From 1995 to 2002 investigations of renal function have been performed in 456 horses (44% female, 56% male). Therefore parameters were determined in blood or plasma (PI-): packed cell volume, hemoglobin, leukocytes, plasma protein,creatine kinase (CK), aspartate amino transaminase (ASAT), glutamat dehydrogenase (GLDH), creatinine (Creat, enzymatic PAP-method), sodium (No), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P). In urine (U-) spezific gravity, Creat, No, K, Ca, P and GGT were measured. Proteine, glucose pH and contents of blood were determined with urine test strip, leukocytes were estimated microscopically. In case of glucosuria and of U-pH <6.5 glucose and L-lactate were measured in urine and plasma by enzymatic methods additionally. 130 horses showed no dysfunction of kidney or other organs. 59 horses had enzymatic characteristics of myopathies and/or hepatopathies. Renal dysfunction in 231 animals were differentiated in groups: Reduction of filtration (n=56; PI-Creat >140 mumol/l), disturbance of tubular reabsorption (n=70; U-specific gravity <1,020 kg/l) and tubular necrosis (n=26; U-GGT/Creat >1 0 U/mmol). Acute renal failure (n=7) und renal insufficiency (subacute, n=79) were characterized by combination of glomerular and tubular dysfunctions. Acute and progressive nephropathies are caused predominantly by hoemodynamic failure (shock) associated with enterotoxaemia (colic, diarrhea) or lactacidosis (myopathy). Nephrotoxic agents like gentamycine, phenylbutazone, mycotoxins or vitamin D may also causes renal failure or insufficiency. Hypercalcaemia and increased Ca-excretion in horses associated with renal dysfunction (n=32) may be responded by high mineral intake.

Fourteen castrated male sheep of two breeds, the Mutton Merino (MMB) and Blackhead Suffolk cross breed (BSC), were exposed to an oral copper (Cu) intake of 3.7 mg/day per kg body weight for 84 days (high Cu group, HCu), and 11 castrated male sheep received a daily oral Cu intake of 0.16 mg/day per kg body weight (controls). Liver Cu concentration was measured in liver biopsies until 2.7 years after Cu overdose. Haematologic parameters, plasma Cu, enzymes and metabolites were analysed and post-mortem examinations were carried out. No haemolytic crises occurred. The highest liver Cu concentrations (133-677 mg/kg wet weight) were measured in HCu sheep around day 110 with significantly higher values in BSC than in MMB. The very slow decreases of liver Cu concentration of HCu sheep after day 215 showed individual half-life periods of 175 +/- 91 days. A progressive Cu retention in the liver of HCu sheep during Cu supplementation indicates strong Cu binding and storage in the liver. High values of glutamate dehydrogenase (20-940 U/l) measured frequently until day 700 and a diminished plasma clearance of bromosulphthalein as well as pathohistological findings of focal liver necrosis confirm the markedly chronic character of Cu poisoning.

The effects of a single oral application of D-penicillamine (DPA, mean dosage 28 mg/kg body weight) on urinary copper (Cu) excretion and general renal function in six high-Cu supplemented sheep (Cu intake of 3.7 mg/day per kg body weight for 84 days) and four controls (Cu intake of 0.16 mg/day per kg body weight) were investigated to quantify induced cupruresis and the therapeutic effect of DPA as a decoppering agent. Changes in liver Cu concentration were examined before and after DPA treatment by liver biopsies. The influence of DPA treatment on general renal function was low. A 10-fold increase in renal Cu excretion was induced in both groups of sheep. Maximal Cu excretion was observed 4 h after DPA treatment, with mean values of 280 pmol/min per kg body weight in the high Cu group and 145 pmol/min per kg body weight in the controls. In the high Cu sheep, urinary Cu excretion within 24 h after DPA application was equivalent to only 0.42 +/- 0.26% of liver Cu content (mean concentration 347 +/- 124 mg/kg wet weight). Moreover, no effect of DPA on liver Cu concentration was evident. These findings demonstrate that a single application of DPA is not effective in inducing sufficient Cu loss from the bodies of Cu-loaded sheep.

