Blood Glucose and Serum Minerals in Postpartum Cyclic and Acyclic Buffaloes during Hot Humid Season

The postpartum period is a crucial phase in buffalo reproduction involving many physiological and hormonal changes. Postpartum anestrus is a major reproductive challenge in buffaloes, especially during the hot-humid season, due to heightened environmental stress, negative energy balance and micronutrient deficiencies. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the blood glucose and serum mineral profiles of postpartum cyclic and acyclic buffaloes to understand their role in the postpartum resumption of ovarian activity.

The study was conducted on 12 pluriparous graded Murrah buffaloes maintained at private dairy farms in Durg (Chhattisgarh) during the hot-humid season. Animals were grouped into postpartum cyclic (n=6) and acyclic (n=6) based on reproductive examination up to 120 days postpartum. Blood samples were collected for estimation of blood glucose using a glucometer and serum macro minerals (Ca, Pi, Mg) in semi auto-analyzer using standard biochemical kits and trace elements (Cu, Co, Fe, Zn, Se) employing atomic absorption spectrophotometry techniques.

The incidence of postpartum anestrus in organised buffalo herds was 22.58% (21/93). The parameters were compared between postpartum cyclic (n=6) and acyclic buffaloes (n=6). A significant difference was observed in concentrations of blood glucose (68.67±1.91 vs. 60.83±4.01 mg/dl), serum calcium (Ca; 8.31±0.65 vs. 6.45±0.37 mg/dl), copper (Cu; 1.47±0.13 vs. 1.08±0.10 ppm), iron (Fe; 2.25±0.16 vs. 1.79±0.11 ppm) and selenium (Se; 0.72±0.03 vs. 0.62±0.03 ppm) between postpartum cyclic and acyclic buffaloes, respectively. However, non-significant variations existed in concentrations of serum inorganic phosphorus (Pi; 6.42±0.49 vs. 5.47±0.66 mg/dl), magnesium (Mg; 2.21±0.48 vs. 1.97±0.44 mg/dl) and zinc (Zn; 5.02±0.74 vs. 4.43±0.58 ppm).