Some hematological and blood biochemical attributes of Iraqi riverine buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) around calving and postpartum periods

This study was conducted to demonstrate some hematological and blood biochemical profile of Iraqi riverine buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) around calving and two months postpartum (PP) period. Ten out of 22 adult buffaloes of 4.6±0.97 years old were used in this study. Blood samples was collected from each buffalo around calving and 15 days interval during two months PP. The PCV and Hb as hematological parameters and AST, ALT, ALP activities, glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations, as well as albumin to globulin ratio as biochemical characteristics were determined. The Hb and PCV did not differ significantly at calving and PP period. Although of non-significance, AST and ALT were numerically higher at days 45 and 60 PP as compared with other periods . ALP activity was numerically lower (85.88 ± 9.23 unit/ L) at day 60 PP. Simultaneously, plasma glucose concentration was numerically lower (73.91 ± 1.51 mg/dl) at day 15 PP in comparison with other periods. Plasma total protein and protein fractions did not differ significantly among periods studied. In conclusion, nutritional deficiencies and metabolic disorders at calving and PP periods in riverine buffaloes can be detected by monitoring blood alterations.