Concentrations of total proteins and albumins, and AST, ALT and GGT activities in the blood plasma of mares during pregnancy and early lactation

Abstract

The metabolism of proteins in the blood plasma of Holstein breed mares was investigated during pregnancy and early lactation.Blood for analysis was taken in the first, second and third periods of pregnancy, and during early lactation.Blood samples were collected by jugular puncture with heparin as an anticoagulant.In the obtained blood plasma the concentration of total proteins and albumin, and the activity of enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST; EC 2.6.1.1),alanine aminotransferase (ALT; EC 2.6.1.2),and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT; EC 2.3.2.2) was determined by spectrophotometry.According to the research results of the blood plasma in mares during pregnancy and early lactation, there were no significant differences in the concentration of total proteins, albumin, and ALT and GGT enzyme activity.In the final third of pregnancy there was a statistically significant decrease of AST activity compared to the first period (P<0.01), and the second period of pregnancy (P<0.001).The lower activity of AST during pregnancy and early lactation can be attributed to this special breed.The obtained results constitute a contribution to a better understanding of biochemical processes in pregnant mares, for estimating their physiological status and for diagnostic purposes.