Biochemical blood parameters of piglets under the influence of an isotonic protein solution

O. A. Sheptukha, D. M. Masiuk
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Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University, 25 Serhiia Yefremova Street, Dnipro, 49027, Ukraine

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of administering an isotonic protein solution (IPS) during the weaning period on blood biochemical parameters of piglets. The study was conducted on early postnatal piglets divided into control and experimental groups. Blood samples were collected at 9, 21, and 35 days of age to assess key metabolites and enzyme activity. In control piglets marked metabolic shift occurred post-weaning. Total protein increased to 55.7±3.6 g/L but decreased by 17.2 % (P<0.05) post-weaning to 46.1±4.7 g/L. Albumin levels rose by 20.4 % (P<0.05), followed by a non-significant drop of 5.1 % (P>0.05). Globulin concentrations decreased by 6.6 % by day 21 (P>0.05) and further declined by 28.8 % after weaning (P<0.001). Blood urea levels rose by 55.4 % (P<0.05) by day 21, indicating intensified protein catabolism, but remained elevated by only 8.6 % post-weaning (P>0.05). Liver enzymes ALT and AST decreased by 19.2 % (P>0.05) and 33.5 % (P<0.05), respectively, by day 21, but increased by 35.3 % (ALT) and 8.8 % (AST) after weaning. Carbohydrate metabolism was also affected: glucose levels decreased by 11.7 % (P>0.05) by day 21 and by an additional 25.3 % (P<0.05) post-weaning. In the experimental group metabolic stability was greater than in the control. Total protein increased by 19.3 % (P<0.05) by day 21 and decreased by only 12.0 % (P<0.05) post-weaning, remaining above control levels. Albumin increased by 22.0 % (P<0.05) and remained 5.8 % higher than control after weaning (P>0.05). Globulin levels initially decreased by 12.8 % (P > 0.05) by day 9, but increased by 16.9 % by day 21 (P<0.05) and remained 25.6 % higher post-weaning (P<0.05). Urea levels increased by 19.4 % (P>0.05) by day 21, then decreased by 11.6 % post-weaning (P<0.05), suggesting more efficient protein utilization. ALT remained stable, while AST increased by only 6.4 %, reflecting better hepatic adaptation. Carbohydrate metabolism was also more stable: glucose increased by 3.8 % (P>0.05) by day 21 and was 11.3 % higher post-weaning compared to the control. Thus, administration of IPS contributes to stabilization of protein and energy metabolism, reduces post-weaning stress responses, and improves the overall metabolic status of piglets.

Key words: piglets, metabolism, isotonic protein solution, weaning