Blood type in animals: domestic and agricultural. Features of transfusion

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The blood type in animals is an individual antigenic feature of erythrocytes. It is detected by the method of identifying specific groups of carbohydrates and proteins that are part of the structure of erythrocyte membranes. In this way, representatives of various biological groups are divided according to the characteristics of the blood.

When transfusing blood of different groups, incompatibility is caused. In this case, the interaction of agglutinins and agglutinogens, agglutination of erythrocytes and hemolysis occur. Because of this, before transfusion, animals are tested to determine the blood type: the compatibility of the donor and recipient is revealed.

How many blood types do different animals have

Scientists have long established that blood types in animals are different, and in different representatives their number varies significantly. So, 11 groups are distinguished in dogs, three in cats, 8 in horses, 60 in chickens, and 30 in pigs. The most studied are the blood groups of domestic and farm animals. ATveterinary medicine, animal blood group data assists in breeding, paternity, breed structuring, and screening of animals for export and import.

Features of the blood of dogs

Animals have different blood types than humans. In dogs, eleven main groups are distinguished, which differ in the composition of proteins and antigens. Dog blood groups are indicated by numbers and Latin letters A, Tr, B, C, D, F, J, K, L, M, N. Most dogs have the first blood type.

Blood transfusion for dogs

When wondering if animals have a blood group, many do not even think that they, like humans, have a whole system of dividing blood into groups. So, in dogs there is an inter-medical DEA designation system, in which six groups are distinguished:

1. DEA1.1 is a universal group.
2. DEA1.2.
3. DEA3.
4. DEA4 - also considered universal and suitable for all dogs.
5. DEA 5.
6. DEA 7.

Like a human, even with a transfusion of the universal group, dogs are tested for compatibility.

The most versatile group in dogs

One of the most important is DEA1.1 blood. Information about the group must be included in the veterinary passport.

The blood types of animals and humans are different, but both are characterized by the Rh factor. In animals, it can also be positive and negative. Moreover, half of the animals haveDEA1.1+. Such dogs can be transfused with blood of any breed, but only with the same blood. Those animals with DEA1.1 – are considered universal donors.

At the first transfusion, blood from dogs with the DEA1.1+ group can be transfused into animals whose blood is DEA1.1 –. The first transfusion is successful. After it, antibodies accumulate in the body and, with repeated transfusion, an immune reaction occurs with serious consequences.

Before a blood transfusion of any type, a compatibility test is mandatory, during which the presence of antigens is checked.

Blood in dogs has no breed-related differences. So, blood from a spaniel can be transfused to a pug, terrier and other breeds, as long as it is compatible.

Features of the blood of cats

Cat lovers may find it difficult to get their cat transfused. At such moments, the question arises, what blood types do animals have and how are they compatible?

There is a whole system of blood types in cats under the general name AB. Group A is most common in cats, but B is less common. AB cats are exceptionally rare: they are considered universal recipients.

Before a blood transfusion, cats are also tested for compatibility. This is due to the fact that the blood of the donor cat and the recipient may not match, contain antigens, due to which erythrocytes stick together and destroy.

The influence of blood type on cat breeding

To get he althyoffspring, breeders should refuse to breed cats with group B and cats with group A, but cats with type A blood can be bred with any cats.

When getting offspring from cats or cats with group B, there will be kittens with similar blood. Thus, a kind of "island" will be created, in which there will be all animals with the same blood. To get a litter, cats will again have to mate with cats whose blood has group B. Because of this feature, mating a cat with a cat with other blood will not work, as this is dangerous for offspring: it will be born dead or die during the first hours of life.

Sometimes it happens that a certain breed is characterized by group B. In such cases, only representatives of this breed are used to obtain he althy offspring. If a cat with group B is expecting offspring from a cat with blood A, then at birth, all kittens are tested for blood type. All individuals with group A are removed from the cat and fed separately.

Blood groups in farm animals

In humans, the blood type is determined by the ABO system and the Rh factor. Approximately 80% of the world's population is positive, and the rest is negative. If a married couple has a husband with a positive Rh, and a wife with a negative one, then the probability of having children with a positive Rh factor is high. In this case, antibodies are formed in the mother's body, which penetrate the placenta into the blood of the embryo and destroy its red blood cells. In animals, antibodies do not cross the placenta, but accumulate in colostrum. Afterthe appearance of offspring, they enter the body of animals with the first dose, causing the destruction of red blood cells and the death of offspring. Because of this feature, during breeding, not only the blood groups of farm animals and their offspring are determined, but also the Rh factor. A similar examination is carried out in pigs, horses, cows and other agricultural animals. In case of conflict situations, newborn animals are taken away from their mothers and fed artificially.