Evaluation of immuno-regulatory cytokines and negative energy balance markers drift of zebu cows during the transition period

Abstract

ABSTRACT Apparently healthy, eight parturient Sahiwal cows were enrolled and blood samples were collected five times: at enrolment −14, −7, 0 (day of parturition), +7, and +14 days of parturition. Another eight healthy non-pregnant Sahiwal cows in mid-lactation (>90 days of lactation) have served as standard base value control. The transition Sahiwal cows were found to have significantly lower interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and higher interleukin-10 levels at day −7, 0, +7 and +14 of parturition as compared to their own day −14 values. Significant elevation in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) level was estimated in these cows at the day of parturition as compared to their own day −14 values. A marked elevation in the beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) level was also estimated at day 0, +7, and +14 as compared to the day −14 and −7 values in the transition cows. As compared to the standard base value, significantly lower IFN-γ and elevated IL-10 levels were estimated at day −7, 0, +7, and +14 in the transition cows. The NEFA level in the transition cows was also significantly higher at the day of parturition when compared with standard control values. In conclusion, the zebu Sahiwal cows face marked immuno-metabolic dents during the transition period.