Evaluation of prepartum serum cholesterol and fatty acids concentrations as predictors of postpartum retention of the placenta in dairy cows.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To identify serum biochemical and hematologic variables, as measured in the week before parturition, that predict postpartum retention of the placenta (RP) in dairy cows.

DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort study.

ANIMALS:

1,038 cows in 20 commercial dairy herds.

PROCEDURES:

Serum concentrations of fatty acids (FAs), beta-hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, glucose, urea, and calcium and blood leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts were determined. These variables were evaluated for an association with development of RP by use of a multivariate logistic regression model. Parity, season of parturition, existence of twins or dystocia, body condition score, and vitamin E treatment were included in the model as covariates.

RESULTS:

High serum concentrations of cholesterol and FAs were associated with an increased odds of RP. There was a 5% relative increase in the odds of RP for each 0.1 mmol/L increase in cholesterol or FAs concentration in the week before parturition. Season of parturition and twinning were also identified as risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:

These associations indicated that prepartum energy metabolism contributes to the development of RP. Serum concentrations of cholesterol and FAs may be useful to identify cows with a metabolic abnormality or energy imbalance that might predispose them to RP and should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical risk factors such as twinning, dystocia, or parturient paresis.

• Authors: Gerardo F Quiroz-Rocha, Stephen LeBlanc, Todd Duffield, Darren Wood, Ken E Leslie, Robert M Jacobs
• Journal: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (J Am Vet Med Assoc) Vol. 234 Issue 6 Pg. 790-3 (Mar 15 2009) ISSN: 0003-1488 [Print] United States
• PMID: 19284347 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Fatty Acids
• Cholesterol

Topics

• Animals
• Biomarkers
• Body Constitution
• Cattle
• Cattle Diseases (blood, epidemiology)
• Cholesterol (blood)
• Cohort Studies
• Dystocia (blood, epidemiology, veterinary)
• Energy Metabolism (physiology)
• Fatty Acids (blood)
• Female
• Logistic Models
• Parity
• Parturient Paresis (blood, epidemiology)
• Placenta, Retained (blood, epidemiology, veterinary)
• Postpartum Period
• Pregnancy
• Retrospective Studies
• Risk Factors
• Seasons