Equine Veterinary EducationVolume 10, Issue 5 p. 250-254 Renal tubular acidosis in a Frisian stallion caused by carbonic anhydrase deficiency Kirstin Brandt, Kirstin Brandt Clinic for Horses, The Hannover School of Veterinary MedicineSearch for more papers by this authorJ. H. Swagemakers, J. H. Swagemakers Veterinary Clinic for Horses, MühlenSearch for more papers by this authorK. Bickhardt, K. Bickhardt Clinic for Pigs, Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, The Hannover School of Veterinary MedicineSearch for more papers by this authorH. P. Kubis, H. P. Kubis Centrum for Physiology, The Hannover School of Medicine, Germany.Search for more papers by this authorG. Gross, G. Gross Centrum for Physiology, The Hannover School of Medicine, Germany.Search for more papers by this authorE. Deegen, E. Deegen Clinic for Horses, The Hannover School of Veterinary MedicineSearch for more papers by this author Kirstin Brandt, Kirstin Brandt Clinic for Horses, The Hannover School of Veterinary MedicineSearch for more papers by this authorJ. H. Swagemakers, J. H. Swagemakers Veterinary Clinic for Horses, MühlenSearch for more papers by this authorK. Bickhardt, K. Bickhardt Clinic for Pigs, Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, The Hannover School of Veterinary MedicineSearch for more papers by this authorH. P. Kubis, H. P. Kubis Centrum for Physiology, The Hannover School of Medicine, Germany.Search for more papers by this authorG. Gross, G. Gross Centrum for Physiology, The Hannover School of Medicine, Germany.Search for more papers by this authorE. Deegen, E. Deegen Clinic for Horses, The Hannover School of Veterinary MedicineSearch for more papers by this author First published: 26 April 2010 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3292.1998.tb00888.xCitations: 2AboutPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat References Bickhardt, K., Deegen, E. and Espelage, W. (1996) Nierenfunktionsuntersuchungen bei Pferden - Methodik und Referenzwerte bei gesunden Pferden. Dtsch. tierärztl. Wschr. 103, 117–122. Binder, U. and Grabner, A. (1995) Renale tubuläre Azidose bei einer Stute. In: Deutsche Veterinärmedizinische Gesellschaft. Jahrestagung der Fachgruppe Innere Medizin und klinische Labordiagnostik, München, 30–31. Brandt, K., Deegen, E., Glitz, Frauke and Bickhardt, K. (1997) Nierenfunktionsanalysen bei Pferden mit Nephropathien. Pferdeheilkunde 4, 335–344. Bruns, W. and Gros, G. (1992) Membrane-bound carbonic anhydrase in the heart. Am. J. Physiol. 262, H 577–584. Coe, F.L. and Kathpalia, S. (1995) Renal-tubuläre Azidose (RTA). In: Harrisons Innere Medizin, 13th edn. Ed: K.J.G. Schmailzl. Blackwell Wiss.-Verl., Berlin, Wien. pp 1555–1557. Kolk, J.H. van der (1994) Renale tubulaire Acidose [Type 2] bij een Friese Merrie. Tijdschr. Diergeneeskd. 119, 675–677. Kolk, J.H. van der and Kalsbeek, H.C. (1993) Renal tubular acidosis in a mare. Vet. Rec. 133, 43–44. O'Leary Hansen, T. (1986) Renal tubular acidosis in a mare. Comp. cont. Educ. pract. Vet. 8, 864–866. Parker, H.R., Ziemer, E., Carlson, G. and Smith, B. (1985) Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) in horses. Federation Proc. 44, 1916. Rossier, Y. (1992) Renal Tubular Acidosis. In: Current Therapy in Equine Medicine, 3rd edn. Ed: N.E. Robinson W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, London, Toronto, Montreal, Sydney, Tokyo pp 627–628. Sly, W.S. and Hu, P.Y. (1995) Human carbonic anhydrase deficiencies. Ann. Rev. Biochem. 64, 375–401. Trotter, G.W., Miller, D., Parks, A. and Arden, W. (1986) Type II renal tubular acidosis in a mare. J. Am. vet. med. Ass. 188, 1050–1051. Wambach, G. (1992) Renal-tubuläre Azidose. In: Innere Medizin in Praxis und Klinik, 4th edn. Ed: H. Hornbostel, W. Kaufmann and W. Siegenthaler. Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart, New York. pp 5.207–5.209. Ziemer, E.L., Parker, H.R., Carlson, G.P., Smith, B.P. and Ishizaki, G. (1987a) Renal tubular acidosis in two horses: Diagnostic studies. J. Am. vet. med. Ass. 190, 289–293. Ziemer, E. L., Parker, H.R., Carlson, G.P. and Smith, B.P. (1987b) Clinical features and treatment of renal tubular acidosis in two horses. J. Am. vet. med. Ass. 190, 294–296. Citing Literature Volume10, Issue5October 1998Pages 250-254 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Examination of renal function (Bickhardt et al. 1996) gives extensive information on renal disfunctions. This can be determined from a voided urine and a blood sample. Furthermore a transendoscopic, selective collection of urine from each ureter allows a differentiated assessment of the right and left kidney's function. Renal function of 38 patients of the clinic for horses were examined. Nine of them showed a deviation of the normal range. Four patients had acute renal diseases. In two cases there was a prerenal and in the other two an intrinsic acute renal dysfunction. The horses were in a severe bad general condition. Serum urea and creatinine levels were elevated. In two horses a serum electrolyte disturbance could be seen. In examination of renal function a reduction of renal creatinine clearance was obvious. In three cases an enormous elevation of tubular enzyme excretion (U-gamma GT/Crea) was found. Five of nine horses showed chronic nephropathies. Poor performance and weariness were the most dominating clinical findings. The horses showed elevated serum urea and creatinine levels and in two cases a hyperkaliaemia occurred. In examination of renal function a reduction of renal creatinine clearance and in one case an elevation of fractional lactate excretion could be found.

