Effects of the floor type on the gene expression of HSPA1A and cytokines in Holstein dairy cows

This study was carried out to identify the HSPA1A, TNF, IL1B and IL6 mRNA gene expression levels of Holstein dairy cattle sheltered in different floor types. Nineteen Holstein cows were used in this study. The cattle taken into research were divided into two groups as concrete (CON; n=10) or rubber mat (RUB; n=9). HSPA1A, TNF, IL1B and IL6 mRNA genes are isolated from milk somatic cells and the gene expression is identified by Real-Time PCR. Between the groups, the HSPA1A (P<0.01) and IL1B (P<0.05) gene expression levels were found to be statistically significant, while IL6 and TNF gene expressions were not significant. While the IL6 and TNF gene expression differences are insignificant between the groups, numerically higher level of gene expression was observed in the CON group. Overall results of the study suggested that the rubber mat floor type has a positive impact on both the animal welfare and the udder health.