Alterations in biochemical parameters and hepatic ultrasonography with reference to oxidant injury in ketotic dairy cows

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, biochemical and hepatic ultrasonographic changes in ketotic dairy cows. Forthat purpose, we examined 42 lactating Holstein- Friesian cows with ages from 3- 10 years old during the post parturientperiod (up to 6 weeks postpartum). The cows were classified into control healthy (C=20), subclinical ketotic cows(SCK=17) and clinical ketotic cows (CK=5). Clinically, anorexia and reduction in milk yield were observed in CK cows.The ruminal movements showed a significant depression (P<0.05) in CK than SCK and control. The serum glucose,insulin and cortisol showed a highly significant decrease (P<0.001) in CK and SCK than control. The serum NEFA andBHBA showed a highly significant increase (P<0.001) in CK and SCK than control. Serum cholesterol and HDL levelsshowed a significant (P<0.01) decrease in SCK and CK cows than control. Serum triglycerides (TG) and very low densitylipoprotein (VLDL) were significantly decreased (P<0.01) in CK than control. The serum activity of AST, ALT and GGTwere significantly increased (P<0.05) in CK cows than control. Serum Ca and P levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05) in CK cows than SCK and control. Regarding the oxidative stress biomarkers, serum level of malondialdehyde(MDA) showed a highly significant (P<0.001) increase in CK cows than SCK and control whereas, serum superoxidedismutase (SOD) level was significantly decreased (P<0.05) in CK cows than control. Hepatic ultrasonography of ketoticcows revealed varying degrees of fatty infiltration (focal and diffuse fatty infiltration) appeared as increased hepaticechogenicity with a blurring of hepatic blood vessels. It is concluded that ketosis induced clinical, biochemical andultrasonographical changes in lactating cows. Oxidant injury could be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease