Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of animal age and sex on serum concentrations of proteins, metabolites, minerals, and enzymes in Bonsmara cattle up to two years of age. Blood samples were collected from 179 animals (92 males and 87 females), aged between 15 days and 24 months. The animals were divided into four age groups: G1: 15 days ┤2 months, G2: 2 ┤6 months, G3: 6 ┤ 12 months, and G4: 12 ┤24 months of age. The samples were processed in an automatic multichannel analyzer using Labtest Diagnóstica™ kits. Animal age had a significant influence on most of the serum biochemical constituents except for magnesium (Mg) and the Ca+:iP ratio. As age increased, G3 showed the highest concentrations of total proteins (TP), globulins (Glob), urea, and cholesterol (Chol); while G4 had a gradual increase and higher values of creatinine (Crea), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Conversely, albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio, calcium (Ca+), inorganic phosphorus (iP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) decreased from G1 to G4. Moreover, animal sex influenced serum values of albumin (ALB), Glob, A:G ratio, Crea, urea, triglycerides (TRI), Ca+, iP, Ca+:iP ratio and Mg. In conclusion, the factors of age group and sex significantly influenced the concentrations of serum biochemical constituents in Bonsmara cattle in the growth phase.
Keywords:
beef cattle; growth phase; sexual factor; serum biochemical profile