REFERENCE INTERVAL OF BLOOD BIOCHEMICAL VARIABLES IN RUSTIPOLLOS RAISED UNDER CONDITIONS OF SUBTROPICAL-HUMID CLIMATE

Abstract

The determination of biochemical parameters in production animals represents a tool of great importance in the diagnosis of various diseases, especially those of subclinical manifestations, being influenced by climatic factors, genetic line, management and feeding. The objective of this work was to define reference intervals for blood biochemical variables in the Rustipollos poultry population of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences in San Lorenzo, Paraguay. A total of 52 birds of the Rustipollos line were selected, 45 females and 7 males, between 2 and 3 years of age. Blood samples were obtained by puncture of the brachial vein to obtain serum and subsequent analysis. The biochemical variables studied were total protein (PROT-T), albumin (ALB), globulins (GLO), uric acid (URIC), cholesterol (COL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), calcium (Ca) and inorganic phosphate (Pi). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the reference intervals were determined applying a robust method as indicated by the standards for the elaboration of referential values. The values ?obtained were similar to those reported in the literature. However, high levels of GLO were reported that could be related to greater resistance of the birds, considering the management system employed. AST should be evaluated in conjunction with the enzyme creatine kinase in order to differentiate muscle or liver damage. The reported calcemia could be related to the age of the birds, hormonal effect and feeding. The data obtained could be used as a reference for future work, being necessary to establish reference intervals in different categories, in said local population.