Hematology and biochemistry of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): influence of sex and age on reference values

Biochemical profile differences during the transition period based on different levels of non-esterified fatty acids at 7 weeks before parturition in Mediterranean Italian dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Metabolic adaptations to negative energy balance, as well as lipomobilization, influence inflammatory responses, immune function, and oxidative stress in animals. This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical profile of Mediterranean buffaloes with different levels of lipomobilization from the prepartum to the postpartum period. A total of 76 Mediterranean buffaloes were enrolled, and a weekly blood sample was taken from 7 weeks before to 6 weeks after calving. The concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) was determined in serum and was used to categorize buffaloes into three lipomobilization groups 7 weeks before calving: mild (NEFA-I; NEFA ≤ 0.29 mEq/L; n = 18), medium (NEFA-II; 0.29 < NEFA < 0.57 mEq/L; n = 20), and severe (NEFA-III; NEFA ≥ 0.57 mEq/L; n = 38). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess changes within and between the groups and over time. Significant differences were found in the concentration levels of NEFA, β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, cholesterol, protein profile, oxygen radicals, antioxidants, lysozyme, complement, and minerals. These results suggest that both medium and severe lipomobilization groups are associated with metabolic alterations. In conclusion, buffaloes with higher NEFA levels (>0.29 mEq/L; NEFA-II and NEFA-III) at 7 weeks before calving should be monitored more closely to reduce the risk of metabolic diseases. Furthermore, the medium (NEFA-II) and severe (NEFA-III) lipomobilization groups could be associated with differences in the animals' ability to manage their metabolic status. Specifically, the severe mobilization group was most associated with a greater energy deficit during both the prepartum and postpartum periods without oxidative stress. On the contrary, the medium mobilization group was associated with a less severe energy deficit but was also associated with an inflammatory status and oxidative stress during the prepartum period. These distinctions highlight the need for tailored management strategies to address varying levels of metabolic stress in dairy buffaloes.

Hematologic parameters in female alpacas during age progression: a retrospective study

Alpacas, like all camelids, have elliptical red blood cells (RBCs) in contrast to other mammals. This particular shape is important for increased osmotic resistance and stability. Age-related changes in the RBC count are known in other species, with alterations in both red and white blood cells being described. In alpacas, there are few data on age-related changes, and only a comparison of crias with adult animals. We characterized age-related hematologic changes in a study of 21 female alpacas from a research herd. A total of 87 records of clinically healthy alpacas of different ages were statistically analyzed retrospectively from the hematologic records over a nine-year period. Significant positive correlations of age with hemoglobin (Hb), HCT, MCV, MCH, neutrophils, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were found as well as significant negative correlations of age with lymphocytes in addition to lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR). A paired comparison of eight older animals in the herd at three different ages also showed significant differences in the parameters Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, lymphocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils. Similar changes in hematologic parameters have been reported in other species and should be taken into account when interpreting hematologic results in alpacas.

Effects of different load weights on the work performance and physiological and hematobiochemical responses in working water buffalo

Background and Aim

Working animals are important in agriculture because they play a role in various agricultural activities, including milk and meat production. Thus, they contribute to the development of rural communities. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different load weights on the work performance and the physiological and hematological responses of working water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Materials and Methods

The work performances of 12 buffaloes (average weight 782.16 ± 21.62 kg) transporting 200, 350, and 500 kg of African palm fruits in metal baskets placed on their backs were evaluated. Work performance variables evaluated immediately after work were as follows: total number of trips (n), total weight (kg), distance traveled (km/day), working period (h), stopped time (h), and average speed (km/h). In addition, we evaluated physiological, biochemical, and hematological variables at three different times: before the start of work, immediately after work, and on the rest day.

Results

Among the load weights, 500 kg (total load carried = 4,138.88 kg) improved work efficiency compared to 200 kg loads (total load = 3,322.22 kg) (p = 0.0281). However, 500 kg loads resulted in slower average speed (2.4 km, p = 0.0164), shorter working period (2.39 h, p < 0.0001) and distance traveled (7.29 km, p < 0.0001), and less total number of trips (8.27 trips, p < 0.0001) compared to 350 and 200 kg load weights (3.45 and 3.52 km/h, 2.55 and 2.79 h, 8.71 and 9.75 km, 10.94 and 16.61 trips, respectively); and the heaviest loads resulted in significantly higher (p < 0.005) respiratory rate, pulse, heart rate, rectal temperature, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, total protein, white blood cell count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. In contrast, was associated with lower levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit compared to lower loads. All differences were more pronounced in 500 kg (p < 0.005) compared to 200 kg loads.

Conclusion

Working buffaloes responded to work related to the transport of African palm fruits through various physiological, biochemical, and hematological changes. However, some variables remained close to the reference values reported in the literature for water buffaloes, and in general, all variables were reestablished during the rest day, indicating that these animals have adapted to working conditions.