Association between selected metabolic parameters and chronic digital dermatitis in Holstein dairy cows

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between chronic digital dermatitis (DD) and the selected metabolic and hematological parameters in Holstein dairy cows. For this purpose, thirty-eight parturient dairy cows investigated. Of all, 19 cows were suffering from chronic digital dermatitis, and 19 cows were clinically healthy. Cows were examined clinically and those with chronic DD were selected. Subjective evaluation of cows with DD was performed by one person and the score was recorded. Blood samples were obtained from diseased and control cows for measurement of metabolic profile. β-HB showed a significant increase in cows with DD in comparison to control health cows (p< 0.01). But glucose showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05). Regarding the macro- and micro elements, there was a significant decrease of calcium (p < 0.0) and phosphorus (p < 0.01) level in cows with DD in comparison with healthy control cows. while serum Mg showed non-significant changes between groups. Serum mineral values of Zn, and Cu were statistically significantly decreased (p <0.01) in cows with chronic DD in comparison with the control cows. Total leukocytic counts, neutrophils and neutrophils lymphocyte ration were significantly increased in diseased cases compared with control (p < 0.01). But lymphocytes were significantly decreased (p < 0.001).  In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that DD may affect greatly the metabolic status of the diseased cows with consequent occurrence of other metabolic diseases. The biochemical and hematological changes may highly be related to inflammatory stress.