Key words: reference values; blood chemistry; haematology; lactating cattle; Malaysia. ... Routine laboratory findings of blood chemistry and haematological ...
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Kajian Veterinar 18(1): 31-40 (1986)
REFERENCE VALUES FOR BLOOD CHEMISTRY AND HAEMATOLOGY IN CROSSBRED LACTATING CATTLE IN MALAYSIA N. MUNIANDY, K.W. CHANG* and P.G. JOSEPH Veterinary Research Institute 31400 Ipoh, Malaysia SUMMARY: Blood samples were taken from 184 lactating, non-pregnant crossbred cattle between the ages of 3 to 6 years from four different farms in Peninsular Malaysia. The samples were analysed to establish the means and reference values in blood chemistry and haematology under Malaysian conditions. The means and reference values of the parameters were compared with some temperate and local Kedah-Kelantan breeds of lactating cattle. The mean values for magnesium (2.40 ± 0.50 mg/dl), creatinine (1.47 ± 0.28 mg/dl), glucose (53.48 ± 8.05 mg/dl) and aspartate aminotransferase (33.96 ± 8.48 U/l) were found to be similar to the temperate breeds. The means for Hb (10.37 ± 1.59%), PCV (30.24 ± 4.28%), RBC (6.15 ± 1.03 x 106/ul), calcium (8.95 ± 1.08 mg/dl), BUN (13.25 ± 3.57 mg/dl) and total cholesterol (127.85 ± 39.68 mg/dl) tend to be lower than those of the temperate crossbreds. However, the mean values for total WBC (11.89 ± 3.58 x 103/ul), phosphorus (5.58 ± 1.27 mg/dl), copper (94.96 ± 28.58 ug/dl), total protein (8.20 ± 0.59 g/dl), albumin (3.64 ± 0.35 g/dl), globulin (4.49 ± 0.63 g/dl) and alkaline phosphatase (122.87 ± 40.28 U/l) were found to be higher and their ranges wider than the temperate and Kedah-Kelantan breeds. The means for uric acid (0.99 ± 0.36 mg/dl), alanine aminotransferase (9.80 ± 3.08 U/l), α-amylase (766.0 ± 343.0 U/l) and γ-glutamyltransferase (15.70 ±4.58 U/l) are also given. Key words: reference values; blood chemistry; haematology; lactating cattle; Malaysia. INTRODUCTION Routine laboratory findings of blood chemistry and haematological parameters are compared with reference values to ascertain the health status of animals. These values are also important in the assessment of nutritional status, diagnosis and prognosis of metabolic diseases. The reference values used in this country are those established for temperate and subtropical regions. Deviations from these values could be expected due to geographical, climatic and ecological differences. The applicability of reference values of different cattle breeds or related breeds from temperate regions or from a different agro climatic region to a humid tropical country like Malaysia is questionable. Furthermore, the large scale production of crossbred animals arising from crossing tropical and temperate breeds is bound to contribute genetic and physiological variations. Such variations could give rise to differences in values of blood parameters. Earlier studies on this subject were localised institutional surveys aimed at establishing the normal values of some blood constituents of the various breeds (Anon., 1975). The need to establish reference values for the crossbred cattle according to age, sex and at different production levels under local conditions is thus apparent. *Present address: Department of Veterinary Services, Jalan Mahameru, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
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The principal purpose of the present study is to establish the blood parameters for milking non-pregnant crossbred cattle for the age group three to six years from government farms in Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two hundred and fifteen lactating non-pregnant crossbred non-lactating between three to six years of age were selected as a reference population from different herds from government farms in Sungei Siput, Taiping, Batu Arang and Kluang. The population comprises of crossbreds of Local Indian Dairy (LID) and temperate breeds, namely Friesians, Jerseys, and Australian Illawwarra Shorthorns. These cattle had been routinely vaccinated against haemorrhagic septicaemia and foot-andmouth disease. They were grazed on established pastures consisting of guinea grass (Panicum maximum), signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) and napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum). The animals were supplemented with concentrate pellets, molasses and mineral supplements in the form of salt and mineral licks. They were regularly deticked and dewormed. They were clinically examined and found to be healthy and free from disease or pathological conditions at the time of sampling. Blood Collection The samplings were carried out during both the rainy and dry seasons over a period of 33 months (1981-1984). Blood samples were collected from 10 to 12 animals at either fortnightly or monthly intervals between 0900 and 1100 hours from the jugular veins into venoject tubes; one tube containing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) as