Age related changes in haematology and plasma biochemical profile in Purnathadi buffalo

Abstract

Haematology and plasma profile was studied in young (N=108) and adult (N=144) Purnathadi buffaloes to investigate the age associated changes in blood constituents. Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV), Total erythrocyte count (TEC), Differential Leukocyte count (DLC), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were determined by using routine hematological procedures and total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, calcium, phosphorus and glucose were determined by using biochemical analyzer. Significant difference was recorded in most of the haematological and biochemical indices between two age groups, but Hb, PCV and TEC values were on lower side when compared with the reference values for buffalo. The results of this study showed that among hematological parameters Hb (9.30±0.14 g/dl), PCV (30.88±0.67%), TEC (5.73±0.11 x 106/μl), MCV (59.34±1.34 fg), TLC (12.64±0.38 x 103/μl), eosinophil (1.19±0.13 %), and neutrophil (30.33±0.92%) were significantly (P<0.01) higher in adult buffaloes than those of young calves. On the other hand monocyte (2.39±0.15 %) and lymphocytes (65.98±0.97 %) were significantly (P<0.01) higher in young calves than adult buffalo. Compared with the biochemical parameters, total protein and globulin concentration was significantly (P<0.05) higher in adult buffaloes but A/G ratio, calcium, phosphorus and glucose concentration was significantly higher (P<0.01) in young calves. This knowledge on variation in hemato-biochemical parameters between calves and adult buffaloes may be important for interpretation of laboratory data.