Changes of chemical composition in blood serum during the antler growth period in spotted deer (Cervus nippon)

The aim of this study was to provide basic haematological information to allow improved nutritional management for velvet production in spotted deer (Cervus nippon) by investigating biochemical changes in blood values during the antler growth period. Blood samples, obtained from the jugular vein of twenty-five deer, were taken every 10 days from casting (day 0) to harvesting (day 50) of velvet antler. Negligible changes were found in the concentrations of total protein, albumin, and creatinine during the antler growth period, but there were significant changes in the concentrations of urea (p<0.05) and uric acid (p<0.01). The concentration of triglyceride was significantly higher (p<0.05) during the antler growth period compared to casting time, while serum high-density lipoprotein concentrations were low and remained unchanged during the antler growth period. Serum glucose concentration increased (p<0.05) significantly and was slightly changeable during antler growth. The serum concentrations of Ca and P did not fluctuate during antler growth, while those of Na, K and Cl showed slight differences between the time of casting and the rest of the antler growth period. No significant changes in concentrations of AST, ALT, amylase, CK, GGT and LDH were detected during the antler growth period. However, the concentration of ALK-P increased during antler growth reaching its peak on day 50 after casting. We found a significant difference in the concentration of ALK-P between the time of casting and the rest of the antler growth period (p<0.01). Consequently, antler growth was associated with mild changes in measured serum biochemical values with the exception of ALK-P activity in spotted deer.