title: Utility of Acute Phase Proteins as Biomarkers of Transport Stress in Ewes and Beef Cattle.
abstract: The effect of transport on serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), Fibrinogen and white blood cells (WBC) was evaluated in 10 ewes and 10 beef cattle. All animals were transported by road for 6 h over a distance of about 490 km with an average speed of 80 km/h. Blood samples, collected via jugular venepuncture, were obtained before and after transport as well as after 12, 24 and 48 h rest time. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance showed a statistically significant effect of sampling time on SAA, Hp, and WBC in ewes and beef cattle. Based on these results, Hp and SAA levels, together with WBC, may be useful indicators of animal health and welfare and in predicting the risk assessment in meat inspection.
authors: Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina , Palermo, Italy.
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Fazio
authors: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri , Palermo, Italy.
authors: Vincenzo
authors: V
authors: Ferrantelli
authors: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri , Palermo, Italy.
authors: Antonello
authors: A
authors: Cicero
authors: Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina , Palermo, Italy.
authors: Stefania
authors: S
authors: Casella
authors: Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina , Palermo, Italy.
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Piccione
keywords: Acute phase proteins; Meat quality; Road transport; Stress; Welfare