Some Metabolic Parameters During Transition Period in Dairy Cows with and Without Retained Fetal Membranes

Abstract

This study evaluated the levels of some serum metabolites for dairy cows (Holstein Friesian) in relation to expulsion of fetal membranes. Blood concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) were determined (from 7 days before, day of parturition and 2 days after calving) in cows that expelled fetal membranes normally (n = 9 cows) and in cows that developed retention of fetal membranes (RFMs), n = 17). The cows that developed RFMs had lower concentrations of cholesterol at and after parturition, while the concentrations of NEFA and triglycerides were higher than those in cows that normally expelled the fetal membranes. Results revealed that the concentration of NEFA before calving was highly related to the RFMs. It may be inferred that monitoring the levels of NEFA during prepartum period would help in identifying the cows at the risk of developing RFMs.