We measured the serum activities of the bone-specific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (ALP3) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP5b), as osteoblastic bone formation and osteoclastic bone resorption markers, respectively, in two zoo-managed Asian elephant calves during the 4-month period around weaning (2 months before and after weaning). The serum ALP3 and TRAP5b levels decreased after weaning; the levels were significantly higher in the pre-than post-weaning period. These results suggest that osteoblastic bone formation and osteoclastic bone resorption slowed after weaning. Breast milk feeding of Asian elephants may play a significant role in osteoblastic and osteoclastic bone metabolism during the growth period.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Takehana et al. (2023) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: