EFFECT OF UNDERNUTRITION ON HEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN RED DEER (CERVUS-ELAPHUS)

The effect of induced long-term undernutrition on blood composition wa s studied in red deer. Food-restricted animals (n = 3) received 20% of the ration of control animals (n = 3) for a period of 13-23 weeks. An initial large mass loss and increased packed cell volume in the food- restricted animals suggested malnutrition-induced dehydration. Serum a lkaline phosphatase activity decreased, suggesting an effect on hepati c and (or) intestinal excretion and (or) lowered osteoblast activity. Plasma creatinine and urea concentrations increased, suggesting reduce d kidney function and decreased excretion. In addition, increased seru m urea nitrogen concentration probably reflected increased endogenous protein catabolism and (or) haemoconcentration. Albumin concentrations decreased, suggesting decreased protein status. Contrary to what had been expected, free fatty acid and ketone body concentrations did not increase. This suggests that lipolysis occurs in accordance with the p otency to metabolize lipids without inducing ketogenesis. Possibly, si multaneous catabolism of fat and protein occurred to prevent ketosis. Creatinine level, urea/creatinine ratio, and alkaline phosphatase leve l are most suitable for evaluating the condition of red deer.