Analysis of the metabolic status of cows complicated by pathological calving: a search for prognostic markers

This study focuses on identifying prognostic markers for metabolic disorders in cows associated with pathological parturition. A Mindray BC-2800 Vet hematology analyzer (Germany) was used for hematological analysis, while Chem Well Combi models 2902 and 2910 (Florida, USA) were used for blood biochemistry. Urinalysis was performed using a LabUReader Plus 2 analyzer (Hungary). The study was conducted during the dry period on clinically healthy animals that subsequently experienced complicated deliveries. A significant decrease in T-helper and T-suppressor cell populations was observed during the periparturient period in dry cows that later experienced complicated deliveries. The reduction in T-helper cells was 32.8% (p<0.001), and the reduction in T-suppressor cells was 30.9% (p<0.001). Cows that subsequently experienced retained placenta showed a threefold decrease in the number of NBT-positive cells (p<0.001) accompanied by a decrease in the immunoreactive index (IRI). A significant reduction was also observed in the levels of large circulating immune complexes (CICs) by 67.2% (p<0.001) and medium CICs by 40.1% (p<0.001), whereas the level of small CICs increased by 52.4%, a change that correlated with subsequent placental retention. Ceruloplasmin levels in cows with calving complications ranged from 25.57±1.42 to 33.81±1.23 mg/dL, differing significantly from the control group of clinically healthy animals (19.55±0.43 to 20.94±0.55 mg/dL, p<0.05). The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test showed a significant increase in cows with retained placenta (0.48±0.01 arbitrary units) compared to clinically healthy animals (0.35±0.01 arbitrary units, p<0.05). Calving complications lead to metabolic disturbances characterized by a negative balance and elevated excretion and concentration of cortisol and testosterone.