Effect Of Bovine Theileriosis On Haematology And Serum Constituents In Calves

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate serum chemistry and haematological pictures in cross-bred calves (Friesian, kenana) of both sex naturally infected with theileriosis. Their ages ranged between 1-3 month. Thirty one naturally infected calves with theileriosis were selected, and the causative agent of the disease was determined, by blood smears from the ear vein and lymph node biopsy smears. The clinical signs of the disease were also observed. Faecal samples were taken from infected calves and control calves to exclude the presence of internal parasites. Comparison between the results of haemology and serum of the infected calves and the results of haemology and serum of the healthy calves was made. The samples of the healthy calves were brought from the farm of the Arabic Corporation For Investment And Agricultural Development in Al bagair. The infected calves which did not reveal theilerial schizonts in their lymph node biopsy smears were not included in the study. Field samples of the infected calves were collected from the farm of University of Khartoum in Shambat , farms in Alhalfia, Alsamrab and Judge service administration farm in Alhag yousif. The haematological results of the infected calves showed low levels of Packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration and glucose concentration compared to healthy calves. Serum chemistry of the infected calves showed low levels of total protein and albumin compared to healthy calves. Serum urea and triglycerides of the infected calves showed high levels compared to 13 healthy calves. Serum Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate transaminase (AST) were increased in the infected calves compared to healthy calves. Serum sodium and potassium showed slightly decrease in the first and no changes in the latter in the infected calves compared to healthy calves. Serum ceruloplasmin concentration gave low levels in the infected calves compared to healthy calves. Minerals copper and zinc gave low levels in the infected calves serum compared to healthy calves.