Calf Sex-Associated Variations in Hematological, Biochemical, Thyroid Hormones, and Immune Profiles in Pre-Weaned Egyptian Buffalo Calves | ||
| Journal of Animal and Poultry Production | ||
| Volume 16, Issue 9, September 2025, Pages 81-89 PDF (517.1 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/jappmu.2025.416921.1158 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Reem S Mourad* 1; H. A. Abed El-Hady1; A. F. Neber1; Hanan A. Ashry1; O. M. El-Malky2 | ||
| 1Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University, Egypt. | ||
| 2Animal Production, Agricultural Research Institute Research Centre, Giza, Egypt. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| This investigation examined the effects of calf sex on hematological indices, metabolic biomarkers, thyroid hormone levels, and immune response indicators in Egyptian buffalo calves throughout the pre-weaning phase. The study involved fifty healthy neonates (23 males and 27 females), which were followed from birth through three months of age. Serial blood samples were obtained to measure immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG), complete blood count parameters, glucose, creatinine, total protein and its constituents (albumin, globulin, and the albumin-to-globulin ratio), in addition to triiodothyronine (T₃) and thyroxine (T₄) concentrations. Results indicated significant sex-related differences in several parameters. Male calves showed higher IgM (0.71 vs. 0.64 g/L), IgG (12.46 vs. 12.23 g/L), total protein (6.77 vs. 6.14 g/dL), albumin (3.72 vs. 3.49 g/dL), globulin (3.04 vs. 2.65 g/dL), glucose (83.47 vs. 78.65 mg/dL), T₃ (49.82 vs. 46.32 ng/dL), and T₄ (6.30 vs. 5.55 μg/dL) compared to females. IgA levels were similar between sexes (0.25 g/L). In contrast, females exhibited higher creatinine (1.50 vs. 1.30 mg/dL) and albumin-to-globulin ratio (1.48 vs. 1.33). Hemoglobin and hematocrit values were comparable, although males tended to show slightly higher means (Hb: 13.21 vs. 13.14 g/dL; Ht: 40.61 vs. 40.46%). In conclusion, calf sex significantly affects hematological, metabolic, and immune traits in buffalo calves during early life. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating sex-related differences into neonatal health assessments and management strategies to optimize growth and survival. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Egyptian Buffalo Calves; Hematological parameters; Blood metabolites; Thyroid hormones Immunoglobulins; Pre-weaning | ||
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