A comparative study on selected acute-phase proteins (APPs) and immunoglobulins in buffalo and bovine calves with respiratory disease

Abstract

Cytokines play an important role in innate immune response to diseases in bovine calves. The objective of the present study was to assess the comparative changes of selected acute-phase proteins (APPs) and immunoglobulins in buffalo and bovine calves with respiratory disease. For this purpose, a total of 65 calves (28 buffalo and 37 bovine) were studied. Of all, 45 calves (21 buffalo and 24 bovine) were diagnosed to have respiratory disease. In addition, 20 clinically healthy calves (7 buffalo and 13 bovine) were randomly selected as a control group. Clinical and hematological examinations as well as measurement of haptoglobin (Hp), fibrinogen (Fb), IgG, IgA, total protein (TP), albumin, and globulin were carried out. Clinically, in acute respiratory disease, buffalo calves had lower clinical index scores (p < 0.05) than bovine calves. In both buffalo and bovine calves, Fb and Hp levels were increased significantly (p < 0.05) in acute respiratory disease compared with chronic cases. However, IgA, IgG, and albumin levels showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05). Moreover, buffalo calves had a significant increase (p < 0.05) of Hp and IgG compared with bovine calves. Total protein and globulin levels showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in calves with chronic respiratory diseases. In conclusion, Hp and IgG response in buffalo calves with respiratory disease seems to differ from bovine calves. Further studies need to be done on experimental respiratory infection in buffalo calves to elucidate the specific acute-phase response.