Changes in the concentrations of selected acute phase proteins and variables of energetic profile in dairy cows after parturition

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between the activated immune response, characterized by the presence of acute phase proteins, and altered energetic metabolism in dairy cows after calving. One hundred and ninety-five dairy cows of a Slovak spotted breed, in a period of one to two weeks after parturition were included into the evaluation. Blood samples were analyzed for haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), glucose, total cholesterol (TCH), total lipids (TL), triglycerides (TG), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). In the cows with concentrations of NEFA above 0.35 mmol/l (n = 87), we found significantly higher mean serum concentrations of Hp and SAA than in those with serum NEFA concentrations below 0.35 mmol/l (n = 108) (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Trend of significantly higher values in the cows with NEFA concentrations above 0.35 mmol/l was found also in the concentrations of BHB (P < 0.001). On the other hand, the cows with higher values of NEFA showed a significantly lower mean concentration of glucose (P < 0.01). In the mean concentrations of TCH, TL, and TG, no significant differences were observed between the two groups of cows. The concentrations of both measured acute phase proteins significantly correlated with the values of NEFA as well as BHB (P < 0.001). This study indicates strong relationships between some variables of the energetic profile and acute phase proteins in cows after parturition.