Abstract

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 crossbred cattle. Milk and blood samples were collected from 20 healthy, 223 SCM and 47 CM affected animals from Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts of Karnataka state, India. The SCM were diagnosed by California Mastitis Test (CMT) and electrical conductivity (EC) of milk. Blood and milk of mastitis infected crossbred cattle were analyzed for haemato-biochemical parameters and milk leukocyte count. Haematology showed significant increase in TLC in crossbred cows affected with mastitis. Significantly (P < 0.05) lower average values of TEC, Hb and PCV were observed in SCM infected animals, however no significant change were observed in values of CM infected than healthy animals. Differential leucocytic count (DLC) revealed higher granulocytes and lymphopenia in mastitis infected animals. Biochemical estimation revealed significantly (P < 0.05) higher average values of Ca, P, Na, Cl, and K in mastitis infected compared with healthy animals however, no significant (P > 0.05) change was observed in Mg and ALT levels. AST and TP values were significantly increased in SCM infected compared to healthy animals however, no significant change were observed in CM infected animals. Macrophage and lymphocyte count showed significant decrease, however the total leukocyte and neutrophil count in milk were significantly increased in mastitis affected animals. The changes in haemato-biochemical parameters and milk leukocyte count are important indicators of the physiological or pathological state (mastitis) of the animal.

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