Changes in peripheral leukocytes enzymes activity and plasma metabolite concentrations in growing Holstein calves

Res Vet Sci. 2006 Aug;81(1):19-23. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2005.10.002. Epub 2005 Nov 28.

Abstract

Plasma metabolite and immunoreactive insulin concentrations and activities of enzymes related to energy metabolism in peripheral leukocytes were measured in growing Holstein calves. A ratio of girth of abdomen divided by girth of thorax (A/T ratio) of calves was significantly elevated after weaning, and the A/T ratio maybe a good indicator to evaluate rumen development. Plasma glucose and free fatty acid concentrations were changed in calves accompanying change in feeding. Activities of lactate dehydrogenase with pyruvate as substrate (LDH-P) and hexokinase (HK) in cytosolic fractions of peripheral leukocytes decreased significantly after weaning the calves reflecting the change of energy source from milk replacer with high percentages of fat and glucose and lactose as absorbable carbohydrate to pelleted feed containing starch as less absorbable carbohydrate and roughage. Some peripheral leukocyte enzymes such as LDH and HK may be good indicators to evaluate changes in energy metabolism of growing calves.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen / anatomy & histology
  • Animal Feed
  • Animals
  • Biometry
  • Cattle / blood
  • Cattle / growth & development*
  • Cattle / metabolism*
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / metabolism
  • Energy Metabolism*
  • Hexokinase / metabolism
  • Insulin / analysis*
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / metabolism
  • Leukocytes / enzymology*
  • Male
  • Plasma / metabolism
  • Thorax / anatomy & histology
  • Weaning

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Insulin
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
  • Hexokinase