until day 11 and then fell before fledging. Parameters of lipid metabolism (concentration of total lipids, triacylglycerols and nonesterified fatty acids) in plasma increased gradually reaching a plateau between days 8 and 11 and then declined on day 15. The cholesterol concentration pattern was similar to maximum value on day 11, then consecutively decreased. Concentration of glucose increased until day 8 and remained unchanged until fledging. Whereas calcium reached the highest concentration during days 8 and 11, phosphorus peaked earlier on day 5. The activity of alkaline phosphatase was similar to the pattern found in calcium concentration. Presented data showed an increase in both protein and lipid metabolism during the phase of rapid growth. A remarkable decrease in parameters of lipid metabolism before fledging may reflect increased physical activity and changes in nutrition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry have been studied in man and various animals but limited information exists for cattle plasma biochemistry. Ten clinically healthy Holstein cattle were blood sampled into different anticoagulants and plain tubes for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK) were measured. All of the measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than serum. Significant decreases in the amounts of urea, creatinine and total protein while significant increases in the concentration of bilirubin were seen when heparin was used as anticoagulant. Using EDTA as anticoagulant caused significant decreases in the amounts of urea, creatinine, total protein and the activities of AST compared to serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ekser B, Bianchi J, Ball S, Iwase H, Walters A, Ezzelarab M, Veroux M, Gridelli B, Wagner R, Ayares D, Cooper DKC. Comparison of hematologic, biochemical, and coagulation parameters in α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout pigs, wild-type pigs, and four primate species. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 342-354. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: The increasing availability of genetically engineered pigs is steadily improving the results of pig organ and cell transplantation in non-human primates (NHPs). Current techniques offer knockout of pig genes and/or knockin of human genes. Knowledge of normal values of hematologic, biochemical, coagulation, and other parameters in healthy genetically engineered pigs and NHPs is important, particularly following pig organ transplantation in NHPs. Furthermore, information on parameters in various NHP species may prove important in selecting the optimal NHP model for specific studies. Methods: We have collected hematologic, biochemical, and coagulation data on 71 α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout (GTKO) pigs, 18 GTKO pigs additionally transgenic for human CD46 (GTKO.hCD46), four GTKO.hCD46 pigs additionally transgenic for human CD55 (GTKO.hCD46.hCD55), and two GTKO.hCD46 pigs additionally transgenic for human thrombomodulin (GTKO.hCD46.hTBM). Results: We report these data and compare them with similar data from wild-type pigs and the three major NHP species commonly used in biomedical research (baboons, cynomolgus, and rhesus monkeys) and humans, largely from previously published reports. Conclusions: Genetic modification of the pig (e.g., deletion of the Gal antigen and/or the addition of a human transgene) (i) does not result in abnormalities in hematologic, biochemical, or coagulation parameters that might impact animal welfare, (ii) seems not to alter metabolic function of vital organs, although this needs to be confirmed after their xenotransplantation, and (iii) possibly (though, by no means certainly) modifies the hematologic, biochemical, and coagulation parameters closer to human values. This study may provide a good reference for those working with genetically engineered pigs in xenotransplantation research and eventually in clinical xenotransplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]