Changes in the concentrations of selected acute phase proteins and variables of energetic profile in dairy cows after parturition

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between the activated immune response, characterized by the presence of acute phase proteins, and altered energetic metabolism in dairy cows after calving. One hundred and ninety-five dairy cows of a Slovak spotted breed, in a period of one to two weeks after parturition were included into the evaluation. Blood samples were analyzed for haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), glucose, total cholesterol (TCH), total lipids (TL), triglycerides (TG), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). In the cows with concentrations of NEFA above 0.35 mmol/l (n = 87), we found significantly higher mean serum concentrations of Hp and SAA than in those with serum NEFA concentrations below 0.35 mmol/l (n = 108) (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Trend of significantly higher values in the cows with NEFA concentrations above 0.35 mmol/l was found also in the concentrations of BHB (P < 0.001). On the other hand, the cows with higher v...