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Haematological profile of crossbred dairy cattle to monitor herd health status at medium elevation in Central Himalayas
Research in Veterinary Science 2000, 69, 141–145 doi:10.1053/rvsc.2000.0400, available online at http://www.idealibrary.com on
Haematological profile of crossbred dairy cattle to monitor herd health status at medium elevation in Central Himalayas B. KUMAR*, S. P. PACHAURI† Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory, Pithoragarh 262501, India †Department of Medicine, College of Veterinary Sciences, Pantnagar 263145, India SUMMARY Haematological profile—haemoglobin concentration (Hb), total erythrocytes count (TEC), packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte indices-mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were studied in crossbred dairy cattle (Holstein Friesian × Sahiwal) under various physiological states: non-pregnant heifers (NPH), pregnant heifers (PH), empty dry cows (EDC), pregnant lactating cows (PLC), medium yield early lactating cows (MYELC) and high yield early lactating cows (HYELC) during summer and winter seasons at 1700 metres altitude from mean sea level in the Central Himalayas. On comparison of annual means, the highest values of Hb and PCV were recorded in PH and of TEC in NPH, whereas the lowest values of these parameters were found in EDC. The Hb and TEC tended to decrease with increasing milk yield. Comparison of annual means of erythrocyte indices revealed the highest MCV and MCH in EDC, which simultaneously showed the lowest MCHC. Significant seasonal variations in haematological profile were recorded. The overall group mean (OGM) of Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC was found to be significantly higher (P < 0·01) during summer whereas the TEC and PCV showed higher OGM (P < 0.01) during the winter season. © 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd
METABOLIC profiles are based on the concept that laboratory measurement of certain blood biochemical constituents reflects the nutritional status/metabolic health of dairy herds with, or without, the manifestation of clinical abnormalities. Haemoglobin and packed cell volume were included in metabolic profile tests amongst other biochemical constituents by Payne et al (1970). The importance of erythrocyte indices in interpretation of metabolic profile tests in cattle was discussed by Jazbec et al (1993) and Klinkon et al (1994). Variations in certain components of the haematological profile due to the physiological status of animals (Rowlands et al 1974, 1975, Manston et al 1975, Noonan et al 1978, Esievo and Moare 1979, Rajora and Pachauri 1992, 1994) and due to season (Moustafa et al 1977, Shaffer et al 1981, El Nouty et al 1986, Rajcevic et al 1995) have been reported in temperate and tropical regions. However, literature on such studies in hills and high altitudes is scant. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to establish the normal haematological values and influence of season and physiological states on haematology which could be used in monitoring the herd health status in hills.
of 1700 metres from mean sea level near the Indo–Tibet and Nepal borders were used during the course of this study. The animals were divided into six different study groups: nonpregnant heifers (NPH, in the age group of 12 to 15 months), pregnant heifers (PH, under 4 to 6 months of pregnancy), empty dry cows (EDC, in the age group of 5 to 8 years), pregnant lactating cows (PLC, in the age group of 5 to 8 years and under 4 to 6 months of pregnancy), medium yield early lactating cows (MYELC, in the age group of 6 to 8 years and between 4 to 6 weeks of lactation yielding 8 to 12 litres milk per day) and high yield early lactating cows (HYELC, in the age group of 6 to 8 years and between 4 to 8 weeks of lactation yielding 13 to 18 litres milk per day). Blood samples from the first batch of 60 animals having 10 animals in each group were collected during May and June (the summer season, S1) and from second batch of 60 animals during December and January (the winter season, S2). Meteorological conditions
Experimental animals
The meteorological parameters minimum to maximum temperature, humidity and total rain fall were recorded daily during the entire course of study. The mean values recorded during May and June (season S1) and during December and January (season S2) are given in Table 1. The average of the year was treated as annual mean.
One hundred and twenty apparently healthy dairy cattle [Holstein Friesian (HF) × Sahiwal] maintained at an altitude
Feeding of experimental animals
*Corresponding author: Dr Bhuvnesh Kumar, Ministry of Defence, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory, Pithoragarh UP-262501, India.