The concentrations of hormones, metabolites and electrolytes in plasma of 45 ewes have been examined repeatedly during gestation (day 80 to 149) and at the third day of lactation. Healthy single pregnant (n = 8) and twin pregnant ewes (n = 12) have been compared with ewes sick with subclinical (3-hydroxybutyrate > 1,0 mmol/l, n = 6) and clinical (3-hydroxybutyrate > 1,6 mmol/l, n = 19) pregnancy ketosis. The concentration of 3-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, calcium, sodium and growth hormone in the plasma of the healthy animals were higher post partum than ante partum, while the concentrations of inorganic phosphorus, cortisol and total oestrogen were lower post partum than during pregnancy. In the pregnant ewes the concentrations of 3-hydroxybutyrate, bilirubin, total oestrogen and growth hormone in the plasma increased, while the concentration of insulin decreased with raising number of fetuses. In comparison with the healthy twin pregnant ewes the animals with subclinical and clinical pregnancy ketosis showed increased values of bilirubin, glutamate-dehydrogenase, growth hormone, total oestrogen, cortisol and cortisol/insulin ratios as well as decreased values of glucose, insulin and potassium. Individual differences of the animals within their groups were observed for the examined hormones as well as for glucose, calcium, sodium and potassium (analysis of variance). Beside multiple pregnancy low insulin values and high cortisol/insulin ratios, which are obviously due to individual disposition, influence enhanced ketogenesis and disorder of glucostasis.

