Investigation of the Relationship Between Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Some Biochemical Parameters in Dairy Cows During the Transition Period

The transition period covers a period of ±21 days based on the calving day. This period is characterised by marked changes in the endocrine status of the animal, increased nutrient demand of the developing foetus and decreased feed intake. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations in dairy cattle during the transition period in the prenatal and postpartum periods and to evaluate the relationship with biochemical parameters. Blood was collected from healthy cows at 254 ± 3 days prepartum and 21 ± 3 days postpartum. Metabolic profile tests aspartatamino transferase (AST), alaninamino transferase (ALT), gamma‐glutamine transferase (GGT), total protein, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, calcium and phosphorus (P) parameters—were measured calorimetrically in biochemical analyser. Beta hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA) and glucose were measured with a handheld device. Serum BDNF was analysed with a bovine‐specific ELISA kit. In conclusion, serum BDNF measurement showed a similar increase among metabolic profile parameters, but no statistical correlation was detected, and it was concluded that it would be useful to evaluate negative energy balance in a larger population and with daily measurements.