Serum protein electrophoretic pattern in dairy cows during the periparturient period

Csilla Tóthová,Oskar Nagy,Veronika Nagyová,Gabriel Kováč

doi:10.1080/09712119.2016.1256293

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study was aimed at the evaluation of changes in the concentrations of serum protein fractions in 10 clinically healthy dairy cows in the period from 1 week before to 6 weeks after calving. Serum was analysed for total protein concentrations, and the relative and absolute values of protein fractions – albumin, alpha1- (α1), alpha2- (α2), beta1- (β1), beta2- (β2), and gamma- (γ) globulins. The concentrations of total proteins increased significantly from week 1 before parturition till the end of the sixth week of lactation (P < .001). In the concentrations of albumin, a slight decrease was observed 1 week after parturition, with a further decrease till the end of the study. The concentrations of α1- and α2-globulins increased significantly during the early stages of postpartal period (P < .01 and P < .001). The concentrations of β2-globulins showed an increasing trend after calving (P < .001). The concentrations of γ-globulins increased 3 and 6 weeks after calving (P < .001). These results showed dynamic changes in the serum protein electrophoretic pattern during peripartum period which reflect the physiological response of the organism to the variation of metabolic and immune functions occurring from gestational non-lactating to a non-gestational lactating state in periparturient dairy cows.

Highlights

The late gestation and early lactation represent the most important and difficult periods for high-yielding dairy cows, which are connected with the change from a gestational non-lactating to a non-gestational lactating state (Contreras & Sordillo 2011)
The concentrations of γ-globulins increased 3 and 6 weeks after calving (P < .001). These results showed dynamic changes in the serum protein electrophoretic pattern during peripartum period which reflect the physiological response of the organism to the variation of metabolic and immune functions occurring from gestational non-lactating to a non-gestational lactating state in periparturient dairy cows
Serious changes during the periparturient period were observed in other blood metabolites in cows, including haematological, mineral, enzymatic and hormonal profiles, as well as some variables related to protein metabolism (Tóthová et al 2008; Hagawane et al 2009; Piccione, Messina, et al 2012)

Summary

Introduction

The late gestation and early lactation represent the most important and difficult periods for high-yielding dairy cows, which are connected with the change from a gestational non-lactating to a non-gestational lactating state (Contreras & Sordillo 2011). Cows undergo serious metabolic and physiological changes during these periods (Tanaka et al 2011) These changes are connected with the growth and development of the foetus, preparation of the mammary gland for lactation, regeneration of the reproductive system after parturition, as well as preparation for new fertilization and pregnancy (Kurpińska et al 2014). These physiological changes may induce stress and affect the metabolic processes (Tanritanir et al 2009; Van Dorland et al 2009). Only a few studies have described the serum protein electrophoretic pattern and the changes in the concentrations of protein fractions in dairy cows during the last phase of pregnancy and early postpartum

Objectives

Methods

Results