Concentrate mixture fed to experimental animals during both the seasons consisted of yellow maize (30 per cent), wheat bran (40 per cent), mustard oil cake (28 per cent), vitamin and mineral mixture (1 per cent) and common salt
MATERIALS AND METHODS
0034-5288/00/050141 + 05 $35.00/0
© 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd
B. Kumar, S. P. Pachauri
142
TABLE 1:
Meteorological observations recorded at 1700 meters altitude [mean (SE)]
Meteorological parameters
Seasons
Annual mean
S1 Temperature (°C) Minimum Maximum Humidity (per cent) Total rain fall (mm)
TABLE 2:
S2
13·49 (1·71) 27·52 (0·28) 66·16 (1·15) 263·60
1·69 (0·22) 14·46 (0·28) 79·27 (0·88) 137·80
10·24 (1·81) 22·09 (1·45) 72·81 (2·35) 1432·40
Haemoglobin, total erythrocytes count and packed cell volume in crossbred dairy cattle and their seasonal variations [mean (SE)] Animal group
Haematological parameters S1
Hb (g litre–1)
S2
Annual mean S1 TEC
12
–1
(× 10 litre )
S2
Annual mean S1 PCV
–1
(1 litre )
S2
Annual mean
NPH
PH
EDC
PLC
MYELC
HYELC
Overall group mean
99·00eghi 4 (2·32) 77·10lm 4 (2·21) 88·05rE (2·88) 8·42efghi (0·31) 8·33loC (0·24) 8·37vwG (0·18) 0·38cefgl (0·08) 0·34hil (0·01) 0·36 (0·007)
94·80df Λ (1··30) 92·30kmoq (3·04) 93·55tuG (1·59) 6·78gh 1 (0·42) 9·05nqr Cl (0·24) 7·91uF (0·34) 0·36bd2 (0·01) 0·39hjln2 (0·01) 0·38pC (0·01)
70·10abcde 5 (2·35) 80·10noB 5 (2·93) 75·10rst D (2·11) 5·31abcde 2 (0·32) 6·12jklmn 2 (0·30) 5·71stuvD (0·23) 0·31abcA3 (0·07) 0·35lm3 (0·01) 0·33pB (0·007)
87·70bh Λ (4·36) 88·70jlnp (3·76) 88·20sF (2·74) 6·94diA 3 (0·45) 8·49mp 3 (0·34) 7·71tE (0·32) 0·34fA4 (0·01) 0·40ikmo4 (0·01) 0·37B (0·009)
89·20ci 3 (3·40) 80·50pqC 3 (3·15) 84·85DG (2·41) 6·77bg 4 (0·31) 7·99krB4 (0·42) 7·38sG (0·28) 0·33de5 (0·09) 0·35jk5 (0·01) 0·34C (0·008)
85·00afg 2 (4·32) 73·30BC 2 (2·32) 79·15uEF (2·62) 6·24afA5 (0·31) 7·16jopqB5 (0·33) 6·70wDEF (0·24) 0·35ag (0·01) 0·36no (0·01) 0·35 (0·009)
87·631 (1·71) 82·001 (1·42) 84·82 (0·88) 6·746 (0·18) 7·866 (0·17) 7·30 (0·10) 0·346 (0·008) 0·376 (0·009) 0·36 (0·003)
Values in the rows bearing common a to w and A to G superscripts differ significantly at 1 per cent and 5 per cent levels of significance respectively. Values in columns bearing common 1 to 6 and 7 to 8 superscripts differ significantly at 1 per cent and 5 per cent levels of significance respectively.
(1 per cent). Green fodder such as oat, berseem and white clover in almost equal proportion was given during S1 and the green maize during S2, whereas the dry fodder (wheat straw) was the same during both the seasons.
RESULTS The data on Hb, TEC, PCV, erythrocyte indices and their F-values, critical differences and coefficient of variation are presented in Tables 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Haematology measurements Blood samples were collected aseptically from the jugular vein between 10:00 and 12:00 hours as suggested by Okada et al (1997) using double oxalate (ammonium and potassium oxalate, 12:8 w/w) as an anticoagulant and analysed on the same day for Hb (Collier 1955) and TEC (Blum 1945) spectrophotometrically and PCV by the Wintrobe method as described by Jain (1996). The erythrocyte indices MCV, MCH and MCHC were computed mathematically (Jain 1996). Statistical analysis The experiment was conducted in two factor randomized block design (RBD) where season and animal groups were taken as factors. Each observation was recorded on 10 animals during the summer and during the winter season. The data were analysed in two factor RBD and F-values; critical differences and coefficient of variation were computed (Cochran and Cox 1977). Average of both the seasons was treated as annual mean whereas the average value of all the six study groups of the respective seasons S1 and S2 as well as the annual means was treated as overall group mean (OGM).
Haemoglobin concentration EDC showed significantly lower Hb (P < 0·01) as compared to the rest of the study groups whereas the highest Hb was recorded in NPH during the summer season S1. PH showed higher values as compared to HYELC (P < 0·01) and PLC (P < 0·05). Hb values in the season S1 followed the order of EDC < HYELC < PLC < MYELC < PH < NPH. During the season S2, pregnant groups (PLC and PH) showed significantly higher Hb (P < 0·01) as compared to non-pregnant groups (NPH, EDC, MYELC and HYELC). The values in season S2 were in order of HYELC < NPH < EDC < MYELC < PLC < PH. Comparison of annual means revealed significantly lower Hb in EDC than NPH, PLC, PH (P < 0·01) and MYELC (P < 0·05). HYELC also showed lower value as compared to PH (P < 0·01) and NPH, PLC (P < 0·05) respectively. Annual means followed the order of EDC < HYELC < MYELC < NPH < PLC < PH. Significant seasonal variations in Hb were recorded in groups PH, EDC, MYELC and HYELC. The values being higher (P < 0·01) during S1 resulted in a higher overall group mean recorded for all the six study groups in this season.
Haematological profile of crossbred dairy cattle in Central Himalayas TABLE 3:
F-value, critical differences and coefficient of variation of haemoglobin, total erythrocytes count and packed cell volume Hb
TEC
PCV
CD
CD
Sources of variation
F-value
1 per cent
5 per cent
F-value
Season Group Season x group
10·30** 9·72** 6·59**
4·61 7·98 11·29
3·48 6·03 8·53
31·13** 15·35** 2·61*
CV
143
(percent)
1 per cent
CD
5 per cent
0·52 0·91 1·28
11·33
0·39 0·68 0·97
F-value 11·87** 4·50** 3·63**
14·97
1 per cent
5 per cent
0·017 0·030 0·043
0·013 0·023 0·033
10·40
*P < 0·05, **P < 0·01.
