Volume 19, No.

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BUFFALO BULLETIN

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Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No.1

RESURRECTION OF INDIAN BUFFALO TO THE CENTRE STAGE OF IMPORTANCE

Y Annaji Rao, Y Srikanth

This review covers the economic aspects on age at first calving, yield and length of lactation, dry period and inter calving interval of various breeds of buffalo studied over a period of time by various workers at different locations.

Table I presents these traits of Murrah, the all purpose breed, and other buffaloes, such as the NiliRavi, Surti, Bhadawari, and the dual-purpose (both milch and draught) breed ofNagpuri and its strains, Marathwada and Berari.

MURRAH

Information on the above economic parameters has been pooled from the work of eighteen researchers in the years 1956-83 at different locations. Tomar and Desai, (1966) reported the lowest age at first calving of 1,221.4 days (3.3 years), and 1,441.5 days (3.95 years) as reported by Nagarcenkar, (1981) being the maximum.

The mean of means of all the workers as depicted in Table 2 in respect of age at first calving of this proliferating breed, Murrah, reveals that the animal is the earliest compared to any other breed to calve in as short a time as 1,327.09 days (3.60 yrs), and the breed takes just 143.00 days (4.77 mths), the lowest among all the breeds, to come for next service after calving (Table 3).

Regarding the per lactation yield of the breed, Venkayya and Ananthakrishnan, (1957) recorded a maximum milk yield of 2,010.0 kg per a period of 327 days (10.9 months) while 1219.9 kg in a lactation of288.2 days (9.6 months) was reported by Kohli and Malik, (1960). The grand mean in respect of lactation yield of the breed is 1,600.4 kg over a period of307.4 days (10.25 months) (Table 2)

Coming to the dry period, the Murrahs are reported to have as short a dry period as 141.2 days (4.7 months) (Tomar and Tomar, 1962) as against 229.5 days (7.65 months) being the longest period observed (William et al., 1969). The grand mean of 146.3 days (4.88 months) of all the workers together is relatively close to the shortest dry period observed above.

Likewise, the breeding efficiency of an animal being reckoned through its intercalving interval, the Table 1, reveals the breeds inter calving period ranges between 404.2 days, or 13.47 months (Rao and Murari, 1956) and 513.2 days, or 17.10 months (Bhatnagar et al., 1961), and the grand mean in respect of this character is 465.6 days (1.28 years).

Murrah males weigh 567 kg and females 431 kg (Table 3) as reported by Murthy and Das (1983)

NIU-RAVI

Table 2 reveals that this milch breed takes 1,459.50 days (4.00 years) for first calving and yields as much as 1,855.2 kg of milk per lactation, which is the highest among the breeds in this Table. The lactation period of the breed is 316 days (10.33 months) and the calving of interval is 470.8 days (1.29 years)

As shown in Table 3, it takes discernable the breed takes 211.00 days (7.03 months), a fairly long period, for heat to appear after calving. The males weigh 567 kg, and the cows 454 kg.

SURTI

Bansod, (1967) gave 1506.2 days (4.13 years) as the age at first calving, which was the maximum age recorded, while both Nagarcendar et al (1981), and Murthy and Das (1983) reported 1,335.0 days (3.66 years) as the age at first calving. Turning to Table 2, the grand mean of all the workers on the age at first calving was 1,392.66 days (3.82 years) and the lactation yield was 1,772.0 kg in a period of 350.1 days (11.67 months). Further, the breed had the shortest recorded dry period: 129.5 days (4.32 months). Surti had an intercalving interval of 454.8 days (1.25 years).

Table 3 shows that the Surti bufalo attains puberty at an age of 693.0 days (1.90 years) and that 200 days (6.66 months) is the time taken to come to service after a calf birth. The body weight the male buffalo was 499 kg, and that of the female 454 kg.

University of Agricultural Sciences, Hebbal Campus, Bangalore-560024, India

3

BHADAWARI

Table 2 that this breed takes 1,503.75 days (4.12 years) for the birth of the first calf. The lactation yield recorded isl,252.7 kg of milk over a period of 276.0 days (9.20 months); however, the breed manifested the longest dry period: 156.4 days (5.21 mths), of all breeds.

MEHASANA AND JAFFARABADI

Little study on these two breeds has been done possibly because they are confined to limited pockets of the country. However, Murthy and Das (1983) reported that the body weight of these breeds, as in Table 3. The Mehasana male weighed 567 kg, comparable to Murrah and Nili - Ravi males, while the female Mehasana at 431 kg not very heavy but certainly heavier than the Surti female.

The same table shows the Jaffarabadi breed, male is heavier than all other meat-cum-milch breeds, weighing as as 590 kg, and the female weighs 454 kg, which is as much as the Nili/Ravi female.

NAGPURI, MARATHWADA AND BERARI The latter two are off shoots of the Nagpuri breed of buffaloes.

Table 2 shows that Nagpuries, as studied by Ambalkar, (1977) take as long as 1,907.6 days (5.23 years) for the first calf birth, which is a longer period than any other breed. The breed's grand mean for age at first calving was 1,693.30 days (4.64 years), which is the highest figure in Table 2, The breed is also a poor milk yielder recording just 1,023.0 kg milk per lactation, the lowest among all the buffalo breeds studied here. Interestingly, though, the table shows the breed is desirable with respect to dry period, merely of 121.1 days (4.0 months), the lowest, as also to the intercalving period, being as low as 430.03 days (1.18 years).

In essence although the Nagpuri buffaloes masquerade as late calvers with vestigeous milk yields, they yet assure calf births in quick yearly succession together with the shortest dry period among buffalo breeds.

The Marathwada strain, as observed by Hadi (1965), dissuaded had an average lactation yield of a mere 1,110.0 kg over a period of30 1.3 days (l0.4 months) yet it deserves an intensive and indepth

Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No.1

study to exploit its potentialities, for it is similar or even better in some respects than N agpuries as regards to intercalving period of 429 .90 days, or 1.18 years (Table 2).

Table 2 also shows the Beran buffalo gives a milk yield of 1,271.7 kg per lactation of328.7 days (10.96 months).

REFERENCES

Agarwala, O.P. (1968). Indian J Dairy Sci. 15: 45.

Amble, VN., Gopalan, R., Mahrotra, J.C. and Malhotra, P.e. (1970). Indian J Anim. Sci. 40: 377.

Ambalkar, Desai, R.T. and Thatti, YR. (1977).

Studies on certain traits ofNagpuri buffaloes, Maha. Vet. 3: 99.

Arora, VP.S. and Singh, M.P. (1982). Dairying on small and marginal farms, Indian Farmers' Digest. 15: 25.

Bansod, S.S. (1967). MSc. (Agri.) Thesis. Poona University.

Bhatnagar, VK, Lohia, KN. and Monga (1961).

Indian J Dairy Sci. 14: 102.

Chari, S.P. and Anantaprakash (1969). Indian. Vet.

J. 46: 511.

Goswami, S.B. and Nair, AP. (1968). Indian. J Vet. Sci. 35: 239.

Gudi, AK. Sohani, A.D. and Kunde, S.v. (1969).

Indian. J Vet. Sci. 40: 492.

Hadi, M.A (1965). Indian Vet. J. 42: 492.

Kohli, M.L. and Malik, D.O. (1960). Indian J Dairy Sci. 13: 157.

Murthy, H.N.N. and Das, T.K. (1983). Dairy Animals in operation Flood, Livestock Adviser, 8: 5

Nagarcenkar, R, Rao, M.K and Sethi, RK (1981).

