Relationships between metabolite and IGF1 concentrations with fertility and production outcomes following left abomasal displacement

Abstract

Left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) is an important periparturient disorder of dairy cows. This study evaluated differences in metabolic parameters between case-control pairs of cows (n=67) from 24 farms, and related these to outcomes in fertility and production. Cows with an assisted delivery were ×3 more likely to develop LDA, and affected cows tended to have had a longer dry period. At recruitment, cows with LDA tended to be in lower body condition accompanied by significantly higher circulating concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and glucose and lower IGF1. Overall culling rate for all cows in the subsequent lactation was 22.5 per cent. Cows with LDA were not at increased odds of being culled but they produced, on average, 2272 l less milk and tended to have longer intervals to conception. Considering all cows irrespective of LDA status, the mean IGF1 level at recruitment was the only measured parameter associated with subsequent risk of culling (culled 11.7 ng/ml, not culled 23.5 ng/ml; P=0.005). Our findings support previous work indicating that poor insulin sensitivity through an uncoupling of the somatotrophic axis may be an important factor associated with LDA. Improved nutritional management of dry cows should reduce the incidence of both LDA and culling.

Managing energy balance in the transition cow

“…The findings of Lyons and others (2014) support this, as well as reporting an associated mean milk production loss of 2272 litres per LDA case compared with matched controls.…”

“…A previous study indicated that higher than normal serum levels of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), as well as decreased calcium concentrations, contribute to increased culling risk in the first 60 days after calving (Chapinal and others 2012). Lyons and others (2014) looked at the effects on productivity, fertility and risk factors for culling associated with cows experiencing LDA.…”

“…It can be concluded that it is not milk production that is a rate-limiting factor for glucose availability, but the management of the cow before calving in order to maximise energy balance and optimise nutrient partitioning postpartum. Lyons and others (2014) note that IGF-1 levels take days to change compared with glucose or insulin levels, resulting in their potential as a more stable and reliable indicator of energy balance than glucose or insulin (Taylor and others 2004). …”

Factors associated with survival in the herd for dairy cows following surgery to correct left displaced abomasum

“…In the present study, the odds of culling within 60 d of surgery were 13 times greater in cows with dystocia which later developed an LDA compared with cows without a difficult calving. Interestingly, Lyons et al (2014) found that cows that had an assisted calving tended to be more likely to develop LDA, but that there were no differences in culling between the cows with LDA their paired controls. The increased odds of culling for nonketotic cows is supported by Croushore et al (2013), which indicated that cows with blood BHBA <1.2 mmol/L at the time of LDA corrective surgery were 2.5 times more likely to be removed from the herd within 30 d compared with cows with blood BHBA levels ≥1.2 mmol/L, similar to our results.…”

Metabolic indicators and risk factors of left displaced abomasum in dairy cattle

“…The circulating IGF1 concentration at this time correlates positively to the dry matter intake, BCS, and circulating insulin concentrations, and negatively with NEFA and BHB (Wathes et al 2007). Recently, a study has been showed that a low concentration of IGF1 in the peripartum period is an indicator for LDA in addition to elevated BHB and NEFA concentrations (Lyons et al 2014). IGF1 concentrations in postpartum cows change gradually rather than abruptly support the idea that lower IGF1 concentrations are likely to precede the development of LDA.…”