Acute phase proteins and their relation to energy metabolites in dairy cows during the pre- and postpartal period

The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of selected acute phase proteins - haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA), and selected variables of energy metabolism in blood serum of dairy cows during different stages of the pre- and postpartal period. The analyses were performed in dairy cows of the Slovak spotted breed and its crossbreeds (n = 57). The cows were divided into 9 groups according to the evaluated part of reproduction cycle - from 4 weeks before parturition to 10 weeks after parturition. Significant differences were found in mean Hp and SAA concentrations during the monitored period. Cows during the early postparturient period had significantly higher Hp and SAA concentrations than cows in later postparturient period. Significant differences were found also in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and non-esterified fatty acids concentrations. Concentrations of Hp during this period were positively correlated with SAA (R = 0.919; P less than 0.001). Moreover, significant correlations were found between Hp and non-esterified fatty acids, Hp and beta-hydroxybutyrate, as well as between SAA and non-esterified fatty acids. Our results indicate that the acute phase response occurs in cows around parturition, and suggest that there are relationships between mediators of immune response and several indices of energy metabolism. Our results also suggest that in cows with higher concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids higher values of acute phase proteins may be found.