Etiology of diarrhoea among adult buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and their impact on haemato-biochemical and mineral profile

Abstract

80 adult buffaloes suffering from diarrhea from sub-tropical and temperate zones of Jammu division were selected to establish etiology and to evaluate hemato-biochemical and mineral alterations. Clinico-haemato-biochemical,mineral and faecal evaluation was carried to relate alterations with respect to etiologies of diarrhoea. Strongyle infection was recorded among 32.5% buffaloes followed by amphistomiasis (18.75%), coccidiosis (7.5%), salmonellosis (7.5%) and balantidiasis (7.5%). 23.45% of affected buffaloes were placed under miscellaneous group as definite etiology could not be established. Season-wise, analysis revealed maximum prevalence of diarrhoea during rainy season (47.5%) followed by summer (35%) and winter (17.5%). Animals of 1 to 3 years age group had higher prevalence of coccidiosis (50%), strongyle infection (46.1%) and salmonellosis (37.5%) whereas, >6 years age group had higher prevalence amphistomiasis (66.7%) and balantidiasis (50%). Significant reduction (P<0.05) in hemoglobin, TEC, TPP, albumin, sodium, chloride, calcium and copper levels was recorded along with significant increase in plasma fibrinogen level among the diarrheic buffaloes. The results of blood gas analysis revealed significant (P<0.05) decrease in pH, pCO2, HCO3 and base excess and significant (P<0.05) increase in anion gap. Since, diarrhoea is a multifactorial disease leading to varying clinical signs, haemato-biochemical, mineral and blood gas changes which needs to be evaluated before recommending therapeutic regimen for recovery.