The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry have been studied in man and various animals but limited information exists for cattle plasma biochemistry. Ten clinically healthy Holstein cattle were blood sampled into different anticoagulants and plain tubes for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK) were measured. All of the measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than serum. Significant decreases in the amounts of urea, creatinine and total protein while significant increases in the concentration of bilirubin were seen when heparin was used as anticoagulant. Using EDTA as anticoagulant caused significant decreases in the amounts of urea, creatinine, total protein and the activities of AST compared to serum.

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