anticoagulant and analysed the same day, and two other tubes without any anticoagulants which were allowed to clot at room temperature. After 2 hours, serum was separated by centrifugation at 3,000 RPM for 5 minutes. Serum samples were refrigerated at 4°C for analysis within the following 72 hours. As sodium fluoride tubes were not used for blood collection, blood samples were refrigerated after collection and deproteinised within 2 hours in order to minimise glycolysis for glucose determination. Biochemical Parameters Samples showing hemolysis were discarded and analysis was started immediately following the order of priority depending on the stability after sampling of the biochemical metabolites and enzymes (Anon., 1976). All biochemical parameters were determined colorimetrically on serum samples using either DMS 90 Varian or Beckman Model B spectrophotometers. All methods used were carefully controlled using control sera, Precinorm U and Precinorm E, containing known concentrations of metabolites and enzymes which were supplied by Boehringer Mannheim*. The following determinations were conducted using the diagnostic combination kits of Boehringer Manheim (1978): Alkaline phosphatase at 25°C using p-nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate; total cholesterol either by catalase method, involving cholesterol esterase or by CHOD-PAP enzymatic colorimetric method; glucose by an enzymatic cotorimetric method after deproteinization; creatinine by the formation of a coloured complex with picrate in
* Boehringer Mannheim Gmbh, Diagnostica, 6800 Mannheim, West Germany.
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alkaline medium after deproteinization; serum aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT or SGOT formerly) and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALAT or SGPT formerly) activities at 37°C according to the Reitman-Frankel method (Reitman and Frankel, 1957) using 1, 4dinitrophenyl hydrazine; gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) at 25°C using L- γ -glutamylp-nitroanilide glycyl glycine as substrate; blood urea nitrogen (BUN) using the Berthelot's reaction involving cleavage with urease; uric acid at 37°C involving uricase, catalase and colour reaction with 2 acetylacetone; copper by coloured complex development with bathocuproin disulfonate after deproteinization; and total protein by the Biuret method. The following determinations were conducted using standardized test kits from Roche*; α-amylase activity by measuring the decrease of the blue starch-iodine colour complex after the conversion of starch to poly-and monosaccharides; calcium by chelation with methyl thymol blue solution; phosphorus by malachite-green molybdate complex method without deproteinization; and magnesium by measuring the colour complex with an aqueous alcholic solution of Mann and Yoe's azo dye. Albumin was determined by the procedure based on the affinity of albumin for bromocresol green using Sigma diagnostic kits++. Globulin was calculated from the total protein and albumin results. Haematological Parameters EDTA blood was examined for packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocytes (RBC), total leucocytes (WBC) and differential count for WBC. PCV was determined by centrifuging the blood in heat-sealed microhaematocrit tubes for 5 minutes in a microhaematocrit centrifuge and read on a Hawskley microhaematocrit reader (Hawksley, England). Haemoglobin was determined by the cyanomethemoglobin method using a Spectronic 20 (Bausch and Lomb) colorimeter. Total erythrocyte and leucocytes were counted using the improved Neubauer Haema-cytometer (Bright line, American Optical). In the determination of differential WBC, thin blood smears were fixed for 3 minutes in May Grunwald stain and then stained for 45-60 minutes in 8% Giemsa stain, diluted in phosphate buffer solution at pH 6.8. Counts were made for neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, basophils and monocytes. Samples having eosinophilia (greater than 20% eosinophils) were rejected as they may be a reflection of chronic parasitism, allergic and hypersensitive reactions (Coles, 1980). Band form neutrophils were not differentially counted and were enumerated as neutrophils. No differentiation was made for large and small lymphocytes. Parasitological examinations Faecal egg counts were made using the McMaster method. Faeces were also examined for liver fluke eggs by the sedimentation method. Blood samples were rejected if faecal egg counts were high or when there was an indication of liver fluke infestation. Thin blood films stained for differential blood counts were also examined for microfilaria and blood protozoa. Fresh blood was also examined for microfilaria by examining the serum near the buffy coat layer after micro-haematocrit centrifugation. The presence of blood parasites was recorded on an arbitrary scale of abundance and was used as a guide in rejecting the blood samples from parasitised animals.
