Effects of supplementation of polyherbal-potash alum mixture on immune status of crossbred cows during transition period

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate efficacy of supplementation of polyherbal-potash alum mixture on immune status of cows during transition period. Fourteen crossbred cows in their late gestation were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups. Cows in one group were supplemented with mixture containing herbs and potash alum from 30 days ante-partum to 30 days postpartum. Trachyspermum ammi Asparagus racemosus, Ocimum sanctum, Emblica officinalis, Cinnamomum zeylancium and potash alum were used for preparation of mixture. Immune status viz, total leucocyte counts (TLC), differential leucocyte counts (DLC), in-vitro phagocytic activity (PA) of blood neutrophils and plasma cortisol level were estimated as well as incidence of diseases were studied. Results showed that supplementation mixture significantly (P<0.05) reduced cortisol level and TLC, whereas phagocytic activity was increased on the day of parturition. However, no significant (P<0.05) changes were observed in DLC. Incidence of mastitis, metritis and retention of foetal membrane (RFM) in control group was 28.57%, 28.57% and 14.28%, respectively whereas no such cases were found in treatment group. The study clearly indicated that supplementation of polyherbal-potash alum mixture enhance immunity during transition period.