Serum levels of proteins and acute-phase proteins in captive emus ( Dromaius novaehllandieae ) of different ages

ABSTRACT Protein electrophoresis is a relatively simple technique that allows separating serum protein fractions, and provides important information in the investigation and diagnosis of several diseases. This study determined the levels of acute-phase proteins in the serum of healthy, captive emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae). Animals were divided into two groups (n=11 in each) based on age, with 1-year-old and 4-year-old emus. Acute-phase proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE. Ceruloplasmin, transferrin, albumin, haptoglobin, acidic glycoprotein, IgA, and IgG were detected in the serum of all animals. Protein profiles varied significantly with age (P<0.05). Individuals in the 4-year-old emus group had higher values of ceruloplasmin, transferrin, albumin, haptoglobin, and acidic glycoprotein, compared with the group with 1-year-old animals, showing the role of age in the protein profile of this species. Reference values for acute-phase proteins in healthy emus may be useful in the evaluation of health status and in the diagnosis of diseases affecting the species.