Changes in the acute phase proteins and leukogram profile in Dorper lambs during the first six months of life

Abstract

The first months in the life of mammals are marked by many challenges, such as acquisition of maternal antibodies, immunological maturity, environmental exposure and food adaptation. These challenges may lead to changes in the concentration of inflammatory markers, as the acute phase proteins (APPs) and leukocytes. The better understanding of these markers behavior in physiological conditions is fundamental for diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the changes in the APPs and leukogram profile in Dorper lambs from birth until the sixth month of life. Samples were collected from 12 clinically healthy lambs at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 hours and then at 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days of age. All lambs were born with a low concentration of haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin. Significant increases occurred in the 48^th hour and on the 7^th day of life (P<0.05), respectively. The highest APPs concentration was observed on the 90^th day. All leukogram cells varied throughout the experimental period. It was possible to characterize the changes in APPs and leukogram profile from birth to six months of life in Dorper lambs. This study offers new perspectives on the use of APPs in lambs during the first months of life.