Changes in some blood parameters as a function of stage and number of lactation in milking buffalo

Abstract

This study describes the variation in the levels of some blood constituents of 30 lactating buffaloes differing in their lactation number (from the 1st to the 5th) and at various stages of lactation (6, 12, 18 and 24 wk post partum). The animals were permanently housed and given conventional types of feedstuffs all year round. However, no grazing was permitted. During the experimental period, which extended over 3 consecutive seasons (autumn, winter and early spring), all buffaloes were maintained under similar managerial and environmental conditions. The results obtained are summarized as follows. Lactation number had a significant (P<0.01) effect on serum total protein, globulin, total cholesterol, lipids and calcium. Stage of lactation had a significant (P<0.01) effect on serum calcium content with a tendency to decrease with advancing lactation. Both stage and number of lactation had no significant effect on the concn. of serum albumin, inorganic phosphorus, iron and zinc. Serum total protein and globulin tended to increase with lactation number. While serum total cholesterol and lipids increased up to the 3rd lactation, the levels of serum calcium decreased until the 4th lactation. The mean levels of all parameters measured here are similar to those reported in the current veterinary literature.