Effects of Dystocia, Retained Placenta and Body Condition on Plasma .BETA.-Endorphin Profile in Periparturient Dairy Cows.

Abstract

Abstract. The aims of this study were to determine profiles of plasma immunoreactive β-endorphin (ir-β-EP) during peripartum period in dairy cows, and to examine whether dystocia, retained placenta or body condition affects the plasma ir-β-EP level. Blood samples were collected from 21 Holstein-Friesian cows from day 180 of pregnancy until first ovulation. The cows were classified into two groups based on calving conditions and ir-β-EP patterns at parturition. Seven out of the 21 cows had normal parturition and 14 cows had abnormal parturition (dystocia and/or retained placenta). The proportion of cows which had ir-β-EP elevation at parturition tended to be higher in cows with abnormal parturition (11/14; 79%) than in those with normal parturition (3/7; 42%). Plasma cortisol level increased at parturition both in cows with ir-β-EP elevation and in cows without ir-β-EP elevation at parturition. Postpartum ir-β-EP concentrations in plasma were similar between cows with normal parturition and those with abnormal parturition, and between cows which had lost their body condition score (BCS) after calving and those which had maintained their BCS. In conclusion, abnormal parturition may affect plasma ir-β-EP level at parturition but not postpartum period.

Peripartum Beta Endorphin levels in Relation to Labor Disorders and Post-Calving Reproductive Performance of Buffaloes.

“…Add to that, there was a concomitantly trend between both of plasma β-endorphin and cortisol profile. In according to the present results, Osawa et al (2000) found that plasma cortisol level increased in both of cows showed or don't showed higher levels of βendorphin nearest and/ or at calving.…”

“…Also, Ismail et al (1997) found that the levels of β-endorphin increased gradually through gestation period recording the highest level during the third trimester of pregnancy in buffaloes. Moreover, at parturition Osawa et al (2000) found that concentrations of β-endorphin were higher in cows suffering from dystocia and retained placenta (79%) comparison with normal one (42%).…”

Some physiological and biochemical methods for acute and chronic stress evaluationin dairy cows

“…For this reason, β-endorphin is involved in pain, cerebral ageing, behaviour with respect to feelings, food intake and emotions, which is why it is interesting as respects chronic stress evaluation. Although β-endorphin seems able to reduce perception of pain, similar to drugs such as morphine and codeine, Osawa et al (2000) have reported an increase in this hormone in response to a variety of stressors. These authors found higher levels of β-endorphin at calving time in dairy cows with abnormal parturition (dystocia and or retained placenta) as compared to cows with normal puerperium.…”

Plasma Β-Endorphin and Cortisol Profiles around Periparturient Period at Stressful Conditions in Egyptian Buffalo

“…They suggested that β-endorphin would be considered as a factor which probably influences the retention of placenta in farm animals (El-Azab et al 1988). Moreover, at parturition values of β-endorphin were higher in cows suffering from dystocia and retained placenta reached up to 79% in compare with normal one that reached 42% (Osawa et al 2000).…”

“…Cortisol is a gluconeogenic hormone thereby favoring hyperglycemia at the expense of body proteins, used as an objective indicator for the quantification of stress in cows (Osawa et al 2000). Also, a markedly increased in plasma glucocorticoid was shown in mammals during parturition (Nakao Toshihiko and Grunert 1990).…”