Biochemical blood profile of Angoni cattle in Mozambique.

The normal reference values of serum proteins, metabolites and minerals of Angoni cattle in Angonia Mozambique and the effects of age, sex and physiological state were determined. These indigo animals, which proved to be more adaptable to the harsh climatic conditions and common diseases, are relative free genetically of the “imported genes” for better production from outside Africa. Eighty-four young and mature, males and females at different physiological states were used for this study. Blood was taken, transported to the analyzing laboratory, serum was obtained and analyzed in a "Cobas Bio" blood analyzer and specific electrodes. The following analytes and parameters were analyzed: AST, ALT, ALP, CK, GGT, LDH, total serum proteins, albumin, globulin, albumin-globulin ratio, glucose, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, uric acid, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, calcium-phosphorus ratio, sodium, potassium, chloride and hematocrit. The values obtained were statistically analyzed, the mean and standard deviations were calculated and set as the reference values. No significant differences were seen between the males and females. Significant differences however, were seen between young and mature animals. With lower ALP, calcium, calcium to phosphorus ratio, chlorine and potassium, and higher values total proteins, globulin and urea, in the mature animals. Significant differences were also seen between pregnant, non-pregnant and lactating cows with ALP, LDH, glucose and calcium being the highest in the non-pregnant cows. In lactating cows globulin and cholesterol were the highest and albumin-to-globulin ratio was the lowest. Pregnant cows showed the highest hematocrit and the lowest potassium in comparison to the other groups. Highly significant negative correlation were seen between age and ALP, glucose, potassium, and phosphorus and positive correlation were seen between age, globulin and total proteins. Significant correlations were also seen between body weight/age ratio to glucose, ALP, total proteins and phosphorus. Some significant differences were also seen in the blood levels of various analytes in comparison to cattle in other countries, which are a result of genetic, climatic, nutritional and environmental conditions. Page 1 of 9 BIOCHEMICAL BLOOD PROFILE OF ANGONI CATTLE IN MOZAMBIQUE