The concentrations of hormones, metabolites and electrolytes in plasma of 45 ewes have been examined repeatedly during gestation (day 80 to 149) and at the third day of lactation. Healthy single pregnant (n = 8) and twin pregnant ewes (n = 12) have been compared with ewes sick with subclinical (3-hydroxybutyrate >10 mmol/l, n = 6) and clinical (3-hydroxybutyrate >1,6 mmol/l, n = 19) pregnancy ketosis.The concentration of 3-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, calcium, sodium and growth hormone in the plasma of the healthy animals were higher post partum than ante partum, while the concentrations of anorganic phosphorus, cortisol and total oestrogen were lower post partum than during pregnancy. In the pregnant ewes the concentrations of 3-hydroxybutyrate, bilirubin, total oestrogen and growth hormone in the plasma increased,while the concentration of insulin decreased with raising number of fetuses. In comparison with the healthy twin pregnant ewes the animals with subclinical and clinical pregnancy ketosis showed increased values of bilirubin, glutamate-dehydrogenase, growth hormone, total oestrogen, cortisol and cortisol/insulin ratios as well as decreased values of glucose, insulin and potassium.Individual differences of the animals within their groups were observed for the examined hormones as well as for glucose, calcium, sodium and potassium (analysis of variance). Beside multiple pregnancy low insulin values and high cortisol/insulin ratios, which are obviously due to individual disposition, influence enhanced ketogenesis and disorder of glucostasis.

Kinetic parameters of glucose metabolism were determined in 17 healthy ewes during different metabolic stages and in 8 spontaneously ketotic sheep by the IVGTT with low doses of glucose (0.8 mmol/kg) as well. The endogenous turnover rate (R) was calculated by using the total clearance (Cl), derived from the IVGTT. The values of R, determined in healthy ewes by this technique are in agreement with values presented in the literature, which were derived from kinetic studies with 3H- or 14C-labeled glucose. There were no differences in the mean values of R and Cl in non-pregnant, highly pregnant and ketotic ewes in our study. The plasma concentration of glucose (C) was significantly correlated with R in highly pregnant healthy and ketotic ewes; there was no such correlation in the group of non-pregnant and early pregnant sheep. In highly pregnant ketotic ewes the mean value of C was lower than in healthy ewes but there was no significant correlation between the plasma concentration of glucose and that of 3-hydroxybutyrate. It is concluded from the study, that the control of glucostasis fails frequently during late pregnancy in ewes and that ketosis of sheep is related closer to the excessive lipid mobilisation than to disturbance of glucostasis.

SummaryInvestigation of glucose metabolism in sheep during different stages of reproduction and in ketotic sheep using the intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT)Kinetic parameters of glucose metabolism were determined in 17 healthy ewes during different metabolic stages and in 8 spontaneously ketotic sheep by the IVGTT with low doses of glucose (0.8 mmol/kg) as well. The endogenous turnover rate (R) was calculated by using the total clearance (Cl), derived from the IVGTT. The values of R, determined in healthy ewes by this technique are in agreement with values presented in the literature, which were derived from kinetic studies with 3H‐ or 14C‐labeled glucose. There were no differences in the mean values of R and Cl in non‐pregnant, highly pregnant and ketotic ewes in our study. The plasma concentration of glucose (C) was significantly correlated with R in highly pregnant healthy and ketotic ewes; there was no such correlation in the group of non‐pregnant and early pregnant sheep. In highly pregnant ketotic ewes the mean value of C was lower than in healthy ewes but there was no significant correlation between the plasma concentration of glucose and that of 3‐hydroxybutyrate. It is concluded from the study, that the control of glucostasis fails frequently during late pregnancy in ewes and that ketosis of sheep is related closer to the excessive lipid mobilisation than to disturbance of glucostasis.ZusammenfassungKinetische Parameter des Glucosestoffwechsels wurden mit Hilfe des niedrig dosierten IVGTT (0,8 mmol/kg) bei 17 gesunden Schafen in verschiedenen Stoffwechselsituationen und bei 8 spontan an Ketose erkrankten Schafen bestimmt. Die Berechnung der endogenen Turnoverrate (R) erfolgte auf der Basis der im IVGTT ermittelten totalen Clearance (Cl). Die mit dieser Methode bei gesunden Schafen ermittelten Werte von R stimmen mit Literaturangaben überein, die aus kinetischen Untersuchungen mit 3H‐ oder 14C‐markierter Glucose gewonnen wurden. Die Mittelwerte von R und Cl unterschieden sich nicht signifikant zwischen nichttragenden, hochtragenden und ketotischen Schafen. Bei hochtragenden gesunden und ketotischen Schafen war die Plasma‐Glucosekonzentration (C) signifikant mit R korreliert, eine derartige Korrelation bestand nicht in der Gruppe der nicht bzw. niedertragenden Schafe. Bei hochtragenden Ketoseschafen war C durchschnittlich niedriger als bei gesunden Tieren, aber es bestand keine signifikante Korrelation zwischen den Plasma‐Konzentrationen von Glucose und 3‐Hydroxybutyrat. Es wird der Schluß gezogen, daß die Glucostase‐Regulation bei hochtragenden Schafen häufig versagt, daß aber die Ketose beim Schaf enger mit exzessiver Lipomobilisation als mit Glucostasestörungen verbunden ist.