* Roche Diagnostica, Basle, Switzerland. Sigma Chemical Company, Saint Louis, Missouri 63178, U.S.A.
++
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Statistical analysis The data were analysed on an IBM personal computer using a BASIC programme written specifically for the project. Logarithm and angular transformations were used whenever necessary to elucidate the 95 percent Gaussian distribution of each parameter (Dybkaer, 1972). The data were based on 184 samples collected from the predetermined reference population. It was not possible to perform the complete range of determinations for each sample due to the instability of certain metabolites and enzymes after sampling. This was further compounded by the unforeseen in availability of certain test kits at the time of analysis. Hemolysed samples were also discarded as such samples interfere with test procedures. In a few batches of serum analysed, certain parameters were eliminated based on irregularities detected by quality control tests using control sera. When an animal was detected to have high eosinophilia or parasitaemia, all data corresponding to that animal was not considered for statistical analysis. As such, although 215 animals were sampled, only data from a maximum of 184 animals were analysed. This figure is greater than the minimum of 80 samples required to calculate the 95% Gaussian range with confidence of 0.90 probability using parametric analysis (Lumsden et al, 1979). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The haematological and biochemical parameters were analysed and the data are presented in Tables 1 and 2. Table 1 Blood parameters Total RBC (x l06/ul) Packed cell volume (%) Haemoglobin (g/dl) Total WBC(x l03/ul) Neutrophils(x l03/ul) Lymphocytes (x 103/ul) Eosinophils (x 103/ul) Monocytes (x 103/ul) Basophils(x 103/ul)
Haematology of Lactating Crossbreds
No. of animals
Mean ±S.D.
95% Gaussian range
183 184 181 179 169 169 166 160 168
6.15 ± 1.03 30.24 ± 4.28 10.37 ± 1.59 11.89 ± 3.58 2.88 ± 0.33 7.67 ± 0.41 0.91 ± 0.18 0.39 ± 0.07 0.02 ± 0.02
4.3 - 8.1 22.2-38.8 7.4 -14.0 6.4 -23.2 0.58-10.14 2.64 -19.88 0.10 -4.25 0 - 2.09* 0 - 0.70*
*Minimum to maximum values (not Gaussian range)
The problem of discussing normal values in clinical chemistry has been reviewed by Mainland (1971) and more recently by Sunderman (1975). The Gaussian distribution has always been referred to as the "normal range" and such data are usually called "normal values". Such a term suggests that data falling into a predetermined "normal" range would come from healthy animals. Grasbeck (1972) has stated that absolute health does not exist and some degree of pathology is present in every individual. Investigators who have explored the conceptual pitfalls in the definition of "normalcy" have concluded that there is no absolute method of defining "normal values" or "normal range" for laboratory tests (Sunderman, 1975). The ambiguity in the usage of the term "normal values" and other conceptual difficulties as discussed by Sunderman (1972, 1975) have led to the adoption of the neutral term 'reference values' in this paper. The term 'reference values' denotes the entire set of test results that is obtained from a reference population and the criteria for selection of a reference population
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have been well specified by Sunderman (1975). Table 2
Blood Chemistry of Lactating Crossbreds
Blood parameters Calcium (mg/dl) Phosphorus (mg/dl) Magnesium (mg/dl) Copper (ug/dl) Blood Urea Nitrogen (mg/dl) Creatinine (mg/dl) Uric acid (mg/dl) Glucose (mg/dl) Total cholesterol (mg/dl) Total protein (g/dl) Albumin (g/dl) Globulin (g/dl) CX-Amylase (U/l) Alkaline phosphatase (U/l) Aspartate aminotransferase (U/l) Alanine aminotransferase (U/l) γ-glutamyl transferee (U/l)
No. of Animals 157 184 181 161 157 183 107 102 180 180 168 152 143 125 130 149 150
