The activity of two tissue enzymes, i.e. alanine aminotransferase
(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and the concentrations of
total proteins (TP), glucose, triacylglycerols, cholesterol, phosphorus
(P) and chlorides were determined using a Liasys biochemical analyzer
(AMS, Italy). Total plasma calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium
(K) and magnesium (Mg) were measured using an AAS Solaar M6
atomic absorption spectrometer (Unicam, Great Britain). The concentration of total proteins was measured in g·l−1. The concentrations of
glucose, triacylglycerols, cholesterol and all biochemical elements
were measured in mmol·l−1. The activity of both liver enzymes was
measured in μkat·l−1. Biochemical profile analyses were provided by
the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Brno, Czech Republic. Immediately after sampling, erythrocyte count, hematocrit value, hemoglobin content, and
leukocyte count were determined according to Svobodová et al.
(1991). Erythrocyte and leukocyte counts were performed in Bürker's
hemocytometer after staining with Natt–Herrick solution. Heparinized
microcapillaries (75 mm) were used to measure hematocrit. Blood samples were centrifuged in microcapillaries using a hematocrit centrifuge
at 12,000 g for 3 min. Hemoglobin content was analyzed photometrically (540 nm; Helios Unicam, USA) in Kampen–Zijlster transformation
medium.