The effects of liver biopsy technique on GGT (gama glutamil transferase), AST (aspartate amino transferase), FA (alcaline transferase) serum activity, complete blood counting and fibrinogen were evaluated in 36 Nelore breed heifers. The animals were submitted to liver biopsy, using biopsy needle for mineral element determination. The biochemical profile evaluation were obtained in 20 heifers, being divided in two groups. In group 1 (n=10), blood was obtained with vacuum tubes without anticoagulant before and 24h after biopsy, while in group 2 (n=10) before and 96h after biopsy. The complete blood count and fibrinogen values were obtained before and 96h after biopsy (n=16). The AST serum activity increased (54.4%) 24h after biopsy, but was within normal range after 96h. The GGT and FA serum activity did not increase 24h and 96h after biopsy. The total serum protein showed increase of 0.24g/dL 96h after biopsy. The others parameters evaluated were within normal range for the species. The results allowed to conclude that the liver biopsy technique used shows safety and efficiency as it has not caused significant liver injury and has obtained fragments suitable for bromatologic and histopathologic analyses promptly.
biopsy needle; minerals