Mean ± S.D. 8.95 ± 1.08 5.58 ± 1.27 2.40 ± 0.50 94.96 ± 28.58 13.25 ± 3.57 1.47 ± 0.28 0.99 ± 0.36 53.48 ± 8.05 127.85 ± 39.68 8.20 ± 0.59 3.64 ± 0.35 4.49 ± 0.63 766.6 ± 343.3 122.87 ± 40.28 33.96 ± 8.48 9.80 ± 3.08 15.70 ± 4.58
95% Gaussian Range 7.13-11.24 3.61 -8.42 1.36- 3.35 48.23-170.22 6.42-23.03 0.99-2.00 0.40-1.90 41.33 -69.12 62.98 -213.27 6.70 -9.40 2.87-4.29 3.0 - 5.73 220.0 -1511.3 64.70 -226.12 16.14-49.74 4.68-18.06 8.98-23.9
Haematology The haematological parameters obtained in this study are compared with those cited by Coles (1980), Schalm et al. (1975), Granzien (1968) and Mazenahand Fadzil (1985) as summarised in Table 3. Table 3
Comparison of mean values and range with those in current literature
Haematological parameters Total RBC(xl06/ul) PCV (%) Hemoglobin (g/dl) Total WBC (x l03/ul) Neutrophils (x103/µl) Lymphocytes (x103/ul) Eosinophils (x 103/ul) Monocytes (x103/ul) Basophils(x 103/ul)
Present study 6.15 ± 1.03 (4.3-8.1) 30.24 ± 4.28 (22.2 - 38.8) 10.37 ±1.59 (7.4- 14.O) 11.89 + 3.58 (6.4 - 23.2) 2.88 ± 0.33 (0.58 -10.14) 7.67 ±0.41 (2.64 - 19.88) 0.97 ± 0.18 (0.10-4.25) 0.39 ± 0.07 (0 - 2.09) 0.02 ± 0.02 (0 - 0.70)
Values in parenthesis refer to range.
Coles (1980)
Schalm et al Granzien (1975) (1968) 7.0 7.0 (5.0 - 8.0) (5.0 - 10.0) 34 (26-42) (24 - 46) 11.0 11.0 (8 - 14) (8.0 - 15.0) 8.9 7.0 9.65 ± 2.93 (4-12) (4 - 12)
(0.6 - 5.52) (1.92-9.0) (0.08 -1.80) (0.08 - 0.84) (0 - 0.24)
1.20 (0.6 - 4.0) 4.5 (2.5-7.5) 0.70 (0 - 2.4) 0.40 (0.02 - 0.84) 0.05 (0 - 0.2)
Mazenah & Fadzil (1985) 4.56 ± 0.89 27.72 ± 4.69 9.37 ± 1.76 12.84 ± 2.95
2.26 ± 1.05
2.99 ± 0.64
5.95 ± 2.02
-
0.86 ± 0.59
1.52 ± 0.59
0.51 ± 0.24
0.63 ± 0.24
-
0
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The mean values for Hb, PCV and RBC are lower than those for temperate breeds reported by Coles (1980), Schalm et al (1975) and Gartner etal. (1966). However these values are higher than those of local Kedah-Kelantan (KK) cattle (Mazenah and Fadzil, 1985). This may be expected as the cows in the present study were all lactating and lower Hb and PCV values have been reported for lactating animals (Rowlands, 1980). It has also been shown that breed and the type of forage can affect the PCV, Hb and RBC values of grazing lactating cows (Fischer et al., 1980). The higher mean value and broader range for total WBC found in the present study are not in agreement with those for temperate breeds reported by Coles (1980), Schalm et al (1975) and Granzien (1968). However the mean is closer to the values found for KK lactating cattle (Mazenah and Fadzil, 1985). The higher WBC counts reported here could be mainly due to higher lymphocyte counts which may result from greater environmental stress in the tropics. Blood Chemistry The comparison of mean and reference values found in this study with those in current literature is summarised in Table 4. Table 4
Comparison of means with those in current literature
Parameters
Present study
Calcium (mg/dl)
8.95 ± 1.08 (7.13-11.24) 5.58 ± 1.27 (3.61 - 8.75) 2.40 ± 0.50 (1.36 - 3.35) 94.96 ± 28.58 (48.23 - 170.2) 13.25 ± 3.57 (6.42 - 23.03) 1.47 ± 0.28 (0.99 - 2.00) 53.48 ± 8.05 (41.3-69.1) 127.85 ± 39.68 (63.0-213.2) 8.20 ± 0.59 (6.70 - 9.40) 3.64 ± 0.35 (2.87 - 4.29 4.49 ±0.63 (3.03 - 5.73) 766 ± 343.3 (220.0-1511.3)
Phosphorus (mg/dl) Magnesium (mg/dl) Copper (mg/dl) BUN (mg/dl) Creatinine (mg/dl) Glucose (mg/dl) Total Cholesterol (mg/dl) Total protein (g/dl) Albumin (g/dl) Globulin (g/dl) α-amylase (U/l) Alkaline 122.87 phosphatase ± 40.28 (U/l) (64.7-226.1) ASAT (GOT) (U/1)
33.96 ± 8.48 (16.1 -49.70 ALAT (GPT) (U/1) 9.80 ± 3.08 (4.68 - 18.06) γ-glutamyl transferase (U/1) 15.70 ± 4.58 (8.90 - 23.9)
Values in parenthesis refer to range
Mazenah & Fadzil (1985) 8.36 (7.53-9.19) 3.76 (2.98 - 4.54) 9.96 (6.39-13.53) 1.78 (1.60-1.96) 7.67 (7.09 - 8.25) 3.95 (3.50 - 4.40) 3.72 (2.69 - 3.85) 36.55 (24.3 - 48.8) 37.72 (26.6 - 48.9) -
Tasker (1980) 9.7 ± 0.5 (8.7 - 10.7) 5.2 ± 1.1 (3.0 - 7.4) 16.2±7.2 (1.8- 31.0) 1.1 ± 0.26 (0.60 -1.60) 58±25 (37-80) 190 ±42 (106 - 275) 7.6±0.64 (6.0 - 8.5) 3.0±0.23 (2.5 - 3.7) 4.3±0.78 (2.6 - 5.8) -
