Decreased serum apolipoprotein B-100 and A-I concentrations in cows with ketosis and left displacement of the...

To assess the relevance of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) in the development of ketosis and left displacement of the abomasum (LDA).

Sera from 22 healthy cows in early lactation, 21 cows with ketosis, and 19 cows with LDA, and serum and liver specimens from 35 slaughtered cows with or without fatty liver, ketosis, and/or LDA.

Apolipoprotein B-100 and A-I concentrations were measured in sera of healthy farm cows and of farm cows with ketosis and LDA. Serum apolipoprotein concentration, together with liver triglyceride content, also were surveyed in a subset of slaughtered cows.

Compared with those in healthy cows or controls, apolipoprotein B-100 and A-I concentrations were decreased in cows with ketosis and LDA.

Decreases in apolipoprotein B-100 and A-I concentrations in cows with ketosis and LDA indicate that the 2 disorders may be intimately associated with fatty liver.

Monitoring of the apolipoprotein B-100 and A-I concentrations during the stages of nonlactation and early lactation is helpful for detecting cows susceptible to ketosis and LDA.