Factors Associated with Edema of the Mammary Gland in Primigravid Dairy Heifers

Abstract

The severity and anatomical extent of mammary edema (edema) of 73 primigravid Holstein heifers was scored, and certain hormones in peripheral blood plasma were quantified. The objective was to obtain by least-squares analysis of covariance independent estimates of the association of each hormone and other factors with edema scores around first calving. Mammary edema prepartum increased with age of heifer and gestation length, decreased as calf birthweight increased, but was unrelated to seasonal fluctuations in temperature and photoperiod. The increase in edema during the last week of pregnancy was accounted for by associations with prepartum concentrations of hormones in plasma. The independent estimates of hormonal relationships to edema score prepartum were positive for plasma estrone and estradiol-17 alpha and were negative for plasma estradiol-17 beta and progesterone. Plasma prolactin was not related to edema score. After parturition, estradiol-17 beta was the only independent variable associated (negatively) with edema. The results indicate a complicated interaction among the sex steroids of late pregnancy wherein some steroids may promote edema and other steroids may inhibit edema in heifers.

Short communication: Associations of udder edema with health, milk yield, and reproduction in dairy cows in early lactation

“…Cows with longer gestation length showed increased severity of edema (Malven et al, 1983). Malven et al (1983) also reported an association of higher plasma concentrations of estradiol-17α and estrone with increased severity of edema. Melendez et al (2006) reported that milk yield at the first DHIA test day was 3.6 kg lower in cows with UE.…”

“…Cows, particularly entering the first lactation, generally have some UE in late pregnancy and at parturition, but extensive edema has been shown to affect milk production and health of the udder (Malven et al, 1983). Cows with longer gestation length showed increased severity of edema (Malven et al, 1983). Malven et al (1983) also reported an association of higher plasma concentrations of estradiol-17α and estrone with increased severity of edema.…”

O edema de mama em bovinos leiteiros

“…Fatores hormonais endógenos parecem contribuir para o desenvolvimento do edema de mama. Conforme destacam Malven et al (1983), em novilhas da raça holandesa preta e branca, o Estradiol 17 a e a Estrona promoveram e/ou aumentaram a severidade do edema de mama antes do parto, ao passo que a progesterona e o estradiol 17 b desfavoreceu-o no pré-parto. Ainda segundo os autores, o estradiol 17 b evitou o favorecimento da manifestação do edema de mama em vacas, logo após o parto.…”

Nutrition and Health of Dairy Animals

“…However, if edema is sufficiently severe it can interfere with suckling by the calf, milking, and may cause other complications including udder inflammation. Edema is caused by excessive accumulation of fluid underneath the skin and at least some mammary edema is associated with pregnancy and parturition, especially in primigravid heifers (Malven et al, 1983).…”