Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigated haematological, biochemical and physiological changes in dairy cows during the final trimester of gestation, a phase marked by major metabolic and hormonal shifts.The study was conducted with n = 6 pregnant cows in the experimental group and n = 6 non-pregnant, out of oestrus cows in the control group.The animals in both groups were matched by age and weight.They were kept under standard breed-specific conditions at the university farm and machinemilked twice a day.The management complies with the regulatory requirements for humane treatment.Focus was placed on cardiovascular and thermoregulatory parameters-heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature-along with key biochemical and haematological markers.For statistical data analysis, we used the SPSS statistical software and performed independent samples t-tests, comparing the mean values.The main outcome of the test was the significance level, which indicated the probability of error when rejecting the null hypothesis.Samples were collected early in the morning, and the parameters were analysed once on the day of collection.Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed, indicating physiological adaptations.Cortisol was elevated in pregnant cows (2.71 ± 0.16 U/mL) compared to controls (2.25 ± 0.40 U/ mL), suggesting increased adrenal activity.White blood cell counts rose by 4.4%, implying heightened immune function.ALT increased by 6.17 * U/mL, likely reflecting liver involvement.Glucose decreased by 0.39 * mmol/L, possibly due to foetal energy demands.Thermoregulation also shifted: pregnant cows had a higher body temperature (37.88°C vs. 37.45°C) and pulse rate rose by 25 bpm, indicating greater circulatory demand.
Source: Reproduction in Domestic Animals
DOI: 10.1111/rda.70096
Language: English
Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4413958845