The effects of mild Sarcocystis miescheriana infection on blood enzymes and body weight were compared in stress-sensitive (halothane positive) and in stress-insensitive (halothane negative) pigs. Ten halothane-positive pigs (Group A) and ten halothane-negative pigs (Group C) with a mean body weight of 36 kg were each inoculated orally with 50 000 sporocysts of S. miescheriana. Twelve halothane-positive pigs (Group B) and ten halothane-negative pigs (Group D) served as non-infected controls. Five days before infection (a.i.) and 58 days post infection (p.i.) all pigs were myostress challenged (creatine kinase test). During the whole period of the experiment (3 weeks a.i. to 13 weeks p.i.) body weights were determined and blood samples taken at weekly intervals. Creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and Sarcocystis antibody titres were determined. The infection induced slighly elevated temperatures (max. 42.8°C) and transient reduced food intake during the 2nd and 3rd week p.i. The CK values of the infected pigs in Groups A and C increased from Day 28 p.i. onwards, and were significantly higher than those of the pigs of the non-infected controls (Days 35–77 p.i.). The ASAT values of the infected groups (A and C) increased from Day 21 p.i. onwards, and were significantly higher than those of the non-infected controls from Days 28–77 p.i. The myostress injection at 5 days a.i. (1st CK test) resulted in significantly higher CK and ASAT values in stress-sensitive pigs. The myostress injection at 58 days p.i. (2nd CK test) induced significantly increased plasma enzyme activities in the infected pigs of both the halothane-positive and halothane-negative groups. The mean body weight of the infected pigs was significantly lower than of the non-infected controls (Days 42–84 p.i.).

SummaryL‐lactate kinetics were studied in 15 stress resistant and 12 stress susceptible pigs under a resting state and under various conditions of exercise and stress using a primed continuous intravenous infusion of L‐(U14C)‐lactate. The turnover rate of L‐lactate was significantly elevated during treadmill exercise (from about 30 up to 300 μmol ṁ min−1 ṁ kg−1), during restraint stress, following an epinephrine infusion and during the postprandial period. The total clearance of lactate from plasma was increased during treadmill exercise (from about 40 up to 100 ml ṁ min−1 ṁ kg−1) but was decreased during restraint stress and after epinephrine infusions (to 10 ml ṁ min−1 ṁ kg−1). The renal clearance of lactate contributed less than one percent to the total clearance of lactate during the various conditions examined in this study. Lactacidamia in heavily exerted pigs was mainly caused by a more than fivefold increase of L‐lactate production compared to the resting state. The combination of an increased L‐lactate production and a depressed metabolic clearance of lactate at high plasma concentrations are discussed as possible reasons of a vicious circle for the development of sudden death during lactic acidosis in pigs. Stress susceptible pigs showed higher turnover rates and higher total clearances of L‐lactate under the same experimental conditions than stress resistant animals. It is suggested, that the balance between production and utilization of lactate during heavy exertion failed more easily in stress susceptible pigs than in stress resistant animals.ZusammenfassungKinetik von L‐Lactat beim Schwein. II. Untersuchungen an streßresistenten und streßempfindlichen Schweinen unter verschiedenen StoffwechselbedingungenDie Kinetik von L‐Lactat wurde an 15 streßresistenten und 12 streßempfindlichen Schweinen in Ruhe und unter verschiedenen Belastungs‐ und Streßbedingungen mit Hilfe der Dauerinfusion von L‐(U14C)‐Lactat untersucht. Die Turnoverrate von L‐Lactat war bei Laufbandbelastung (von etwa 30 bis zu 300 μmol ṁ min−1 ṁ kg−1), bei Anbindestreß, nach einer Adrenalinfusion und in der postprandialen Periode signifikant erhöht. Der Totalclearance von Lactat im Plasma stieg bei Laufbandbelastung (von etwa 40 bis zu 100 ml ṁ min−1 ṁ kg−1), bei Anbindestreß und nach Adrenalinfusion verminderte er sich jedoch (bis 10 ml ṁ min−1 ṁ kg−1). Der renale Clearance von Lactat trug unter den gewählten Untersuchungsbedingungen weniger als ein Prozent zum Totalclearance bei. Eine Lactacidämie bei schwer belasteten Schweinen wurde hauptsächlich durch ein im Vergleich zum Ruhestatus mehr als fünffaches Ansteigen der L‐Lactatproduktion hervorgerufen. Die Kombination von erhöhter Produktion und reduziertem Stoffwechselclearance von L‐Lactat bei hohen Konzentrationen im Plasma wird als mögliche Ursache eines Circulus vitiosus der Entstehung plötzlicher Todesfälle bei Lactacidose des Schweines angesehen. Streßempfindliche Schweine zeigten höhere Turnoverraten und höhere Totalclearance des L‐Lactat unter den gleichen experimentellen Bedingungen als streßresistente Tiere. Es wird angenommen, daß das Gleichgewicht zwischen Produktion und Verwertung von Lactat während schwerer Belastung bei streßempfindlichen Schweinen leichter versagt, als bei streßresistenten.

