Risk association of metabolites and immune response mediator indicators with the occurrence of retained placenta in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Risk assessments of retained placenta in Murrah buffaloes

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the risk association of metabolites and immune response mediator indicators with the occurrence of retained placenta (RP) in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). A total of six (n=6) healthy pregnant Murrah buffaloes and four (n=4) buffaloes suffering from RP were selected from the ICAR-NDRI cattle herd. Blood samples were collected from each healthy buffalo on days -56,-48,-42,-35, -28, -21, -14, -7, 0, +7, +14, +21, +28, +35, +35, +42, +48, +56 relative to calving. Blood samples were also collected from the buffaloes on the day of diagnosis of the RP as well as on an alternate day. The result revealed that plasma β-Hydroxybutyric acid (β-HBA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were significantly (P< 0.05) higher in buffaloes suffering from RP compared to normal parturient buffaloes. The level of IgG was significantly (P<0.05) lower in buffaloes suffering from RP (8.84±0.85 mg/mL) compared to normal parturient buffaloes (17.41±1.68 mg/mL). However, plasma Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), calcium, Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and Total Antioxidant Activities (TAA) levels were non-significant differences between buffaloes suffering from RP and normal parturient buffaloes. A binary logistic regression assay revealed the positive association of postpartum β-HBA with RP (Odds ratio= 1.85). Overall results suggest that plasma β-HBA, IgG, and NO can be used as screening biomarkers during the transition period for the risk assessment of RP in buffaloes.