Early blood biochemical changes following colostrum intake in newborn Murrah buffalo calves: an observational study

Colostrum is rich in macronutrients and bioactive components that support physiological adaptation during the neonatal period in ruminants. However, information on the early hematological, biochemical, and immunological changes to colostrum intake in buffalo calves remains limited. The present study evaluated changes in these parameters before and after colostrum intake in newborn Murrah buffalo calves (n = 20). Blood samples were collected before colostrum intake (within 30 min after birth) and after colostrum intake (12-15 h after birth). All buffalo calves had post-colostrum serum total protein (TP) concentrations >6 g/dL and serum Brix values ≥9%, which are indirect indicators of adequate transfer of passive immunity. Hematological parameters showed relatively minor changes, including a decrease in hemoglobin concentration from 15.42 ± 0.33 to 14.03 ± 0.33 g/dL. In contrast, marked increases were observed in serum biochemical parameters. Mean TP, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, and serum Brix values increased from 4.60 ± 0.06 g/dL, 20.14 ± 2.81 U/L, and 7.25 ± 0.12%, respectively, before colostrum intake to 7.67 ± 0.28 g/dL, 2247.58 ± 331.64 U/L, and 10.0 ± 0.3%, respectively, after colostrum intake. Cytokine profiling showed increased levels of IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, IP-10, TNF-α, and MCP-1, whereas IL-8 and VEGF-A decreased after colostrum intake. Overall, these findings provide baseline information on early blood biochemical changes following colostrum intake in neonatal Murrah buffalo calves.