To compare immune activities of neutrophils, blood samples were collected from 12 cows and 12 buffaloes on −15, −7, −5, −3, −2 and −1 days prepartum at calving and on 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 15 days postpartum. Plasma cortisol levels, phagocytic activity (PA), enzyme (elastase, collagenase and cathepsin G) levels and expression of TLR-2, TLR-4 and IL-8 were also studied. Blood total leukocyte counts and neutrophil percentage increased at calving and decreased faster in buffaloes. Neutrophil PA was significantly (P < 0.01) lower even up to two days post calving in cows. Cortisol levels were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in cows and negatively correlated with neutrophilic functions. Elastase was significantly (P< 0.01) higher in buffaloes. Collagenase levels were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in buffaloes at three days precalving. At 15 days precalving and 7 and 15 days postcalving, expression of TLR-2 gene was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in buffaloes. Expression of TLR-4 gene was significantly (P < 0.01) higher on days 7 and 15 postcalving in buffaloes. Expression of IL-8 was significantly (P < 0.01) higher on day 15 of postcalving in buffaloes. Increased blood neutrophilic function in buffaloes provides disease resistance to them around peripartum.