TABLE 4:
Erythrocytes indices in crossbred dairy cattle and their seasonal variations [mean (SE)] Animal group
Erythrocytes indices
NPH S1
MCV
(fl)
S2
Annual mean S1 MCH
(pg)
S2
Annual mean S1 MCHC
–1
(gdl )
S2
Annual mean
45·10abcA7 (1·77) 41·46ghF7 (0·97) 43·29 (1·03) 11·85aABCDI (0·36) 9·29bl (0·26) 10·57 (0·36) 26·35cAI (0·37) 22·51Dl (0·86) 24·43 (0·62)
PH
54·42aBDI (3·51) 44·37iGl (1·98) 49·39 (2·22) 14·92a2 (1·03) 10·26d2 (0·47) 12·39 (0·72) 26·66dB2 (0·76) 23·42i2 (1·29) 25·04FH (0·80)
EDC
61·26cefDE (3·76) 58·87hijklF (3·29) 60·06 (2·39) 13·51D (0·90) 13·29bcdef (0·66) 13·40 (0·53) 22·33abcde (0·83) 22·87g (0·90) 22·60GH (0·58)
PLC
50·89fAC8 (3·10) 47·84k8 (1·69) 49·36 (1·71) 13·24A3 (1·31) 10·52f3 (0·40) 11·88 (0·72) 25·64bc3 (1·01) 22·013 (0·52) 23·83 (0·68)
MYELC
49·37deB2 (2·71) 44·39jH2 (1·01) 46·88 (1·48) 13·36B4 (0·62) 10·16c4 (0·26) 11·76 (0·22) 27·18efC4 (0·59) 22·90h4 (0·35) 25·04EG (0·58)
HYELC
Overall group mean
56·30bdCE3 (1·37) 50·57glGH3 (2·06) 53·44 (1·34) 13·37c5 (0·61) 10·31e5 (0·23) 11·84 (0·46) 24·39afAB5 (1·00) 20·61ghiD5 (0·70) 22·50EF (0·72)
52·894 (2·73) 47·924 (1·84) 50·40 (0·72) 13·316 (0·35) 10·646 (0·23) 11·97 (0·19) 25·436 (0·37) 22·396 (0·34) 23·91 (0·22)
Values in the rows bearing common a to w and A to G superscripts differ significantly at 1 per cent and 5 per cent levels of significance respectively. Values in columns bearing common 1 to 6 and 7 to 8 superscripts differ significantly at 1 per cent and 5 per cent levels of significance respectively.
Total erythrocytes count Significantly, lower TEC was recorded in EDC (P < 0·01) as compared to rest of the study groups during both the seasons, which also resulted in a lower annual mean in this group. The values of TEC in group EDC were quite close to lower limit of the 95 per cent confidence limits (5·12 to 9·48 × 1012 litre–1) computed in the present study during the season S1. The values followed the order as EDC < HYELC < MYELC < PH < PLC < NPH in S1 and EDC < HYELC < MYELC < NPH < PLC < PH in S2 whereas the annual means were in order of EDC < HYELC < MYELC < PLC < PH < NPH. Significant seasonal variations (P < 0·01) were recorded in all the groups except in NPH, which in turn resulted in higher overall group mean (P < 0·01) during the season S2 as compared to S1. Packed cell volume EDC showed significantly lower PCV (P < 0·01) in comparison to HYELC, PH and NPH during the season S1 which followed PCV in order of MYELC < EDC < PLC < HYELC < PH < NPH. Whereas during the season S2, PH and PLC showed higher PCV (P < 0·01) in comparison to NPH, MYELC, EDC and HYELC. The order of PCV in this season was, however, found to be NPH < MYELC < EDC < HYELC < PH < PLC. Comparison of annual means revealed higher PCV in PH as compared to EDC (P < 0·01) and MYELC (P < 0·05). PLC also
showed higher PCV as compared to EDC (P < 0·01). The annual means of PCV were in order of EDC < MYELC < HYELC < NPH < PLC < PH. Significant seasonal variations in PCV were recorded in PH, EDC, PLC and MYELC, with higher values during S2, which in turn resulted in a significantly higher (P < 0·01) overall group mean in this season. Mean corpuscular volume EDC showed significantly higher MCV as compared to NPH, MYELC, PLC (P < 0·01) and PH and HYELC (P < 0·05) respectively during the season S1 which showed MCV in order of NPH < MYELC < PLC < PH < HYELC < EDC. Comparison of means recorded during the season S2 as well as the annual means further revealed higher MCV in EDC as compared to the rest of the study groups. The values during the season S2 were in order of NPH < PH < MYELC < PLC < HYELC < EDC whereas the annual means were in order of NPH < MYELC < PLC < PH < HYELC < EDC. Significant seasonal variations were recorded in all the groups except the EDC, which showed the MCV higher in season S1, resulting in signifi-
cantly higher (P < 0·01) overall group mean in this season. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin
NPH showed lower MCH in comparison to PH (P < 0·01) and PLC, MYELC, HYELC and EDC (P < 0·05) respectively during the
B. Kumar, S. P. Pachauri
144
TABLE 5:
F-value, critical differences and coefficient of variation of erythrocytes indices MCV
MCH CD
MCHC CD
CD
Sources of variation
F-value
1 per cent
5 per cent
F-value
1 per cent
5 per cent
Season Group Season × group
11·89** 10·75** 0·61
3·79 6·56 9·28
2·86 4·96 7·01
47·54** 3·79** 1·99
1·02 1·76 2·49
0·77 1·33 1·88
CV
(per cent)
15·67
17·69
F-value 47·66** 4·50** 2·73*
1 per cent 1·15 2·00 2·83
5 per cent 0·87 1·51 2·14
10·08
* P<0·05, ** P<0·01.
