Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for Norwegian crossbreed grower pigs.
BACKGROUND
Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals depend on many factors, including environment and age. Reference intervals for Norwegian grower pigs are lacking, and previously published reference intervals for similar pigs from other countries are now outdated due to significant changes in management and breeding on the pig farms.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine updated reference intervals for hematologic and biochemical analytes in healthy crossbred grower pigs, and to compare the results among 3 different farms.


METHODS
Blood samples were collected from 104 clinically healthy pigs of the most common Norwegian crossbreed (Landrace Yorkshire sow x Landrace Duroc boar). The pigs were 12-16 weeks old, weighed 30-50 kg, of both sexes, and lived on 3 farms in eastern Norway. Automated hematologic and biochemical analysis were performed using ADVIA 2120 and ADVIA 1650 analyzers.


RESULTS
Five samples were excluded because of hemolysis (1) or outliers (4). Reference intervals were calculated using parametric or nonparametric methods, depending on data distribution. Mean, median, minimum, and maximum values were tabulated.


CONCLUSIONS
The reference intervals calculated in this study will be useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of disease in this widespread crossbreed pig. Compared with previously published reference values, reference intervals for total WBC count, creatine kinase and alanine aminotransferase activities, and albumin, bilirubin, and urea concentrations in this study differed notably.
Klem
Thea Blystad
TB
Department of Production Animal Sciences, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, N-0033 Oslo, Norway. thea.klem@nvh.no
Bleken
Elisabeth
E
Morberg
Hanne
H
Thoresen
Stein Istre
SI
Framstad
Tore
T
D000367:Age Factors; D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D001772:Blood Cell Count / Q000662:veterinary; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D009664:Norway; D012016:Reference Values; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis; D013552:Swine / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism
D001798:Blood Proteins; D006454:Hemoglobins; D012709:Serum Albumin; D007501:Iron