Changes in hematological and biochemical parameters of periparturient murrah buffaloes during summer and winter season: A study to assess seasonal and transitional stress

Environmental stress and transition period in buffaloes imposes significant changes in hemato-biochemical parameters. On this background the present study was attempted to evaluate biochemical parameters in transition buffaloes during summer and winter seasons.

Thirty six advanced pregnant and non-pregnant Murrah buffaloes of around 5 years of age were randomly selected. Whole blood was collected from twelve buffaloes each in their transition period during winter and summer season for a period of five weeks and six non pregnant buffaloes for each season served as control. Haematological, biochemical parameters were estimated and THI was calculated in both the seasons.

The mean THI, TEC, Hb, MCH, MCHC, SOD activity and MDA levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in summer compared to winter, while MCV and GSH activity was significantly higher (p<0.05) in winter compared to summer. No significant (p>0.05) difference between seasons was observed with respect to TLC, monocyte and lymphocyte per cent. Moreover, Hb, SOD, GSH and MDA concentration differed significantly (p<0.05) throughout the transition period during summer and winter seasons, while TEC, MCV, MCH and MCV concentration did not change (p>0.05) with transition period in both the seasons. The present study indicated that summer season had profound effect on hemato-biochemical parameters. While SOD, GSH and MDA could be used as markers of transitional stress in Murrah buffaloes.