Freshly collected and γ-sterilized (dose 100 krad) pig's blood, usually fed to tsetse flies, was tested for radiation induced changes of the following parameters: count of red cells and leucocytes; differential count of white cells; haematocrit ratio; concentrations of haemoglobin, protein, glucose and lactate in the serum; activities of glutamate-oxalacetate transaminase and creatine kinase. The tests were performed on the day of irradiation and, after storage at 4°C, two and seven days later. Unequivocal radiation damage was observed in the case of haematocrit value, erythrocyte count and creatine kinase activity. The concentrations of glucose and lactate are not influenced by the irradiation but only by the time elapsed.

The influence of experimental conditions on 10 haematological and blood chemical constituents were investigated in male Han:Wistar rats. Significant differences existed between values of haematological and chemical constituents of blood, sampled within 10 s, between 10 and 30, or between 30 and 60 s after decapitation respectively, The leucocyte count decreased quickly but the lactate concentration rose after decapitation. The interindividual coefficient of variance for the majority of the blood constituents was reduced markedly if blood was sampled within 10 s of decapitation. Significant differences in plasma protein and blood lactate concentrations existed between 2 rats kept in one cage, when the first rat was decapitated 20 s before the second one. Plasma protein concentrations differed significantly between rats bled at 9.00 am and 11.00 am. Significant differences in blood glucose and lactate concentrations existed between rats bled on 5 different days within a period of 10 days. Packed cell volume, eosinophilic granulocytes and plasma protein concentration differed significantly between rats kept in a room with a 12:12 light: darkness (LD) cycle and those living in a room with a 2.3:2.3 LD cycle.

