Etiology and haemato-biochemical alterations in cattle of Jammu suffering from anaemia

Aim: To obtain the clinical appraisal and haemato-biochemical alterations in cattle suffering from anaemia in Jammu division of J&K, India. Materials and Methods: 125 cattle were screened for anaemia on the basis of Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Blood samples were taken for estimation of Hb, packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, plasma iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). Faecal samples were screened for ova/ cyst and peripheral blood smear was examined for haemoprotozoa. The animals with Hb < 8g/ dl were categorized as anaemic. Results: Out of 125 cattle screened for anaemia, 47 (37.6%) were anaemic. Levels of Hb, PCV, TEC, MCH, MCHC and plasma iron were significantly lower in anaemic cattle than non-anaemic cattle while TIBC was significantly higher. The clinical signs in majority of the anaemic animals were depression, pale mucous membrane, dehydration and rough body coat. Faecal examination revealed parasitic infestation in 25 of those anaemic animals (Trichostrongyloids 16 and Bunostomum09). Ticks were seen in seven animals, whereas three animals were lice/ flea infested. Peripheral blood smear examination revealed Babesia bigemina infection in five animals. Conclusion: Hb, PCV, Plasma iron and TIBC were significantly altered in the present study and can be used for diagnosis of anaemia in cattle. The major causes of anaemia in this study were endoand ecto-parasitic infestations.