Certain responses in erythrocyte potassium, zinc, iron and copper in lactating buffaloes with seasonal changes in thermal environment

Fifteen normal lactating, freshly calved Murrah buffaloes kept under similar conditions of management were used for study of the variations in erythrocyte K+ and trace minerals (Zn, Fe and Cu). There were highly significant differences (P<0.01) between seasons with respect to RBC K+, Zn, Fe and Cu. The concentration of RBC K+ was lowest in the winter season when the reproductive efficiency was highest. RBC Fe and Cu changed significantly with the change in haemoglobin, whereas RBC zinc did not show any specific trend.