Study on the effect of left displacement of abomasum (LDA) on serum minerals and biochemical changes in dairy cows

Abstract

Minerals and some biochemical parameters determined from blood serum analyses in left displacement abomasum (LDA) affected and healthy dairy cows to evaluate the effect of displacement abomasum on mineral status, energy metabolism and liver function. Samples were collected from 60 affected cows and 60 healthy control cows matched with cases, based on herd, parity, and stage of lactation. Concentrations were significantly higher in LDA cows than in control cows for nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) (1.35 vs. 0.42 mmol/L), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) (2.7 vs. 0.68 mmol/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (97.62 vs. 72.93 IU/L), whereas concentrations were lower in DA cows than in control cows for calcium (Ca) (7.45 vs. 9.24 mg/dl) (P < 0.05). Parity number and lactation had significant effect in energy metabolism and liver function of LDA affected cows. Significant increases in mean serum concentrations of NEFA, BHBA and AST were observed in DA cows with three or more lactations when compared with healthy control cows (P < 0.05).