The aim of the study was to find out the differences of blood biochemical and morphological parameters in cows with and without retained foetal membranes. Sixty cows of different age of Latvian blackand- white breed from two Joint Stock Companies were used in the research that was divided into two groups: control group of 15 cows, and 45 cows with retained foetal membranes. Research was done from September 2007 to January 2009. In haematological parameters on the second day postpartum, control group cows had increased leukocyte count on the account of mature neutrophils, but in the group of cows with retained foetal membranes leukocytes were within the range of normal values. The difference of the above mentioned parameters between both of the groups was significant (p is less than 0.05). At the same time, in cows of both investigated groups the number of band neutrophils was slightly increased (p is greater than 0.05). Haematological analyses showed leukocytes shift to the left and lymphopenia with a tendency to get normal within six weeks postpartum in both cow groups. On the third week postpartum, in cows with retained foetal membranes the band neutrophil count increased significantly (p is less than 0.05) indicating that the inflammation process has flared up. Blood for biochemical examination was sampled from cows within 48 hours postpartum in order to evaluate the functional condition of liver in milking cows. A significantly higher (p is less than 0.05) total and direct reacting bilirubin was observed in cows with retained foetal membranes, although it was within the range of normal values.

The high toxicity, bioaccumulative and increased distribution of cadmium (Cd) in the environment, makes it the most dangerous to any biological system, including immune system in human and animals. The effect of dietary intake of Cd (8.25 mg per kg) on accumulation and distribution of this heavy metal in various tissues, and functional changes in organs of immunity (thymus, bursa of Fabricius, spleen) in 35-day-old broiler cockerels were investigated, using biochemical and immunological methods. Significant increases in the Cd concentration both in central immunocompetent organs (thymus, bursa of Fabricius) and peripheral (spleen) were established. Excessive tissue level of Cd induced the prooxidative effect of this heavy metal in the organs. It was manifested in an increase of cell membrane lipid peroxidation (the enhanced malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration) in immune system organs. The oxidative stress resulted in immunocompetent cell damage. The fall of vital dye absorptive ability of immunocyte indicated the increase in the injured cell number. This harmful effect is in accordance with T- and B (C3) – population prominent depletion, organ relative mass reduction, and growth retardation in chicks, and was established as a result of dietary Cd loading for 5 weeks of the experiment.