Summary The influence of experimental conditions on 10 haematological and blood chemical constituents were il1vestigated in male Han:Wistar rats. Signaiemt differences existed between values of haematological and chemical constituents of blood. sampled within lOs, between 10 and 30, or between 30 and 60 s after decapitation respectively. The leucocyte count decreased quickly but the lacta,te concentration rose after decapitation. The interindividual coefficient of variance for the majQ.rity of the blOQd cQnstituents was reduced markedly if blood was sampled within lOs of decapitatiQn. Significant differences in plasma protein and blood lactate concentrations existed between 2 rats kept in one cage, when the first rat was decapitated 20 s before the second one. Plasma protein concentrations differed significantly between rats bled at 9.00 am and 11.00 am. Significant differences in blood glucose and lactate concentrations existed between rats bled on 5 different days within a period Qf 10 days. Packed cell volume, eosinophilic granUlocytes and plasma protein concentration differed significantly between rats kept in a room with a 12: 12 light: darkness (LD) cycle and those· living in a room with a 2'3:2'3 LD cycle. Concentrations of blood constituents are influenced by analytical, methodological and biological factors and their interactions (Gartner et al., 1980). The blood sampling procedure itself causes haemodynamic and metabolic effects such as the fight and flight syndrome demonstrated in cats, pigs and sheep (Kleinsorgen et al., 1976; Bickardt & Wirtz, 1978; Gohary & Bickhardt, 1979). Gartner et al. (1980) reported on stress responses of laboratory rats to handling and experimental procedures. Acute haemodynamic and metabolic stress responses within a few minutes are reflected by an increase in cell counts, packed cell volume, protein, lactate and glucose concentrations of blood. Other blood constituents, such as hormones R~ceiv8d 27 August 1982. Accepted 25 November 1982. and inorganic ions are influen.ced only Slightly. In this study haematological and metabolic blood characteristics of laboratory rats were investigated under minimal stress conditions and the data were analysed using the analysis of variance.

Summary The influence of experimental conditions on 10 haematological and blood chemical constituents were il1vestigated in male Han:Wistar rats. Signai- emt differences existed between values of haema- tological and chemical constituents of blood. sampled within lOs, between 10 and 30, or between 30 and 60 s after decapitation respectively. The leucocyte count decreased quickly but the lacta,te concentration rose after decapitation. The interindividual coefficient of variance for the majQ.rity of the blOQd cQnstituents was reduced markedly if blood was sampled within lOs of decapitatiQn. Significant differences in plasma protein and blood lactate concentrations existed between 2 rats kept in one cage, when the first rat was decapitated 20 s before the second one. Plasma protein concentrations differed significantly between rats bled at 9.00 am and 11.00 am. Significant differences in blood glucose and lactate concentrations existed between rats bled on 5 different days within a period Qf 10 days. Packed cell volume, eosinophilic granUlocytes and plasma protein concentration differed significantly be- tween rats kept in a room with a 12: 12 light: darkness (LD) cycle and those· living in a room with a 2'3:2'3 LD cycle. Concentrations of blood constituents are influenced by analytical, methodological and biological factors and their interactions (Gartner et al., 1980). The blood sampling procedure itself causes haemo- dynamic and metabolic effects such as the fight and flight syndrome demonstrated in cats, pigs and sheep (Kleinsorgen et al., 1976; Bickardt & Wirtz, 1978; Gohary & Bickhardt, 1979). Gartner et al. (1980) reported on stress responses of laboratory rats to handling and experimental procedures. Acute haemodynamic and metabolic stress responses within a few minutes are reflected by an increase in cell counts, packed cell volume, protein, lactate and glucose concentrations of blood. Other blood constituents, such as hormones R~ceiv8d 27 August 1982. Accepted 25 November 1982. and inorganic ions are influen.ced only Slightly. In this study haematological and metabolic blood characteristics of laboratory rats were investigated under minimal stress conditions and the data were analysed using the analysis of variance.

