Serum biochemical profiles between repeat breeder and normal cyclic jersey crossbred cows

Introduction

Reproductive disorders are often complex and multifactorial, which are determined by their nature and severity lead to various degrees of suboptimal fertility performance; Reproductive tract abnormalities, endocrine disorders, infectious causes, such as malnutrition, and problems with artificial insemination (AI) techniques are among the factors linked to infertility or embryonic death (Singh and Pant, 1999) [1] . One of the major reproductive diseases affecting domestic animals is repeat breeding (RB), which has a significant negative financial impact on India's dairy sector. A repeat breeder is a cyclic nonbreeder dairy cow that shows typical indications of estrus every 18 to 24 days and has not given birth after three or more attempts at conception (Parkinson 2001) [2] . According to Patel et al. (2007) [3] , the frequency of repeat breeding in buffaloes is higher than that of cattle (8.68% vs. 18.79%). Breed, farm, agroclimatic, and management factors all affect the occurrence. Repeat breeding appears to have a complex etiology that includes inadequate nutrition, hormonal dysfunctions, uterine infections, and poor breeding and health care [4] . Breed, age, and season of birth are the main risk factors for repeat breeding in cattle and buffalo [5] . Maintaining normal levels of vital haematobiochemical constituents is essential for maintaining the functional integrity of the reproductive system. Any modification to the haematological and biochemical parameters may have an adverse effect on the efficiency of livestock reproduction. It is crucial to maintain normal levels of essential haemato-biochemical constituents to preserve the reproductive system's functional integrity. Any alteration in biochemical parameters could have a negative impact on livestock reproduction efficiency. The present work was undertaken to compare the biochemical parameters between repeat breeding and normal cycling jersey crossbred cows raised in delta region of Tamil Nadu.

Materials and Methods

The current study was conducted at the TANUVAS-Veterinary College and Research Institute in Orathanadu, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India, in the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry. The institute is situated at latitudes 10.6°N and 79.3°W, thirty metres above mean sea level (MSL). Experimental animals were selected from an organised farm from Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 32 healthy Jersey crossbred cattle, aged about 3-6 years were selected and each group consisted of 16 animals (n=16) animals viz., Group I: Repeat breeder (R), Group II: Normal cyclic (N). Before concentrate feeding in the morning, blood samples were drawn into a heparinized vacuum-sealed bag and sent to the laboratory immediately. Blood samples were centrifuged for fifteen minutes, at 3000 × g. The serum was separated and kept cold (-20 °C) until needed. Serum biochemical parameters include creatinine (mg/dL), glucose (mg/dL), total protein (TP; g/dL), albumin (g/dL), globulin (g/dL), glucose total cholesterol (mg/dL), BUN, Creatinine, Ca and P was done. Using a UV spectrophotometer and Span Diagnostic kits in accordance with accepted biochemical practices, these parameters were examined. Experimental Jersey crossbreed cows were fed with 2 kg of concentrate and roughage as per the requirement. Animals were properly vaccinated and dewormed as per farm schedule and water supplied as ad libitum.

Results

The mean serum biochemical constituents of G I: (R) Repeat breeder Jersey Crossbred cattle, G II: (N) Normal cyclic cows were presented in Table 1.

The total protein concentration was significantly lower (p<0.05) in repeat breeder G I (R) (6.59±0.13) as compared to regular cyclic G II (N) (8.43±0.07) animals.

The total mean albumin concentration was significantly lower (p<0.05) in repeat breeder G I (R) (3.14±0.13) as compared to normal cyclic G II (N) (3.71±0.07) cows.

The serum globulin concentration was significantly higher (p<0.05) in repeat breeder G I (R) (3.45±0.03) as compared to normal cyclic animals G II (N) (4.66±0.06).

A: G ratio

The A:G ratio concentration was significantly lower (p<0.05) in repeat breeder G I (R) (1:0.95±0.95) as compared to normal cyclic G II (N) (1:0.80±0.02) cows.

The total protein concentration pattern observed in the present study was in accordance with the results of Chandrahar et al. (2003) [6] , Mondal and Paul, 2012 [7] Sabasthin et al. (2012) [8] , Amle et al. (2014) [9] , Kekan and Shirbhate (2015) [10] and Widayati et al (2018) [11] . Chandrahar et al. (2003) [6] observed that the TP concentration was ranged from 6.27-9.86 with an average of 8.02 in normal fertile cows as compared to 6.5-8.06 with an average of 6.94 in repeat breeder cows. Similarly, Mondal and Paul, (2012) [7] reported that serum protein levels were low in repeat breeding cows (5.52) than the normal cyclic cows (5.71). Likewise, Sabasthin et al. (2012) [8] observed the TP concentration in repeat breeder (6.5) cow's vs normal cyclic cows (7.0). Correspondingly, Amle et al. (2014) [9] recorded that TP concentration in normal cyclic crossbred cows (6.57) as compared to repeat breeder cows (5.46). Equally, Kekan and Shirbhate (2015) [10] observed total protein level was non-significantly lower in repeat breeder cows (7.95±0.04) than regular cyclic cows (9.15±0.04). Likewise, Widayati et al (2018) [11] recorded that the total protein concentration was significantly higher in fertile cyclic (8.68±0.58) cows than repeat breeder (5.67±0.86). On contrary, higher protein concentration was observed in repeat breeder than normal cyclic groups by Cetin et al. (2002) [12] and Ahmed et al. (2017) [13] . Cetin et al. (2002) [12] reported lower protein concentration (8.26) in fertile cyclic cows Vs (8.5) in repeat breeder cows. Similarly, Ahmed et al. (2017) [13] reported that TP plasma levels of RB (4.5±0.3) were significantly higher in repeat breeder than that of the NC cows (4.3±0.6). Also, Kumar et al. (2009) [14] reported the TP concentration in repeat breeder 7.59 cow's vs normal cyclic cows 7.39.

