Effect of subclinical mastitis on metabolic profile in dairy cows

Abstract

Mastitis is one of the most important disease in dairy cows, leading to signifficance economic losses. Subclinical mastitis is defined as inflammation of udder without any visible changes in the udder and milk. The aim of this study was investigate the influence of subclinical mastitis on the metabolic parameters in dairy cows. The study included 40 holstein Friesian cows with the same body score condition and in the same lactation phase. Divided into two groups of 20 each; subclinical mastitis and a control group of healthy cows. Cows with subclinical mastitis were detected by CMT (California mastitis test). Blood was sampled from the jugular vein, after morning milking and the concentration of glucose, NEFA, BHB, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, globulin, AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus ere determined. This study showed significant increase in concentration of NEFA, total protein, globulin and LDH in cows affected by subclinical mastitis compared to control group. On the other hand concentration of triglycerides and ALT was significant lower in cows affected by subclinical mastitis compared to healthy ones. Increase of the NEFA concentration and decrease in concentration of triglycerides can indicate on the increase of lipid mobilization with consequently possible development fatty liver or ketosis in cows, while increase in concentration of total protein and globulin indicate on inflammation. Beside, increase concentration of LDH in blood serum with increase of somatic cell count in the milk may be useful indicator for detect subclinical mastitis in dairy cows.