Comparative reproductive efficiency of different breeds of dairy animals. Proc. 8th North-Western Indn. Dairy Husbandry Officers' Workshop pp 11-14.

Pargaonkar, D.R (1969).MV Sc. Thesis. Punjabrao

Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola

Rai, G.B. (1966). Indian Vet. J 45: 226.

Rao, S.K and Murari (1956). Ibid. 33: 54 Singh and Ram Prem (1966). Ibid. 43: 986 Singh, S.B. and Desai, RN. (1962). Ibid 39: 22

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Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No.1

Tomar, S.P.S. and Desai, R.N. (1968). Indian. J Anim. Hlth. 1: 180.

Venkayya, D. and Anantakrishnan, C.P. (1957).

Indian. J Dairy Sci. 10: 20.

Ibid (1964). Indian J Dairy Sci. 17: 87. Venkataratnam and Venkayya, D. (1964). Indian.

Vet. J 41: 905.

William c., Gopalakrishna, C.B. and Ulganatham, V. (1969). Ibid. 46: 773.

Table 1. Findings of different workers in respect of various economic traits of Indian buffaloes.
Worker Breed Av. age Av. lactation Av. lactation Av. Dry Av. Inter
at first calving yield (kg) length (days) Period (days) calving
(days)
2 3 4 5 6 7
Rao and Murari, 1956 Murrah 404.2
Venkayya and
Ananthakrishnan, 1957 1,341.0 2,010.0 327.0 490.0
Amble, 1958 1,350.0
Singh et al., 1958 444.1
Kohli and Malik, 1960 1,219.9 288.2
Bhatnagar et al .. 1961 1,369.5 312.0 5132
Agarwala, 1962 1,919.0 141.2 476.8
Venkataratnam and
Venkayya, 1964 1,591.1 3334
Rai,1966 174.0
Singh, 1968 1,320.0 1,746.9
Tomar and Desai, 1966 1221.4
Goswami and Nair, 1968 1,230.0
Venkayya and
Anantkrishnan, 1969 183.0
William et al., 1969 1,4221 229.5 447.0
Amble et al., 1970 1,4344
Nagarcenkar et al., 1981 1,441.5 477.0
Murthy and Das, 1983 12390 1.744.0 279.0 495.1
Nagarcenkar et al., 1981 Nili-Ravi 1323.0 480.0
Murthy and Das, 1983 1,596.0 1.855.2 3160 461.6
Bansod, 1967 Surti 1,506.2 129.5
Nagarcenkaretal.,1981 1,335.0 448.5
Murthy and Das, 1983 1,335.0 1,772.0 350.1 461.1
Singh and Desai, 1962 Bhadawari 1,521.0 1,252.7 276.0 1564
Nagarcenkar et al., 1981 1,486.5 453.0
Pargaonkar, 1969 Nagpuri 1.027.1 289.9 129.5 423.7
Ambalkar, 1977 1,907.6 1,018.9 291.1 110.7 446.4
Nagarcenkar, 1983 1479.0 420.0
Hadi,1965 Marathwada 1,110.0 301.3 134.2 429.9
Dani and Sammanwar, 1968 Berari 1,4334 356.0 5

Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No. I

Table 2. Grand means of various economic characters ofbufTalo beeds as deduced from Table I.

Economic characters
Breed Age at first calving Lactation Lactation length Dry period Intercalving period
Days Years yield (kg) Days Months Days Months Days Years
Murrah 1,327.09 3.60 1,600A 307.4 10.25 146.3 4.88 465.6 1.28
Nili-Ravi 1,459.50 4.00 1.855.2 316.0 10.33 470.8 l.29
Surti 1,392.66 3.82 L7720 350.1 11.67 129.5 4.32 454.8 l.25
Bhadawari 1,503.75 4.12 1,252.7 276.0 9.20 156.4 5.21
Nagpuri 1.693.30 4.64 1,023.0 290.5 9.68 120.1 4.00 430.03 1.18
Marathada 1,110.0 301.3 10.04 134.2 4.47 429.90 1.18
Berari 1.271.7 328.7 10.96 Table 3: Ancillary characteristics of some Indian buffaloes

Average age at first service Average service period Body weight (kg)
Breed Days Years Davs Months Male Female
Murrah 883.50 2.39 143.00 4.77 567 431
Nili/Ravi 21100 7.03 567 454
Surti 693.00 1.90 200.00 6.66 499 408
Mehasana 567 431
Jaffarbadi 590 454 6

Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No.1

FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENTAL ABNORMALITIES OF TEATS IN BUFFALOES

K. James Christopher

ABSTRACT

Two cases of developmental abnormalities of teats in riverine buffaloes of Andhra Pradesh, India, were reported. These were a case of fused teats and a case of blind teats. Their probable causation was discussed.

INTRODUCTION

In his previous paper, (Christopher, 1998) described four cases of developmental abnormalities of teats in buffaloes. The present paper deals with two more cases.

CASE REPORTS

Case 1: Fused teats

A non-descript riverine buffalo cow aged about 7 years had only two teats on its udder, which are large as compared to normal teats (Figure I). The right fore teat was fused with the left one. There was tissue to tissue attachment and the skin was continuous. The resulting large teat was flattened sidewards. There was only one teat canal and one teat canal opening seen in the middle of the teat. Fusion clearly evident. The tip of this teat is flat with rounded edges. Similarly, the left hind teat is fused with the right one. There was tissue to tissue attachment and the skin was continuous. Fusion was not clearly evident. The resulting large teat had only one teat canal and one .teat canal opening. The tip of this teat was rounded,

but pointing slantingly to the exterior. The teat canal opening was present in this pointed end. The left teat was larger and shorter than the right, while the right teat was longer and rounded. Milk flow was normal in both.

There were four distinct quarters, and these were palpable. The right fore quarters and the left hind quarters were small and flattened. When the left fore teat was milked, both the fore quarters got shrank.

Similarly, when the right hind was milked, both the hind quarters show shrinkage. This was indicative of fusion between the milk cisterns of both fore quarters and hind quarters. There were no other teats on the udder. The buffalo cow gaves about a litre of milk through the fore teat and another 1112 litres of milk from its hind teat daily morning and evening. This she buffalo calved thrice. Two of the calves were females and their udders were normal. Its mother's udder was also normal. Nothing is known about its grandmother. No other abnormalities could be detected with this animal. The buffalo cow, its mother, and its calves were all healthy and hale.

Case 2: Blind teats

A country riverine buffalo cow, aged about 4 years, had an udder with four teats in which two were blind (Figure 2). On the right, there 2 small and short teats just about its middle. They were closely one behind another and placed slightly high over the udder. Both were blind, but there were white spots at the middle of the tip of the teats, representing the spot of the openings of the teat canals. On palpation, the consistency of the teats was normal. On the left side also, there were two teats at its middle. The hind teat was just over the middle of the two halves and the fore teat was about 4 em above slantingly forwards and external. They were also short and stumpy, larger than the right ones, and with normal texture. They were seen on the underneath of the udder in a normal way. No other teats were seen over the udder. Besides, there were two holes on the udder in its hind region, one on each side. The right one was about 8 em behind the hind teat and near the medial plain. The left one was about 4 cm exterior and just behind the hind teat on this side.

Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lam Farm, Guntar 522 034, Andhra Pradesh, India.

