Mastitis in the transition period: identification of potential blood markers

K.R Santos,S.A Diniz,M.B Heinemann,M.X Silva,C.F Batista,J.P.A Haddad,M.G Blagitz,P.C.C Molinari,A.M.M.P.D Libera,R.C Gomes,F.N Souza,H.G Bertagnon

doi:10.1590/1678-4162-10069

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study identified potential blood markers associated with mastitis in dairy cows under different dry therapies during the transition period, using a logistic regression model. Thirty-four Holstein dairy cows were divided into three groups: untreated controls (13 cows, 42 quarters); animals that received an antimicrobial at drying-off (10 cows, 40 quarters); and animals that were administered an internal teat sealant at drying-off (11 cow, 44 quarters). Blood and quarter milk samples were collected 60 days before the expected day of calving, on the day of calving, and three, seven, 15, 21, and 30 days after calving. Milk samples were submitted for bacteriological analysis and somatic cell count. Blood samples were collected for analyses of the following: the erythrogram and leucogram; plasm fibrinogen concentration; hepatic and renal functions; metabolic profile; serum calcium and phosphorous levels; total serum protein and albumin concentrations. The concentration of total serum proteins was associated with a high somatic cell count. Similarly, the concentrations of total serum proteins and triglycerides were associated to milk bacteriological positive samples during the transition period. Thus, the occurrence of mastitis in dairy cows during the transition period was greater in animals that showed higher concentrations of serum total proteins and triglycerides, in contrast to the use of dry cow therapy.

Highlights

The transition period is characterized by sudden changes in metabolic and immune functions (Bertoni and Trevisi, 2013; Sordillo, 2016) that play a critical role in the maintenance the cow’s health
Alterations during the transition period result in intense lipid mobilization, a decrease in glucose levels, and a drastic increase in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) levels (Bertoni and Trevisi, 2013)
Large variations in several blood parameters occur during the transition period including hematological values, total protein, globulin, albumin, fibrinogen, cholesterol, lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and phosphorous and calcium levels; and renal and hepatic functions (Piccione et al, 2011; Piccione et al, 2012; Todorovic and Davidovic, 2012; Bertoni and Trevisi, 2013; Kurpinska et al, 2015)

Summary

Introduction

The transition period is characterized by sudden changes in metabolic and immune functions (Bertoni and Trevisi, 2013; Sordillo, 2016) that play a critical role in the maintenance the cow’s health. Large variations in several blood parameters occur during the transition period including hematological values, total protein, globulin, albumin, fibrinogen, cholesterol, lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and phosphorous and calcium levels; and renal and hepatic functions (Piccione et al, 2011; Piccione et al, 2012; Todorovic and Davidovic, 2012; Bertoni and Trevisi, 2013; Kurpinska et al, 2015). Blood analysis during the transition period may be useful as a strategic tool in decreasing the overwhelming risks (Bertoni and Trevisi, 2013)

Methods

Results

Conclusion