Chemoprofiling of punganur cow urine at different physiological stages

Cow urine is an important component of Panchagavya which contains plenty of biochemical constituents, vitamins, hormones, bioactive compounds and antioxidants. The present study was conducted to evaluate the biochemical changes in urine of Punganur cows. A total of 30 urine samples ten each from apparently healthy heifers, lactating and dry Punganur cows was collected. Qualitative analysis of Punganur cow urine at different physiological stages showed the absence of leukocytes, ketones, nitrogen, urobiliniogen, bilirubin, glucose, blood and Vitamin C. Quantitative analysis of minerals showed significantly higher values of Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorous in urine of lactating cows when compared to dry cows and heifers. Whereas, urea, uric acid, protein and creatinine levels were found to be significantly higher in urine of dry cows followed by heifers and lactating cows. Urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPC) was more in lactating cows followed by heifers and dry cows which shows hyperbolic relationship with creatinine. The hormonal profile of urine showed significantly higher levels of cortisol and growth hormone (GH) in lactating cows, estrogen in heifers and thyroxine in dry cows. The level of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Epithelial growth factor (EGF) in urine of lactating cows was significantly lower when compared to heifers and dry cows. These results showed that physiological status had profound effect on biochemical composition of cow urine.

• Importance of hormones in cow urine.

• Chemoprofiling and therapeutic importance of cow urine.