7

The animal was in its first lactation. There was no milk from the teats on the right side as they were blind. But; about 350 rn1 of milk could be drawn from each teat on the left side both in the morning and evening. The owner had left this milk for its calf. Milk also flowed from the openings in the hind region of the udder. When the udder was full and preseed upwards by hand, milk flowed from these holes in strippings.just like from normal a teat. But it was only for 2 to 3 minutes, and about 100 mI. of milk could be had from these. Afterwards, the milk flow stopped. About 30 minutes later, milk again started to fall in drops from these holes. The rate of fall of drops became slower. In about an hour, milk flowed continously fram these holes in a oozing pattern. When the animal lay down, a lot of milk came out of the udder and the floor was soiled by it.

Treatment was obscure, and nothing could be done for this animal. The owner did not want this animal to be slaughtered or killed. However on the 23 rd day after parturition, the animal developed acute mastitis and died despite treatment.

Detailed Post-mortem examination was conducted on the carcass of the animal. All visceral organs and the brain were normal. The udder was dissected with care. On the right side except over the hole in the hind part, there was irregularly scattered glandular tissue in abundant connective tissue stroma. Histological examination of the glandular tissue revealed cells with basophilic cytoplasm. There was no milk production from these cells. However, there was milk production in the glandular tissue over the hole, and the milk that was fromed collected in a cistern and then flowed out of the udder through the hole. Similarly, on the left side, there were glandular masses over the two teats and also over the hole at the hind region. The rest of the udder was similar to that of the right side. There was milk production in these glandular masses. Milk that was framed collected in cisterns and then flowed into teat canals or into the opening at the hind region. The openings had only a few tissue fibres and hence, they could not close completely.

COMMENTS

The causes of these conditions were proded thoroughly. In the first case, the dam of this animal

Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No.1

was butted by a wandering buffalo bull in its third month of gestation. This was very dudden and the buffalo cow could not avoid it. Then, it fell down flat on the right side, the side opposite the butt. The animal struggled for a while and took its normal lying posture. It got up after some time. The animal was dull for about a week. Abortion was expected immediately or after a couple of days, but the pregnancy was retained. The animal calved and the cal f developed into an adult, the she buffalo of Case I. Its mother had a normal udder, and nothing was known about its grandmother. Its four sisters had normal udders. The buffalo cow calved thrice. and was pregnant at this writing. Two of the calves were females, and both had normal udders.

In the Case 2, the dam of this animal during its third month of pregnancy, got released from its tie up in a shed one night and went into nearby crop fields, which were at their mature stage and began grazing. On seeing this, some watchmen came and beat the animal with sticks. Then, the animal ran for a while and jumped over a fence and fell down beyond it. It could not get up. The next morning, the owner of the animal came with some men and raised it. It stood for some time and then began to walk slowly. It was taken to the hospital directly. Abortion was prevented by medication and hence, its pregnancy was retained. After treatment for about two weeks, the animal was able to walk properly. It also became active. This she buffalo calved in due course and the calf was grown up as adult, the she buffalo of case 2. Its mother had a normal udder and the owner said that, its grandmother also had a normal udder. Two of its sisters that were with the owner had normal udders. This was the first pregnancy of this animal, and the calf that was born was a male. In these instances, there is every possibility that injury during pregnancy resulted in developmental abnormalities. However, the reasons why the udders were affected but not other organs or parts arc mystery.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author is grateful to Dr. K. Bhaskar Singh, Assistant Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Guntur, for his help in recording these two cases from his jurisdiction.

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Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 NO.1

REFERENCE

Christopher, K.1. (1998). Developmental abnormalities of the udders and teats III buffaloes. Buffalo Bulletin: [In press].

Legends to the photographs

Figure 1. A buffalo cow with fused teats on its udder. (Empty ball-point pen refills are kept in the teat canals)

Figure 2. A buffalo cow with blind teats on its udder*

(Artery foreceps are pointing the holes on the udder)

* This photograph is taken after the death of the animal

9

Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No.1

ACUTE TOXICITY OF FENITROTHION RELATED TO BIOCHEMICAL ALTERATIONS IN BUFFALO CALVES

AK. Srivastava and J.K. Malik

ABSTRACT

The single oral administration of fenitrothion (435 mg/kg) in buffalo calves produced severe cholinergic toxic symptoms and marked biochemical alterations. The main toxic symptoms were characterized by salivation, urination, twitching of muzzle, muscular fasciculation, incordination in movement, respiratory distress, ataxia and convulsions. The symptoms started appearing at 20-23 minute and peaked at 50-90 minute after administration. This dose of fenitrothion produced death in all the animals within 8-12 h. The erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase AchE enzyme was inhibited to greater extent (35-98 %) that plasma AchE and whole blood AchE. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (10-25 %), alanine aminotransferase (18-774 %), alkaline phosphatase (54-183%), acid phosphatase (31-712 %) and lactate dehydrogenase (20-78 %) were significantly elevated. There were marked hyperglycaemia (22- 149 %), hyperproteinemia (13-38 %) and hypercreatinemia (20-211 %). The results revealed that (I) fenitrothion is a fast-acting organophosphate insecticide and (ii) for the diagnosis of fenitrothion toxicity in animals, the estimation of erythrocyte AchE enzyme may be considered as better index than blood and plasma AchE.

INTRODUCTION

At present the organophosphate insecticides (OPI) constitute a large proportion of total modern synthetic chemicals employed for the control of pests in the fields of agriculture, veterinary practice and public health. Fenitrothion FTH, an OPI is being routinly used in veterinary medicine as ectoparasiticide by external as well as systemic application (Matsumura, 1977). Unfortunately, the biological activity of OPI is not limited just to

insects, they are also toxic to mammals and other organisms in which acetyl cholinesterase enzyme plays a vital role. Because of such adverse toxic effects of aPI, a sensitive biochemical parameter is required to be identified for effective and immediate diagnosis of its poisoning in animals. Although little work on this aspect has been done (Raina et al., 1990 a, b: Srivastava et al., 1988) a pin-point conclusion is still lacking. Keeping this in view, the present study was planned to investigate the acute toxicity of FTH and its enzymatic alteration in buffalo calves. Based on the present findings, the most sensitive blood biochemical parameter for diagnosis of apr toxicity was also determined.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Calves and treatment:

Four male buffalo calves weighing between (70-90 kg) were used. They were quarantined in their shed for 2 weeks and were determined to be healthy by regular clinical examination. The animals were fed green fodder and wheat straw and had free access to water. Fenitrothion (Folithion" 50 Ec, Bayer (India) Ltd., Bombay) was administered orally at the dose rate of 435 mg/kg body weight. Before administration of insecticide, animals were kept on fasting for 16-18 h. The selection of dose of fenitrothion was on the basis of earlier data of this laboratory (Vadlamudi and Paul, 1973; 1978).

Collection of samples and analytical procedure:

Blood samples were collected before and at 15,30, 60, 120,240,360,480 and 720 minute after administration of insecticide. Blood was collected from jugular vein into heparinized and non-heparinized glass test tubes. Plasma was separated after centrifugation at 3000 rpm at room temperature. The enzyme activities were determined

"I Dept. of Ph anna co logy and Toxicology, CoIl. of Veterinary Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana- 141004, India .

. " Div. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, IVRL Izatnagar (UP), India.

