Blood coagulation, platelets and haematocrit 1n male, female, and pregnant Göttlngen rmmplgs

Abstract

Pigs are commonly used animals for research. Information on the coagulation system of an experimental animal is essential for scholars to select an appropriate model. We present information on coagulation and haematological parameters
in Giittingen breed minipigs (male, female, and pregnant). Factor activities are expressed as percentage of human activity to facilitate interspecies comparison.
Protein C was significantly higher, fibrinogen and platelets were significantly lower in pregnant compared to male pigs (p < 0.001 without Bonferroni-correction, p < 0.03 with Bonferroni-correction applied). As pregnant sows were older (30 +/- 11 months) than female non-pregnant animals (age 11+/- 8 months) and boars (8 +/- 2 months) an influence of age on the observed differences can’t be excluded.
The Göttingen minipig is an animal suited for studies involving coagulation Iiieasurements. It should be noted, however, that compared to normal human values factor V (about 400% human) and Factor VIII (about 300% human) are higher in
Göttingen breed minipigs and that haematocrit (33% absolute) is lower.