Metabolic Disorders in Dairy Calves in Postpartum Period

Podhorský A., A. Pechová, r. dvořák, L. Pavlata: Metabolic Disorders in Dairy Calves in Postpartum Period. Acta vet. Brno 2007, 76: s45-s53. the aim of this study was, in terms of analysis of causes of disorders in calves on dairy farms, to evaluate occurrence of metabolic disorders in their postnatal period. In 23 agricultural farms (14 farms with the incidence of clinical forms of disease in calves during milk nutrition period group d; 9 farms with no clinical disease group h) clinical examination was performed, blood samples were collected and data concerning the provision of permanent day and night care for calves (Pdc) during delivery and in early postpartum period were collected. the samples were taken from 3 5 calves in every farm (totally 97, h 38, d 59). Biochemical indicators that have some relations to the quality of colostral nutrition were determined (the concentrations of immunoglobulins Ig, total protein tP, albumin A, globulins G, vitamin e and A, the activity of gammaglutamyl transferase GMt) and to the microelement metabolism (the activities of glutathione peroxidase Gsh-Px for evaluation of selenium (se) status, the concentrations of copper (cu) and zinc (Zn)). While evaluating the entire group of examined calves, we found a high occurrence of metabolic disorders in calves connected with colostral nutrition and also high occurrence of microelement deficiencies. the decrease in tP was diagnosed in 80%, the decrease in G in 78%, the decrease in concentration of Ig in 78% and 74% of calves had higher A/G ratio. Insufficient intake of colostrum showed also lower activities of GMt in 76% of calves. hypovitaminosis e was diagnosed in 67% of calves and hypovitaminosis A in 19% of calves. Microelement deficiencies were found in 77% (cu), 39% (se), and 10% (Zn) of calves. While comparing the results for calves in groups h and d, in the group of calves from farms with no clinical disease (h) a significantly higher (p < 0.01) concentrations of albumin and vitamin e, as well as vitamin A (p < 0.05) were established. When comparing the farms with provided daylong care (Pdc+) and with no daylong care (Pdc-), in Pdc+ farms calves had a significantly higher (p < 0.01) concentration of tP and G, Gsh-Px activity, and also a significantly lower (p < 0.01) A/G ratio, which proves a higher-quality colostral nutrition. the results thus prove that the incidence of metabolic disorders in dairy calves in the Czech Republic represents a highly actual problem and that one of the significant factors that influence this condition is the insufficient care for and the related insufficient colostral nutrition of the calves. Cattle, colostral nutrition, biochemical indicators, trace elements, immunoglobulins the calf metabolism is affected by nutrition and thus also by the pregnant cow metabolism and in the early postnatal period mainly by means of colostrum intake. Colostrum is a source of nutrition to a calf in an optimum ratio with respect to the development of digestion and it is an important stimulator of the gastrointestinal tract activity. It also provides newborn calves not only with basic nutrition but also with immunoglobulins, a high volume of vitamins (mostly soluble in fat), minerals and also a series of unspecified antibacterial factors (interferon, lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin) and cells that strengthen in various ways the defence functions of the newborn (campana and Baumrucker 1995; Blum and hammon 2000). In calves, it is important to intake a satisfactory volume of colostrum of a high quality that is determined by the amount of ACTA VET. BRNO 2007, 76: S45–S53; doi:10.2754/avb200776S8S045 Address for correspondence: doc. Mvdr. Leoš Pavlata, Ph.d. Clinic of Diseases of Ruminants Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno Palackého 1-3, 612 42 Brno Czech Republic Phone: +420 5 4156 2407 Fax: +420 5 4156 2407 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.vfu.cz/acta-vet/actavet.htm