10

on the same day of collection. The acetylcholinesterase enzyme in erythrocytes (EC 3.1.1.7), whole blood and plasma (EC 3. I .1.8) was estimated by the method of Moroi et al. (1976) as modified from Voss and Sachsse (1970). The serum carboxylesterase (EC 3.1.3.1) was measured by using indophenyl acetate as substrate as described by Mandoze et al. 1971. The serum levels of aspartate amino transferase (SAST; EC 2.6.1.1), alanine amino transferase (SALT; EC 2.6.1.2), alkaline phosphatase (SALP; EC 3.1 .3. I), acid phosphatase (SLDH; EC 3.1.3.2), lactate dehyrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27), proteins and blood glucose were determined as per the method of Wootton (1964).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Various toxic symptoms exhibited by buffalo calves following single oral administration of fenitrothion (435 mg/kg body weight) are summarized in Table 1. This dose of fenitrothion produced severe clinical toxic symptoms in all animals. The symptoms started 20-23 minute after administration, progressed to their peak at 50-90 minute, and all the animals died within 8-12 h of fenitrothion administration. The toxic symptoms were typical characterstic of anticholinesterase poisoning. The toxic signs observed in buffalo calves in this study were not markedly different from those reported in mice (Vadlamudi and Paul, 1973). The rapid appearance of toxic signs following FTH administration is suggestive that this insecticide is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and further metabolized to its active oxygen analogue fenitroxan in buffalo speicies.

The effect of single oral administration of fenitrothion on various blood biochemical parameters is given in Table 2. The calculated values of regression coffecient (B) of various blood biochemical parameters are given in Table 3. The levels of whole blood AchE, plasma AchE, erythrocytes AchE and serum carboxyl esterase enzymes were inhibited to the extent of 86, 94, 89, and 63%, respectively, at 480 minute of administration.

The calculated values of regression coefficient of various esterases declined in the following order: erythrocyte AchE (751.2» whole blood Ach (242» plasma AchE (51.8» serum carboxylesterase (25.3). On comparing the difference between

Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No.1

regression coefficient of different esterases, it is apparent that erythrocyte AchE was inhibited significantly (P<O. 0 I ) more than that of blood AchE, which was inhibited more than plasma AchE. The present finding suggest that among various blood cholineterases, determination of erythrocyte AchE activity may be regarded as a better and more effective index to assess the exposure offentitrothion in buffaloes. The present observations are in agreement with the results of our earlier work (Srivastava et al., 1983).

The inhibitory effects of FTH on serum carboxylesterase enzyme is in agreement with Ecobichon and Zeit (1979), who observed marked inhibition of renal and hepatic carboxylesterase following acute dose of fenitrothion in rats. Inhibition of carboxyleterase may have profound a effect of toxicity of other organophosphorous insecticides that are selectively inactivated by this enzyme system (Murphy, 1980). The inhibitory effect of fenitrothion on serum carboxylesterase activity observed in present study may enhance the toxicity of malathion, another widely used insecticide. Several inhibitors of carboxylesterase enzyme have been demonstrated to potentiate the toxicity of malathion in animals and man (Murphy, 1980).

Fenitrothion caused a gradual and significant (P<O.OI) rise in the serum level of AST, ALT, ALP, ACP and LDH. The calculated values of regression coffecients for these enzymes declined in following order: SALT> SLDH> SALP > SAST > SACP. The elevation of these enzymes in blood have been used as an indicator of altered permeability of plasma membrane (Ramazzotto and Carlin, 1978) andlor cellular domage (Drotman and Lawhorn, 1978). The increased levels of serum transferases, phosphatases and lactate dehydrogenase have been reported in animals exposed to several organophosphate insecticides (Malik et al., 1978, 1984 ; Srivastava et al., 1989). Organophosphate insecticides are known to severely affect the liver, an organ primarily involved in their activation and detoxification (Murphy, 1980). The observed comparatively high serum levels of alanine aminotransferase may be due to its faster leakage from the cells than that of aspartate aminotransferase (Henley et al.. 1959).

The serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase were increased to the extent of

I 1

54-] 83 and 31-712 %, respectively at 480 minute of administration of FTH. Any damage to liver, bone, small intestine, and kidney may liberate alkaline phosphatase in the blood stream (Kaplan and Righetti, 1970). Acid phosphatase on the other hand is a lysosomal enzyme which is also stimulated in the cases of imminent or present tissue damage (Wilson eta!., 1970). The serum level ofLDH, is cytosolic in nature and has wide distribution in animal tissues. Any cellular damage to liver, lung, muscle, kidney and heart releaes this enzyme into systemic circulation (Bhargara et al., ] 978). Furthermore, tremors and convulsions, observed during fenitrothion poisoning increase the breakdown of carbohydrate and protein in muscle, which in tum may stimulate the cellular contents of LDH (Harper and Rodwell, 1971).

Similar to its effects on various enzymes, fenitrothion also caused significant elevation in blood level of glucose and serum levels of proteins and creatinine. The hyperglycaemic effects of some other organophosphate insecticides has also been reported (Malik, 1975 ; Srivastava et al., 1989). The hyperglycaemia may be related to the increased secretion of adrenaline and glucocorticoids from adrenal glands (Born, 1970). The observed elevation in plasma proteins is suggestive that organophosphorus insecticides may stimulate the growth of cellular proteins. An increase in serum creatinine has also been reported in buffaloes given sublethal to lethal doses of another organophosphorous insecticide, edifenphos (Malik, 1975).

REFERENCES

Bhargava, A.S., Khater, A.R. and Gunzel, P. (1978).

The correlation between lactate dehydrogenase activity in urine and serum and experimental renal damage in rat. Toxi colo . Lett. 1: 319-323

Born, G.Y.R. (1970). Some effect of injuries on metabolism. In : Lord Florey (Ed) General Pathology. 4th Ed. Lloyd Luke (Medical Books) Ltd., London, pp:337-369.

Drotman, R.B and Lawhorn, G.T. (1978). Serum enzymes as indicators of chemically induced liver damage. Drug. Chem. Toxicol . 1: 163-171.

Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No.1

Ecobichon, D.J. and Zeit, D. (1979). The acute toxicity of fenitrothion in weaning rats and effects on tissues esterases and monooxygenase. TOXicology, 13 : 287-276

Harper, H.A. and Rodwell, V (197f). Enzymes. In : H.A. Harper (ed). Review of Physiological Chemistry. 13th Ed. Lange Medical Pub. California, pp: 122-164.

Henley, KS. Sorenson, O. and Pollard, H.M. (1959).

Some enzymatic properties of suspensions of parenchymatous liver cells. Nature, 184: 1400.

Kaplan, M.M. and Righetti, A. (1970). Induction of rat liver alkaline phosphatases. The mechanism of the serum elevation in bile duct obstruction. J Clin. Invest. 49: 508-516.

Malik, J.K. (1975). Pharmacodynamic and toxicological studies of O-ethyl-S, sdiphenyl phosphorodithioate (Hinosan). Ph. D. thesis Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar.

Malik, J.K, Gupta, s.c. and Paul, B.S. (1978). In vitro study on the comparative inhibitory effect of malathiom, sumithion, hirosan on blood cholinesterase in Bulalus bubalis . Indian J Expt. Bioi. 16: 496-497.

Malik, J. K. Srivastava, A.K and Paul, B.S. (1984).

Biochemical alteration in Bubalus bubalis after repeated exposures to quinalphos. Chemosphere, 13: 251-254.

Mandoza, C.E., Shields, 1.B. and Philipps, W.E.J. (197 I). Distribution of carboxylesterase activities in different tussues of albino rats. Camp. Biochem. Physiol. 40: 84-854.

Matsumura, R. (1977). General principles of insecticide toxicology. In : F. Matsumura (Ed) Toxicology of Insecticides. Plenum Press, New York. pp: 17-42.

Moroi, K., Usbiyama, S. Satoh, T. and Kuga, T. (1976). Enzyme induction by repeated adminsitration of tetrachlorvinophos in rats. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacal. 37 : 388-386.

Murphy, S.D. (1980). Pesticides. In : J. Doull, C.D.