season
S1 which had MCH in order of NPH < PLC < MYELC < HYELC < EDC < PH. During the season S2, EDC showed higher MCH (P<0·01) in comparison to rest of the study groups and the values in this season followed the order of NPH < MYELC < PH < HYELC < PLC < EDC. Comparison of annual means
revealed non-significant difference among the groups. However, the EDC showed higher MCH than rest of the groups. The values were found to be in order of NPH < MYELC < HYELC < PLC < PH < EDC. Significantly higher MCH was recorded in all the study groups except the EDC during S1, which obviously indicates about seasonal variations and resulted in higher overall group mean (P<0·01) in this season. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration Significantly lower MCHC (P < 0·01) was recorded in EDC as compared to rest of the groups in season S1 and the values in this season were in order of EDC < HYELC < PLC < NPH < PH < MYELC. During the season S2, HYELC showed lower MCHC as compared to EDC, MYELC, PH (P < 0·01) and NPH (P < 0·05) respectively. The order of MCHC values in this season was found to be HYELC < PLC < NPH < EDC < MYELC < PH. Comparison of annual means revealed significantly lower MCHC (P < 0·05) in groups HYELC and EDC as compared to both MYELC and PH. The annual means followed the order of HYELC < EDC < PLC < NPH < MYELC < PH. Significantly higher MCHC (P < 0·01) was recorded in S1 in all the study groups except EDC, which in turn resulted in higher overall group mean in this season. DISCUSSION A significantly lower Hb concentration in EDC in comparison to rest of the study groups may be due to low nutrient intake as a result of the adoption of sub-standard feeding regimen by farmers in hills because of the animals being non-productive. This finding is in close agreement with those of Rajora and Pachauri (1992). Comparatively higher Hb in pregnant groups (PH and PLC) might have resulted from better nutrition to mitigate the stress of pregnancy. Variations in Hb concentration with stage of lactation and/or gestation have also been reported by Rowlands et al (1975). Higher Hb in advanced stages of gestation has also been reported by Baqi and Rahman (1987) and Rajora and Pachauri (1994). In early lactating groups (MYELC and HYELC), HYELC showed lower Hb, which might be due to a decreased rate of
erythropoiesis in these animals. However, El Nouty et al (1986) have reported the lower Hb in high yielding cows to be due to increased Hb requirement of mammary tissues for milk synthesis and concomitant rise in blood flow to mammary glands. Significantly, higher overall group mean during summer season may be attributed to the better-feed intake in all the animals. Rowlands et al (1979) and Rajora and Pachauri (1992) have also reported higher Hb in the summer season. Significantly lower TEC, as recorded in EDC in comparison to rest of the groups, might be the result of nutritional deficiency. This group also showed lowest annual mean PCV. Nevertheless, no sign of anaemia could be apparently observed in these animals. The higher TEC in NPH during S1 and in PH during S2 indicates increased erythropoiesis and comparatively slow destruction of erythrocytes during young age. Similar views have also been presented by Shaffer et al (1981). Significantly higher overall group mean of TEC in season S2 might be the result of exposure of these animals to cold. Lower annual mean PCV in EDC may be the result of lower TEC as recorded in this group in the present study. The higher PCV in pregnant animals (PH and PLC) might have resulted due to increased oxygen requirement in pregnant animals. These changes may be due to RBC release from the spleen, and/or changes in erythrocyte stimulating factor (ESF) release which is governed by the relationship between the oxygen demand of tissues and the amount of oxygen carried by the blood (Jain 1996). Rowlands et al (1975) have also reported variation in PCV with the stage of lactation and/or gestation. The increased haematocrit in advanced stage of pregnancy has also been observed by D’Angelino et al (1977), whereas Rajora and Pachauri (1994) could not find any significant difference in PCV between prepartum and postpartum cows. Higher OGM of PCV during S2 might be the effect of cold exposure of animals in hills. Kariya et al (1985) have also reported similar findings. Significantly, higher MCV in EDC as compared to rest of the groups indicates immature red cells in circulation (Jain 1996). This group also showed the lower Hb, TEC and PCV and may have been showing significantly increased rates of erythropoiesis. Significantly higher MCH in EDC as compared to other groups during S2 and also the higher annual mean might be the result of immature red cells in circulation and simultaneously incorporation of increased amount of Hb at the time of their release (Doxey 1983). In the present study, MCH and MCHC were found to be affected by season and the higher values were recorded in S1.
