Developmental dynamics of some blood biochemical parameters in the growing turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

Abstract

Blood serum clinical biochemical parameters of fasted BUT Big 8 male turkeys were determined at the ages of 3 days, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks, for a follow-up of the developmental changes of some serum metabolites, enzymes and ions. The serum protein content (total protein, albumin, globulin) increased with age, indicating also the moulting-associated metabolic changes in the age interval from the 8th to the 12th weeks. Creatinine was shown to have a peak at 3 days of age (role of muscle activity in thermogenesis), while urate concentration sensitively reflected the dietary protein amount. Serum triglycerides peaked at the time of yolk catabolism, while cholesterol was shown to indicate the moulting, as was serum malondialdehyde. Serum sodium content increased throughout the study. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities increased along the ontogeny, while alkaline phosphatase activity decreased in parallel with the growth. Serum creatine kinase activity showed an over one-magnitude increase. General metabolic and enzymatic alterations were characteristic and applicable for the description of the ontogenetic development of a precocial (posthatch triglyceride peak), large bodied, meat-type (lactate dehydrogenase, continuously increasing creatine kinase) bird species.

Tracking the development of serum biochemical parameters in two laying hen strains – a comparative study

“…3) is a well-known process, being strongly associated with the somatic growth (mainly muscle tissue hypertrophic growth), as described in turkey poults by VASICEK et al (1991) andSZABÓ et al (2005). Basically, the total improving process ranged within the normal values published for broilers (MELUZZI et al, 1992;SHAHIN and ELAZEEM, 2005) and for Thai chicken (SIMARAKS et al, 2004).…”

“…The reason for the measurement of the serum sodium concentration was basically not to detect differences between the to bird types, but to control the effects of possible dehydration. The well-known age-dependent concentration increase (in turkeys: VASICEK et al, 1991;SZABÓ et al, 2005) could be accurately detected, as well as its relationship with the increasing dry matter content of the body. Accordingly, a high positive correlation exists between the total body dry matter content and the serum sodium concentration.…”

“…In this regard PALO et al (1995) reported an activity peak in broilers at the age of 2 weeks, corresponding to the exhaustion of the yolk sac as well as to the establishment of locomotory independence. An early peak, and the latter continuous activity reduction was moreover described by SZABÓ et al (2005), along the entire rearing course of heavy weight turkeys. The experienced fact may be connected to a slowing-down in the ossification.…”

“…Regarding creatinine, the three-peaked pattern, measured along the trial may be directly related to environmental factors. According to SZABÓ et al (2005), the dietary protein load is sensitively reflected in the avian serum creatinine levels. From week seven, a 5% reduction was applied in the dietary protein level, which was immediately detectable as well in the serum.…”

Effects of genotype on hematological and serum biochemical responses of turkey hens to stress

“…3). Szabó et al (2005) demonstrated that high activities of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase and decreasing with age activity of alkaline phosphatase indicated the intensive growth and expressed muscle hypertrophy as a result of single-sided selection for meat production and high white glycolytic muscle mass. It may be speculated that the pre-slaughter handling, which includes catching, transport and hanging on shackles, is considerably a greater physical effort to heavy birds than to the turkeys of lighter lines.…”