Effect of the periparturient period on serum lipid and cholesterol lipoprotein concentrations in goats (Capra hircus).

Blood samples were taken from 12 goats during the periparturient period (4 and 1 weeks before and 2, 10 and 30 days after delivery), and from 10 nonpregnant goats. The following variables were determined: total lipids (TL), triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TCH) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol fractions. One week before delivery TL (2.32 ± 0.12 g/l, P ≤ 0.05), TG (0.32 ± 0.16 mmol/l, P ≤ 0.001) and TCH concentrations (1.65 ± 0.42 mmol/l, P ≤ 0.05) were significantly increased as compared to non-pregnant goats (2.08 ± 0.28 g/l, 0.15 ± 0.05 mmol/l, 1.38 ± 0.19 mmol/l, respectively). After delivery, the concentrations of TL, TG, TCH and HDL decreased significantly. The lowest TG concentration was observed 2 days after delivery (0.18 ± 0.02 mmol/l), while TL (1.73 ± 0.21 g/l), TCH (0.95 ± 0.21 mmol/l) and HDL (0.74 ± 0.16 mmol/l) reached the lowest level 10 days after delivery. Two days after delivery a significant increase of LDL concentration was observed (0.38 ± 0.04 mmol/l); however, ten days after delivery a threefold decrease was shown in the LDL concentration (0.12 ± 0.04 mmol/l). A month after delivery all the variables studied reached levels similar to those measured in non-pregnant goats.

Plasma concentration of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in chinchilla with and without tooth overgrowth.

The aim of the study was to identify the causes underlying overgrowth of incisors in chinchillas through an analysis of selected plasma electrolyte concentrations, with particular consideration of minerals involved in the formation of osseous tissue, i.e., Ca, Mg, and P. The analysis involved 40 female standard chinchillas managed in a commercial farm system, aged 2 to 4 years, divided into two groups of 20 individuals each: D--chinchillas with incisor overgrowth and C--controls with normal dentition. Concentrations of Ca, Mg, and P were measured in blood plasma. The analysis was carried out using ICP OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry) by means of the Optima 2000 DV instrument (Perkin Elmer). The resulting data were analysed statistically using one-way ANOVA with Duncan's range test. The results show that abnormal metabolism of dental tissue minerals, especially Ca and P, cannot be excluded as the cause of tooth overgrowth in chinchilla.

A review of the renal system and diurnal variations of renal activity in livestock.

Kidneys are the main organs regulating water-electrolyte homeostasis in the body. They are responsible for maintaining the total volume of water and its distribution in particular water spaces, for electrolyte composition of systemic fluids and also for maintaining acid-base balance. These functions are performed by the plasma filtration process in renal glomeruli and the processes of active absorption and secretion in renal tubules, all adjusted to an 'activity-rest' rhythm. These diurnal changes are influenced by a 24-hour cycle of activity of hormones engaged in the regulation of renal activity. Studies on spontaneous rhythms of renal activity have been carried out mainly on humans and laboratory animals, but few studies have been carried out on livestock animals. Moreover, those results cover only some aspects of renal physiology. This review gives an overview of current knowledge concerning renal function and diurnal variations of some renal activity parameters in livestock, providing greater understanding of general chronobiological processes in mammals. Detailed knowledge of these rhythms is useful for clinical, practical and pharmacological purposes, as well as studies on their physical performance.