Alterations in the hemato-biochemical, endocrine, somatic cell count and milk composition in lactating tarai buffaloes during different lactation stages

Tarai buffalo is indigenous buffalo breed of Uttarakhand state, dual purpose, well adapt to hot-humid climatic condition of Tarai area. This study aimed to evaluate the alterations in the hemato-biochemical, endocrine, milk somatic cell count and milk composition in lactating Tarai buffaloes.

Thirty-six healthy Tarai buffaloes were selected from four different Gujjar farms and divided into four groups consisting nine buffaloes in each group as early (60±30 days), mid (120±30 days) and late (180±30 days) lactation stages and dry buffaloes. Both blood and milk samples were collected once from each lactation stage of selected animals. Hematological parameters and milk composition were evaluated by standard procedures and methods. Biochemical and endocrine parameters were evaluated using commercially available kits as per manufacturer's protocol. Milk somatic cell count (SCC) was done by direct microscopic counts using Newman Lampert stain.

It observed significantly (p<0.05) higher TLC value but lower plasma glucose, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus and urea levels during early lactation stage. Significantly (p<0.05) declined in plasma total protein during late lactation stage and triglyceride in dry cows. Plasma hormone significantly (p<0.05) higher in cortisol during early lactation while higher T₄ and insulin in late lactation stages. Milk fat, urea and total solids were significantly (p<0.05) decreased during early lactation and again increased during late lactation while milk SCC significantly (p<0.05) higher during early and late lactation stages.