Hematologic and biochemical profile of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Eastern Amazonia

Complete blood cell count and biochemical testing are exams routinely used in assessing the health of domestic animals, including buffaloes. In the Amazon region, research on this subject is scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for hematology and blood chemistry of Bubalus bubalis raised in eastern Amazon and evaluate the effects of age and sex on biochemical and hematological values. Seventy-three (n = 73) Murrah buffaloes were divided into three groups, group 1 (G1, n = 22): animals from two to eight months, group 2 (G2, n = 23): animals from nine months to two years and group 3 (G3, n = 28): animals over two years. Blood counts and biochemical analyzes were performed on automated equipment. The reference intervals were established as recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Tukey and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to evaluate the effect of gender and age, with differences considered significant when P < 0.05. There was influence of age on the values of red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin, leukocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, platelets, mean platelet volume (MPV), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (HCM), Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW) and the proportion of neutrophil: lymphocyte (N:L). The gender affected MCV and the Platelets Distribution Width (PDW), which were higher (P < 0.05) in females, while RDW was higher in males. Comparing the biochemical parameters among age groups, it was found that age influenced the activity of the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the concentrations of creatinine, total protein and direct bilirubin. Creatinine concentrations and direct bilirubin were significantly higher in animals of older age. The gender affected the activity of AST and the concentration of direct bilirubin, which were higher (P < 0.05) in males. Hematological and biochemical values set in this study can be used as a reference for buffaloes bred in eastern Amazon.