Correlations between periparturient serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, bilirubin, and urea and the occurrence of clinical and subclinical postpartum bovine endometritis

Abstract

BackgroundPostpartum endometritis in cattle is a multifactorial disease with high economic impact. Both, clinical endometritis (CE) and subclinical endometritis (SCE) result in decreased reproductive performance. Results from in vitro studies led to the implication that non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), bilirubin, and urea could be used as predictors for endometritis in veterinary practice. In this field study, we set out to establish optimal predictor cut points of these metabolic parameters for the detection of CE and SCE. Serum samples were collected one week prior to parturition (wk -1), in the first week postpartum (wk +1) and between 28 and 35 days postpartum (wk +5) from 209 Holstein-Friesian cows. At wk +5, all cows were examined for signs of CE and SCE.ResultsHigher concentrations of urea at wk +1 were associated with increased odds of CE (OR = 1.7, P = 0.04) in primiparous (PP) cows. A predictor cut point of 3.9 mmol/L (sensitivity: 61%, specificity: 70%) was determined. In multiparous (MP) cows, the logistic regression model revealed that higher concentrations of NEFA at wk -1 were associated with increased odds of CE and SCE (healthy vs. CE: OR = 9.1, P = 0.05; healthy vs. SCE: OR = 12.1, P = 0.04). A predictor cut point of 0.3 mmol/L (sensitivity: 38%, specificity: 87% and sensitivity: 35%, specificity: 89%, respectively) was determined. Increasing concentrations of urea at wk +5 were associated with decreased odds of CE (healthy vs. CE: OR = 0.6, P = 0.01; SCE vs. CE: OR = 0.5, P = 0.03). A predictor cut point of 3.8 mmol/L (sensitivity: 52%, specificity: 81%) was determined. For BHBA and bilirubin relationships with CE or SCE were not detected.ConclusionsThe corresponding combinations of sensitivity and specificity of the determined predictor cut points were not satisfactory for practical use. Thus, the analysed parameters, i.e. NEFA, BHBA, bilirubin, and urea, at the chosen time points, i.e. at wk -1, at wk +1, and at wk +5 relative to calving, are unsatisfactory for disease prediction. Further research is required to clarify the questions raised by the current study.

Citologia endometrial como indicador de endometritis subclinica en vacas lecheras holstein friesian versus jersey

“…En ausencia de signos clínicos de endometritis, las modificaciones del endometrio uterino pueden ser definidas como endometritis subclínicas, los signos de endometritis subclínica son la presencia de Polimorfos Neutrófilos Nucleares (PMN N) en el lumen uterino sin descargas purulentas (Sheldon, 2006). Las endometritis en el postparto son enfermedades multifactoriales con gran impacto económico, ya que tanto endometritis clínica como subclínica reducen la eficiencia reproductiva del ganado lechero (Kaufmann et al, 2010).…”

Correlation of blood metabolite concentrations and body condition scores with persistent postpartum uterine bacterial infection in dairy cows

“…Infections by T. pyogenes and anaerobic bacteria are correlated with increases in endometrial inflammation and disease severity [6]. Identification of risk factors for postpartum uterine bacterial infection will improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of pathogenesis of clinical and subclinical endometritis [16]. Early identification of cows at risk for endometritis could not only allow targeted intervention, but also serve as a basis for change in management practices for the prevention of this disease [16].…”

Perfil metabólico de vacas da raça Holandesa com catarro genital de graus I, II e III entre o final do puerpério clínico e no puerpério tardio, São Paulo e Paraná, Brasil

“…Kaufmann et al (2008) demonstraram que vacas multíparas com endometrite apresentaram um aumento do valor da bilirrubina sérica e diminuição do valor de uréia quando comparado com vacas sadias.…”

“…Carson et al (2008) mostraram que a associação dos valores de NEFA e β-Hidroxibutirato ajudam a monitorar a saúde vacas no período pré e pós-parto. Kaufmann et al (2008) encontraram valores de beta-hidroxibutirato superiores em animais com endometrite subclínica do que os encontrados em animais saudáveis e com endometrite clínica.…”

“…O aumento de níveis séricos de uréia segundo (HOEBEN, HEYNEMANN, BURVENICH, 1997;HOEBEN, 2000;HAMMON et al, 2006) tem impacto negativo sob a função dos polimorfonucleares e no meio uterino (ELROD;BUTLER, 1993;BUTLER 1998;RHOADS et al 2004). Já os resultados obtidos por Kaufmann et al (2008) não estão de acordo com os encontrados nesta pesquisa, pois para eles, valores diminuídos de uréia estariam relacionados com a presença de endometrite.…”