Comparative evaluation of functional activity of neutrophil in high and low yielding Murrah buffaloes during peripartum period

Abstract

To evaluate immunologic activities of neutrophils, blood samples were collected from 6 high yielding (HY) and 6 low yielding (LY) Murrah (MU) buffaloes on -15, -7, -5, -3, -2, -1 days prepartum, at calving and on 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 15 days postpartum. Blood Total leucocyte counts (TLC) and neutrophil percent increased at calving in both the groups, but the levels were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) high in HY MU buffaloes. The number of bend neutrophils were also significantly (P < 0.05) higher in HY buffaloes. Significant (P < 0.05) immunosuppression in relation to PA was found for HY MU buffaloes throughout the peripartum period with lowest immunosuppression at calving in both the groups. Cortisol levels were significantly (P < 0.01) higher during calving and negatively correlated with neutrophilic functions. The difference between two groups also remained significant (P < 0.05) as higher level of cortisol found in HY MU buffaloes. Elastase, collagenase and cathepsin were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased during parturition. Elastase of HY buffalo neutrophil was reduced 2 times than 1.5 times for LY buffalo at calving. Collagenase and cathepsin levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in LY buffaloes. At 7 day pre calving and 7 and 15 days post calving, expression of TLR-2 gene were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in HY buffaloes. Expression of TLR-4 and IL-8 genes were significantly (P < 0.05) lower on days 15 pre and post caving in HY buffaloes. Decreased blood neutrophilic functions in buffaloes having high production potential provides lower disease resistance and make them more susceptible to infection around peripartum.