Determining the concentration of serum haptoglobin in diarrheic calves

In this study, 40 calves between the ages of 0-3 months were used. After clinical, systemic and haematological examinations, calves were divided into two groups. Clinically diagnosed with diarrhea (n=20) were study group whereas healthy calves (n=20) were formed as control group. At clinical examination, rectal body temperatures were recorded. Blood samples from Vena Jugularis in hematological examination, White Blood Cell (WBC), Red Blood Cell (RBC), Hemoglobin (Hb), and Hematocrit (Hct) concentrations were performed. In blood serum Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate amino transferase (AST), Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), Total protein (TP), Albumin (ALB), Haptoglobin (Hp), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor–α (TNF-α) concentrations were measured. As a result, rectal body temperatures and the values of WBC, HCT, GGT, Hp, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α are statistically higher in calves with diarrhea compared with the control group. As for RBC, HB, ALT, AST, TP, and ALB concentrations, no statistical difference was found between two groups. As a result, we think serum Hp is a most valuable parameter to evaluate the course of the disease and prognosis along with hematologic, biochemical and clinical findings in the field of veterinary medicine. Key words: Diarrhea, Calf, Haptoglobin