Interpretation of the results

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

Glucose

  • It is subjected to fairly precise homeostatic control. Hence, large changes in the rate of glucose utilization I,e. thoroughput rate, are initially reflected in only relatively small changes in the plasma glucose concentration. Glucose can only be considered as an indicator of energy status in lactating or in late pregnant animals. There are a number of non-nutritional factors that elevate the glucose levels. E.g. stress excitement, severe cold, corticosteroid therapy etc.

Non-esterified fatty acids (Free fatty acids, FFA)

  • In response to underfeeding, an animal mobilizes body reserves by hydrolyzing the neutral fat molecule. The long chain fatty acids (NEFA) thus produced pass to the liver for degeneration and subsequently release of energy. A high concentration indicates excessive mobilization of body fat and hence an energy deficit.

B-hydroxy butyrate

  • B-hydroxyl butyrate and other ketone bodies also increase in response to underfeeding and they are not affected by stress. This it is the most commonly used parameter.

Protein status

  • An increase in protein intake.
  • An increase in the proportion of Rumen Degradable protein.
  • A decrease in energy intake, leading to depressed rumen microbial ammonia assimilation and an increased leakage of ammonia from the rumen.

Albumin

  • It is used as an indicator of long term protein status and UDP intake. Factors that can lead to a depressed serum albumin include:
    • Reduced protein intake
    • Stage of lactation: Albumin values fall sharply after calving in some cows, but by no means all animals are affected. A more rapid rate of recovery as lactation proceeds has been correlated with improved fertility and higher milk yield.
    • In a recent increase in protein intake, urea levels will rise within 2-3 days, but albumin may take several weeks to reflect the change.
    • Decreased energy status depress the rate of rumen microbial NPN assimilation.
    • Chronicle infection lead to elevated globulin and a compensatory decrease in plasma albumin levels.
    • Any chronic liver damage could depress the synthesis of albumin. E.g. Fatty liver syndrome.
  • Chronic intestinal parasitism.
    • Other blood parameters that have been found to be useful indicators of protein status include PCV, haemoglobin and total protein, all of which may take several weeks to respond to changes in dietary protein intake.
Last modified: Friday, 20 April 2012, 7:23 AM