Rowlands et al (1974) 9.5 (8.7 - 10.3) 6.0 (4.3 - 7.7 2.5 (2.0 - 5.0) 70 ±14.5 (9.5-19.5) ± 45 (36.5 - 53.5) -
Kulkarni et al (1983) 9.1 9 ± 0.40 (7.65 - 10.65) 5.36 ± 0.15 (5.03 - 5.86) 7.214.79 ± 0.35 (13.83-15.83) 1.13 ± 0.01 (1.06 - 1.16) 25 -
± 7.6 0.646.53 ± 0.01 (6.6 - 8.6) (6.41 -6.63) ± 3.2 0.23 2.80 ± 0.3 (2.7 - 3.7) (2.85-2.91) ± 4.4 0.7* 3.46 ± 0.1 (3.2 - 5.6) (2.96 - 3.68) -
14 ± 15 (3 - 24) -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
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Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and copper The mean value for calcium in the present study is lower than those of temperate breeds reported by Rowlands et al (1974) and Tasker (1978). This value is also lower than those of some tropical crossbred (1/2 Gir, Holstein Frisien) lactating cows reported by Kulkarni et al (1983). But Mazenah and Fadzil (1985) have reported much lower mean value for calcium for the local KK cattle. The 95% Gaussian range for calcium is generally wider than those reported by these workers. This wider range could be expected as the calcium content of blood in cattle varies within certain limits as it depends upon the diurnal rhythm, age, stage of lactation and on the current feeding and management conditions at the time of collection of blood samples. The mean value for serum inorganic phosphorus in the present study is higher than those reported by Mazenah and Fadzil (1985), Tasker (1978) and Kulkarni et al (1983). However, the range for phosphorus is somewhat similar to those reported by Tasker (1978) and Rowlands et al (1974) but Duncan and Prasse (1977) have reported much wider ranges. The mean and reference value for magnesium is rather similar to the breeds from the United Kingdom as reported by Rowlands et al (1974) but Mylrea and Bayfleld (1968) have reported a much narrower range of 2.13 to 2.47 mg/dl for dairy cattle. The mean value for copper found in the present study is higher than that reported by Rowlands et al (1974). However the lower reference limit of 48.23 ug/dl, when compared to a range value of 100 to 200 ug/dl reported by Anon (1976), could be suggestive of an occurrence of sporadic hypocupraemic situation. Interpretation of abnormalities of copper concentrations is not straight forward because many factors affect the absorption of copper and its concentration in blood and significant differences were reported in serum copper levels between rainy and dry seasons both for herds and for individual animals (Edwards and Ramirez, 1981). BUN, creatinine and uric acid The mean value for BUN is lower than that reported by Tasker (1978), Rowlands et al (1974) and Kulkarni et al (1983) and the range is not in agreement with those of temperate and KK breeds compared. Previous reports have indicated that BUN levels vary with seasons, protein status and stage of lactation in dairy cattle (Mansion et al, 1975 & Rowlands et al., 1974, 1975). The broader range reported here could be expected as sampling was done from four different farms with different pasture and management conditions. The mean value of creatinine is different from those reported for temperate (Tasker, 1978) and local KK breeds (Mazenah and Fadzil, 1985) but the range is within the normal values (1 to 2 mg/dl) reported for cattle (Dukes, 1970). The uric acid range is similar to that reported by Coles (1980). Cholesterol and glucose The mean value for total cholesterol in the present study is much lower than those for temperate breeds (190 ± 42 mg/dl) (Tasker, 1978) and Jerseys (214 ± 1.15 mg/dl) and Danish Red breeds (210 ± 1.6 mg/dl) found in India (Sinha et al, 1981). Coles (1980) and Sinha et al. (1981) have mentioned that the normal range for serum cholesterol is wide and elevations are frequently seen due to the influence of a variety of factors unrelated to thyroid activity. This limits its usefulness as a test of thyroid function. The mean value for glucose is similar to those reported by Tasker (1978) and Rowlands et al (1974).
