Serum proteins profile in Comisana lambs during the first month of life

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to measure the serum total proteins and the serum protein fractions (albumin, α1-, α2-, β-and γ-globulins) of ten newborn lambs (Comisana breed) during the first 30 days of life in order to obtain useful information for neonatal care. From each animal, blood samples were collected via jugular venepuncture at the same hour (9.00) every 3 days for 30 days starting from birth (day 0). The concentrations of serum total proteins and albumin, α1-, α2-, β-, γ-globulins and albumin/globulins ratio were determined using an automated electrophoresis system. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni test was used to determine significant differences between mean values of the studied parameters from the 1st to the 30th day of the experimental period. Data analysis of variance showed a statistical effect of days of life on total proteins, albumin, α1-globulins, β-globulins, γ-globulins and albumin/globulins ratio during the first 30 days of life (P<0.0001), while no statistical significant effect of days of life was observed on α2-globulins during the experimental period (P=0.27). The obtained results indicated that passive transfer status, determined from serum immunoglobulin concentration 24 h after birth, is a significant source of variation in pre-weaning growth performance in dairy lambs. These finding make a contribution to the knowledge of physiological adaptation in lambs during the first 30 days of life and give useful information for the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal diseases.

Changes in the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in lambs during the first month of life

“…Similar findings were reported by Szewczuk et al (2011) in calves, who found higher concentrations of α-globulins on day 5 compared to values measured on day 30 of life. In contrast to our results, Piccione et al (2013) recorded a progressive decrease of α 1 -globulins in lambs during the first 2 weeks of life. Many of the acute phase proteins migrate in the α-globulin region (haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, α 1 -acid glycoprotein, α 1 -antitrypsin), and environmental conditions represent an important trigger for a shift in acute phase proteins.…”

“…The β-globulins showed a progressive increase of values from the 1 st day of life till the end of the 1 st month. Similar data were reported in goat kids and in lambs by Piccione et al (2011Piccione et al ( , 2013. These findings may be related to the increase of some proteins, especially complement proteins, from this fraction which like the acute phase proteins are involved in the environmental stress response (Bernabucci et al 2009).…”

“…The increase in their values during the first 24 h of life reflects the intestinal absorption of proteins (particularly immunoglobulins) from colostrum due to enhanced intestinal permeability. Piccione et al (2013) found also in lambs the highest total protein concentrations on the first day of life with a decrease on day 4, and then a progressive increase until the end of the first month of life. Our results showed relatively stable values of total proteins from day 7 of life until the end of the first month.…”

“…Our results showed relatively stable absolute concentrations of albumin in lambs during the first 2 days of life with a progressive increase from the 7 th day till the end of the first month of life. Piccione et al (2013) found in lambs the highest albumin concentrations on the first day of life. Its concentrations decreased during the first 2 weeks of life and started to increase with the beginning of the 3 rd week until the end of the first month of life.…”

The impact of colostrum intake on the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in newborn ruminants

“…These findings correspond with results reported by Šlosárková et al (2014) and Tóthová et al (2015) in calves and by Nagy et al (2014) in lambs. In contrast to these findings Piccione et al (2011bPiccione et al ( , 2013 reported a subsequent decrease of A/G in comissana lambs and goat kids from the first day after birth to the 13th day of life. According to Alberghina et al (2010) A/G ratio must be interpreted carefully, paying attention to which part of the ratio has changed, because it provides systematic classification and identification of dysproteinaemias.…”