The serum protein pattern of chickens during the early growing period using crossed immunoelectrophoresis.

Electrophoretic pattern of the blood serum proteins from 8 chicks of 1, 7, 14, and 21 days of age was determined by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. The chicks at 1 day of age had low levels of albumin and high levels of IgG, beta-lipoprotein, and transferrin. The albumin increased gradually to attain high levels by 21st day. The IgG levels, however, showed a considerable decline up to the 14th day. The beta-lipoprotein levels also decreased considerably on the 7th day. The transferrin levels showed a gradual decline. The IgM appeared as a faint precipitate on the 7th day. The cholinesterase showed transition from an initial low level at 1 day to a subsequent relatively high level at 7 to 21 days. The arylesterase in day-old chicks was higher than in chicks of 7 to 21 days of age.