Metabolic profile in a dairy Herd from the west of Parana State South of Brazil

Abstract

A metabolic profile was performed in a Hoistein herd from the south of Brazil (Parana State). Three groups of animals were used: (1) non-pregnant heifers (n-10), (2) pregnant dry cows in the last third of gestation (n=12) and (3) lactating cows up to the 4th month of post-partum (n=10). Means of the studied metabolites in the respective groups were: glucose 59.0, 56.6 and 71.1 mg/dl; cholesterol 102.6, 131.0 and 110.2 mg/dl; total proteins 58.4, 70.1 and 82.6 g/ I; albumin 28.3, 37.0and31.9g/l; globulins 30.0, 33.0 and50.7gA; urea 21.5, 39.2 and 30.3 mg/dl; calcium 8.4, 8.9and 10.1 mg/dl and phosphorus: 5.1, 5.2 and 4.5 mg/dl. It was detected a low intake of phosphorus in all the three groups studied and a mild hipoproteinemia in the group of heifers, possibly as a consequence of low intake of protein. The groups of cows, dry and lactating, had significantly higher values of albumin and urea than heifers. Lactating cows showed higher levels of glucose and total proteins than heifers or dry cows, suggesting an adaptation of metabolism to the process of lactation. The group of lactating cows also showed a significant increase in globulins, suggesting the presence of infectious conditions (metritis, mastitis). There were low levels of phosphorus in 30% of heifers and 50-55% of cows indicating low intake of this mineral.