Abstract
Abstract Stressors such as weaning, mixing and transportation have been shown to lead to
increased blood concentrations of acute phase proteins (APP), including serum amyloid A (SAA)
and haptoglobin, in calves. This study was therefore undertaken to assess whether SAA and
haptoglobin levels in blood mirror stress in adult cattle. Six clinically healthy Holstein cows
and two Holstein heifers were transported for four to six hours to a research facility, where each
animal was housed in solitary tie stalls. Blood samples for evaluation of leukocyte counts and
serum SAA and haptoglobin concentrations were obtained before (0-sample) and at 8, 24 and 48
hours after the start of transportation. Upon arrival the animals gave the impression of being
anxious, and they appeared to have difficulty coping with isolation and with being tied on the
slippery floors of the research stable. Serum concentrations of SAA and haptoglobin increased
significantly in response to the stressors (P
Original language | English |
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Journal | Veterinary Research Communications |
Volume | 32 |
Issue number | 7 |
Pages (from-to) | 575-582 |
ISSN | 0165-7380 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |
Keywords
- Cattele
- Housing
- Haptoglobin
- Transport
- Acute phase proteins
- Stress
- Serum amyloid A