Serum enyzmatic profile of buffaloes during gestation, lactation and peripartum period

Gestation and lactation bring about variations in body metabolism, which are reflected through alterations in serum enzyme levels. The alterations in enzyme levels occur in the body around parturition also. Mehsana buffaloes (72) were grouped as early gestation, mid gestation, late gestation, early lactation, mid lactation and late lactation, and during peripartum period (54) were grouped as - 4 wk,-3 wk,-2 wk,-1 wk prepartum, on the day of parturition (0), + 1 wk, + 2 wk, + 3 wk, + 4 wk postpartum. SGOT, SGPT, AKP, LDH and ChE were estimated. SGPT was lowest in late gestation and LDH was highest in mid gestation. Decrease of SGOT level from mid gestation to late gestation might be due to uterine and hormonal changes affecting metabolism. SOOT, SGPT and LDH increased from early gestation to mid gestation and the levels were higher when compared with the levels of early postpartum period. Decreasing trends of AKP and ChE were observed with advancement of pregnancy. SGOT and SOPT were lowest in late lactation stage. SOOT was significantly higher in early lactation than that in late gestation group. SGPT increased from early lactation to mid lactation and then decreased in late lactation. AKP decreased with progress of lactation. Slow reduction of AKP while slow increase in LDH was observed from early to late lactation. SOOT, AKP and CbB decreased on the '0' day and then increased while SGPT and LDH indicated continued increase from-lwk to + 1wk. AKP was higher during gestation than on the 'O'day. This increase could be attributed to the higher concentrations of circulating estrogen and hepatic lipidosis. The parathyroid over activity might play some part in higher AKP activity during pregnancy, which is related to maternal mobilization of Ca frOln the skeleton. A reduction of AKP on the day of parturition may be ascribed to the withdrawal effect of progesterone and estrogen