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Total protein, albumin and globulin The mean values and upper confidence limits for total protein, albumin and globulins were found to be higher than those of the other breeds compared (Kulkarni et al (1983), Payne et al. (1970) and Rowlands et al (1974). The rise in both albumin and globulin fraction could account for the wider range seen in total protein. It is difficult to interpret if the wider globulin and total protein range has any definite relationship with different milk yield potentials or the protein status of the cattle. Whether it is a reflection of some chronic disease undetected clinically is also not clear. Serum enzvmes The reference range and mean value for aspartate aminotransferase (formerly known as glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, GOT) are similar to those of KK cattle (Mazenah and Fadzil, 1985) and some temperate breeds from Germany (Baumgartner and Skalicky, 1979) and the United States of America (Dunavant et al, 1974). These values are however slightly different from those (20-33.6 U/l) reported by Kaneko (1973). The alanine aminotransferase activity (formerly known as glutamate pyruvate transaminase, GPT) found here agrees with the values reported by Kaneko (1973). The range of values for ft-glutamyl transferase found here is not in agreement with the values of 6.6 to 15.2 U/l and 16.6 to 44.7 U/l for the temperate breeds reported by Baumgartner and Skalicky (1979) and Stary and Rolencova (1981), respectively. The mean for alkaline phosphatase found in the present study is much higher than that reported for KK cattle (Mazenah and Fadzil, 1985) and some temperate breeds (Tasker, 1980). It is well known that the measurement of enzyme activities yield results which vary considerably due to different methods, incubation temperature and even quality of reagents. As such interpretation of enzyme activities should be done with caution. General It can be seen that most of the mean values for blood chemistry and haematology in this study differ from those of temperate and KK breeds. This is also reflected by wider ranges as well as higher values in the ranges obtained which may be attributable to the various factors already discussed for the individual parameters. As a general overview, these wide ranges could be contributed by certain other factors. Since this survey was done through a 33-month period, seasonal fluctuations associated mainly with monthly rainfall may contribute to variations by indirectly affecting the quality of pastures and the nutritional status of animals. In addition, the sampling from different herds from the four major farms located in different parts of the country may contribute some variations. Payne et al (1973) have shown, through a survey of 75 herds of dairy cattle, that most of the variations in serum chemistry was due to herd differences. It is possible that animals within herds and between herds have slight differences in nutritional status, thus showing differences in blood parameters. Rowlands et al (1975) have shown that the concentration of most blood constituents varied with the stages of lactation. However, this was not taken into account in our study. Finally, it must be emphasised that the values are obtained from crossbred lactating cattle raised in a tropical monsoon climate and other environmental influences unique to this country. Any differences found in these values when compared with temperate breeds are to be expected under these differing conditions. Comparisons with our local KK
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breeds also resulted in some differences. This may be attributed to the differences expected from different breeds. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors wish to thank the Director-General of Veterinary Services, Malaysia, for his permission to publish this paper. We also thank Mr. Mahadi bin Yahya, Mr.Najamuddin bin Mohd. Noor, Mr. Wan Sai Pun and Mr. Cheah long Soon for their technical assistance. Thanks are also due to the staff who helped in collection of blood samples from M.C.C. Sungei Siput, M.C.C. Taiping, M.C.C. Batu Arang and Institut Haiwan, Kluang and to Mdm. Chan Wai Cheng for typing this manuscript. Appreciation is also due to Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Mohd. Salleh and Dr. Zubaidah binte Mahmood for the use of their microcomputers. REFERENCES ANON. (1975). Blood composition of various breeds of cattle in Institut Haiwan, Kluang. Annual Report, Institut Haiwan, Kluang, Malaysia, pp. 77-82. ANON. (1976). Deutsche Veterinarmedizin Gesellschaft: Arbeitswerte in der Laboratoriumsdiag-nostik. Kalender fur die Tierarztl praxis 1977. pg. 88 ff. Apendix to tierarztl. prax. 4, No. 4 (1976). Hans Maiseile Verlag, Munich. Quoted in "Laboratory Testing in Veterinary Medicine - Diagnosis and Clinical Monitoring (1976). Boehringer Mannheim Gmbh, Mannheim 31. BAUMGARTNER, W. and SKALICKY, M. (1979). Working values for laboratory diagnosis in cattle. 1. Enzymes and metabolites in serum or whole blood. Voll blut, Zentralblatte fur Veterinarmedizin 26A (3): 221-230. Quoted in Vet. Bulletin (1980), 501, Abstract No. 419. BOEHRINGER-MANNHEIM, (1978). Working Instructions Biochemical combinations for manual assays. Beohringer Mannheim Gmbh, Diagnostica, 6800 Mannheim, West Germany. COLES, E.H. (1980). Veterinary clinical pathology. Third Edition. W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, U.S.A. DUKES, H.H. (1970). The physiology of domestic animals. 8th Ed. Comstock Publishing Associates, Ithaca, New York. pp. 52. DUNAVANT, MICHAEL, L. and RICH, L.J. (1974). Clinical applications of serum enzyme determinations. Am. Soc. Vet. Clin. Pathol. 3: 3-26. DUNCAN, J.R. and K.W. PRASSE, (1977). Veterinary Laboratory Medicine. Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa. DYBKAER, R. (1972). Concepts and nomenclature in theory of reference values. Scand. J. Clin. Invest. 29 (Suppl. 126), 19.1.
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EDWARDS, S. and RAMIREZ, L. (1981). Serum copper levels of cattle in El Salvador. Trop. Anim. Hlth. Prod. 13: 242-243. FISCHER, D.D., WILSON, L.L. and SCHOLZ, R.W. (1980). Environmental and genetic effects on haematological characteristic of beef cattle. Amer. J. Vet. Res. 41: 1533-1536. GARTNER, R.J.W., RYLEY, J.W. and SEATTLE, A.W. (1966). Values and variations of blood constituents in grazing Hereford cattle. Res. Vet. Sci. 7: 424-433. GRANZIEN, C.K. (1968). Leucocyte values in Queensland cattle. Res. Vet. Sci 9: 544550. GRASBECK, R. (1972). Types of reference groups. Scand. J. Clin. Lab. Invest. 29 (Suppl. 126). 19.2. KANEKO, J.J. (1973). Standard values in domestic animals 3rd ed., Department of Clinical Pathology, University of California, Davis. LUMSDEN, J.H., MULLEN, K. and Me SHERRY, B.J. (1979). Canine hematology and biochemistry reference values. Canadian J. of Comp. Med. 43: 2. 125-131. MAINLAND, D. (1971). Remarks on clinical "norms". Gin. Chem. 17: 267-274. MANSTON, R., A.M. RUSSELL, S.M. DEW and J.M. PAYNE (1975). The influence of dietary protein upon blood composition in dairy cows. Vet. Res. 96: 497-502. MAZENAH YUSOFF and M. FADZIL (1985). Blood parameters of local KedahKelantan cattle. Kajian Veterinar 17: (1) 43-48. MYLREA, P.J. and BAYFIELD, R.F. (1968). Concentrations of some components in the blood and serum of apparently healthy dairy cows. 1. Electrolytes and minerals. Aust. Vet. J. 44: 565-569. PAYNE, J.M., ROWLANDS, G.J., MANSON, R., and DEW, S.M. (1973). A Statistical appraisal of the results of metabolic profile tests on 75 dairy herds. Brit. Vet. J. 129: 370381. REITMAN, S. and S. FRANKEL (1957). Colorimetric method for the determination of serum glutamic oxaloacetic and glutamic pyruvic transaminase. J. Clin. Path. 28: 56-63. ROWLANDS, G.J., LITTLE, W., MANSTON, R., and DEW, S.M. (1974). The effect of season on the composition of the blood of lactating and non-lactating cows as revealed from repeated metabolic profile tests on 24 dairy herds. J. Agric. Sci., Camb. 83: 27-35. ROWLANDS, G.J., R. MANSTON, POCOCK, R.M. and DEW, S.M. (1975). Relationships between stage of lactation and pregnancy and blood composition in a herd of dairy cows and the influence of seasonal changes in management on these relationships. J. Dairy Research, 42: 349-362.