Haematological profile of crossbred dairy cattle in Central Himalayas
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Accepted May 22, 2000
Haematological profile of crossbred dairy cattle to monitor herd health status at medium elevation in Central Himalayas B. KUMAR*, S. P. PACHAURI† Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory, Pithoragarh 262501, India †Department of Medicine, College of Veterinary Sciences, Pantnagar 263145, India SUMMARY Haematological profile—haemoglobin concentration (Hb), total erythrocytes count (TEC), packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte indices-mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were studied in crossbred dairy cattle (Holstein Friesian × Sahiwal) under various physiological states: non-pregnant heifers (NPH), pregnant heifers (PH), empty dry cows (EDC), pregnant lactating cows (PLC), medium yield early lactating cows (MYELC) and high yield early lactating cows (HYELC) during summer and winter seasons at 1700 metres altitude from mean sea level in the Central Himalayas. On comparison of annual means, the highest values of Hb and PCV were recorded in PH and of TEC in NPH, whereas the lowest values of these parameters were found in EDC. The Hb and TEC tended to decrease with increasing milk yield. Comparison of annual means of erythrocyte indices revealed the highest MCV and MCH in EDC, which simultaneously showed the lowest MCHC. Significant seasonal variations in haematological profile were recorded. The overall group mean (OGM) of Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC was found to be significantly higher (P < 0·01) during summer whereas the TEC and PCV showed higher OGM (P < 0.01) during the winter season. © 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd
METABOLIC profiles are based on the concept that laboratory measurement of certain blood biochemical constituents reflects the nutritional status/metabolic health of dairy herds with, or without, the manifestation of clinical abnormalities. Haemoglobin and packed cell volume were included in metabolic profile tests amongst other biochemical constituents by Payne et al (1970). The importance of erythrocyte indices in interpretation of metabolic profile tests in cattle was discussed by Jazbec et al (1993) and Klinkon et al (1994). Variations in certain components of the haematological profile due to the physiological status of animals (Rowlands et al 1974, 1975, Manston et al 1975, Noonan et al 1978, Esievo and Moare 1979, Rajora and Pachauri 1992, 1994) and due to season (Moustafa et al 1977, Shaffer et al 1981, El Nouty et al 1986, Rajcevic et al 1995) have been reported in temperate and tropical regions. However, literature on such studies in hills and high altitudes is scant. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to establish the normal haematological values and influence of season and physiological states on haematology which could be used in monitoring the herd health status in hills.
of 1700 metres from mean sea level near the Indo–Tibet and Nepal borders were used during the course of this study. The animals were divided into six different study groups: nonpregnant heifers (NPH, in the age group of 12 to 15 months), pregnant heifers (PH, under 4 to 6 months of pregnancy), empty dry cows (EDC, in the age group of 5 to 8 years), pregnant lactating cows (PLC, in the age group of 5 to 8 years and under 4 to 6 months of pregnancy), medium yield early lactating cows (MYELC, in the age group of 6 to 8 years and between 4 to 6 weeks of lactation yielding 8 to 12 litres milk per day) and high yield early lactating cows (HYELC, in the age group of 6 to 8 years and between 4 to 8 weeks of lactation yielding 13 to 18 litres milk per day). Blood samples from the first batch of 60 animals having 10 animals in each group were collected during May and June (the summer season, S1) and from second batch of 60 animals during December and January (the winter season, S2). Meteorological conditions
Experimental animals
The meteorological parameters minimum to maximum temperature, humidity and total rain fall were recorded daily during the entire course of study. The mean values recorded during May and June (season S1) and during December and January (season S2) are given in Table 1. The average of the year was treated as annual mean.
One hundred and twenty apparently healthy dairy cattle [Holstein Friesian (HF) × Sahiwal] maintained at an altitude
Feeding of experimental animals
*Corresponding author: Dr Bhuvnesh Kumar, Ministry of Defence, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory, Pithoragarh UP-262501, India.
