Biochemical and immunological profiles during the parturition period in dairy cows with and without placental retention

Abstract

Blood biochemical profiles of 16 Holstein cows with and 23 without placental retention (PR), all on the same diet with 18 % of protein and 70% of total digestive nutrients (NDT), were compared. Blood samples were taken five times from all animals: on parturiton day (PD) minus 15 days or PD-15; PD-5 days; PD; PD+3 days and PD+5 days. Cows with PR had higher levels of cholesterol (p < 0.01); phosphorus (P) (p < 0.01); alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p < 0.05); lactic dehydrogenase (LDH)
(p < 0.05); aspartateaminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and acid phosphatase (ACP) and lower levels of calcium (Ca). Total protein were normal in both groups but immunoglobulins were lower in cows with PR, probably due to a failure in normal production of IgM, IgG (p < 0.01) and IgA (p < 0.01) on cholostrum and milk (p < 0.01) when compared to those without PR. On calving day, cows with PR had neutrophilia, monocytosis and lymphocytosis; 87.5% had endometritis
and 62.5% acute mastitis. These data suggest a relationship between immunoglobulin production capacity, circulating white blood cells, uterus and mammary gland inflamation with placental retention, making possible a forecast of fetal annexes retention as far as 15 days before parturition in milking cows.