Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for 1-month-old specific-pathogen-free Landrace pigs.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals (RIs) provide valuable data for the nutritional status and clinical diagnosis of animals. However, the specific hematologic and biochemical RIs for specific-pathogen-free (SPF) Landrace pigs has not been determined. OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to establish the hematologic and biochemical RIs for SPF 1-month-old Landrace pigs. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 105 SPF 1-month-old Landrace pigs (50 males and 55 females), and complete blood counts and biochemical examinations were performed. The mean, RI, and 90% confidence interval were calculated for each variable, and gender differences were analyzed. RESULTS: Reference intervals for SPF 1-month-old Landrace pigs were generated. The results revealed that there was generally no significant difference between male and female hematologic and serum biochemical variables (P&#xa0;>&#xa0;.05). However, a significant difference was noted in serum triglyceride concentrations between male and female pigs (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides hematologic and biochemical RIs for SPF 1-month-old Landrace pigs and provides basic data for the research and application of SPF Landrace pigs as a laboratory animal.