Concentrate mixture fed to experimental animals during both the seasons consisted of yellow maize (30 per cent), wheat bran (40 per cent), mustard oil cake (28 per cent), vitamin and mineral mixture (1 per cent) and common salt
MATERIALS AND METHODS
0034-5288/00/050141 + 05 $35.00/0
© 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd
B. Kumar, S. P. Pachauri
142
TABLE 1:
Meteorological observations recorded at 1700 meters altitude [mean (SE)]
Meteorological parameters
Seasons
Annual mean
S1 Temperature (°C) Minimum Maximum Humidity (per cent) Total rain fall (mm)
TABLE 2:
S2
13·49 (1·71) 27·52 (0·28) 66·16 (1·15) 263·60
1·69 (0·22) 14·46 (0·28) 79·27 (0·88) 137·80
10·24 (1·81) 22·09 (1·45) 72·81 (2·35) 1432·40
Haemoglobin, total erythrocytes count and packed cell volume in crossbred dairy cattle and their seasonal variations [mean (SE)] Animal group
Haematological parameters S1
Hb (g litre–1)
S2
Annual mean S1 TEC
12
–1
(× 10 litre )
S2
Annual mean S1 PCV
–1
(1 litre )
S2
Annual mean
NPH
PH
EDC
PLC
MYELC
HYELC
Overall group mean
99·00eghi 4 (2·32) 77·10lm 4 (2·21) 88·05rE (2·88) 8·42efghi (0·31) 8·33loC (0·24) 8·37vwG (0·18) 0·38cefgl (0·08) 0·34hil (0·01) 0·36 (0·007)
94·80df Λ (1··30) 92·30kmoq (3·04) 93·55tuG (1·59) 6·78gh 1 (0·42) 9·05nqr Cl (0·24) 7·91uF (0·34) 0·36bd2 (0·01) 0·39hjln2 (0·01) 0·38pC (0·01)
70·10abcde 5 (2·35) 80·10noB 5 (2·93) 75·10rst D (2·11) 5·31abcde 2 (0·32) 6·12jklmn 2 (0·30) 5·71stuvD (0·23) 0·31abcA3 (0·07) 0·35lm3 (0·01) 0·33pB (0·007)
87·70bh Λ (4·36) 88·70jlnp (3·76) 88·20sF (2·74) 6·94diA 3 (0·45) 8·49mp 3 (0·34) 7·71tE (0·32) 0·34fA4 (0·01) 0·40ikmo4 (0·01) 0·37B (0·009)
89·20ci 3 (3·40) 80·50pqC 3 (3·15) 84·85DG (2·41) 6·77bg 4 (0·31) 7·99krB4 (0·42) 7·38sG (0·28) 0·33de5 (0·09) 0·35jk5 (0·01) 0·34C (0·008)
85·00afg 2 (4·32) 73·30BC 2 (2·32) 79·15uEF (2·62) 6·24afA5 (0·31) 7·16jopqB5 (0·33) 6·70wDEF (0·24) 0·35ag (0·01) 0·36no (0·01) 0·35 (0·009)
87·631 (1·71) 82·001 (1·42) 84·82 (0·88) 6·746 (0·18) 7·866 (0·17) 7·30 (0·10) 0·346 (0·008) 0·376 (0·009) 0·36 (0·003)
Values in the rows bearing common a to w and A to G superscripts differ significantly at 1 per cent and 5 per cent levels of significance respectively. Values in columns bearing common 1 to 6 and 7 to 8 superscripts differ significantly at 1 per cent and 5 per cent levels of significance respectively.
(1 per cent). Green fodder such as oat, berseem and white clover in almost equal proportion was given during S1 and the green maize during S2, whereas the dry fodder (wheat straw) was the same during both the seasons.
RESULTS The data on Hb, TEC, PCV, erythrocyte indices and their F-values, critical differences and coefficient of variation are presented in Tables 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Haematology measurements Blood samples were collected aseptically from the jugular vein between 10:00 and 12:00 hours as suggested by Okada et al (1997) using double oxalate (ammonium and potassium oxalate, 12:8 w/w) as an anticoagulant and analysed on the same day for Hb (Collier 1955) and TEC (Blum 1945) spectrophotometrically and PCV by the Wintrobe method as described by Jain (1996). The erythrocyte indices MCV, MCH and MCHC were computed mathematically (Jain 1996). Statistical analysis The experiment was conducted in two factor randomized block design (RBD) where season and animal groups were taken as factors. Each observation was recorded on 10 animals during the summer and during the winter season. The data were analysed in two factor RBD and F-values; critical differences and coefficient of variation were computed (Cochran and Cox 1977). Average of both the seasons was treated as annual mean whereas the average value of all the six study groups of the respective seasons S1 and S2 as well as the annual means was treated as overall group mean (OGM).
Haemoglobin concentration EDC showed significantly lower Hb (P < 0·01) as compared to the rest of the study groups whereas the highest Hb was recorded in NPH during the summer season S1. PH showed higher values as compared to HYELC (P < 0·01) and PLC (P < 0·05). Hb values in the season S1 followed the order of EDC < HYELC < PLC < MYELC < PH < NPH. During the season S2, pregnant groups (PLC and PH) showed significantly higher Hb (P < 0·01) as compared to non-pregnant groups (NPH, EDC, MYELC and HYELC). The values in season S2 were in order of HYELC < NPH < EDC < MYELC < PLC < PH. Comparison of annual means revealed significantly lower Hb in EDC than NPH, PLC, PH (P < 0·01) and MYELC (P < 0·05). HYELC also showed lower value as compared to PH (P < 0·01) and NPH, PLC (P < 0·05) respectively. Annual means followed the order of EDC < HYELC < MYELC < NPH < PLC < PH. Significant seasonal variations in Hb were recorded in groups PH, EDC, MYELC and HYELC. The values being higher (P < 0·01) during S1 resulted in a higher overall group mean recorded for all the six study groups in this season.
Haematological profile of crossbred dairy cattle in Central Himalayas TABLE 3:
F-value, critical differences and coefficient of variation of haemoglobin, total erythrocytes count and packed cell volume Hb
TEC
PCV
CD
CD
Sources of variation
F-value
1 per cent
5 per cent
F-value
Season Group Season x group
10·30** 9·72** 6·59**
4·61 7·98 11·29
3·48 6·03 8·53
31·13** 15·35** 2·61*
CV
143
(percent)
1 per cent
CD
5 per cent
0·52 0·91 1·28
11·33
0·39 0·68 0·97
F-value 11·87** 4·50** 3·63**
14·97
1 per cent
5 per cent
0·017 0·030 0·043
0·013 0·023 0·033
10·40
*P < 0·05, **P < 0·01.