The serum albumin concentration was within the reference range in normal cyclic cows. However, it was lower in repeat breeders. Results were in consonant with the results of Mondal and Paul (2012) [7] ; Amle et al. (2014) [9] and Sabasthin et al. (2012) [8] . Similarly, Mondal and Paul, (2012) [7] reported that the albumin were low repeat breeding cows (2.71) than the normally cyclic cows (2.81). Correspondingly, Sabasthin et al. (2012) [8] observed that the albumin concentration in repeat breeder (3.0) cows Vs normal cyclic cows (3.2). Likewise, Amle et al. (2014) [9] reported that albumin concentration in normal cyclic crossbred cows (3.84) as compared to repeat breeder cows (3.37). However, opposing results were observed by Chandrahar et al. (2003) [6] and Ahmed et al. (2017) [13] . In a study, Chandrahar et al. (2003) [6] recorded that the albumin concentration (mg%) was ranged from 1.56 -2.23 with an average of 1.94 in normal fertile cows as compared to 2.57-3.68 with an average of 2.80 in repeat breeder cows. Similarly, Ahmed et al. (2017) [13] reported that in Jersey cows, lower albumin 3.64 Vs 3.76 in repeat breeder cows were observed. The lower protein and albumin concentration in repeat breeder cows might be associated with low nitrogen intake and retention in the body.

The serum globulin concentration was within the reference range in normal cyclic cows. Ahmed et al. (2017) [13] reported that in Jersey cows, the concentration of globulin was 4.6 in normal cyclic Vs 4.7 in repeat breeder Jersey cows. Similarly, Mondal and Paul, (2012) [7] observed that the globulin concentration was low in repeat breeding cows (2.89) than the normally cyclic cows (2.82). Likewise, Sabasthin et al. (2012) [8] reported the globulin concentration in repeat breeder (3.5) cows Vs normal cyclic cows (3.8). Similarly, Amle et al. (2014) [9] reported that globulin concentration in normal cyclic crossbred cows (2.73) as compared to repeat breeder cows (2.09). Reduced globulin concentrations affect the biosynthesis of specific coenzymes, which hinders the synthesis of steroids in RB dairy cows during the early luteal phase of the estrus cycle Khan et al. (2010) [15] . Additionally, globulin, an amino acid, functions as a protein carrier for copper (Cu).

A: G ratio

The A:G ratio observed in the present study was within the reference range in normal cyclic cows. To accord with the present results, Ahmed et al. (2017) [13] reported that the A: G ratio in repeat breeding cows was (0.97) as compared to normal cyclic cows (0.96). Similarly, Amle et al. (2014) [9] reported that A:G ratio concentration in normal cyclic crossbred cows (1.40) as compared to repeat breeder cows (1.99).

The serum glucose concentration was within the reference range in normal cyclic cows and it was observed higher than the repeat breeders. Results were in agreement with the results of Chandrahar et al. (2003) [6] , Sabasthin et al. (2012) [8] , Amle et al. (2014) [9] , Kekan and Shirbhate (2015) [10] and Widayati et al (2018) [11] . Chandrahar et al. (2003) [6] reported that glucose concentration (mg%) was ranged from 66-75 with an average of 70.41 in normal fertile cows as compared to 55.88-67.64 with an average of 60.43 in repeat breeder cows.. Similarly, Sabasthin et al. (2012) [8] observed the glucose concentration in repeat breeder (38.05) cows Vs normal cyclic cows (63.48). On contrary, Cetin et al. (2002) [12] reported that lower glucose concentration (46.26) in fertile cyclic cows Vs (52.33) in repeat breeder cows. Likewise, Ahmed et al. (2004) [16] reported that lower glucose concentration (50.72) in fertile cyclic cows Vs (50.56) in noncyclic cows. In another study, Ahmed et al. (2017) [13] observed that the total glucose concentration of RB (58.4±17.8) was significantly lower in repeat breeder than that of the NC cows (75.2±26.9). Reduced blood glucose levels in RB cows may be related to increased peripheral glucose absorption, inhibition of glycogenolysis or gluconeogenesis, and endogenous hyperinsulinemia (Mukherjee et al. 2011) [17] . Additionally, a higher frequency of RBS and anestrus are associated with glucose insufficiency (Jani et al., 1995) [18] .

