PSVII-1 - Sample Handling and Vitamin Analysis

Abstract: Vitamins are crucial for day-to-day function in the body. They are often collected in studies to ensure that the body is functioning normally, but the ways in which these samples are collected are inconsistent. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate differences in sampling collection methods. A total of four blood tubes (two serum and two plasma) were collected from 8 finishing pigs (n = 4 gilts and barrows). One blood tube of each type was either exposed to light or wrapped in foil before processing for analysis took place. Livers were taken from six gilts, sectioned, and those sections were either frozen immediately or placed at one of three temperatures (room temperature, 4^oC, or -20^oC) for 3, 6, or 12 hours before freezing to assess degradation of vitamins within the tissue. Blood was assessed for vitamins A, D, and E while liver was assessed for vitamins A and E with data analyzed by PROC GLIMMIX. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) for the interaction of blood tube type and light exposure for vitamin D in the blood and a tendency (P < 0.10) for the interaction of blood tube type and light exposure for vitamin A in the blood. Furthermore, there were sex effects (P < 0.05) for vitamin D and (P < 0.10) vitamin A with barrows having higher vitamin statuses than gilts. There were no differences (P > 0.10) for the interaction of blood tube type and light exposure for vitamin E in the blood, or the amount of degradation of vitamins A and E in the liver. In conclusion, factors such as sex, blood tube type, and light, can influence vitamin concentration in biological samples.