Evaluation of prepartum serum cholesterol and fatty acids concentrations as predictors of postpartum retention of the placenta in dairy cows

Objective-To identify serum biochemical and hematologic variables, as measured in the week before parturition, that predict postpartum retention of the placenta (RP) in dairy cows. Design-Retrospective cohort study. Animals-1,038 cows in 20 commercial dairy herds. Procedures-Serum concentrations of fatty acids (FAs), beta-hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, glucose, urea, and calcium and blood leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts were determined. These variables were evaluated for an association with development of RP by use of a multivariate logistic regression model. Parity, season of parturition, existence of twins or dystocia, body condition score, and vitamin E treatment were included in the model as covariates. Results-High serum concentrations of cholesterol and FAs were associated with an increased odds of RP There was a 5% relative increase in the odds of RP for each 0.1 mmol/L increase in cholesterol or FAs concentration in the week before parturition. Season of parturition and twinning were also identified as risk factors. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-These associations indicated that prepartum energy metabolism contributes to the development of RP Serum concentrations of cholesterol and FAs may be useful to identify cows with a metabolic abnormality or energy imbalance that might predispose them to RP and should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical risk factors such as twinning, dystocia, or parturient paresis. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2009; 234:790-793)