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Biochemical and haematological changes associated with short periods of work in draught oxen

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

R. Anne Pearson
Affiliation:
Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG
R. F. Archibald
Affiliation:
Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG
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Abstract

Blood samples were taken from three Brahman × Friesian cattle while they walked for 1 h daily on a treadmill pulling 20 or 25 kg weights suspended in a cage. Heart rate and energy expenditure during work were closely correlated. The work had no significant effect on blood levels of red cells, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total protein, albumin, glycerol, urea, Mg, Ca, Na, K and chloride. White blood cells, glucose, lactate, free fatty acids, P-hydroxybutyrate and inorganic phosphate were affected by work although the changes were shortlived and values had returned to resting levels 75 min after work finished. The changes were similar in each animal and indicated work done by draught cattle is largely at a submaximal level. Apart from lactate no blood parameters were identified that could be usefully used to compare performance.

Type
Papers
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1989

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