Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the development of haematological indices in the MeLiM strain of miniature pigs. MeLiM minipigs in group M were affected with hereditary malignant melanoma and received 100 mg Fe3+ dextran i.m. on day 3 of age. Group H contained melanoma-free MeLiM minipigs that were supplemented with iron as in group M. Melanoma-free MeLiM minipigs without iron supplementation till the week 5 of age were included in group A. Development of haematological indices in group H was compared to literature data from other breeds and strains of minipigs. Red blood cell indices in group A were found to be characteristic for hypochromic microcytary anaemia. Higher red blood cell counts were found in animals affected with melanoma (group M) on week 8 of age compared to group H. Pigs in group M showed also lower growth intensity compared to healthy animals (group H). Hereditary melanoma, MeLiM, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, iron Melanoma (melanobastoma)-bearing Libûchov minipigs (MeLiM) were used in the study. The MeLiM strain of miniature pigs was created after 10 years of selective breeding of animals bearing cutaneus melanomas. Two strains of miniature pigs (Hormel and Göttingen) and several other breeds (Cornwall, Landrace, Vietnamese pig, Large White