Changes in the Hematological Profile of Holstein Primiparous in Periparturient Period and in Early to Mid Lactation

Abstract

Blood samples were collected from 25 primiparous Holstein cows divided in three groups (precalving, fresh cows and cows in early to mid lactation). The samples were analyzed for hematological parameters including red cell count (RBC), white cell count (WBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGC), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations MCHC. The results revealed that the values of RBC, HGC and HCT decreased after parturition and them increased again in early to mid lactation. The slight changes in concentrations of HGB, RBC counts, decreased HCT, MCV and MCH sugest iron deficiency. The high WBC count in early to mid lactation of primiparous cows may be related to chronic infections.

Keywords

• hematological profile
• primiparous holstein cow
• erythrocitic indices
• leukocytic indices