Work

Determination of Reference Intervals for Selected Liver Biomarkers With Focus on Pre‐ and Postanalytical Factors in Lactating Dairy Cattle

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Background Measurement of liver enzymes and metabolites for both clinically healthy and sick cattle is a routine part of dairy herd management. Reference intervals (RIs) are influenced by many variables, including pregnancy, breeding, and geographical variables, and can shift over time. Few previous studies have addressed the specific RIs of dairy cows, and none have specifically addressed the RIs of German Holstein Friesian cows. Objective The aim was to determine the RIs of German Holstein Friesian cows considering variables such as age, parity, milk yield, body condition score, days in milk, and pregnancy. Additionally, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of anticoagulant use on the RIs. Methods Serum, lithium heparin, and EDTA plasma samples from 131 lactating, apparently healthy Holstein Friesian cows from 10 dairy farms were collected. The levels of glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), cholesterol, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and total bilirubin were measured, and new RIs were determined. Results The following RIs were determined: beta‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB): 0.25–1.00 mmol/L; ALP: 71.1–258.9 U/L; GLDH: 9.1–121.0 U/L; CK: 65.4–257.2 U/L; GGT pregnant : 8.7–65.3 U/L; GGT not pregnant : 12.3–48.6 U/L; NEFAs > 42 Day in Milk : 65.4–308.7 μmol/L; ALT: 14.0–34.5 U/L; cholesterol: 2.7–7.5 mmol/L; AST pregnant : 76.6–279.7 U/L; AST not pregnant : 67.1–187.1 U/L; total bilirubin: 0.9–5.2 μmol/L. Conclusion New and more precise RIs for cattle could help veterinarians detect hepatocyte damage with minor enzyme leakage and liver stress at an early stage.

Source: Veterinary Clinical Pathology

DOI: 10.1111/vcp.70043

Authors: Anna Theile, Merle Hardekopf, Marion Schmicke

Institution: University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation

Language: English

Topic: Animal health and immunology

Subfield: Small Animals

Field: Veterinary

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400