Biochemical and haematological values in abattoir pigs with and without subclinical lesions

Abstract

The biochemical and haematological profiles of 379 pigs with or without various gross pathological lesions in an abattoir in Zimbabwe were studied to see whether there were any differences between the levels of haematological and biochemical values, and health status (with and without pathological lesions). On the basis of observable gross pathology, 134 pigs were classified as having one or more subclinical lesions (liver milk spot, pneumonia, pleurisy, pericarditis, abscesses and arthritis). Seventy six of these were males and 58 females. There were observable sex differences in the mean haematological and biochemical values obtained. Erythrocyte counts showed significant differences in mean values (P < 0,05) among groups of pigs found with various pathological lesions. The biochemical values showed significant group differences for ALP, ALT. AST, and LDH.