Influence of Body Condition Score on Haematological Parameters in Periparturient Cows in Cross River State

Body condition score is a practical and non-invasive assessment tool used to estimate the nutritional status and energy reserves of cattle, with significant implications for reproductive performance and disease susceptibility around parturition. In Cross River State, South South Nigeria, the periparturient period is particularly demanding for Friesian crossbred and N'Dama cows managed in smallholder and semi-intensive systems. This study investigated the relationship between body condition score and haematological parameters in periparturient cows from farms in Calabar and Obubra. Fifty cows were scored on a scale of 1 to 5 at two weeks pre-partum and two weeks post-partum by a trained assessor. Blood samples were collected at the same time points for haematological analysis including PCV, haemoglobin, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, and fibrinogen. Cows with body condition score below 2.5 at calving had significantly lower PCV and haemoglobin values compared with well-conditioned animals, indicating nutritional anaemia. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in thin cows, consistent with immunosuppression associated with negative energy balance. Fibrinogen was elevated in 12 of 20 thin cows, suggesting subclinical inflammatory activity. Body condition score at two weeks pre-partum was a stronger predictor of post-partum haematological indices than score at calving. These findings underscore the importance of strategic feeding and body condition management in the dry period to support periparturient health in South South Nigeria. Keywords: body condition score, haematology, periparturient, cattle, Cross River State.