[Plasma enzymes of fighting bulls killed in bullfights].

Blood samples were taken from 50 fighting bulls used in several Spanish bullfights as soon as possible after the animals were killed. The blood was centrifuged and the plasma assayed for CK, GOT, LDH, GPT, gamma-GT and for alkaline phosphatase activity. The animals were grouped into three lots (A, B and C) according to the strength they showed during the bullfight. The results showed an inverse relationship between CK, GOT and LDH activities and bull strength during the bullfight, and significant differences were observed in CK activity among the three groups. It was concluded that the high CK, GOT and LDH levels observed in groups B and C might be due to the fact either that the animals were subjected to more exercise and/or trauma during the days and hours preceding the bullfight or that some type of subclinical muscle pathology was present.