Estimation of blood biochemical parameters of Banni buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) at different age, sex and physiological stages

Blood biochemical profile forms the data base for most diagnostic investigations. Present study reports the reference values for different blood metabolites, minerals, electrolytes and some clinically important enzymes as well as their variation in serum concentration at different age, sex, physiological stages viz. pregnancy, dry and lactation of Banni buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). It was observed that the concentrations of glucose, total protein, creatinine, BUN, inorganic phosphorus, ALP, ALT, LDH and GGT showed significant variation (p < 0.05) with age, sex and/or physiological status unlike the other biochemical analytes. The values of glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, total bilirubin, total cholesterol and creatinine were significantly higher in bulls than that of male calves. The levels of albumin, A/G ratio and creatinine were apparently lower in lactating buffaloes than dry buffaloes. Conversely, BUN, cholesterol and uric acid were higher in lactating buffaloes than dry buffaloes. The concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium varied non significantly between male calves and bulls. Similarly, in case of calves, the variation observed in the levels of calcium, magnesium, inorganic phosphorus, potassium and chloride were also non-significant between male and female. The data generated may be useful as reference values for the scientific community. Further, it would be helpful to assess the metabolic health status of Banni buffaloes as well as to identify dietary causes of disease and low productivity.