Effect of exogenous thyroxine supplementation on heamato-biochemical status in calves

Abstract

ABSTRACT The lipid and HDL cholesterol levels are higher in the buffalo calves than that in the cow calves of the same age. This is due to lesser utilization of lipid substrates during the first week of post-natal life by the buffalo calves in comparison to that by the cow calves. Hyperlipidemia in the calves might be the result of hypothyroidism in neonatal calves. Poor utilization of lipids might be the triggering element for hypothermia in these neonatal buffalo calves. Exogenous supplementation of thyroxine will help in the maintenance of BMR of calves due to its calorigenic effects by uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation process. Therefore, elevated body temperature will lead to sustenance of calves during initial two months of age. The total erythrocyte count (TEC) recorded was higher and it decreased significantly (P<0.05) in thyroxine supplemented buffalo calves and cow calves. In early age, the total leukocytes count (TLC) of thyroxine supplemented buffalo calves and cow calves decreased in comparison to control group. The biochemical parameters such as serum glucose and serum triglycerides increased significantly (P<0.05) whereas, serum protein and cholesterol level was decreased in thyroxine supplemented buffalo calves and cow calves as compared to buffalo calves and cow calves, respectively. The HDL cholesterol did not differ significantly in treatment groups as compared to control group. Mobilisation of lipids and HDL cholesterol of buffalo calves has produced heat to maintain homeostasis in buffalo calves. The increased thyroxine level in thyroxine supplemented buffalo calves helped to maintain their body temperature and increased basal metabolic rate, thus helped in the reduction of calf mortality. Keywords: thyroxine, buffalo calves, cow calves, lipid, basal metabolic rate