Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Neem Leaf on Blood Profile of Lactating Sahiwal Cattle
Kavita Khosla Chatley
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.
Dhirendra Bhonsle
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.
Ranjana Sinha *
Department of Livestock Farm Complex, Bihar Veterinary College, Bihar Animal Sciences University, Patna-14, India.
Nishma Singh
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.
Rupal Pathak
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.
Dimple Painkra
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: This study evaluated the effect of dietary neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf supplementation on the blood profile of lactating Sahiwal cows.
Aim: To assess the effect of neem leaf supplementation on haematological and blood biochemical profiles in lactating Sahiwal cows.
Method: Twelve lactating Sahiwal cows were randomly allotted to control and treatment groups, with six animals in each group. The control group received a basal diet, whereas the treatment group received neem leaf at 200 mg/kg body weight along with the basal diet. The trial lasted 90 days, and blood samples were collected on days 0, 30, 60 and 90.
Results: The results revealed that haemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC) and total leukocyte count (TLC) did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among treatment groups. However, packed cell volume (PCV) increased significantly (P<0.05) within the group. Differential leukocyte count showed significant (P<0.05) changes within the group, with lymphocyte percentage increasing and neutrophil percentage decreasing over time, while monocyte, eosinophil and basophil remained non-significant. The total serum protein, albumin levels and blood urea nitrogen did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among the group. The liver enzyme like AST and ALT were non-significant difference between control and treatment group. However, the serum AST showed significant (P<0.05) higher in 60th day and 90th days as compared to 0th and 30th day. Cholesterol levels increased significantly (P<0.05) over the experimental period.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that supplementation of neem leaf improved metabolic and immune status, suggesting their potential as effective feed additives in lactating Sahiwal cows.
Keywords: Neem leaf, Azadirachta indica, Sahiwal cows, lactating cattle, blood profile, haematological parameters, biochemical parameters, packed cell volume, cholesterol, glucose, phytogenic feed additive, dairy nutrition.