GAMMA-GLUTAMYL-TRANSFERASE AND SERUM-PROTEINS IN BUFFALO CALVES FOLLOWING COLOSTRAL INGESTION

Catalytic activity concentrations of gamma-glutamyltransferase in bloo d were determined for the evaluation of colostral ingestion. gamma-Glu tamyltransferase levels were compared with those of total proteins, al bumins and total globulins in the serum, showing good correlation at 2 -3 days after birth. gamma-Glutamyltransferase was determined using th e Boehringer Mannheim ''Reflotron'' dry chemistry enzyme strips. After colostral ingestion, blood gamma-glutamyltransferase increased from 3 5 +/- 19 U/l at birth to 1563 +/- 1283 U/l. Electrophoretic separation of total proteins showed an increase of serum gamma-globulins from 4. 2 g/l before ingestion to 32.9 g/l after ingestion. The same analytes were determined in colostrum showing the major protein fraction to be gamma-globulins. gamma-Globulins and gamma-glutamyltransferase permeat e to the blood stream, and there is a good correlation between them. T he enzyme gamma-glutamyltransferase can be used as an equivalent for t he determination of gamma-globulins in the calf serum and the degree o f colostral ingestion.