Cortisol levels in skimmed milk during the first 22 weeks of lactation and response to short-term metabolic stress and lameness in dairy cows

Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology

Steffi Wiedemann²  Heinrich H. D. Meyer¹  Tanja Sigl¹  Katharina Gellrich¹ 

[1] Physiology Weihenstephan, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Weihenstephaner Berg 3, Freising, 85354, Germany;Animal Health, Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Kiel University, Olshausenstr. 40, Kiel, 24098, Germany

关键词: Milk;    Feed restriction;    ELISA;    Dairy cow;    Cortisol;   

Others  :  1224557
DOI  :  10.1186/s40104-015-0035-y

 received in 2014-12-19, accepted in 2015-07-20,  发布年份 2015

【 摘 要 】

Background

Cortisol is secreted into blood in reaction to acute stress, but also in phases of diminished feed intake and changed animal behavior. As cows do not always show clear signs of discomfort, reliable diagnostic markers could be used to provide information regarding individual cows’ distress. The objective of this study was to establish an ether free immunoassay for the detection of cortisol and to determine values during the first 22 weeks of lactation. Furthermore, the response in milk cortisol levels was assessed during times of metabolic stress and pain associated symptoms of lameness.

Methods

Milk yield and composition, blood serum glucose, NEFA and BHBA as well as milk cortisol were determined in 24 multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows over the course of the first 22 weeks of lactation. Animals were further checked for signs of clinical diseases on a daily basis. Two feed restrictions over three days (FR; 70 % of precious ad libitum intake) were performed during the 4 ^thwk and the 21 ^stwk, respectively. An ELISA for cortisol measurement in easily accessible bovine skimmed milk was established and applied.

Results

On the last day of FR in early lactation, a reduction in milk yield and changes in serum metabolites compared to respective previous values were detected. The FR in mid-lactation resulted in no changes in milk production and serum metabolites. Milk cortisol was highest during first wk of lactation and remained on comparable levels thereafter. Milk yield and composition were not influenced by FR. Lameness resulted in enhanced milk cortisol levels.

Conclusion

Milk cortisol could be used as an indicator of painful symptoms such as lameness. Higher values of milk cortisol levels during first wk of lactation should be taken into account for interpretation.

【 授权许可】

   
2015 Gellrich et al.

【 图 表 】

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