TABLE 4:
Erythrocytes indices in crossbred dairy cattle and their seasonal variations [mean (SE)] Animal group
Erythrocytes indices
NPH S1
MCV
(fl)
S2
Annual mean S1 MCH
(pg)
S2
Annual mean S1 MCHC
–1
(gdl )
S2
Annual mean
45·10abcA7 (1·77) 41·46ghF7 (0·97) 43·29 (1·03) 11·85aABCDI (0·36) 9·29bl (0·26) 10·57 (0·36) 26·35cAI (0·37) 22·51Dl (0·86) 24·43 (0·62)
PH
54·42aBDI (3·51) 44·37iGl (1·98) 49·39 (2·22) 14·92a2 (1·03) 10·26d2 (0·47) 12·39 (0·72) 26·66dB2 (0·76) 23·42i2 (1·29) 25·04FH (0·80)
EDC
61·26cefDE (3·76) 58·87hijklF (3·29) 60·06 (2·39) 13·51D (0·90) 13·29bcdef (0·66) 13·40 (0·53) 22·33abcde (0·83) 22·87g (0·90) 22·60GH (0·58)
PLC
50·89fAC8 (3·10) 47·84k8 (1·69) 49·36 (1·71) 13·24A3 (1·31) 10·52f3 (0·40) 11·88 (0·72) 25·64bc3 (1·01) 22·013 (0·52) 23·83 (0·68)
MYELC
49·37deB2 (2·71) 44·39jH2 (1·01) 46·88 (1·48) 13·36B4 (0·62) 10·16c4 (0·26) 11·76 (0·22) 27·18efC4 (0·59) 22·90h4 (0·35) 25·04EG (0·58)
HYELC
Overall group mean
56·30bdCE3 (1·37) 50·57glGH3 (2·06) 53·44 (1·34) 13·37c5 (0·61) 10·31e5 (0·23) 11·84 (0·46) 24·39afAB5 (1·00) 20·61ghiD5 (0·70) 22·50EF (0·72)
52·894 (2·73) 47·924 (1·84) 50·40 (0·72) 13·316 (0·35) 10·646 (0·23) 11·97 (0·19) 25·436 (0·37) 22·396 (0·34) 23·91 (0·22)
Values in the rows bearing common a to w and A to G superscripts differ significantly at 1 per cent and 5 per cent levels of significance respectively. Values in columns bearing common 1 to 6 and 7 to 8 superscripts differ significantly at 1 per cent and 5 per cent levels of significance respectively.
Total erythrocytes count Significantly, lower TEC was recorded in EDC (P < 0·01) as compared to rest of the study groups during both the seasons, which also resulted in a lower annual mean in this group. The values of TEC in group EDC were quite close to lower limit of the 95 per cent confidence limits (5·12 to 9·48 × 1012 litre–1) computed in the present study during the season S1. The values followed the order as EDC < HYELC < MYELC < PH < PLC < NPH in S1 and EDC < HYELC < MYELC < NPH < PLC < PH in S2 whereas the annual means were in order of EDC < HYELC < MYELC < PLC < PH < NPH. Significant seasonal variations (P < 0·01) were recorded in all the groups except in NPH, which in turn resulted in higher overall group mean (P < 0·01) during the season S2 as compared to S1. Packed cell volume EDC showed significantly lower PCV (P < 0·01) in comparison to HYELC, PH and NPH during the season S1 which followed PCV in order of MYELC < EDC < PLC < HYELC < PH < NPH. Whereas during the season S2, PH and PLC showed higher PCV (P < 0·01) in comparison to NPH, MYELC, EDC and HYELC. The order of PCV in this season was, however, found to be NPH < MYELC < EDC < HYELC < PH < PLC. Comparison of annual means revealed higher PCV in PH as compared to EDC (P < 0·01) and MYELC (P < 0·05). PLC also
showed higher PCV as compared to EDC (P < 0·01). The annual means of PCV were in order of EDC < MYELC < HYELC < NPH < PLC < PH. Significant seasonal variations in PCV were recorded in PH, EDC, PLC and MYELC, with higher values during S2, which in turn resulted in a significantly higher (P < 0·01) overall group mean in this season. Mean corpuscular volume EDC showed significantly higher MCV as compared to NPH, MYELC, PLC (P < 0·01) and PH and HYELC (P < 0·05) respectively during the season S1 which showed MCV in order of NPH < MYELC < PLC < PH < HYELC < EDC. Comparison of means recorded during the season S2 as well as the annual means further revealed higher MCV in EDC as compared to the rest of the study groups. The values during the season S2 were in order of NPH < PH < MYELC < PLC < HYELC < EDC whereas the annual means were in order of NPH < MYELC < PLC < PH < HYELC < EDC. Significant seasonal variations were recorded in all the groups except the EDC, which showed the MCV higher in season S1, resulting in signifi-
cantly higher (P < 0·01) overall group mean in this season. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin
NPH showed lower MCH in comparison to PH (P < 0·01) and PLC, MYELC, HYELC and EDC (P < 0·05) respectively during the
B. Kumar, S. P. Pachauri
144
TABLE 5:
F-value, critical differences and coefficient of variation of erythrocytes indices MCV
MCH CD
MCHC CD
CD
Sources of variation
F-value
1 per cent
5 per cent
F-value
1 per cent
5 per cent
Season Group Season × group
11·89** 10·75** 0·61
3·79 6·56 9·28
2·86 4·96 7·01
47·54** 3·79** 1·99
1·02 1·76 2·49
0·77 1·33 1·88
CV
(per cent)
15·67
17·69
F-value 47·66** 4·50** 2·73*
1 per cent 1·15 2·00 2·83
5 per cent 0·87 1·51 2·14
10·08
* P<0·05, ** P<0·01.
