INFLUENCE OF PUERPERIUM AND POST-PUERPERAL PHASE ON THE HEPATIC FUNCTION OF HEALTH HOLSTEIN COWS

Abstract

Aiming to assess the influence of physiological puerperium and post-puerperal phase on the hepatic function of health cows 104 blood samples were collected by coccygeal vein puncture of Holstein cows raised in the State of São Paulo. Hepatic function was assessed by total serum protein, albumin, α-, β- and γ-globulins; serum enzyme activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels measurement; direct, indirect and total serum bilirubin measurement.The results analyses evidenced that puerperia influenced the hepatic function of health Holstein cows due to significant lower levels of total serum protein, albumin, β- and γ-globulins during the early puerperium (up to 10 days postpartum) than in the late puerperal phase whereas significant higher albumin/globulin ratio and serum enzyme activity of aspartate aminotransferase than in late puerperium and post-puerperal phase were observed.