Klassen and M.D. Amdur (Ed) Cassarett and Doutt s TOXicology. Macmillan Pub. Co. Inc. New York, pp : 398-400.

12

Raina, R., Srivastava, A.K. and Malik, J.K. (1990a).

The influence of repeated oral administration of dichlorvos on circulating esterases in buffalo calves. (Buba/us bubalis). Vet. Hem. Toxicol. 32 : 577-579.

Raina, R., Srivastava, A.K. and Malik, 1.K. (l990b).

Effect of repeated topical application of dichlorvos on blood enzymes and its toxicity in buffalo calves (Bubalus babalis). Br. Vet. J. 146 : 264-268.

Ramazzotto, L.J. and Carlin, R. (1978). Effects of DMSO on SGOT during hypothermia in adrenalectomized rats. Life Sci. 22 : 329-336.

Srivastava, A.K., Paul, B.S. and Malik, 1.K. (1983).

Effect of repeated oral administration of quinalphos on blood esterases in Bubalus bubalis. Toxico!. Lett. 19: 165-169.

Srivastava, A.K., Raina, R, Chaudhary, RK. and Malik, 1.K. (1989). Acute toxicity and biochemical alterations in rats after single oral administration to dichlorvos. Pesticide, 23 : 35-40.

Srivastava, A.K. Rampal, S. and Malik, lK. (1988).

Subacute toxicity and biochemical effects of quinalphos in male cross-bred calves. Acta Veterinary (Beograd), 38 : 273-280.

Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No.1

Vadlamudi, VP. and Paul, B.S. (1973). Acute toxicity studies on sumithion and its effect on blood and brain cholinesterase activities in mice. Indian J. Pharmacal. 5: 423-427.

Vadlamudi, VP. and Paul, B.S. (1978). A note on oral toxicity of 0, 0-dimethyl-0-(3 methyl-O- 4-nitro-phenyl) phosphorothioate and its effects on blood cholinesterases in India buffalo. Indian J. Anim. Sc. 48: 59-61.

Voss, G. and Sachssc, K. (1970). Red cell and plasma cholinesterase activities in microsamples of human and animal blood determined simulaneously by a modified/ acetylcholine/OTNB procedure. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacal. 16: 764-772.

Wilson, R, Ooell, B.H., Groger, W., Hope, J. and Gellatey, J. B. (1970). The physiology of liver enlargement. In : F.J.C. Roe(Ed) Metablic Aspects of Food Safety. Blackwell Scientific Pub., Oxford, pp : 363.

Wootton, I.O .P. (1964) Microanalysis in Medical Biochemistry, 4th Ed. 1 & A Churchill Ltd. London

Table 1. Appearance of various toxic symptoms in buffalo calves given single oral dose of fenitrothion (435 mg/kg body weight).

Symptoms

Time of onset after FTH administration (min)

Excitement

Urination

Salivation

Defcation

Twitching of muzzle Muscular fasciculation Incoordination Rigidity oflimb

Ataxia

Respiratory distress Paddling movement of limbs Convulsions

Muscular paralysis

Death

20-23 21-25 24-26 26-29 29-33 34-43 40-50 50-57 58-75 70-90 90-120 160-330 380-690 480-1440

Values given are in range and represscnt results obtained from four animals.

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Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No.1

Table 2. Effect of single oral administration of fenitrothion on blood biochemical parameters in buffalo calves.

Time after fenitrothion adminisstration" (min)

o

15

30

60

120

240

360

480a

720b

(Erythrocyte AchE (nmol acetylthiocholine hydrolysed/min/ml)
2206±38.6 1449±116.0 1214±81.3 1064±86.8 973± 128.4 776.7±90.6 319.8±37.4 123.6±4.92 32.8
(Plasma AchE (nmol acetylthiocholine hydrolysed/min/ml)
157.8±2.72 107.7±5.41 68.6± 1.1 0 58.2±8.78 53.3±8.64 39.7±1.58 2S.4±2.38 16.7±1.57 13.9
(Whole blood AchE (nmol acetylthiocholine hydrolysed/min/rnl)
806.1±34.7 476.S±14.9 417.9±23.7 363.3±16.2 329±14.1 225±29.7 159.9±20.3 108.8±19.8 130.S
(Aspartate aminotransferase (nmo l pyruvate formed/min/ml)
67 .49± 1. 89 74.39±1.46 78.09±2.21 86.71±2.09 9508±1.89 114.3±0.69 133.0±1.48 144.8+-4.44 lSI. 7
(Alanine aminotranssferase (nmol pyruvate formed/rnin/rnl)
48.96±2.14 57.7S±3.49 69.44±1.47 119.3±3.24 150.6±7.63 178.9±4.23 207.3±8.06 491.3±0.78 427.9
(Alkaline phosphatase (nmol phenol liberated/min/ml)
73.7±2.24 113.4±3.01 121 l±4.63 137.1±2.32 146.6±4.41 161.9±4.41 172.9±2.65 191.7±6.97 209.7
(Acid phosphatase (nmol phenol liberated/rnin/rnl)
3.98±0.24 5.20±0.29 7.01±0.15 9.53±0.32 11.6±0.48 12.8±0.55 15.2±1.10 18.7±0.73 32.3
(Lactate dehydrogenase (nmol pyruvate reduced/min/ml)
244.2±4.74 263.9±6.95 291. 7±4.69 320.4±7.57 344.9±6.84 393.5±7.67 416.7±3.27 446.0±6.98 435.7 (Blood glucose (mg/l00 ml)
59.2±3.89 72.4±2.71 82.2±5.84 97.4±6.38 98.05±S.21 102.6±5.74 115.1±8.13 115.8±6.57 147.4
(Serum protein (g/100 ml)
6.50±0.18 6.58±0.18 6.95±0.13 7.32±0.15 7.69±0.12 8.15±0.15 8.62±0.29 8.87±0.25 9.0
(Serum creatinine (mg/IOO ml )
2.06±0.04 2.47±0.12 3.35±0.16 4.02±0.17 5.20±0.32 5.71±0.21 5.79±0.23 5.91±0.24 6.41 *Values given are mean ± of four animals unless otherwise stated . • values are mean ± SE of three animals.

b value of one animal.

Alterations in all biochemical parameters were significant (P<O.05) as compared to their respective corresponding 0 min

(control) values.

14

Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No.1

Table 3. Regression coefficients of various enzymes in buffalo calves based on their blood levels as function of time following single oral administration offenitrothion (435 mg/kg, po).

Parameter

Regression coefficient* (J3)

Erythrocyte AchE Blood AchE Plasma AchE

Serum carboxylesterase

Serum aspartate aminotransferase Serum alanine aminotransferase Serum alkaline phosphatase Serum acid phosphatase

Serum lactate dehydrogenase

751.2 242.0 51.8 25.2 34.1

135.4 45.1 7.62 78.3

*Values given are mean offour animal

15

Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 NO.·1

HAEMATOLOGICAL VARIATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPLETE WATER DEPRIVATION AND REHYDRATION IN BUFFALO CALVES

S.S. Sihag, M.K. Rose, Inderjeet and S.K. Garg

ABSTRACT

Six healthy male buffalo calves were exposed to complete water deprivation for 7 days followed by rehydration with either tap water (n=3) or normal saline (n=3). Observations were recorded before water deprivation to form the base line values; daily during deprivation to assess the haematological changes; and at 0 (immediately before rehydration), 4, 8, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h post-rehydration to determine the restoration of normal values. Haematological parameters viz. haemoglobin concentration, paked cell volume and total erythrocyte count increased significantly from Day 3 of water deprivation onwards and rehydration with tap water or saline resulted in significant decline in theseparameters. Blood indices, MCV and MCH, showed a progressive decline following with holding of water, the differences being significant only during second half of week-long deprivation. However, MCHC showed non-significant fluctuations during water deprivation. Upon rehydration, MCV and MCH were restored to pre-deprivation level and a small decline was observed in MCHC.

