Determination of Blood Metabolites in Cross Hf Cattle at Pre-parturient Stage: Reference Value

Profiles of blood metabolites have widely been used as part of a multidisciplinary approach to identify metabolic disorders in dairy herds. Our goal was to identify constraints on productivity of cross bred HF herds and set up baseline hematologic and serum biochemical values. The values were determined in pre-parturient cross bred Holstein Friesen (HF) cattle of Nepal. The study was carried out in 50 pre-parturient cross bred HF Cattle in Central part of Nepal. Animals ranging 5-8 years old running in the last trimester of pregnancy were selected for this purpose. A complete blood count, assays associated to liver and kidney function and macro minerals were estimated. The blood samples were drawn from juglar vein using vacutainer tubes. All the hematologic and biochemical variables were determined using automated analyzers and routine laboratory techniques. Glucose, BUN, Creatinine, AST, ALT, total serum Protein and albumin level were found very close to standard reference values recorded in the literature for similar breeds. Similarly hematologic indices associated with RBC series i.e. Hb, PCV, Platelet counts, MCV, MCH, and MCHC were also found within normal limits. WBC counts along with differential counts were corresponded well within the reference range but, eiosinophil and monocyte counts were significantly (p<0.05) increased suggesting parasitic infestation. However, Mineral profiles particularly Calcium (6.76±0.20mg/dl) and Phosphorus (3.03±0.18) levels were found significantly (p<0.05) low. This suggests that cross HF cattle were at high risk to calcium metabolic disorders and corrective measures should be employed for better production. All the estimated values of hematologic indices and serum biochemical components are recommended as a baseline value except the values which are significantly outside the common normal range.