EVALUATION OF BLOOD PARAMETERS, SERUM MINERALS PROFILES AND RUMEN FERMENTATION IN DAIRY COWS WITH FOREIGN BODY SYNDROME IN SUBTROPICS

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate some blood parameters, serum minerals profile and rumen liquor properties in dairy cows with foreign body syndrome and healthy ones. The present work was conducted as a retrospective cohort study for the cases admitted to Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Assiut University. Based on clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic and post-operative findings, A total number of 37 dairy cows were classified into 3 groups, healthy dairy cows as a control (n = 10), cows with metallic foreign bodies (n = 15) and cows with non-metallic foreign bodies (n = 12). Blood samples were collected from each animal to determine some hematology, biochemical parameters and some minerals of serum. Rumen liquor samples were collected once from each cow, at the surgery to measure the rumen pH, NH3-N, total VFAs and total protozoa count. The results revealed no significant variations in hematological and biochemical indices among diseased groups as compared with control one. Serum concentrations of Mg and Fe were decreased (P<0.05) in dairy cows with metallic and non-metallic foreign bodies. The concentrations of Cu and Zn were decreased (P<0.05) in cows with metallic foreign bodies as compared with non-metallic foreign group and healthy dairy cows. Serum concentrations of Mg and Fe were decreased (P<0.05) in dairy cows with metallic and non-metallic foreign. The concentrations of Cu and Zn decreased (P<0.05) in cows with metallic foreign bodies as compared with non-metallic foreign group and healthy dairy cows. There was a decrease (P<0.05) in the rumen pH, NH3-N and total protozoa count in diseased cows when compared with healthy cows. However, the total VFAs was higher (P<0.05) in diseased cows than control one. In conclusion, some blood constants, serum minerals profiles and rumen fermentation properties were greatly disturbed in dairy cows with foreign body syndrome. Therefore, mineral therapy may be recommended alongside surgical management of diseased cows and buffaloes with foreign body syndrome.