Early warning for ovarian diseases disease in dairy cows

Statement of the Problem: Inactive ovaries (IO) and ovarian cysts (OC) are two common ovarian diseases (OD) leading to infertility in dairy cattle. The cysts can be subdivided into follicular cysts (FC) or corpus luteum cysts (LC). Both disorders are associated with altered metabolites and hormones. There are currently no known effective biomarkers that can be used for OD early diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to identify the plasma biomarkers of the OD in Holstein dairy cows that facilitate an early diagnosis of the diseases and control its progression. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The experiment was performed from 21 days postpartum and last for 4 weeks. Forty Holstein cows were divided into healthy control group (HC, n=22), IO group (n= 6), FC group (n= 6) and LC group (n=6) by rectal palpation or ultrasonography during this four-week period. Blood was collected via tail vein for measurement of plasma metabolites, minerals, and hormones on days 21 and 50 postpartum. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman correlation, binary logistic regression analysis and Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, where applicable. Findings: OD compared with HC cows had greater (P 0.50 mmol/L, or Ca concentrations < 2.02 mmol/L on 21 days postpartum. Conclusion & Significance: Plasma NEFA and Ca could be used as early-warning indicators for OD in dairy cows. The present findings provide a new strategy for prevention and control of OD in the future.