Effect of stage of lactation on blood picture of crossed (Friesian x Local) cattle

Hanaa A. J. Al-Galbi; Muntha Y. Y. Al-Sewan; Hawraa M. Abd-alsada

Volume : VII, Issue : IV, April - 2018

Effect of stage of lactation on blood picture of crossed (Friesian x Local) cattle

Hanaa A. J. Al Galbi, Muntha Y. Y. Al Sewan, Hawraa M. Abd Alsada

Abstract :

The present study aimed at the evaluation of health status of cows through their blood characteristics in crossed cattle (Friesianx Local) in different lactation stages. A total of 60 blood samples were collected from 20 cows. Ten cows were at the beginning of lactation stage (7–60 days after parturition) and at mid of lactation (61–90 days). The other 10 cows were at the end of lactation stage (150–180 days). Blood samples of 5 ml were taken monthly from all cows to calculate RBC, WBC, Hb, MCV, MCH, MPV, MCHC, PCT, PDW, and RDW. Results showed that WBC count decreased significantly at mid–lactation and at the end of lactation in comparison with that at the beginning of lactation (8.13x10³, 7.37x10^3,and 7.35x10³ cell/ml respectively). Acidophil cell percent increased significantly with advanced lactation stages (8.54%, 10.82%, and 10.49% respectively). On contrary, lymphocytes percent decreased from 47.26% at the beginning of lactation to 42.85% at the end of lactation. Stage of lactation did not affect RBC count and Hb%. Platelet level at the end of lactation (478.00 gm/l) was significantly higher than those at the beginning of lactation (401.00 gm/L) and the middle of lactation (397.00 gm/L). RBC volume showed similar values at a different stage of lactation reflecting healthy cows at lactation stages.