Serum biochemical and hematological parameters of Sinclair(S-1) miniature sows during gestation and lactation.

Venous blood samples were collected from 29 Sinclair(S-1) miniature sows at 14, ten, six and two weeks prior to parturition and two, four and six weeks postpartum to determine the effect of pregnancy and lactation upon 19 serum biochemical and 12 hematological parameters. During gestation, the levels of serum cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen and alpha(1)-globulin, as well as packed cell volume and hemoglobin concentration, decreased; whereas, the level of serum beta-globulin increased. During lactation, the concentrations of serum glucose, total protein, albumin, beta-globulin, calcium, sodium and hemoglobin, as well as packed cell volume, decreased; whereas, the concentration of serum cholesterol and the activity of serum alkaline phosphatase increased.