Serum γ-glutamyltransferase activity as an indicator of chronic liver injury in cattle with no clinical signs

This study aimed to determine the power of the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyltransferasase (GGT) activities and of the albumin and cholesterol dosages for detecting hepatic histopathological injuries. A total of 220 healthy male Nelore cattle that had been extensively bred were evaluated. Blood and liver samples were collected on the day of slaughter for biochemical and histopathological tests. The results showed that the sensitivity to AST, GGT, albumin, and cholesterol tests were respectively 22.4%, 22.4%, 36%, and 37.2%. The specificity of AST, GGT, albumin, and cholesterol tests was respectively 78.8%, 90.4%, 75.6%, and 68.3%. In short, the detection of minor liver injuries through biochemical tests is limited; however, the high specificity of the GGT allows its use as an indicator of hepatic chronic injuries in cattle herds.