Leukocyte profile in sows during lactation period

M. Joksimovic-Todorovic,Lj. Bokan,V. Davidovic

doi:10.2298/bah1004239j

M. Joksimovic-Todorovic, Lj. Bokan + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2298/bah1004239j

Copy DOI

Abstract

During prepartum and postpartum period, there occurs in sows a significant change in the values of haematologic and biochemical parameters. The objective of this research paper was to examine the change in the count of the cells of white blood line in the course of lactation period. The trial was conducted on ten Swedish Landrace breed sows, having the blood taken on the first day postpartum (1-6h), and in the third and fourth week of lactation. The results obtained for haemotologic analyses have suggested the increase in total number of leukocytes and neutrophilic granulocytes, and the decrease in the number of lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils on the first day postpartum. In the third and fourth week of lactation a statistically significant fall in the number of leukocytes and granulocytes in relation to the first day was observed, along with a significant increase in limphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils. In examined time intervals the number of basophils did not change significantly. The neutrophil-limphocyte index was highest on the first day postpartum, while in the third and fourth week it was significantly lower.

Highlights

In the course of lactation the sow augments its body reserves in order to provide production of milk
Parturition and postpartum period are followed by significant changes in biochemical and haematological parameters (Jain, 1993)
The values of haematological parameters: total count of leukocytes, neutrophil granulocytes, limphocytes, monocytes, eosinophilic and basophilic granulocytes were determined by means of automatic haematologic analyser Arcus Diatron®Gmbh Wien Austria

Summary

Introduction

In the course of lactation the sow augments its body reserves in order to provide production of milk. Parturition and postpartum period are followed by significant changes in biochemical and haematological parameters (Jain, 1993). A significant mobilisation of fats results in the increase in unsaturated fatty acids (NEFA) especially at the end of lactation period (Hulten et al, 1993). Number of leukocytes is significantly increased during gestation and parturition in many farm animals, while in sows it is the highest on the thirtieth and sixtieth day of gestation in comparison with the ninetieth day. The function and number of leukocytes varies in different reproductive phases, being initiated by changes in the concentration of some hormones (Österlundh et al, 2002). Genetics influences the immunological characteristics in sows implying that by selection it is possible to obtain animals resistent to ailments characteristic for reproductive period (Vaiman et al, 1998)

Materials and Methods

Results and Discussion

Conclusion