INTRODUCTION

The buffalo a water loving animal, is likely to face water scarcity or deprivation especially during transportation, in nomadic herds or in deserts during summer months. This would trigger water conservation mechanisms of the body which would influence other body systems including the blood picture. Since the basic body turnover of water in buffalo is more than in other domestic animals (Siebert and Macfarlane, 1969; Kind 1979), it would appear probable that it is more susceptible to water deprivation.

Haematological values reflect status of normal body functioning and physiology and in

adverse encounters, reflect preparedness to combat unfavourable stimuli. Water deprivation in donkeys and cattle (Maloiy and Boarer, 1971) or goats (Hassan, 1989) leads to a rise in haemoglobin, haematocrit, and RBC counts. Pannerselvam et al. (1993), however, reported a non-significant change in PCV and haemoglobin in Surti and Murrah buffaloes following 72 h of water deprivation, though TEC showed a significant increase. The present experiment was aimed at studying the effect of long term (7 days) complete water deprivation on haematologieal parameters and blood indices in buffaloes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted on six healthy male Murrah buffalo calves, approximately one and a half years old and weighing 91-112 kg, during the months of December to February, when the ambient temperature ranged between 5.4 to 23.8 0 C and the relative humidity was 51 to 91 %. For three weeks before the start of the experiment, all the animals were accustomed to the management and a diet consisting of chopped wheat-straw or hay ad lib and 1.5 kg concentrate mixture per head per day along with free availability of water. Following acclimatisation, haematologieal parameters were recorded daily for one week in all the six animals and their mean values served as pre-deprivation value (control). Thereafter, the animals were subjected to complete water deprivation for a period of 7 days and observations were recorded daily at 24 h intervals during the period of water deprivation. Subsequently, three animals were rehydrated with normal saline and the other three with tap water and observations were further recorded at 0 (immediately prior to rehydration), 4, 8, 12,24,36 and 48h post-rehydration values, mean values only from the

Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar - 125004, Haryana, India.

16

animals in such subgroups were considered.

Jugular venous blood was collected in heparinized tubes and haematological parameters studied were: haemoglobin (Hb) by Sahli's haemoglobinometer technique; packed cell volume (PCV) by Wintrobe haematocrit tubes (Wintrobe, 1962); and total erythrocyte count (TEC) by haemocytometer as described by Mangrum (1975). The blood indices (MCV, MCH and MCHC) were determined by the formulae as described by Swenson (1993).

The statistical comparisons (as per Snedecor and Cochran, 1967) of pre-deprivation, during deprivation and post-rehydration values for different parameters were made by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Compared to pre-deprivation values, Hb, PCV and TEC values significantly increased from day 3 or 4 of water deprivation onwards (Table I). Maloiy and Boarer (1971) reported only 5.18 % rise in Hb values in dehydrated cattle while Hassan (1989) reported an increase of 54 to 69% in Hb values in different breeds of goats dehydrated for 3 days only. Panneerselvam et al. (1993) reported non-significant change in Hb and PCV in buffalo deprived of water for 72h, but Singh (1991) reported a 48% increase in PCV in buffalo calves deprived of water for 72 h during summer season. The difference between the present finding and those of Singh (1991) may be attributed to differences in ambient temperature during the two studies. The rise in TEC is in accordance with the findings of Maloiy and Boarer (1971), who reported similar rise in TEC values in dondeys deprived of water for 8 days.

Rehydration with tap water (Table 2) or saline (Table 3) resulted in significant decline in Hb, PCV and TEC values and the pre-deprivation levels were achieved at vairous intervals after rehydration.

While MCHC values were maintianed with only non-significant fluctuations, there Was a progressive decline in the values of both MCV and MCH following withholding of water from buffalo calves, but significant decline from control pre-deprivation values was observed only during the last 3-4 days of weeklong deprivation.

Following rehydration, normal MCV values

Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No.1

were fast restored but levels even higher than the control pre-deprivation values were recorded at 8-12 h post-rehydration. MCH values were also restored immediately to normal levels within 4 h following saline rehydration, but the restoration was gradual in the tap water group. A decline in MCHC values was observed post-regydration and it continued till 12 h in both the rehydration groups. These findings partly agree and partly contradict the findings by Maloiy and Baorer (1971) in Zebu cattle, Little et al. (1984) in Freisian cows; this might be due to physiological differences in blood indices of different species.

REFERENCES

Hassan, G.A. (1989). Physiological responses of Anglo-Nubian and Baladi goats and their crossbreds to water deprivation under subtropical conditions. Livestock Production SCience, 22: 295-304.

Kind, J.M. (1979). Game domestication for animal production in Kenya. Field studies of the body water turnover of game and livestock. Journal of Agricultural SCiences, 93: 71-79.

Little, W., Sansom, B.F., Manston, R., Allen, W.M. (1984). Importance of water for the health and productivity of the dairy cow. Research in Veterinary Science, 37: 283-289.

Maloiy, G.M.O., Boarcr, C.D.H. (1971). Response of the Somali dondey to dehydration : haematological changes. American Journal of Physiology; 22(1): 37-41.

Mangrum, R.E. (1975). Manual of Haematology.

Reston Publishing Company Inc., Reston.

Panneerselvam, N., Sirvakumar, T. and Thiagarajan, M. (1993). Physiological responses in nondescript, Surti and Murrah buffaloes to water deprivation and exercise. Indian Journal of Animal Science, 63(7): 710-715.

Ranawana, S.S.E., Tilakratne, M. and Srikant Kumar, A. (1984). Utilization of water by buffaloes in adapting to a wet tropical environment. In : The Use of Nuclear Techniques to Improve Domestic Buffalo Production in Asia. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, pp. 171-187.

17

Siebert, B.D. and Macfarlane, W.v. (1969). Body water content and water turnover of tropical Bos indicus, Bib as benteng and Bub alus bubalis . Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 20: 613-622.

Singh, Ramvir (1991). Studies on certain physiological functions in response to acute heat stress and water deprivation. MVSC thesis, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar.

Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No.1

Snedecor, G.W. and Cochran, W.G. (1967).

Statistical Methods. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co., New Delhi, pp. 292-338.

Swenson, M.J. (1993). Physiological properties and cellular and chemical constituents of blood. In : Duke s Physiology of Domestic Animals, (11 th Ed.), Cornell University Press, London, p.22.

Wintrobe, M.M. (1962). Clinical Haematology. 5th Ed., Lea & Febriger, Philadelphia.

