Serum non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate in dairy cows with retained placenta

The objective of this study was to establish serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) in postpartum retained placenta in cattle. Moreover, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), cholesterol (CHOL), triglycerides (TG), total proteins (TP), albumin (ALB), glucose (GLU) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were evaluated. Blood samples were obtained from multiparous Holstein dairy cows (n=38) with retained placenta between 12 to 24 hours after calving (Group 2). Clinically healthy multiparous Holstein dairy cows (n=6) calved approximately 7 days prior to the study served as control (Group 1). Concentration of TG, LDL, VLDL, ALB, BUN, CHOL and GLU did not vary between groups. Cows with retained placenta (Group 2) had higher level of BHBA (P=0.041) and NEFA (P=0.05) than control group. HDL and TP serum levels in cows with retained placenta were significantly lower than control cows. It was concluded that retained placenta could be associated with energy metabolism imbalance and postpartum negative-energy balance. © 2011 PVJ.