Vol. 9, Issue 1 (2020)

Author(s):
Vasantha SKI, Nikhil Kumar Tej, Saikiran BVS, Lavanya S, Sivaiah K, Mutha Rao M and Srinivasa Prasad CH

Abstract:
The objective of the present study was to assess the hematological and biochemical changes during periparturient period Ongole cattle. Eight Ongole pregnant cattle of four to six years of age during the summer season were used for the experiment. Temperature humidity index (THI) was calculated by recording the ambient temperature and relative humidity in the calving season. Whole blood was collected one week before and after calving. Haematological and biochemical parameters were estimated. The study revealed that transition period had no effect (p>0.05) on total erythrocytic count (TEC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The total leucocyte count (TLC) was significantly (p< 0.05) higher and lymphocyte percent was significantly (p< 0.05) lower during postpartum compared to prepartum. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference between prepartum and postpartum with respect to biochemical parameters such as total protein, BUN and creatinine. Cholesterol, calcium and phosphorous levels were significantly (p< 0.05) lower during postpartum compared to prepartum. Changes in hematological and biochemical parameters are indicative of parturition stress in Ongole cows and these parameters could be used as stress markers. The mean values obtained for hematological and biochemical parameters are within the reference range of cattle despite of high THI which is indicative of high thermo tolerance to the existing adverse ambience.