Serum biochemical reference values for gestating and lactating sows

Reference values have been established for serum biochemical parameters in sows from high producing pig herds. In total, 132 clinically healthy sows from eight breeding herds were serially sampled three weeks and one week before farrowing, and at one week and three weeks after farrowing. Fourteen serum biochemical parameters, focusing mainly on energy and protein metabolism, hepatobiliary and kidney function and inflammation, were investigated. The reproductive state significantly influenced the investigated parameters, other than for urea and non-esterified fatty acids. First parity sows showed higher concentrations of γ-glutamyltransferase, phosphorus and haptoglobin, and higher albumin/globulin and haptoglobin/albumin ratios compared to sows with ⩾2 parities. The concentrations of creatinine, globulin and total protein however were lower in first parity sows. Between-herd variations were especially high (>50%) for γ-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase and non-esterified fatty acids. Serum biochemical parameters constitute an important diagnostic tool to assess the health status of sows, but to interpret the outcome properly, it is important to consider reproductive state and parity.