The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of hematic constants related to age in Romanian buffalo, in order to establish references values based on age of the animals. A number of 45 Romanian buffalo animals, clinically healthy, were divided into 3 groups (n=15/group) according to their age, as follows: Group T1 = un-weaned buffalo calves of 1 to 3 months of age, Group T2 = young buffalo heifers of 6 to 12 months, and Group T3 = buffalo adult cows of 3 to 5 years of age. Different hematological parameters and biochemical parameters were investigated in the three groups. Generally, a significant effect of age on both hematological and biochemical indices studied was observed (P0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between total protein and age of the animals (P=0.0019), while significant negative correlations were observed between hemoglobin (P=0.0227), white blood cells count (P=0.0352), lymphocytes (P=0.0002), platelet (P=0.0022), total cholesterol (P=0.1201), calcium (P=0.0077) and age of the animals. The results of the current pilot study could prove useful in establishing a baseline and health alarm thresholds for hematic parameters in water-buffalo, based on age of the animals and physiological status.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fresh yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation in the dairy cows’ diets on productive performances and health status. The study was carried out in the experimental farm of the Research and Development Institute for Bovine Balotești on 50 multiparous Romanian Black and Spotted dairy cows, randomly divided into two groups (N = 25 heads/group), according to age, milk yield, body weight and health status. The experimental group received 80 g Saccharomyces cerevisiae/head/day for one year. The groups were fed with the same diet and had free access to water and salt. Results were expressed as a mean (±Standard Deviation). The t-test was applied to obtain the significance of difference. Supplementation of the diet with Saccharomyces cerevisiae had a significant effect (P <0.001) on milk yield (20.71±1.65 l/head/day) for the experimental group comparing with the control group (18.22±1.81 l/head/day), and on milk protein and lactose (P 0.05). However, for alkaline phosphatase, differences at the end of the study have been observed (P <0.01). The beneficial effect of the yeast and yeast products in ruminants could be attributed to microbial activity by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the rumen of the animals. The use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an alternative source of economic protein, vitamins and minerals in dairy cows’ diet represents an effective measure to optimize animal productivity.

This pilot study evaluated the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) oil supplementation on growth performance, stress biomarkers, and haematological profiles in dairy calves undergoing the weaning transition. Nineteen Holstein calves were divided into two paternal-sibling groups: a CBD-supplemented experimental group (n = 10) and a CON-control group (n = 9). The CBD group received 5 mL/head/day of CBD oil for the first two days (pre-weaning), followed by 10 mL/head/day for three consecutive days post-weaning. Body weight increased significantly over time in both groups (p = 0.000); nevertheless, no significant differences were observed between groups (p = 0.173) or for the group × time interaction (p = 0.929), indicating that CBD did not affect overall growth trajectory. However, a significant group × time interaction (p = 0.006) for average daily gains in the CBD group was observed. Serum cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in CBD-supplemented calves at Day 0 and +2 days, compared to the CON group, indicating a transient anti-stress effect (p = 0.043 for group effect). At +5 days, cortisol levels in the CBD group increased, surpassing control values, though this difference was not significant. A trend-level group × time interaction (p = 0.067) suggested a distinct temporal cortisol response in CBD-treated calves. Immune cell counts (LYM, MON, NEU) showed no significant differences, though monocyte levels trended lower in CBD calves at early time points. Platelet indices revealed a significant reduction in mean platelet volume (p = 0.047) and stable PDWc and plateletcrit values in the CBD group, suggesting modulation of inflammatory status. Alanine aminotransferase levels increased over time with a significant group effect (p = 0.014), indicating a mild hepatic response, while glucose and alkaline phosphatase remained within physiological ranges. These findings suggest that short-term CBD supplementation may transiently modulate stress and inflammatory responses during weaning, with potential benefits for physiological resilience. However, rebound endocrine effects and hepatic sensitivity highlight the need for further research to refine dosing strategies and assess long-term safety in dairy production systems.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa seeds supplementation on the productive performances and health status of lactating dairy cows. The study was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Research and Development Institute for Bovine Balotesti, Romania, between November and December 2023, on a number of 40 Romanian Black and Spotted dairy cows divided into two groups: the experimental group E (n=20 heads) and the control group C (n=20 heads). The experimental group received 20 g of Nigella sativa seeds/head/day for 28 consecutive days. Milk and blood samples were collected at day 0 and day 28. Statistical comparisons were performed using Student?s t-test. Results revealed statistical differences for lymphocytes (P=0.0479), glucose (P=0.0473), uric acid (P=0.0222), and amylase (P=0.0032) in the experimental group (E) after the 28-days trial. Nigella sativa seeds, due to their bioactive and antioxidant constituents, demonstrated promising potential as a natural dietary additive for enhancing dairy cattle physiological stability.