Metabolic profile of the transition period in Egyptian buffaloes (bulbalusbulbalis)‎

Abstract EN

The transition period defined as the period from 3 weeks prior to calving to 3 weeks after calving which is considered the most critical phase and the most stressful period of lactation cycle, however there is insufficient available data reflecting changes in this period in buffaloes.

The present study aimed to monitor the changes in the metabolic profile during pre and postpartum period of highly producing dairy buffaloes as well as their relationship to herd management.

This study was conducted on 10 highly producing Egyptian buffaloes, Ismailia, Egypt.

A total number of 110 blood samples were obtained from all animals (eleven samples per each animal) at -4th , -3rd , -2nd, -1st weeks, at calving time (0) and at +1st ,+ 2nd , +3rd ,+4th ,+5th and +6th week and analyzed for plasma glucose level and serum total proteins, albumin, globulins, urea, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL, BHBA, AST and ALT.

The results showed a highly significant increase in serum urea level at calving time and entire postpartum period.

Also the glucose level showed a highly significant increase at calving time only and a highly significant decrease in the post-partum period.

On the other hand,the later findings were accompanied by a non-significant change of beta-hydroxy butyric acid serum level.

The Lipid profile, ALT and AST showed a non-significant changes during the entire periods of study.

The results draw attention to explanation of the blood metabolic profile in the assessment of food status of buffaloes and ensuring good health in very demanding physiological states in addition, give some indication that buffaloes are more resistance to post-parturient metabolic disorder