The serum cholesterol concentration was higher in repeat breeder cows than normal cyclic cows. Results were in consonance with the results of Cetin et al. (2002) [12] ; Ahmed et al. (2017) [13] and Widayati et al (2018) [11] . To accord with this, Ahmed et al. (2017) [13] reported that the total cholesterol concentration was significantly higher in repeat breeder (87.94±30.2) than that of the NC cows (74.5±37.9). Similarly, Chandrahar et al. (2003) [6] observed that the Cholesterol concentration (mg%) was ranged from 95.23-219 with an average of 165.75 in normal fertile cows as compared to 142.85-247 with an average of 182.37 in repeat breeder cows. correspondingly, Cetin et al. (2002) [12] reported that higher cholesterol concentration (138.93) in repeat breeder cows Vs (128.20) in fertile cyclic cows. Likewise, Widayati et al (2018) [11] reported that the total cholesterol concentration of RB (151.45±26.25) was significantly higher in repeat breeder than that of the NC cows (124.65±12.84). On contrary, Kekan and Shirbhate (2015) [10] recorded total cholesterol level was nonsignificantly lower in repeat breeder cows (111.6) than regular cyclic cows (127.3). According to Barui et al. (2015) [19] , a lower serum cholesterol level may have an impact on the ovaries' ability to synthesise steroids, which is linked to subnormal E 2 levels in RB animals as opposed to healthy cyclic animals. Correspondingly, Kumar et al. (2009) [14] reported the total cholesterol concentration in repeat breeder 214.12 cows vs normal cyclic cows 310.74. Also, Sabasthin et al. (2012) [8] recorded the cholesterol concentration in repeat breeder (83.70) cows vs normal cyclic cows (116.60).

Blood Urea Nitrogen (mg/dL) BUN concentration was higher in G I (R) as compared to GII (N). Results were in agreement with the results of Dhoble et al. (2004) [20] , Anushma et al. (2021) [21] in cows and Chaudhari et al. (2019) [22] in buffaloes. To agree with the present results, Widayati et al (2018) [11] reported that BUN concentration was significantly lower in fertile cyclic (16.97±2.55) cows than repeat breeder (27.60±4.25). Similarly, Cetin et al. (2002) [12] reported that lower urea concentration (32.43) in fertile cyclic cows Vs in repeat breeder cows (35.13). According to Barson et al. (2019) [23] , RB cows had a mean BUN (mg/dl) of 25.05 mg/dL, which was significantly higher than the mean BUN (mg/dl) of normally cyclic cows (22.71 mg/dL). On contrary, Sabasthin et al. (2012) [8] reported the urea concentration in repeat breeder (18.0) cows vs normal cyclic cows (24.0).

Serum creatinine levels were within the reference range of cows. However, Cetin et al. (2002) [12] reported that higher creatinine concentration (1.04) in repeat breeder cows Vs (1.0) in fertile cyclic cows.

To agree with the present results, Kumar et al. (2009) [14] reported the Ca concentration in repeat breeder (8.87) cows was lower than normal cyclic cows (10.3). Similarly, Chandrahar et al. (2003) [6] reported that the Ca concentration (mg%) was ranged from 5.29-7.05 with an average of 6.17 in normal fertile cows as compared to 6.6-12.94 with an average of 9.63 in repeat breeder cows. Likewise, Thasmi et al. (2020) [24] reported that Ca concentration in normal (9.07) as compared to repeat breeder (9.90) mg/dL in Aceh cows. In an another study, Amle et al. (2014) [9] reported that Ca concentration in normal cyclic crossbred cows (10.39) as compared to repeat breeder cows (8.49).

Phosphrous (mg/dL) Serum P concentration was higher in G I (P) than G II (N). to accord with the present study, Kumar et al. (2009) [14] reported that P concentration in repeat breeder (8.80) cows Vs normal cyclic cows (7.26). on contrary, Chandrahar et al. (2003) [6] reported that the Phosphorus concentration (mg%) was ranged from 4.43-4.83 with an average of 4.6 in normal fertile cows as compared to 3.48-4.40 with an average of 3.98 in repeat breeder cows. Amle et al. 2014 [9] reported that inorganic Phosphorus concentration in normal cyclic crossbred cows (5.40) as compared to repeat breeder cows (4.44).

Conclusion

The serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, creatinine concentration was significantly higher in normal cyclic Jersey crossbred cows as compared to repeat breeder group. But, the concentration of total cholesterol and BUN were higher in repeat breeder as compared to normal cyclic Jersey crossbred cows. As for as serum mineral, Ca concentration was significantly higher in normal cyclic group as compared to repeat breeder. However, the serum P was non significantly higher in repeat breeder as compared to normal cyclic group. These serum biochemical constituents might have a vital role in the physiological cyclicity of these cows, and these essential nutrients could be added to avoid repeat breeder syndrome in Jersey crossbred cows.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgmentsAuthors are thankful to Dean, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu, Thanjavur for providing necessary facility for conducting present research work.

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