Comparison of Blood Biochemistry and Hematology of Namwa Buffalo under Free Range and Semi-Free Range Conditions

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the blood biochemistry and hematology of Namwa buffalo and to compare these values across two buffalo groups: a free-range system in a mountainous forest (n=21) and a semi-free-range system on a Breed Conservation Station farm (n=17). Jugular venipuncture was employed to acquire blood samples in the morning, prior to feeding. A two-sample t-test with unequal variances was employed to conduct the statistical analysis. Namwa buffaloes in the semi-free-range condition exhibited significantly greater blood glucose and creatinine values than those in the free-range group (p<0.01). Nevertheless, these values remained within the standard reference range, indicating that semi-free-range buffaloes received a larger amount of nutrition. The serum AST (SGOT) and ALT levels of free-range buffaloes were significantly higher than those of semi-free-range buffaloes (p<0.01), with both groups marginally exceeding the standard reference values. This increase may suggest inflammation in the liver, kidneys, or muscles, which may be associated with parasitic infections. The BUN values were not substantially different between the two rearing conditions (p>0.05), but they were slightly lower than the reference values. This could potentially suggest a protein deficiency in their nutrition. The two groups did not exhibit any significant differences in terms of the complete blood count (CBC). Nevertheless, the semi-free-range buffaloes exhibited a substantially higher platelet count and a lower number of eosinophils in comparison to the free-range group (p<0.05). The increased levels of eosinophils indicate that free-range Namwa buffaloes may be more susceptible to parasitic infections. Further parasitological examination is warranted to determine the most suitable prevention and treatment.