Clinical, haematological and biochemical effects of Polystichum squarrosum fern in hill heifer calves

摘要

Polystichum fern-fed (30% level w/w) calves showed moderate mortality (16.6% vs 0.0%), decrease in body weight and body fat along with hepatomegaly, spleenomegaly and reduced uterine weight as compared to controls. Urine examination failed to show any significant changes. Haematological studies revealed decrease in erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration coupled with leucopaenia, neutropaenia and lymphocytosis. Serum biochemistry revealed hypoproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and higher alkaline phosphatase in fern fed calves. Slight decrease was observed in values of SGOT and SGPT. Higher urea levels were evidenced in the calves on 240 DPF than the controls.