Effects of Babesiosis on Blood Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Cows

Abstract

‌Background: Babesiosis is a life-threatening disease caused by a parasite of the Babesia spp., This infects and destroys the Red blood cells. The disease is transmitted mainly by ticks which become infected by feeding on infected cows. The animals will face certain death if the disease is not properly treated on time. Due to this disease the livestock industry suffers many problems and has faced many challenges and losses. The objective of the current study is to find out the effect of hematological and biochemical parameters of babesiosis on cow blood. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in the summer season of Nangarhar province. A total of 30 cows of Watani and 30 cows of Crossbred were selected. The cows were then divided into 15 babesia- infected and 15 healthy cows as controlled groups for both breeds. The sample for blood was collected from the jugular vein of animals using an EDTA tube which contains 2ml of blood for biochemical test. Findings: The obtained results showed that hematological parameters such as Red blood cells and Hemoglobin in Watani and Crossbred cows were significantly decreased (P≤0.05) in babesia-infected cows than healthy controlled group. While the number of White blood cells was significantly higher (P≤0.05) in babesia- infected cows. In the case of biochemical parameters, the amounts of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) both in Watani and Crossbred cows were significantly higher (P≤0.05) in babesia- infected cows. Conclusion: This study concluded that the amount of total protein was significantly decreased (p≤0.05). The amount of cholesterol remained significantly higher. Both hematological and biochemical parameters were significantly different in babesia-infected cows than in controlled healthy cows in the present study.