Comparison of Various Indices of Energy Metabolism in Recumbent and Healthy Dairy Cows.

Hugues Guyot,Catherine Garnier,Charlotte Sandersen,Pascal Lebreton,Frederic Rollin,Marie Bonvoisin,Johann Detilleux,Michael Bader

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0169716

Hugues Guyot, Catherine Garnier + Show 6 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0169716

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Abstract

BackgroundDowner cow syndrome (DCS) is often diagnosed in dairy cattle during the early post-partum period. The etiology of this condition is not completely understood, as it can be related to the energetic or electrolyte metabolism, as well as to infectious diseases or to trauma.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to compare energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity indices and various biochemical parameters between recumbent and healthy dairy cows.AnimalsA prospective study has been undertaken on 361 recumbent and 80 healthy Holstein cows.MethodsPlasmatic glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) were assayed in all cows in order to calculate the insulin sensitivity indices but also minerals (Calcium, Phosphorous and Magnesium), thyroxin and creatine kinase. Body Condition Scores (BCS) was assessed.ResultsSignificant differences in NEFA, and the glucose and insulin sensitivity indices (“Homeostasis Model Assessment” HOMA, “Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index” RQUICKI, RQUICKI-BHB) were observed between healthy and recumbent cows in the early post-parturient period indicating disturbances of glucose and insulin homeostasis in the recumbent cows. In the same manner, mineral concentrations were significantly different between healthy and recumbent cows. Glucose, insulin NEFA, and HOMA, were different between early post-partum downer cows and the DCS-affected cows later in lactation.Conclusion and clinical importanceResults indicate disturbances in energy homeostasis in DCS-affected dairy cows. Further research should determine a prognostic value of the indices in cows suffering from recumbency of metabolic origin.

Highlights

Downer cow syndrome (DCS) is defined as lateral or sternal recumbency that persists for longer than 24 hours [1], or that persists for longer than two weeks despite of treatment [2]
Cows that suffer from DCS in a period later than 8 days from calving have Revised Quantitative Sensitivity Check Index” (RQUICKI) and RQUICKI-Blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) values which are similar to those obtained in healthy postparturient cows
The present study provides a range of values of insulin sensitivity indices in healthy dairy cattle and in cattle suffering from DCS

Summary

Introduction

Downer cow syndrome (DCS) is defined as lateral or sternal recumbency that persists for longer than 24 hours [1], or that persists for longer than two weeks despite of treatment [2]. The incidence of this syndrome ranges from 4.5 to 14% [3]. Downer cow syndrome (DCS) is often diagnosed in dairy cattle during the early post-partum period. The etiology of this condition is not completely understood, as it can be related to the energetic or electrolyte metabolism, as well as to infectious diseases or to trauma.

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