Abstract
Minimising health problems and increasing yield have always been the objectives in livestock agriculture. Hence, increases in incidences of reproductive conditions in cattle farming pose a great threat to productivity and impose undesirable economic implications. This study aimed to examine the concentrations of different biochemical compounds in cows with reproductive conditions. Seventy-seven blood samples were collected from cows at different rural areas around Mafikeng, following cases of downer cow syndrome, dystocia, retained placenta, vaginal prolapse and abortion. Means of serum metabolites across the different reproductive conditions were statistically compared using Pearson’s chi-square test to determine variations of serum metabolites in cows of different breeds. In mixed breed cows, higher than normal calcium concentrations were observed in downer cow syndrome (25.25 ± 8.47) and dystocia (85.50 ± 8.46) cases. It was also observed that cholesterol concentrations were significantly low in abortion (2.52 ± 0.79), retained placenta (3.18 ± 0.61) and vaginal prolapse (2.37 ± 0.97) cases in Afrikaner cows. The study showed that Brahman (43.1%) and Afrikaner (43.1%) breeds were mostly affected by downer cow syndrome. Additionally, the occurrences of downer cow syndrome (53.9%) and abortions (60%) were mostly observed in cows of 1–3 years, in second and first parities, respectively. This study proves that concentrations of calcium, urea or blood urea nitrogen (BUN), magnesium and cholesterol are significantly altered in incidences of reproductive conditions in cows of different breeds. It is also shown that serum biochemistry is affected by reproductive conditions in cows of different ages and parity. This data serves as a tool that could be used to enhance research in animal production and reproduction.
Highlights
The use of serum metabolic profiling in veterinary medicine is a significant test in herd health assessment (Oetzel 2004)
This study aimed to examine the concentrations of different biochemical compounds in different breeds of cows with reproductive conditions
This study showed significant (p < 0.05) variations regarding the reproductive condition × Cow breed interactions seen in concentrations of urea or blood urea nitrogen (BUN), calcium, AST, total bilirubin, lipase, potassium and total protein (Table 1)
Summary
The use of serum metabolic profiling in veterinary medicine is a significant test in herd health assessment (Oetzel 2004). The physiological and nutritional status of cows can be evaluated using the analysis of blood biochemical parameters (Ashmawy 2015). Irregularities in numerous biochemical factors have been held liable for reproductive failures in cows (Bazzano et al 2016). The cow’s immune capacity during the transition period greatly influences its susceptibility to reproductive and metabolic disorders (Azawi 2008). The incidences of reproductive conditions are normally elevated during the transition period (Santos, Rutigliano & Filho 2009). Disturbances in the normal function of reproductive processes leading to dystocia can severely affect cattle production (Savc, Kenny & Beltman 2016). Dystocia is an undesirable condition because of its impact on cows’ subsequent reproductive performance and negative economic effects on farm production. The estimated cost of dystocia in any parity on average is approximately $24.24, which is approximately R323.78 (South African rand) as per case attendance (Dematawewa & Berger 1997)
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