Serum and ovarian follicular fluid concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, glucose, and NEFA in lactating dairy cows with cystic ovarian follicles

Abstract

Follicular cysts are an important disorder affecting 5 to 30% of dairy cows that leads to abnormal estrous cycle behavior and economic losses due to infertility. The underlying causes of follicular cysts are not fully understood, and responses to therapeutic strategies have been inconsistent. Therefore, veterinarians face challenges in treating cystic ovarian follicles in dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of the pro-inflammatory mediator IL-1-beta (IL1B) and select metabolites found in blood and follicular fluid from 2 groups of cows.