Blood biochemical parameters and enzyme activity in beef cattle

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate characteristic blood biochemical parameters and enzyme activity in two groups of beef cattle: cattle aged 6 months (n=11) and cattle aged 9 months (n=11). No statistical difference (p>0.05) in blood glucose levels was observed between the two study groups, suggesting preserved liver function. Blood triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were within the physiological range in both groups of cattle and were not statistically different (p>0.05), clearly indicating preserved lipid mechanism. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in the blood levels of total proteins, albumin and urea between the two groups, with total protein level being, however, slightly below the physiological range, likely suggesting the slightly decreased synthetic capacity of hepatocytes in both study groups. Blood bilirubin levels were not statistically different (p>0.05). They were found to be somewhat above the physiological level in cattle aged 9 months, indicating the slightly decreased excretory capacity of the liver. Blood AST and GGT activities were not statistically different (p>0.05) between the test groups of cattle and they were within the physiological range, suggesting preserved hepatocellular function. In contrast to the above activities, blood LDH activities were statistically significantly higher (p<0.01) in the older cattle than in the young cattle, primarily indicating an increased degree of skeletal muscle degeneration. The results of this study suggest that the evaluated biochemical parameters and activities of enzymes involved in energy metabolism in the blood may be used as good indicators of the metabolic status of beef cattle.