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

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 > .05). However, a significant difference was noted in serum triglyceride concentrations between male and female pigs (P < .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.