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ROWLANDS, G.J. (1980). A review of variations in the concentration of beef and dairy cattle associated with physiology, nutrition and disease, with particular reference to the interpretation of metabolic profiles. World. Rev. Nutr. Diet. 35: 172-235 (Karger, Basel). SCHALM, O.W., JAIN, N.C. and CARROL, E.J. (1975). Veterinary Haematology. 3rd ed, Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia. SINHA, R.K., THAKURIA, B.N., BARUAH, R.N. and SARMA, B.C. (1981). Effect of breed, age, sex and season on total cholesterol level in cattle. Ind. Vet. J. 58: (7), 529-533. STARY, Z. and ROLENCOVA, H. (1981). Activity of the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transferase in the blood of cattle. Veterinarni Medicina (1981) 26: (7), 385-392. Quoted in Vet. Bulletin (1982): 52-7 Abstract. No. 4337. SUNDERMAN, F.W. Jr. (1972). Conceptual problems in the interpretation of multitest surveys. In: Clinically Oriented Documentation of Laboratory Data. (Edn.) F.R. Gabrieli Edn. Academic Press. New York. pp. 39-68. SUNDERMAN, F.W. Jr. (1975). Current concepts of normal values, reference values and discrimination values in clinical chemistry, Clin. Chem. Vol. 21 - No. 13, 1873-1877. TASKER, J.B. (1978). Reference values for clinical chemistry using the Coulter Chemistry system. Cornell Vet., 68: 460-479. RINGKASAN NILAI-NILAI RUJUKAN BAGI KIMIA DARAH DAN HEMATOLOGI DALAM LEMBULEMBU KACUKAN BERLAKTASI DI MALAYSIA Sampel-sampel darah telah diambil dari 184 lembu tidak bunting berlaktasi dan yang berumur di antara 3 hingga 6 tahun dari empat buah ladang di Semenanjung Malaysia. Sampel-sampel ini telah dianalisakan untuk menetapkan nilai-nilai purata dan rujukan bagi kimia darah dan hematologi di dalam persekitaran Malaysia. Nilai-nilai purata dan rujukan beberapa parameter adalah dibandingkan dengan beberapa lembu iklim sederhana dan baka tempatan Kedah-Kelantan yang berlaktasi. Nilai purata bagi magnesium (2.40 ± 0.50 mg/dl), kreatinine (1.47 ± 0.28 mg/dl), glukos (53.48 ± 8.05 mg/dl) dan aspartat aminotransferase (33.96 ± 8.48 U/l) adalah didapati sama dengan baka-baka iklim sederhana. Nilai purata bagi Hb (10.37 ± 1.59%), PCV (30.24 ± 4.28%), RBC (6.15 ± 1.03 x 106/ul), kalsium (8.95 ± 1.08 mg/dl), BUN (13.25 ± 3.57 mg/dl) dan jumlah kolesterol (127.85 ± 39.68 mg/dl) adalah didapati lebih rendah dari yang terdapat bagi baka kacukan iklim sederhana. Nilai purata bagi jumlah WBC (11.89 ± 3.58 x 10*/ul), fosforus (5.58 ± 1.27 mg/dl), kuprum (94.96 ± 28.58 ug/dl), globulin (4.49 ± 0.63 g/dl) dan alkaline fosfatase (122.87 ± 40.28 U/l) adalah didapati lebih tinggi dan mempunyai julat yang lebih besar dari baka iklim sederhana dan Kedah-Kelantan. Nilai purata bagi asid urik (0.99 ± 0.36 mg/dl), alanine aminotransferase (9.80 ± 3.08 U/l) α-amilase (766 ± 343.0 U/l) dan γ-glutamyltransferase (15.70 ±4.58 U/l) adalah juga diberikan. Date received: 8 January 1986 Date accepted: 6 February 1986
