Biochemical profile of blood in naturally occurring Sarcocystis infection in cattle

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the biochemical blood indicators in Lithuanian Black-and-White cattle with regard to the intensity of their infection with Sarcocystis spp. In total 945 bull muscle samples and 120 blood samples were used for the analysis. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were increased in infected animals relative to uninfected animals. The AST levels differed significantly between the no infection, low, and moderate infection groups (P < 0.05); ALP differed between the no infection and moderate infection groups (P < 0.05); and ALT differed between the no infection, low infection and intense infection groups (P < 0.05). Total protein levels were higher than physiological limits and differed significantly between the no infection, low infection and intense infection groups (P < 0.05). Iron levels were at the lowest physiological limits and differed significantly between the no infection and low infection groups, as well as between the low infection and intense infection groups (P < 0.05). Triglyceride levels were at their physiological limits, and differed significantly between all examined groups (P < 0.05). The results show that changes in the biochemical markers ALP, AST and ALT are related to the intensity of the Sarcocystis spp. infection.