Effect of claw disorders on haemato-biochemical parameters and acute phase protein levels in crossbred cattle

To evaluate the effect of lameness associated with claw disorders on haemato-biochemical and acute phase protein levels, 34 crossbred dairy cattle were selected from 11 dairy farms. Lame animals were categorized based on locomotion score, hoof lesions and severity of disease. Significant (p<0.05) decrease in Hb, PCV, TEC and lymphocyte count with significant increase in neutrophil count was recorded among animals suffering from various claw disorders. Similar trend was observed in animals showing varying locomotion score, lesions and duration of lameness. Biochemical analysis revealed significant (p<0.05) increase in AST, ALT, TPP and globulin among lame animals. Overall average values of haptoglobin, CRP and fibrinogen among the lame animals were 924.59 +/- 59.13 mu g/ml, 65.00 +/- 1.98 mu g/ml and 8.75 +/- 0.51mg/dl compared with 607.02 +/- 49.13 mu g/ml, 13.79 +/- 0.80 mu g/ml and 2.78 +/- 0.17mg/dl among healthy animals, respectively. Study concluded that lameness due to claw disorders is associated with a systemic acute phase response as significant (p<0.05) increase in levels of fibrinogen, Hp and CRP was observed.