Some of the frequently used biochemical values of serum and plasma in three different populations of Anatolian shepherd dog

The biochemical values serum albumin, total cholesterol, magnesium (Mg), ca lcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (Pi), sodium (Na). potassium (K) in serum (nl = 38) and zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in plasma (n2 = 74) were determined in individuals of Anatolian shepherd dog (Asd) which is the most preferred dog in Anatolia as a guard dog of flocks. Individuals from both sexes were collected from three different farms (sites). Comparative studies showed t hat (i) there were no significant differences between the values of the two sexes except for Ca, (ii) there were significant (P < 0.05-0.001) differen ces between the values of sites in Pi, Na. Zn and Cu. When the results of t he present study was considered together with the previous ones carried on other breeds or on dogs generally, it was observed Na in Asd is in the lowe r limit of the observed range. In the present study, the frequently used biochemical values (albumin : 3.2 0 +/- 0.08 g/dl, total cholesterol: 4.08 +/- 0.19 mmol/l, Mg : 1.01 +/- 0.0 8 mmol/l, Ca: 2.59 +/- 0.21 mmol/l, Pi : 1.49 +/- 0.10 mmol/l, Na: 139.27 /- 1.40 mmol/l, K:4.35 +/- 0.07 mmol/l, Zn : 16.73 +/- 0.81 <mu>mol/l, Cu : 8.27 +/-: 0.37 mu mol/l) were presented in Asd. Among these, total cholest erol. Mg, Ca, Pi, Zn and Cu values were reported for the first time in this breed. Furthermore, it was shown that in setting the standards for a breed it was necessary to consider possible differences between the populations of the breed.