Table 1. Effect of total water deprivation on various haematological parameters and blood indices in buffalo calves

Parameters

o

2

Days of total water deprivation (Mean se values)

7

3

4

6

Haemoglobin (g%) IO.06±0.S8" 9.80±0.57' 9.70±0.44' JO.20±O.75" IO.S8±O.62" 1O.80±0.83' 11.30i-0.S3' 10.98±O.64d'
Packed cell volume(%) 31.20±0.83' 31.42±0.89" 31.60±O.89'b 32.19±O.83h< 32.80±1.30'd 33.62±0.14d, 34.20±0.S3' 34.40±O.89'
T.E.C. (x l Ovrnm") 5.27±O.24' 5.28±O.22' 5.38±0.26' S.64±0.22' S.94±0.16' 6.24±0.08d 6.47±0.14' 6.64±0.19'
MCV (micro') 59.21±1.85' 59.54±1.92' 58.76 ±2. 28' 57.16",1.07" 55.18±1.80'" S3.6S±1.35" 5 2. 83± 1.22" 51. 80± 1.17'
MCH (micro'picogram)19.12±1.73' 18.62+1.69" 18.08±1.47" IS. 14± 1.72" 17.82±1.30' 17.32± 1.51" 17.48± 1.62" 16.SS±1.27'
MCHC (g%) 32.26±2.0S 31.23 ± 2.06 30.71 ± 1.45 31.69±2.S0 32.29±2.26 32.19±2.98 33.08±2.90 31.96±2.S8 Values with different superscripts in a row differ significantly (P<O.OS)

Table 2. Effect of water rehydation in '7-day total water deprived' buffalo calves on various ofhaematological parameters and blood indices.

Mean values
Parameter Pre-deprivation Dehydrated Post-rehydration (h)
4 8 12
Haemoglobin (g%) 10.0 10.4 9.3 8.9 9.1
Packed cell volume (%) 32.0 35.0 33.5 32.0 31.5
T.E.C. (x l O'vmrn") 5.5 6.8 6.3 5.2 5.2
MCV (m") 58.22 51.66 53.38 62.17 60.17
MCH (rn? picogram) 18.22 15.35 14.74 17.28 17.37
MCHC (g%) 31.25 29.71 27.61 27.81 28.90 18

Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No.1

Table 3. Effect of saline rehydration in'7-days total water deprived' buffalo calves on various haematological parameters and blood indices.

Parameters

Pre-deprivation Dehydrated

Post-rehydration (h)
4 8 12 24 36 48
8.25 8.00 7.95 9.00 8.90 9.00
31.50 30.50 29.50 29. (X) 28.50 28.50
5.55 5.07 4.60 4.96 5.07 5.05
56.85 60.16 64.56 58.50 56.18 56.44
18.28 15.80 17.45 18.21 17.45 17.83
26.18 26.26 26.93 31.03 31.02 31.55 Hb(g%) 9.75 11.30
PCV (x106/nun3) 30.50 34.00
T.E.C.(x106/mm3) 5.17 6.45
MCV(m3) 58.93 52.70
MeR (m'picogram) 18.84 17.53
MCRC(g%) 31.99 33.29 19

Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No.1

UTERINE AND OVARIAN CHANGES DURING THE EARLY POSTPARTUM PERIOD IN MURRAH BUFFALOES

I.S. Lohan, R.K. Malik, M.S. Saini, O.P. Dhandaand Baljit Singh

ABSTRACT

Thirteen Murrah buffaloes of different parities which had calved during November to December 1996 were taken for this study. Ultrasound imaging of ovaries was done for each buffalo once in four days, from Day 10 postpartum onwards by using 5 MHz mechanical probe. Uterine involution along with ovarian changes was also recorded in all animals up 'to 82 days postpartum. Results of the present study showed that uterine involution was completed in all animals by day 45 postpartum. Development of dominant follicles (::::: 10 mm) was observed early in the period after calving which caused the resumption of estrus activity, but the conception rate were poor when animals were inseminated less than 40 days postpartum.

INTRODUCTION

The mean postpartum interval of resumption of follicular growth, first ovulation, first observed heat, and fertile heat, varies with season, parity, weight loss, and possibly with breeds of buffaloes (Jainudeen and Wahab, 1987; Janakiraman, 1988). The management of postpartum fertility by understanding the physiology of follicular growth and ovulation forms the key to the economics of dairy farming and calf crop efficiency in any meat, draft or calf raising projects.

Our knowledge is very meagre about the causes of variable length of the sexual cycle, duration of estrus, and time of ovulation in buffaloes. Similarly, the causes of anestrous are also not well understood. The possible effects ofvarious hormones and chemical components on steroidogenesis in theca and granulosa cells have been illustrated. Similar studies at the molecular level remain to be carried out on the theca and granulosa layers of maturing follicles in the buffalo ovary. Ultrasound imaging has also

been used to study the resumption of ovarian activity during the postpartum period in dairy and beef cows (Rajamahendran and Taylor, 1990; Savio et al., 1990). However, difficulties have been reported, in scanning ovaries during the early postpartum period (15 days postpartum) mainly due to the presence of large, voluminous, uninvoluted uterus; In the present study, uterine involution and ovarian follicular development from the early (Day 10) postpartum period through Day 82 was investigated in buffaloes considering that early involution of uterus and early increase in size of dominant follicles (::::: 10 mm) on the ovaries may be the cause of early initiation of estrus. Such study had not been attempted as yet in buffaloes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirteen Murrah buffaloes of Haryana Agricultural University Farm of different parities were taken for this study. All buffaloes had calved in November and December, 1996. The animals were kept in a semi-open housing system and were stall fed as per NRC recommendations. A teaser bull was paraded twice every day in the morning and evening to detect the animals in estrus. Ovaries of each buffalo were imaged once in four days, starting from 10-12 days postpartum in three animal s and from 14-19 days postpartum in remaining ten animals using Pie-Medical Vet-200, Holland with mechanical probe having a frequency of 5 MHz. All observations of ovarian structures were made by same person through 82 days of postpartum study.

Ovarian structures measurement

The ovaries one by one were grasped in the first two fingers and retrieved with slight force in front of probe by changing their faces. A complete

Department of Animal Production Physiology, Chauhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar 125004, India.

20

black image was considered as that of a follicle whereas a slightly dark and more echogenic one with round boundaries within black spots were considered as corpus luteum. The measurement of diameter of follicles was done after freezing the images with inbuilt calipers in millimeters. Follicles were classified into three categories on the basis of diameter: (a) large (2:: 10 mm) (b) medium (5-9 mm) (c) small (2-4 mm). Sudden disappearance of follicles (~ 10 mm) was considered as shedding of oocyte (ovulation).

Criteria for uterus involution

Simultaneously, uterine involution was recorded for each buffalo with ultrasonographic imaging observations. Percent involution was recorded on the day of rectal palpation by comparing with normal size of uterus as in non-pregnant animals.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results of uterine involution in the present study which are presented in Table 1 showed that most of the uteri had involuted (90-100 %) by 31-35 days post partum and by Day 40 postpartum, all animals had normal sized uteri.

There was a highly positive and significant correlation (r=0.54) between uterine involution and post partum days. Buch et 01. (1955) and Fasgate et 01. (1962) reported similar results in cows. The intervals from parturition to complete regression of uterus to normal size was significantly longer in pluriparous than in primiparous cows.

The average size of largest and second largest follicle is presented in Figure 1. At 10-23 days post partum, the size of largest follicle ranged between 4-8 mm whereas their size varied from 6.5 to 11.9 mm when measured between Day 24 to 82 post partum. The pattern of follicular development showed that till Day 23 postpartum, follicles did not grow much in size; this might be due to the negative effect of higher level of steroids in the late gestation, which blocks the release of pituitary gonadotrophins (Dufour and Roy, 1985). The inhibitory carry over effect of the gravid horn on fertility and the site of ovulation has also been detected in cattle (Gier and Marion, 1968).

It is evident from Figure 2 that the average numbers of medium sized (5-9 mm) and small

Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) Vol. 19 No.1

follicles (2-4 mm) were less than two and four, respectively, up to day 15 postpartum. Thereafter, their number increased and a plateau was maintained up to Day 65 postpartum. Spicer et al. (1986) reported that in cows there was a four fold increase in number of medium-sized follicles between Day 45 to 56 after parturition.

