Assessment of Blood Metabolites during Early Postpartum Period as an Indicator of Reproductive Performance in Mehsana Buffaloes

Background: The postpartum period being a crucial on future performance and fertility, it should be monitored critically and evaluated. Therefore, the study was designed to investigate associations between the metabolic indicators during early postpartum period with uterine diseases and the subsequent effect on reproductive performance. Methods: The blood metabolites including non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), beta hydroxy butyrate (BHBA), cholesterol, total protein, blood glucose and calcium are studied at 1st and 2nd week postpartum (PP) in 50 Mehsana buffaloes. The difference and their association were seen in relation to postpartum diseases and reproductive performance. Result: The glucose concentration significantly (P less than 0.05) decreased in 2nd week compared to 1st week postpartum in Mehsana buffaloes with anoestrous ( greater than 75 days PP), longer service period ( greater than 125 days) and postpartum disorders (Within 125 days). The BHBA and NEFA did not differ significantly between the time points or between the buffaloes suffering from postpartum disorders or not. The early postpartum glucose level can be used as a predictive indicator for buffaloes suffering from anoestrus, longer service period and postpartum disorders.