Alterations in haemato-biochemical and milk leukocyte count in mastitis affected cattle in North Karnataka Mukartal SY1, Kharate A2, Isloor S3, Patil SS4,* 1Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary College, KVAFSU, Athani-591230 Dt: Belagavi, Karnataka, India 2Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Veterinary College, Bidar, Karnataka, India 3Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary College, KVAFSU, Hebbal, Bangaluru-560024, Karnataka, India 4ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Yelahanka, Bengaluru-560064, Karnataka, India *Corresponding author E-mail id: sharanspin13@gmail.com
Onilne Published on 8 March, 2024. Abstract This study aimed to assess the impact of Subclinical Mastitis (SCM) and Clinical Mastitis (CM) on haemato-biochemical parameters and milk leukocyte count in crossbred cattle. Milk and blood samples were collected from 10 healthy animals, 100 with SCM, and 50 with CM, originating from Vijayapur and Bagalkot districts in North Karnataka state, India. SCM diagnosis relied on the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and electrical conductivity (EC) of milk. Milk leukocyte count and haemato-biochemical parameters were analyzed for mastitis-infected crossbred cattle. Hematology revealed a significant increase in total leukocyte count (TLC) in crossbred cows affected by mastitis. SCM-infected animals exhibited significantly lower average values of Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC), Hemoglobin (Hb), and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) (P<0.05). However, no significant changes were observed in these indices between CM-infected and healthy animals in mastitis-infected animals, higher granulocyte counts and lymphopenia were observed in the differential leukocytic count (DLC). Biochemical estimation revealed significantly (P<0.05) higher average values of Ca, P, Na, K, and Cl in mastitis-infected animals compared with healthy animals; however, no significant (P<0.05) change was observed in Mg and ALT levels. Similarly, AST and TP values were significantly increased in SCM-infected animals compared to healthy animals; however, no significant changes were observed in CM-infected animals. Macrophage and lymphocyte counts showed a significant decrease; however, the total leukocyte and neutrophil counts in milk were significantly increased in mastitis-affected animals. Hence, the present study concludes that the changes in hemato-biochemical parameters and that CMT, EC, and SCC are ideal for the early detection of subclinically infected cattle and aid in the selection of dairy animals for either segregation or therapy. Top Keywords California mastitis test, DLC, Lymphocytes, Mastitis, Neutrophils, TLC. Top |