It was observed that in buffaloes, small sized follicles were more in numerous in comparison to medium sized follicles up to Day 82 postpartum. Dufour and Roy (1985) also observed that the population of 4 mm follicles was predominant during the early postpartum period. Buffaloes which showed behavioural estrus in early post partum period had largest follicle growth (Figure 3), i.e. ~ 10 mm between Day 14-32 post partum as compared to those which initiated their cyclic activity on or after Day 40 postpartum. Two buffaloes which came in heat before day 40 postpartum did not conceive in their subsequent heats whereas of two other animals which showed heat after Day 40 postpartum, one conceived with first insemination. Most of the buffaloes had well developed follicles (> 10 mm) by Day 30 postpartum, but it is possible that they might not have ovulated. In postpartum suckled cows, follicular development and formation of dominant follicle occurred very early after parturition (Murphy et 01., 1990).

The present study revealed that buffaloes also have well developed large (dominant) follicles during early days of the postpartum period like that of cattle. Resumption of heat early in buffaloes «40 days postpartum) generally leads to poor conception due to lack of proper coordination of hormones and especially the gonadotropins. The uterine involution is completed by Day 45 postpartum in buffaloes.

REFERENCES

Buch, N.C., Tyler, W.1. and Casida, L.E. (1955).

Post partum estrus and involution of the uterus in an experimental herd of Holstein-Friesian cows. J Dairy Sci. 38: 73-79.

Dufour, 1.1. and Roy, G.L. (1985). Distribution of ovarian follicular populations in the dairy cows within 35 days after parturition. J Reprod.

21

Fer!. 73: 229-235.

Fosgate, OT., Cameron, N.W. and Me Leod, R.I. (1962). Influence of 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone-caproate upon post partum reproductive activity in the bovines. J Anim. Sci. 21: 791-793.

Gier, HT. and Marion, G.B. (1968). Uterus of the cow after parturition: Involutional changes. Am. J Vet. Res. 29: 83-96.

Jainudeen, M.R and Wahab, S. (1987). Postpartum anestrous in the domestic buffalo. Proc. International Symposium on Milk Buffalo Reproduction. Islamabad, Pakistan, March 16- 20, Vol. I, pp 69-77.

Janakiraman, K. (1988). Some aspects of reproductive problems in buffaloes. Proc. II World Buffalo Congress. New Delhi, India. Dec. 12-17, Vol. 2, pp 264-270.

Buffalo Bulletin (March 2000) VoL 19 No.1

Murphy, M.G., Boland, M.P. and Roche, J.F (1990).

Pattern of follicular growth and resumption of ovarian activity in post partum beef suckler cows . .J Reprod. Fert . 90: 523-533.

Rajamahendran, R. and Taylor, C. (1990).

Characterisation of ovarian activity in post partum dairy cows using ultrasound imaging and progesterone profile. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 22: 171-180.

Savio, J.D.; Boland, M.P.; Hynes, N. and Roche, J.F (1990). Resumption offollicular activity in the early post partum period of dairy cow. J Reprod. Fert. 88: 569-579.

Spicer, 1.1.; Leung, K; Convey, E.M.; Gunthers, J.; Short, RE. and Tucker, H.A. (1986). Involution in post partum suckled beef cows. 1. Association among size and numbers of ovarian follicles, uterine involution and hormones in serum and follicular fluid. J Anim. Sci. 62: 734-741.

Figure 1. Average size of largest and second largest follicle in pospartum buffalo.

15 _ E .

.!!! 510'

::r ._ 1

~ ~ I

&!ij 5

'0

-+- largest follicle

____ second largest follicle

Postpartum days

8

Figure 2. Average number of medium sized (5-9 mm) and small sized (2-4 mm) follicles in postpartum buffalo.

'" 6

Q)

;g

24 '0

o z2

o

medium sized follicles

. -N-- small sized follicles

Postpartum days

22

Buffalo Bulletin (June 2000) Vol. J 9 No.2

Table 2. Voluntary feed uuakc of buffaloes. digest ibi lily cocflclerus and nutrient utilization of'rauons containing varying
levels of urad eh 1I ni,
Particulars R-J R~2 R-3 R-l. SEM
Baby Weiglu (kg) 289.3 289.9 200,5 289.5
DM intake (zlday)
Cone-mixture J2"-1-1.2 1231),3 1232.7 1229.3
Rice straw 4336,7 ·BU].9 4270.2 42036
Total 5577.9 5-·H2 5502.9 j .. D2.1)
OM intake (%,BW/day) L93 1.91 1.89 L88
OMi III a ke (g/kgw" ?~/day) 79 . .5.2 78.91 78.2 77.41
Digestihility coctlicicnts
DM .56.65 56.9-1 57.1-1 57.17 1.37
OM 6(122 62.78 63.72 64.62 US
CF (,.+.57 635 63.27 62. Sf l.2
EE 56.7 58.8-+ GI.GL 63,43 1.48
CF** 41.05" 45.80il -I5.62b ..J.8.57b 0,96
NFE 7D.95 72.% 73.<X1 7 .. U5 1.59
NDF* 53682' 5+.92'" 55.62b 56.431) OAR
ADF* H78~ 45.56b 46.571>< -l-7 . ..j.(j" 0.5
Hemicellulose 7L78 09.9 71.7 72.4 2.03
Cellulose 53_..f(j 55.25 56.55 58.28 1.07
N u trlen t Il HI iZHt lou
N intake (g/day) 62.42 62.30 62.27 62.08 -
Faccal-N (g/da ) 22.21 22.67 22.74 23.08 0.80
U rinary- N (glday) 1 1.-«) 12.:i(i 12.01 12.(:,6 0.94
N retained (g/da: ) 28.77 27.07 27.52 26.34 0.65
N rera incd as % or i ntake" 46.10" .. B.45·b 4..J.2Iab 42.421> 0.87
N retained as. % absorbed 71.&l (>X.] 9 68.37 67.63 185
Ca retained 2L 70 21.27 20.29 19.67 0.71
P retained I-UP 12.53"" 1 L.29i>c JO.39" 0.54 a, b. e values i II. the rows bearing different superscripts differ significantly

**('OJllirme on page 42**

47

Buffalo Bulletin (June 2000) Vol. 19 No.2

CONT NTS

Intracytoplasmic glutathione concentration of swamp buffalo (Bub a/lis bubalis timnettcuss oocytes cultured in vitro

L. C Ocampo, JvfB. Ocampo. l:;:V Mamuad. E. V. Venturina T Mori

and H. Shimizu , _ _ _ ..

A case of bicameral abscess ill a buffalo cow

K James Christopher and Y. Kaspa Reddy , ,................................................ 30

The use of monoclonal antibodies against Pasteurella multocida serotype B to diagnose hemorrhagic septicemia in cattle and carabao

Florita S Maslog ,,_ 32

Patent urachus in a buffalo calf-a rare case

P. Pandu Ranga Rao. K. Kanvttha. D. V Sayoj: Rao, V. Ramadevi and

r.s. Chandrasekhara Rao _" , ".............. 37

A comparison of liver glycogen. blood and rumen fluid organic components of buffaloes with cattle

S.K Malvlya, Rakeshkumar. and 1.J Sharma ".............. 39

Effect of inclusion of varying. Levels of rad (Phaseolus Mungo) Chuni in concentrate mixtures on the nutrient utilization III native male bu ffalocs

K Sudhakara Reddy. D. Srinivasa Rao. Z. Prabhakara Rao and J. Ramo Prasad ..... _...... 43

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