Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) and oxytocin on health biomarkers, reproductive performance and milk composition of nili-ravi buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

In Pakistan recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) is commonly used to increase milk production in dairy animals. That is why this study was conducted to check its effect on health and production in buffaloes. Selected buffaloes were divided into groups (n=10) on the basis of body condition scores (BCS) i.e. (Low) BCS 1-3, (Medium) BCS 4-6 and (High) BCS 7-9, while ten animals served as control. All the groups received rbST (Boostin-250) 35 mg on alternate days and oxytocin 1 ml (10 I.U), starting on day 70 postpartum till the end of lactation. Blood samples were collected from each animal and serum was separated. Milk samples were used for milk composition parameters. The data on reproductive performance parameters was obtained from the farm record. The results indicated that mean serum Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total oxidant status (TOS) values were higher (P≤0.01) during summer, while total antioxidant status showed opposite trend. Mean serum AST and TOS values were significantly (P≤0.01) higher in medium and high BCS buffaloes. Percentage of pregnant buffaloes was high in the high BCS group during summer. Mean milk fat contents were higher (P≤0.01) in buffaloes of high BCS while mean milk protein and lactose contents were significantly (P≤0.01) higher in medium BCS buffaloes. Fat, protein, lactose and solid not-fat (SNF) contents were higher during spring than summer. Mean milk lactose and SNF contents were higher (P≤0.01) in high than low and medium milk production groups. In conclusion, milk production was increased during summer and with rbST and decreased with oxytocin during spring, rbST and oxytocin treatments showed adverse effects on general health of Nili-Ravi buffaloes.