Comparative evaluation of neutrophil competence and activity of cows and buffaloes around peripartum

Abstract

To compare immune activities of neutrophils, blood samples were collected from 12 cows and 12 buffaloes on −15, −7, −5, −3, −2 and −1 days prepartum at calving and on 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 15 days postpartum. Plasma cortisol levels, phagocytic activity (PA), enzyme (elastase, collagenase and cathepsin G) levels and expression of TLR-2, TLR-4 and IL-8 were also studied. Blood total leukocyte counts and neutrophil percentage increased at calving and decreased faster in buffaloes. Neutrophil PA was significantly (P < 0.01) lower even up to two days post calving in cows. Cortisol levels were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in cows and negatively correlated with neutrophilic functions. Elastase was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in buffaloes. Collagenase levels were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in buffaloes at three days precalving. At 15 days precalving and 7 and 15 days postcalving, expression of TLR-2 gene was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in buffaloes. Expression of TLR-4 gene was significantly (P < 0.01) higher on days 7 and 15 postcalving in buffaloes. Expression of IL-8 was significantly (P < 0.01) higher on day 15 of postcalving in buffaloes. Increased blood neutrophilic function in buffaloes provides disease resistance to them around peripartum.

Keywords:

• buffaloes
• cows
• neutrophil activity
• peripartum
• gene expression
• cortisol

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India for providing financial assistance for carrying out this research.