Comparative Body Condition and Haemato-biochemical Profile of Tellicherry Does during Pregnancy, Lactation and Dry Period

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study is to provide a complete picture of dynamics of body condition and selected hemato-biochemical parameters of Telicherry does during pregnancy, lactation and dry period.Methods: Blood samples were collected from 40 Tellicherry does ageing around 2-2½ years fortnightly during early pregnancy (1-3 months), late pregnancy (3-5 months), early lactation, mid lactation, late lactation and dry period. Haematological parameters such as haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells count (RBC) and white blood cells count (WBC) were analyzed. Biochemical parameters such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total protein (TP), glucose, triglyceride, aspartate transaminase (AST), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) were estimated.Result: Significant reduction in body weight and condition was observed during early lactation followed by gradual increase during mid and late lactation. The levels of Hb, PCV, RBC (P less than 0.01) found to be elevated throughout pregnancy while WBC, BUN and total protein values were higher during late pregnancy and late lactation. However, LDH levels (P less than 0.01) were higher during both pregnancy and lactation. The serum levels of glucose and triglyceride were lowest during early lactation and highest during early pregnancy and dry period. Reduction in Ca and P (P less than 0.01) levels were observed throughout lactation. AST, Na and K levels remained unaffected during all the physiological status.