The effect of serum β-hydroxybutyric acid and calcium levels on left displaced abomasum in Holstein cows on transition period

In this study, the effect of serum β-hydroxybutyric acid and calcium concentrations, which are the parameters used in the diagnosis of ketosis and hypocalcemia in lactation period, on left displaced abomasum (LDA) has been investigated. The lactation period covering the 3 weeks before and after parturition, known as the transition period, is highly important for high yield dairy cows (Holstein Friesian cattle). Hormonal and metabolic changes occur in this period. The energy requirement, which increases in direct proportion with the milk yield at the beginning of lactation, cannot be met with insufficient dry matter consumption, however, it is compensated with the mobilization of body fat. Ketosis and fatty liver are nutritional diseases that are observed in animals with high milk yield resulting from the disturbances in energy metabolism. Hypocalcemia and ketosis are the most important risk factors in the development of left displaced abomasum (LDA) in high-yield milk cows. Hypocalcemia and ketosis are also the most important nutritional diseases in the transition period. In this study, 17 Holstein Friesian cattle were used in group 1 that were diagnosed with left displaced abomasum after hearing the ‘‘ping’’ sound, and 17 healthy, randomly selected Holstein Friesian cattle were used in group 2. Blood analyses (BHBA and Ca) were performed in group 1 and 2 after parturition.