Biochemical changes associated with fatty liver in geese.

Studying biochemical changes in the blood and liver of geese during cramming showed significant increases in the liver enzymes: malic dehydrogenase (MDH), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and malic enzyme (ME), and a decrease in alkaline phosphatase (ALP). No significant changes were seen in the activity of isocitric dehydrogenase (ICDH), and glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH). There were significant increases in serum ME, ICDH, LDH, MDH, AST, acid phosphatase (ACP), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), and total lipids and decreases in serum ALP, albumin and the haemocrit. No significant changes were seen in the activity of cholinesterase, glucose, total proteins, globulins and inorganic phosphorus. There were good correlations between liver size and the change of some of the biochemical parameters studied, which may serve as markers for the presence and degree of liver fattening. There were differences between families of gray and white geese and concentrations and activities of the blood constituents paralleled the degree of liver fattening. The possibility of using these parameters as genetic markers is discussed. No correlations were found between the liver and serum biochemical parameters. The effect of transporting the geese from the farm to the slaughter house on the levels of the blood constituents is described.