Reference intervals for blood metabolic profiles of Holstein cows in Korea

Metabolic profile test is used to evaluate nutritional imbalance and metabolic disease in dairy cows. The reference intervals of metabolic parameters may change according to nation, region, decades, and maintenance system. Despite the need to be periodically updated for the reference intervals of metabolic parameters, it has rarely been investigated in Korea. Therefore, this aim of study was to provide the reference intervals of metabolic parameters using dairy cows surveyed in Korea during recent years. A metabolic profile test was conducted for 2,976 clinically healthy dairy cows in Korea. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of serum metabolites. This study provided reference intervals of thirteen metabolic parameters (${\beta}$-hydroxybutyrate [${\beta}-HB$], non-esterified fatty acids [NEFA], glucose, total cholesterol [T-COL], total protein, albumin, globulin, blood urea nitrogen [BUN], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT], calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium). BUN and AST values of the current study were higher than those of previous studies. In the present study, the other metabolic parameters showed low or similar value compared to previous results. Moreover, ${\beta}-HB$, NEFA, T-COL, ALB, BUN, AST, and GGT values were affected by lactation period. This study provided information on the reference intervals of metabolites in healthy dairy cows in Korea. The reference intervals from the present study would be useful in managing and diagnosing disease of dairy cows. However, careful attention should be given in interpreting disease condition for metabolites affected by lactation.

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