Evaluation of biochemical indices in indigenous cattle breeds and crossbred genotypes under natural trypanosome challenge

Abstract

Breeding for trypanotolerance could be a more sustainable control strategy against African animal trypanosomiasis. This study examined the biochemical indices of crossbred/composite cattle, N’dama and WF breeds under natural trypanosome challenge to assess trypanotolerance capacity. Serum total protein, albumin, globulin, ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, creatinine and urea were compared among cattle genotypes, genotypic groups, anaemic and non-anaemic, and parasitaemic and aparasitaemic groups. Non-anaemic cattle had higher (p < 0.05) total protein and albumin compared to anaemic cattle. Globulin, albumin/globulin, ALT, ALP, and creatinine did not differ significantly between cattle genotypes but AST was highest in anaemic NDxWF (38.50 ± 6.19 U/l) while indirect bilirubin and urea were highest in non-anaemic 75NDx25WF. Aparasitaemic cattle had higher total protein, albumin and ALP but lower creatinine than parasitaemic cattle. AST and total bilirubin were highest in ND(GUxWFxMU) (33.18 ± 1.78 U/l) and ND(GUxWF) (0.30 ± 0.03 mg/dl), respectively and least in parasitaemic WF (24.63 ± 3.57 U/l) and NDxWF (0.19 ± 0.03 mg/dl), respectively. Creatinine, indirect bilirubin and urea were highest in 75NDx25WF (1.23 ± 0.26 mg/dl, 0.23 ± 0.03 mg/dl, and 39.68 ± 3.05 mg/dl, respectively) and lowest in ND (0.28 ± 0.10 mg/dl), parasitaemic WF (0.11 ± 0.03mg/dl), and ND(BOxWF) (22.84 ± 3.05 mg/dl), respectively. Crossbred/composite cattle and N’Dama had higher serum total protein, albumin, AST, total and indirect bilirubin, but lower creatinine compared to WF cattle indicating better body nutrient reserves, lower oxidative stress challenge and stronger trypanotolerance capacity.