A preliminary attempt towards modulation of stress due to obstetrical interventions in buffaloes

Abstract

Dystocia affected buffaloes (24) were utilized to evaluate the modulation of stress response of dystocia and obstetrical intervention in buffaloes wherein fetotomy (n=8) and caesarean section (n=16) were performed under epidural/local infiltration anaesthesia alone or with chlorpromazine tranquilization. The blood samples were collected through jugular catheter before, during, and at end of each obstetrical manoeuvre and on 3 post-manoeuvring days to estimate plasma cortisol levels. Calving control buffaloes (5) were also bled daily from day of calving till day 3 postpartum. Cortisol levels were significantly (P<0.01) higher at presentation in dystocia-affected buffaloes which declined significantly on subsequent post-treatment days but remained higher than the corresponding controls. Administration of chlorpromazine hydrochloride did not suppress cortisol release during obstetrical interventions despite attaining clinical tranquilization in buffaloes.