S. S. Randhawa

Body condition score and its correlation with ultrasonographic back fat thickness in transition crossbred cows

Aim: The aim was to study the effect of the transition to body condition score (BCS) and ultrasonographic back fat thickness (USG BFT) in crossbred cows. Materials and Methods: A total of 101 multiparous crossbred cows in advanced pregnancy from organized dairy farm were taken up for study. The cows were grouped according to transition stage, i.e. far off dry (FOD), close up dry (CUD) and fresh (F). BCS was estimated by using the five point visual BCS technique with 0.5 increments. The USG BFT was measured by real-time ultrasound using a portable Sonosite instrument. Results: In cows with BCS 2-2.5, the BFT of F period was significantly lower than FOD period. In cows with BCS 3-3.5, the mean BFT at F period was significantly reduced as compared to FOD and CUD period. The overall correlation coefficient between BCS and BFT for different transition stages was 84%, 79% and 75% for FOD, CUD and F period, respectively. Conclusion: The USG BFT gives an accurate measure of fat reserves in cows. The cows with BCS of ≥3.5 entering the transition period are more prone to lose body condition and hence require better and robust management during the transition period.

A note on treatment of hyperthermia in crossbred cattle

OBJECTIVE To evaluate effect of iodized oil in crossbred cattle suffering from hyperthermia (heat intolerance syndrome) in Punjab, India. METHODS The present study was conducted in 85 clinical cases of summer hyperthermia in exotic and crossbred cows with rectal temperature of ≥40.56 °C. Haematological examinations of the affected cows (55) showed relatively low haemoglobin, normal differential and total leucocytic count. All the affected cows (85) were treated with three doses of iodized oil (750 mg elemental iodine per dose, 5mL) given at 24 h interval by subcutaneous route in brisket region. RESULTS Seventy seven (90.58%) cases showed remarkable clinical improvement with temperature coming to normal (38.33 to 38.88 °C) within 5 d of start of treatment. The appetite and milk production was restored by 10th day post treatment. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study substantiate that subcutaneous administration of three doses of iodized oil given at 24 h interval is effective in decreasing rectal temperature of hyperthermic cattle.

Oxidative Stress, Hemato-biochemical and Plasma Mineral Profile in Transition Buffaloes

The present study was aimed to evaluate oxidative stress, hemato-biochemical and plasma mineral profile in transition buffaloes along with therapeutic efficacy of herbal Vitamin E-Selenium powder in reducing oxidative stress. Hundred multiparous Murrah buffaloes in advanced pregnancy were grouped according to transition stage i.e., Far off dry (FOD), Close up dry and Fresh (F). Blood samples were collected during each stage for evaluation of various parameters of oxidative stress viz. lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH), various hemato-biochemical parameters and plasma mineral profile. The mean LPO level in buffaloes increased significantly, whereas the mean SOD and GSH levels decreased significantly throughout the transition period from FOD to F stage. Total leukocyte count was significantly increased at F stage. Significant decrease was observed in levels of total plasma protein, albumin and glucose, whereas significant increase was observed in levels of plasma urea nitrogen, beta hydroxyl butyric acid and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) after parturition at F stage. Significantly low levels of potassium and copper were observed at F stage. Therapeutic trail of herbal Vitamin E-Selenium powder conducted on 12 buffaloes revealed significant decline in LPO and NEFA levels and significant increase in milk fat percentage in the tests. These findings revealed that LPO, SOD and GSH are good indicators of oxidative stress in transition buffaloes and oral supplementation with herbal Vitamin E-Selenium powder reduces the oxidative stress in transition buffaloes and should be included in feeding regimen during transition period.

Evaluation of Efficacy of Propylene Glycol in the Treatment of Subclinical Ketosis and its effect on Plasma Concentration of Various Metabolic Parameters

Sub clinical ketosis is the excessive production of ketone bodies in blood leading to reduced reproductive performances and decreased milk yield without showing any clinical sign of ketosis. Since a lot of metabolic parameters are affected during the subclinical ketosis, which are having their roles in normal functioning of the body. Therefore the study was conducted to check the efficacy of Propylene glycol (PG) which was given @ 200 ml per day orally for 5 days in the treatment of subclinical ketosis and to study its effect on various metabolic parameters. A significant decrease was noted in the mean plasma Beta Hydroxyl Butyric Acid (BHBA) and Non Esterified Fatty Acid (NEFA) values, along with a significant increase in the mean plasma glucose, calcium and total plasma proteins levels after treatment. The mean plasma inorganic phosphorus levels were within the normal range. A non significant decrease was observed in the mean plasma copper and zinc levels, where as a increase was noted in iron levels from the late pregnancy upto the early lactation period. However, a increase was noted in the mean values of copper and zinc after treatment with PG. Marked improvement was recorded in the oxidative stress parameters after feeding of PG It was concluded from the present study that Propylene glycol (PG) was given @ 200 ml per day orally for 5 days results in decrease in plasma NEFA and BHBA levels, indicating its effectiveness for treatment of sub clinical ketosis.