Ivana Davidov

Hematological parameters in cows in early lactation treated with ketoprofen and their relationship with lipid mobilization and ketogenesis

Background: Dairy cows are exposed to numerous hematological and biochemical changes, what is bringing cows into the state of increased metabolic activity and physiological adaptations. These adaptive processes have resulted in increased lipid mobilization and ketogenesis with increased concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). As a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ketoprofen produces anti-inflammatory effects. The main objective of the present study was to found relationship between hematological parameters and ketoprofen administration and high lipid mobilization and ketogenesis in cows treated with ketoprofen immediately after calving. Materials, Methods & Results: Ketoprofen was used (3 mg/kg body weight) intramuscularly for three consecutive days post-partum on 15 cows of Holstein-Friesian breed. Cows of the control group (n = 15) were not treated with ketoprofen. Blood samples were collected at the day of calving, in the first and in the second week after parturition from the coccygeal vein of the both groups. Hematological parameters (erythrocytes, hemoglobin, neutrophils, lymphocytes and mean platelet volume) were determined on the automatic hematological counter. Metabolic parameters (NEFA, BHB) were determined by standard colorimetric kits using a semi-automatic biochemistry analyzer. Student’s t-test was used to determine the influence of the application of ketoprofen to the hematological parameters. The data analysis was performed using SPSS, version 19.0, software package for Microsoft Windows (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). The results of comparison with (P < 0.05) were considered to represent statistically significant differences. Difference in correlation test between NEFA and BHB and other blood parameters in experimental and control group of cows were determined by the Fischer r-to-z transformation. The research results show that there was a increased red blood cell count and a higher concentration of hemoglobin (P < 0.05), fewer neutrophils (P < 0.01), lower number of lymphocytes (P < 0.01) and fewer mean platelet volume in cows that received ketoprofen after calving than those of the control. Determined hematological parameters and values of NEFA and BHB are in correlation. The correlation coefficients were significantly lower in the experimental group of cows. The intensity of the connection between hematological parameters and value of NEFA and BHB decreases. Discussion: It is well known that dairy cows with excessive adiposity manifest a low-grade inflammation and that elevated NEFA concentrations present positive risk factors for many proinflammatory diseases. Analyzing the results in this examination, it has been noticed that the increase of NEFA and BHB after calving were significantly lower in group of cows treated with ketoprofen. Also, determined hematological parameters and values of NEFA and BHB are in correlation. The intensity of these connection decreases in ketoprofen treated cows. In current study, in cows treated with ketoprofen there is decrease in concentrations of inflammatory mediators such as neutrophils and lymphocytes. Red blood cell and hemoglobin concentration decreased in the peripartal period as a result of inflammation. In cows treated with ketoprofen these concentrations increased. In many inflammatory conditions mean platelets volume is increased while there is a decrease in ketoprofen treated cows. Presented results indicate strong relationship between the concentration of NEFA, as well as BHB and hematological parameters indicating that the dependence of hematological parameters of intensity of lipid mobilization and ketogenesis was significantly lower in cows treated with ketoprofen immediately after calving.

Respiratory syndrome in calves in intensive breeding

Production of milk and meat on cattle farms is directly dependent on the performance of calves and their health status depends on the number of deaths and physical development at the stage of first insemination. The respiratory syndrome is the most important health disorder in calves and prevention of the occurrence of this syndrome has a decisive influence on successful breeding of calves. Since environmental factors have a significant influence on the occurrence of respiratory syndrome, the percentage of occurrence is higher at certain times of year when the weather conditions correspond to the occurrence of respiratory infections. This study evaluated the occurrence of respiratory syndrome during the year and in different categories of calves. It was found that respiratory syndrome usually occurs in spring and autumn months and most sick calves aged from 15 to 45 days.

Lesions existence on teat end in dairy cows

On two dairy cows farms Holstein-Friesian breed in South Backa district survey was conducted. A total of 82 cows were examined and 328 individual mammary complexes. The appearance of the teat end was assessed after milking by adspection method. From 328 examined mammary complexes, 209 (63.72%) were with changes on teat end, of which 71 (21.65%) papilla was with lesions at the top. 119 or 36.28% teat end of cows udders of were unchanged. Those results indicate the existence of various exogenous factors that may be detrimental to the structure to the papilla, which is considered the first line of defense udder.