Evaluation of physio-biochemical changes in pre-partum stage of transition Deoni cows

The present study was undertaken to determine the physiological status in pre-partumstage of transition Deoni cows. Animals were screened and selected on the basis of artificial insemination and pregnancy records maintained at the Instructional Livestock Farm Complex (ILFC) and Sub centre, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Udgir (M.S.). Total eighteen transition (3 weeks-prepartum) Deoni cows, of between eight to twelve years of age, were selected for the study and maintained on similar management practices. Biochemical variables including calcium, phosphorus, Ca:P ratio, magnesium, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ration, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin were estimated in pre-partum transition Deoni cows and were compared with healthy non-pregnant control. The haematological indices like white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, red blood cells (RBC), were determined and compared with healthy non pregnant control. Result of study revealed that mineral status such as serum calcium and phosphorus was significantly (P<0.01) reduced in prepartum transition animals when compared to the healthy non pregnant (control) group. Energy status in terms of blood glucose level was significantly (P<0.01) reduced in prepartum transition animal as compared to control. It was concluded that there may be a metabolic shift in the level of haematobiochemical parameters in the transient period of Deoni cows. Therefore, henceforth in the ration of transition (pre-partum) Deoni cows, inclusion of soluble carbohydrates and mineral mixture would be beneficial in preventing the development of negative energy balance (NEB).

Keywords: Transition animals, biochemical variables, physiological indices, negative energy balance