Estimation of Acute Phase Proteins as Early Biomarkers of Buffalo Subclinical Mastitis

Abstract

Mastitis is a widespread global problem of dairy animals responsible for huge economic losses. Subclinical mastitis is 15-40 times more prevalent than clinical mastitis and causes two third losses of the total milk production. Early diagnosis of subclinical mastitis is important to prevent its further progress to clinical mastitis. The aim of the present study was to compare the concentration of acute phase proteins mainly milk amyloid A and haptoglobin in milk of healthy and subclinical mastitis affected buffaloes for early diagnosis. Milk samples of apparently healthy buffaloes were screened for subclinical mastitis following International dairy federation criteria. Samples from healthy and subclinical cases were subjected to estimation of milk amyloid A and haptoglobin by commercially available kits (Phase TM Range, Tridelta, Development Ltd. Ireland). Statistical analysis and receiver operating characteristics analysis were used to determine level of significance, sensitivity and specificity. Significant increase in concentrations of milk amyloid A and haptoglobin in quarter milk samples of buffaloes having subclinical mastitis was observed as compared to healthy animals. Results of the correlation matrix revealed significantly strong positive correlations of SCC with APPs, Hp (r = 0.818**, p<0.01) and MAA (r = 0.810**, p<0.01) concentrations in milk. In conclusion, acute phase proteins can be used as rapid and sensitive biomarkers for detection of subclinical mastitis in dairy animals.