season
S1 which had MCH in order of NPH < PLC < MYELC < HYELC < EDC < PH. During the season S2, EDC showed higher MCH (P<0·01) in comparison to rest of the study groups and the values in this season followed the order of NPH < MYELC < PH < HYELC < PLC < EDC. Comparison of annual means
revealed non-significant difference among the groups. However, the EDC showed higher MCH than rest of the groups. The values were found to be in order of NPH < MYELC < HYELC < PLC < PH < EDC. Significantly higher MCH was recorded in all the study groups except the EDC during S1, which obviously indicates about seasonal variations and resulted in higher overall group mean (P<0·01) in this season. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration Significantly lower MCHC (P < 0·01) was recorded in EDC as compared to rest of the groups in season S1 and the values in this season were in order of EDC < HYELC < PLC < NPH < PH < MYELC. During the season S2, HYELC showed lower MCHC as compared to EDC, MYELC, PH (P < 0·01) and NPH (P < 0·05) respectively. The order of MCHC values in this season was found to be HYELC < PLC < NPH < EDC < MYELC < PH. Comparison of annual means revealed significantly lower MCHC (P < 0·05) in groups HYELC and EDC as compared to both MYELC and PH. The annual means followed the order of HYELC < EDC < PLC < NPH < MYELC < PH. Significantly higher MCHC (P < 0·01) was recorded in S1 in all the study groups except EDC, which in turn resulted in higher overall group mean in this season. DISCUSSION A significantly lower Hb concentration in EDC in comparison to rest of the study groups may be due to low nutrient intake as a result of the adoption of sub-standard feeding regimen by farmers in hills because of the animals being non-productive. This finding is in close agreement with those of Rajora and Pachauri (1992). Comparatively higher Hb in pregnant groups (PH and PLC) might have resulted from better nutrition to mitigate the stress of pregnancy. Variations in Hb concentration with stage of lactation and/or gestation have also been reported by Rowlands et al (1975). Higher Hb in advanced stages of gestation has also been reported by Baqi and Rahman (1987) and Rajora and Pachauri (1994). In early lactating groups (MYELC and HYELC), HYELC showed lower Hb, which might be due to a decreased rate of
erythropoiesis in these animals. However, El Nouty et al (1986) have reported the lower Hb in high yielding cows to be due to increased Hb requirement of mammary tissues for milk synthesis and concomitant rise in blood flow to mammary glands. Significantly, higher overall group mean during summer season may be attributed to the better-feed intake in all the animals. Rowlands et al (1979) and Rajora and Pachauri (1992) have also reported higher Hb in the summer season. Significantly lower TEC, as recorded in EDC in comparison to rest of the groups, might be the result of nutritional deficiency. This group also showed lowest annual mean PCV. Nevertheless, no sign of anaemia could be apparently observed in these animals. The higher TEC in NPH during S1 and in PH during S2 indicates increased erythropoiesis and comparatively slow destruction of erythrocytes during young age. Similar views have also been presented by Shaffer et al (1981). Significantly higher overall group mean of TEC in season S2 might be the result of exposure of these animals to cold. Lower annual mean PCV in EDC may be the result of lower TEC as recorded in this group in the present study. The higher PCV in pregnant animals (PH and PLC) might have resulted due to increased oxygen requirement in pregnant animals. These changes may be due to RBC release from the spleen, and/or changes in erythrocyte stimulating factor (ESF) release which is governed by the relationship between the oxygen demand of tissues and the amount of oxygen carried by the blood (Jain 1996). Rowlands et al (1975) have also reported variation in PCV with the stage of lactation and/or gestation. The increased haematocrit in advanced stage of pregnancy has also been observed by D’Angelino et al (1977), whereas Rajora and Pachauri (1994) could not find any significant difference in PCV between prepartum and postpartum cows. Higher OGM of PCV during S2 might be the effect of cold exposure of animals in hills. Kariya et al (1985) have also reported similar findings. Significantly, higher MCV in EDC as compared to rest of the groups indicates immature red cells in circulation (Jain 1996). This group also showed the lower Hb, TEC and PCV and may have been showing significantly increased rates of erythropoiesis. Significantly higher MCH in EDC as compared to other groups during S2 and also the higher annual mean might be the result of immature red cells in circulation and simultaneously incorporation of increased amount of Hb at the time of their release (Doxey 1983). In the present study, MCH and MCHC were found to be affected by season and the higher values were recorded in S1.
Haematological profile of crossbred dairy cattle in Central Himalayas
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Accepted May 22, 2000