Haematochemical and Hormonal Parameters Related to Buffalo Calves Welfare

The aim of this preliminary study was to verify the application of veal calves welfare rules to buffalo rearing and as a result, the related metabolic and hormonal parameters response. Data regarding housing and management of two buffalo farms (A and B) were collected by means of a specific farm record card in order to verify the compliance to European legislation. In both farms, blood samples were taken from 14 newborn buffalo calves and followed up monthly from one week to 5 months aged. The haemogram was carried out by automatic counter Cell-Dyn 3700 (12 parameters) on blood samples with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) within 4 hours. Furthermore, iron and γ-Glutamyltransferase (γGT) serum levels were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer (Olympus 4000). Finally, cortisol serum concentration was detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA) method. In comparison with farm B, farm A showed lesser attention to the compliance of some management parameters and weaning procedures. Farm A showed a significant lower average value for RBC and haemoglobin (P< 0.05). Iron level was lightly higher in farm B whereas a significant increase of cortisol was observed in farm A (P< 0.05). Nevertheless, in both farms, an increase of γGT values as a result of a correct colostrum ingestion was observed. In conclusion, farm B could be considered as a control for what concerns the veal calves rules application to buffalo rearing and the results of welfare related haematochemical parameters.