Application of the metabolic profile test in the prediction and diagnosis of fatty liver in Holstein cows

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the possibility of using results of metabolic profile test in the prediction and diagnosis of fatty liver in Holstein cows. Forty dry cows, 5 to 7 days before calving, were chosen from the commercial dairy herd and included in the study. Four blood samples were taken by jugular venipuncture from each animal: 5 to 7 days before expected calving (dry period), as well as on day 12, 30 and 60 of lactation. Concentrations of glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), total protein, albumin, urea, total bilirubin, calcium and phosphorus concentrations were measured in all blood samples. On day 12 after calving, liver percutaneous biopsies were obtained using a biopsy instrument. Liver tissue lipid content was determined by pathohistological determination. Cows were divided into two groups of equal size based on the degree of lipid accumulation in the liver: healthy cows (0.00 fat, n = 20) and cows with fatty liver syndrome (>20% fat, n = 20). Milking was measured each day from day 7 to day 60 of lactation. Results showed that 5 to 7 days before calving, as well as 12 days after calving, BHBA concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.001, respectively) in diseased cows than in healthy cows. Additionally, the concentration of glucose was significantly lower (p<0.01) and the concentration of total bilirubin significantly higher (p<0.001) in diseased compared to healthy cows, at day 12 of lactation. Thirty days after calving, concentrations of albumin, glucose, BHBA and Ca were significantly lower in diseased compared to healthy cows (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). At day 60 after calving, concentrations of biochemical parameters did not differ between diseased and healthy cows. The lactation curve differed in diseased compared to healthy cows, starting from day 26 of lactation. Starting form that day until day 60 of lactation average daily milk production was significantly higher in healthy than in diseased cows, except on day 32 of lactation when the difference was not significant. Based on these results it can be concluded that the metabolic profile test may be a reliable tool for the prediction and diagnosis of fatty liver in Holstein cows.