Haemato-Biochemical Profile and Milk Leukocyte Count in Subclinical and Clinical Mastitis Affected Buffaloes

The study was conducted to determine the effect of subclinical mastitis (SCM) and clinical mastitis (CM) on haemato-biochemical parameters and milk leukocyte count of buffaloes. Milk and blood samples were collected from 20 healthy, 101 SCM and 15 CM affected buffaloes from Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts of Karnataka state, India. Haematology revealed significantly (P<0.05) higher average values of TLC in mastitis infected than healthy animals. Significantly (P< 0.05) lower average values of TEC, Hb and PCV were observed in SCM infected animals, however no significant (P>0.05) change were observed in values of CM infected than healthy animals. Biochemical estimation revealed significantly (P< 0.05) higher average values of Ca, Na and Mg in mastitis infected compared with healthy animals however, no significant (P> 0.05) change was observed in ALT levels. TP, K, P and Cl values were significantly (P<0.05) decreased and AST values were significantly increased in SCM infected compared to healthy animals. Total milk leukocytes and neutrophils were significantly (P<0.05) higher, while lymphocytes and macrophages population were significantly lower in mastitis infected animals. Changes in the haemato-biochemical parameters and milk leukocyte count are important indicators of the disturbed physiological or pathological state (mastitis) of the animals.