Analysis of serum proteins in clinically healthy goats (Capra hircus) using agarose gel electrophoresis

Background Electrophoretic patterns of serum proteins provide useful information on pathological conditions in ruminants. Their reference values, however, are dissimilar to those of other species. Reference values for goats using agarose gel as the supporting matrix have not been reported. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate serum concentrations of total protein and protein fractions (albumin and globulins) by means of agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) in goats in order to establish electrophoretic reference intervals and to evaluate potential changes associated with aging. Methods Blood was collected from 105 clinically healthy Girgentana goats by means of jugular venipuncture. Serum protein concentrations were assessed by AGE. Three age groups were compared: 1-1.5 years, 2-4 years, and 5-12 years. Results Values (mean +/- SD) were determined for concentrations of total protein (72.26 +/- 6.40 g/L), albumin (31.80 +/- 4.00 g/L), alpha-globulins (6.40 +/- 1.23 g/L), beta(1)-globulins (10.50 +/- 2.58 g/L), beta(2)-globulins (5.18 +/- 1.60 g/L), and gamma-globulins (18.65 +/- 5.90 g/L) and for albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio (0.82 +/- 0.20). One-way ANOVA showed statistically significant age-related differences for total protein and alpha-globulin concentrations and A/G ratios. Age influenced protein concentrations with the 5-12-year-old group having higher total protein and alpha-globulin concentrations and lower albumin concentration and A/G ratios than the 2-4-year-old group. Conclusions This study provides reference values for total protein concentrations and protein fractions obtained by AGE in goats. Some values vary with age. Age-specific reference intervals are reported in order to provide clinicians with an additional diagnostic aid.