Changes in the Concentrations of Serum Protein Fractions in Calves with Age and Nutrition

The objective of this study was to investigate the serum protein electrophoretic pattern of growing calves with changing nutrition, in order to evaluate the concentrations of serum protein fractions for different age groups. One hundred and eleven clinically healthy calves of a Slovak spotted breed, low-land black spotted breed, or their crossbreeds were included into this study. They were divided into three groups according to their age and nutrition: Group I – calves at the age of 1-2 weeks (milk period, n=30); Group II – calves at the age of 1-2 months (transitional feeding period, n=32); Group III – calves at the age of 3-5 months (solid feeding period, n=49). Blood samples were taken by direct puncture of v. jugularis. Blood serum was analysed for total serum protein concentrations, and for the relative values of protein fractions – albumin, α1-, α2-, β1-, β2-and γ-globulins. The results showed a significant effect of age on the serum total protein concentrations and the most of protein fractions. In younger calves significantly higher relative concentrations of α1-, α2- and β1-globulins compared with older animals were recorded (P<0.05). On the other hand, the relative values of β2-, γ-globulins, and total proteins in younger calves were significantly lower than those measured in older ones (P<0.05). It is concluded that there are marked age-dependent differences in serum protein fractions in growing calves, and this should be taken into consideration when interpreting serum protein profile.