Journal of Applied Animal Research
  • Year: 2008
  • Volume: 34
  • Issue: 2

Changes in Plasma Composition of Japanese Black Steers During Grazing and Fattening Periods

  • Author:
  • Yoshi-Nori Nakamura, Hideki Orito, Eisaku Tsuneishi, Kiyoshi Hirano, Naoki Kato, Atsushi Shoji, Mitsuru Kamiya, Yuji Nakanishi
  • Total Page Count: 5
  • Page Number: 157 to 161

National Agricultural Research Center for Kyushu Okinawa Region (KONARC), NARO, Koshi, Kumamoto, 861–1192, Japan.

*Corresponding author: Tel: 81-96-242-7747; Fax: 81-96-249-1002; E-mail: yn1124@affrc.go.jp

Abstract

The plasma compositions of five Japanese black steers during about 23 months of grazing and fattening period of about 6 months were investigated. Plasma A/G, LDH, Glu, tCho and Ins concentrations increased (P<0.05), whereas TG, UN and NEFA concentrations decreased (P<0.05) during the fattening period. Plasma Na concentration increased (P<0.05) during the fattening period. Plasma β-carotene and tocopherol concentrations decreased (P<0.05) during the fattening period. Changes in plasma chemical composition during grazing and fattening were related to the chemical composition of the feed consumed and lack of exercise during housing.

Keywords

Beef cattle, plasma, Japanese black steers, pasture