Comparison of beta-hydroxybutyrate levels in the first three weeks after calving in four healthy different breeds of cows

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the differences between the healthy Holsteın-Friesian, Jersey, Simmental, and Aberdeen Angusbreeds Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) levels at the first three weeks after calving. The blood samples were collected for analysis between 10-20 days postpartum. In this study, 80 animals were used in different regions in total. BHBA was analyzed by Ketosite® (Ketosite®, Stanbio LabrotoryInc., Boerne, TX USA). Milk fat and protein levels were immediately measured by an electronic milk analyzer (Milkoscan FT1 FOSS Industries, Denmark). Statistical analyses of the study were performed using Sigma Plot 12 (Systat Software Inc., San Lose, CA). The means of BHBA levelswere compared by One Way Anova. As in Holstein cows, blood BHBA levels increased in the early lactation period and also in other breeds. Theresults of this study presented that serum BHBA levels were significantly higher in Holsteın-Friestein cows than in Simmental and AberdeenAngus cows.