Serum iron concentration as a marker of inflammation in young cows that underwent dehorning operation

This study aimed to assess the usefulness of serum iron (Fe) concentration as a marker of inflammation caused by the dehorning operation. Five young Holstein cows aged 205.0 ± 10.7 days and weighing 207.2 ± 24.1 kg underwent the dehorning operation. Blood samples were withdrawn before dehorning (pre) and at time periods of t=0.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hr. The serum amyloid A (SAA) concentration was significantly high at t=48 hr (P<0.01). The serum Fe concentration significantly decreased, reaching 90.0 ± 36.4 µg/dl at t=24 hr (P<0.001). Therefore, serum Fe concentration showed significant and negative correlation with SAA concentration (r2=0.500, P<0.01). In conclusion, serum Fe concentration is a useful marker of inflammation in young cows that have undergone the dehorning operation.