ZusammenfassungIn dreitägigen Verlaufsuntersuchungen wurde der Einfluß der Fütterung auf den Lactatstoffwechsel von 6 Schweinen geprüft. Die Tiere wurden am 1. Tag im gewohnten Rhythmus gefüttert, am 2. Tag blieben sie nüchtern und am 3. Tag wurden sie wieder gefüttert. Neben verschiedenen Blutmetaboliten, dem Blutbild sowie Hämatokrit und Blut‐pH wurden mit Hilfe U‐14C‐markierten L‐Lactats der L‐Lactatturnover und die L‐Lactatturnoverrate bei 4 der Tiere im nüchternen und gefütterten Zustand ermittelt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß Fütterung mit einem handelsüblichen Mastfutter bei ruhenden Schweinen zu einem signifikanten Anstieg des L‐Lactatumsatzes von 30,5 ± 2,9 auf 63,8 ± 15,1 μmol · min‐1 · kg‐1 sowie des Plasma‐L‐Lactatspiegels von 0,81 ± 0,16 auf 1,88 ± 0,45 mmol · l‐1 führte. Außerdem war ein signifikanter Anstieg des Hämatokrit und der Plasmakonzentrationen von Pyruvat, D‐Lactat und Glucose zu verzeichnen, während der Blut‐pH signifikant abfiel. Die Erhöhung des L‐Lactatumsatzes wird auf Resorption von L‐Lactat aus dem Dünndarm zurückgeführt. Auf Grund von Konzentrationsbestimmungen des L‐Lactat und D‐Lactat im Futter und in verschiedenen Segmenten des Magen‐Darm‐Traktes wird eine umfangreiche mikrobielle Produktion von L‐Lactat im Dünndarm vermutet.

The problems of pale, soft exudative muscle in pigs (PSE) and death during transportation are discussed. Both phenomena are caused by a hereditary disturbance of the energy metabolism of muscle and excessive production of lactate during exertion (exertional myopathy). An enzymatic test (CK test) for the estimation of hereditary proneness to exertional myopathy in the live breeding animal is described. Phenotypic correlations between CK values and parameters of meat quality are r=−0.4 (N=357 pigs). The heritability of CK values is h2=0.3 (N=3601 pigs). The scope and limitations of the CK test as compared with other test methods are discussed. It is concluded that the CK test is useful as a selection criterion for breeding schemes.

Elektrophoretische Untersuchungen an Blut- und Milchserumproben von Sauen und Blutserumproben von Ferkeln sowie die statistische Bearbeitung der quantitativen Daten erbrachten folgende gesicherte Ergebnisse: Der Albumingehalt der Milch ist mit dem Albuminblutspiegel der Sau positiv korreliert. Der γ-Globulinblutspiegel der Sau ist mit dem γ-Globulingehalt der Milch negativ korreliert, er fällt kurz vor der Geburt ab und steigt im Verlauf der Laktationsperiode wieder an, während der γ-Globulingehalt des Milchserums zur Zeit der Geburt eine vier- bis fünffache Konzentration gegenüber dem Blutserum aufweist und innerhalb der ersten drei Laktationstage steil auf die halbe Konzentration des Blutserums absinkt. Mehrgebärende Sauen haben eine höhere γ-Globulinblutkonzentration als erstge-bärende. Der Albumingehalt im Blutserum der Ferkel zeigt in den ersten Lebenstagen erhebliche individuelle Differenzen sowie Unterschiede von Wurf zu Wurf. Ferkel werden ohne Immunglobuline vom γG-Typ geboren, nach Aufnahme von Kolostralmilch steigt der γ-Globulinspiegel innerhalb 24 Stunden bis zu einem Maximalwert von 2,5 g/100 ml Serum. Der passiv erworbene γ-Globulinpool wird mit einer wahren Halbwertzeit von etwa 150 Tagen eliminiert, der schnelle Abfall des γ-Globulinblutspiegels vom 1. Lebenstag an ist ein Verdünnungseffekt infolge des zunehmenden extrazellulären Verteilungsraumes. In der 3. Lebenswoche beginnt die γ-Globulineigensynthese, wegen des schnellen Wachstums der Ferkel und Zunahme des Verteilungsraumes kommt es jedoch erst in der 6. Lebenswoche zu einem deutlidien Anstieg des γ-Globulinblutspiegels, so daß zwischen der 3. und der 6. Lebenswoche ein niedriger γ-Globulinblutspiegel zu beobachten ist. Der γ-Globulingehalt im Blutserum der Ferkel zeigt keine Unterschiede von Wurf zu Wurf, dafür jedoch erhebliche individuelle Differenzen, die bis zum 28. Lebenstag bestehen bleiben. Zwischen Hämoglobingehalt im Blut und γ-Globulinblutspiegel (Transferrine) besteht eine negative Korrelation, weitgehend unabhängig von der parenteralen Eisenbehandlung der Ferkel.