DOWNER COW SYNDROME IN LATE PREGNANCY IN COWS AND BUFFALOES

Document Type : Research article

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Abstract

The clinical, serum biochemical, gross and histopathological findings on 10 buffaloes and 15 Cows showed downer syndrome in late pregnancy were described. This syndrome developed at the period from the 8 th month of pregnancy up to one week precalving. All affected animals showed unsatisfactory clinical response to calcium and fluid therapy and they were either emergency slaughtered or died. Significant (P < 0.05) hypoproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and hypo glycaemia with highly significant ( P < 0.1) elevation of SCPK were the essential biochemical findings in affected animals. Emaciation, serous atrophy of body fat and myonecrosis of skeletal muscles were prominant autopsy findings. The primary factor implicated to develop this syndrome in late pergnancy might be the protein-energy malnutrition resulting from underfeeding of the heavily pregnant animals.

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