Bile acids are compounds that are made in the liver and stored in the gall bladder. Bile acids help with digestion of foods, particularly fat. Bile acids are measured to determine liver function and performance; elevated levels of bile acids in the blood are a result of ineffective reabsorption by the liver after digestion, and as such indicate that the liver cells are not functioning well. Randox Bile Acids test allows for liver function issues to be detected quickly, allowing early treatment and enabling the liver to regenerate before irreversible damage occurs.

D-3 Hydroxybutyrate (Ranbut) is a major ketone body in the blood produced when fatty acids in the liver are metabolised for energy. Elevated levels of ketones are referred to as ketosis, and occur when insufficient energy intake results in negative energy balance; ketosis can be toxic and damaging to the kidneys and liver. Many animals suffer an increased risk of ketosis as a result of high energy demands during lactation, pregnancy and birthing.

A major complication associated with ketosis is pregnancy toxemia in ewes or twin lamb disease, a metabolic disorder caused by insufficient nutrients and severe energy shortage.

Glutathione Peroxidase is an antioxidant enzyme that helps protect the body from free radicals. It contains selenium, an important trace element that is essential for enabling selenium-containing proteins, such as glutathione peroxidase, to function correctly.

The Randox Ransel test is used to measure glutathione peroxidase activity to determine functional selenium deficiency; it is considered more accurate than measuring selenium levels directly as low selenium concentration does not necessarily mean an animal is selenium deficient.

Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) is the assessment of the overall antioxidant function in the body. This is determined with the measurement of the total amount of antioxidants circulating the body. Different forms of antioxidants include those which inhibit the formation of free radicals, those which destroy free radicals, and those which repair the cells damaged as a result of free radical attack; a reduction in either of these components can compromise the body’s total antioxidant capacity.

Assessing an animals total antioxidant status is crucial as a reduction in total antioxidant status inhibits defence.