Reference values for biochemical parameters in blood serum of young and adult alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish reference interval for biochemical parameters in blood of alpacas on the basis of large population of clinically healthy animals, and to determine the influence of sex, age and season on nitrogen and lipid metabolites, enzymes, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals in blood of alpacas. Blood samples were collected from 311 alpacas (61 males and 201 females > 6 months of age and 49 crias (21 males and 28 females) ⩽ 6 months of age). Selected farms were located in Central Europe (Czech Republic and Germany). We determined 24 biochemical parameters from blood serum. We performed the comparison of results by the sex of animals and for the older group also the comparison of the results with regard to the season, respectively, to the feeding period. We found no highly significant difference (P < 0.01) between males and females with the exception of γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and cholesterol. We found 15 significantly different parameters between the group of crias 6 months of age and the older alpacas. Based on our findings we suggest for most parameters to use different reference intervals (especially ALP, cholesterol, total protein, globulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), GGT and phosphorus) for the two above-mentioned age groups. Another important finding is the differences between some parameters in older group of alpacas in summer/winter feeding period. Animals in the summer feeding period have higher values of parameters related to fat mobilization (β-hydroxybutyrate, NEFA) and liver metabolism (bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase). The winter period with increased feeding of supplements with higher amount of fat, vitamins and minerals is characteristic by increased values of cholesterol, triglycerides, vitamins A and E, and some minerals (K, Ca, Mg and Cl) in blood serum. Clinical laboratory diagnosis of metabolic disturbances may be improved with use of age-based reference values and with consideration of seasonal differences.Keywords: alpaca, llama, reference ranges, clinical pathology, seasonal differences ImplicationsOne of the important methods of monitoring health status is evaluation of blood. To interpret results correctly we need to consider species-specific differences, and influence of other factors: gender, age, nutrition, season and environment. South American camelids -especially alpacas -are growing in popularity all over Europe and yet there is lack of knowledge of above-mentioned factors on their blood parameters. This study evaluated influence of these factors on blood parameters of alpacas. The result should help veterinarians and alpaca breeders with correct interpretation of blood tests to diagnose clinical and subclinical metabolic health problem and possible nutritional disturbances.

Dystrophic mineralization of the arterial fibrovascular tissue associated with a vitamin D hypervitaminosis in an 8-year-old female Alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

“…Range values from live animals are in accordance with Hengrave Burri et al, [3], Dawson et al, [4], and Husakova et al, [5]. Unfortunately, no reference range values regarding dead animals are available.…”

No detectable carotenoid concentrations in serum of llamas and alpacas

“…The mean concentrations of retinol in serum of alpacas in the present study are comparable to those reported in adult alpacas bred in Central Europe (Husakova et al., ) and are consistent with the reference interval for retinol in serum of alpacas (Foster et al., ). Such reference interval for retinol is not available for llamas.…”

“…By contrast, Husakova et al. () found no influence of sex on serum retinol and α ‐tocopherol concentrations in alpacas, but seasonal effects with higher concentrations of retinol and α ‐tocopherol during the winter feeding period, which could be explained by the increased usage of vitamin–mineral supplements by alpaca breeders. The effects of dietary supplementation, age or parturition on plasma retinol and α ‐tocopherol concentrations are also described in other herbivores such as dairy cows, pre‐ruminant calves or mares (Nonnecke et al., ; Schweigert and Gottwald, ; Calderon et al., ).…”

Relationship between the nutritional state before the breeding period and the reproductive success in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from the Chilean Puna

“…Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out at the end of the breeding period. in alpacas from to Central Europe farms (Husakova et al 2014). Indeed, the non-pregnant group slightly exceeded this range.…”