Metabolic profile testing for Jersey cows in Louisiana: reference values

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Establishing reference ranges for serum biochemical parameters is essential for assessing animal health.
• Age is a known factor influencing physiological parameters in livestock.
• Understanding age-related variations in serum values aids in diagnosing health issues in Jersey cows.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine normal serum biochemical values in Jersey cows.
• To investigate the influence of age on serum analytes in Jersey cows.
• To establish age-specific reference ranges for key serum parameters.

Main Methods:

• Random sampling of 127 Jersey cows (1-6 years) within a 160.93-km radius of Baton Rouge, LA, over 3 years.
• Analysis of serum for total creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, total protein, globulin, urea nitrogen, and glucose.
• Statistical partitioning of age as a source of variation, controlling for seasonal and management influences.

Main Results:

• Serum values for total creatine kinase, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, total protein, and globulin were significantly influenced by age.
• Cholesterol, total protein, and globulin generally increased with age.
• Creatine kinase, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase generally decreased with age.

Conclusions:

• Age is a critical factor affecting serum biochemical profiles in Jersey cows.
• Age-specific reference ranges are necessary for accurate interpretation of serum values in this breed.
• These findings contribute to improved health monitoring and disease diagnosis in Jersey cattle.