Serum Protein and Protein Fractions in Unsupplemented Range Cattle

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Abstract
THE serum proteins are composed of a complex mixture of components which are known to play important roles in body metabolism. The chief physiochemical function is the maintenance of normal blood volume and normal water content in tissue fluids. Serum proteins also possess a binding capacity for many substances. The serum proteins thus serve as transport agents for various nutrients, drugs and other substances. This study reports the mean values and variability of serum protein and the serum protein fractions for unsupplemented range cattle at various ages. Genetic influences, as measured by heritability estimates, were also obtained. Correlations were obtained for these constituents with contemporary and subsequent animal weights. Materials and Methods Data were obtained from a registered Hereford herd owned by the Apache Indian Tribe at San Carlos, Arizona. The herd varied in size from 280 to 435 cows and from nine to 12 herd sires per year. This herd was maintained under range conditions with little or no supplementation during the more severe winter months. Range forage consisted primarily of desert grassland vegetation as described by Nichol (1952). Annual rainfall in this area averages about 355 mm and the mean temperatures ranged from 7 C in January to 29 C in July. Copyright © 1972. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1972 by American Society of Animal Science.

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