Haptoglobin and its association with naturally occurring diseases in Holstein heifer calves

Abstract

The present study evaluated the use of haptoglobin (Hp) as an indicator of health and performance in 166 Holstein heifer calves reared in an intensive production system. Calves were evaluated at D6-9; D10-13; D20-23; D35-38 and D65-68, corresponding to the days of life. The absence or presence of diseases was evaluated by physical examination and classification of scores. The performance parameters evaluated were body weight, height at withers and hind width. Hp was measured by spectrophotometric technique. The highest prevalence of diarrhea (59.4%; 98/165) was observed in D10-13, bovine respiratory disease (BRD) was on D35-38 (25.8%; 42/163), and umbilical inflammations in D6-D9 (7.8%; 13/166). Highest values of Hp were observed in animals with diarrhea (P=0.02), and umbilical inflammation (P=0.057), in comparison with the group of healthy calves. A significant negative correlation was observed between Hp and performance index. This protein presented an important relation with diarrhea and performance of the calves, opening perspectives on its utilization as a biomarker of diseases.

Effects of maternal factors and season on health, growth and reproductive parameters in Holstein young heifers

“…Blood samples were collected in 9 mL vacuum tubes containing EDTA or without anticoagulants by puncturing the external jugular vein. Total serum protein (TP) was determined by optical refractometry (g/dL), and haptoglobin (Hp) concentration (mg/dL) was determined based on its ability to bind to hemoglobin, according to the procedures described by Ramos et al (2021). The performance indices were evaluated at T0, T5, T15, T30, and T60.…”

Hematologic profiles and development of innate immune function in healthy Holstein calves during the pre‐weaning period

“…This assay used the principle that haptoglobin and meta‐hemoglobin binding can be resolved and together indicate total haptoglobin in serum. This method was performed according to the previously described methodology 19 . The haptoglobin standard curve was prepared using a serial dilution of standard serum containing a predetermined quantity of haptoglobin and stored to maintain stability at −80°C.…”

“…This method was performed according to the previously described methodology. 19 The haptoglobin standard curve was prepared using a serial dilution of standard serum containing a predetermined quantity of haptoglobin and stored to maintain stability at −80°C. The estimate of serum haptoglobin concentration was calculated by interpolation of linear regression using a standard dilution curve of the established standard each time the assay was run.…”

Impact of persistent bovine viral diarrhea virus infection on indicators of innate and adaptive immune function in holstein calves and cows

“…Total protein (g/dL) in serum was estimated using a commercial optical refractometer (range of 0 to 12 g/dL, Model EEQ9042, Astral Scientific, Curitiba, Brazil). The concentration of haptoglobin in serum was measured with a turbidity-based assay previously described by Ramos et al (2021). The standard curve was based on a serial dilution of serum with a haptoglobin concentration of 59 mg/dL.…”