Changes in Haemato-biochemical Indicators as Prognosis Criteria for Cows Affected by the "Downer" Syndrome

Studies are focused in monitoring 12 farms during the years 2015-2017 and aim to prove prognostic value of changes in haemato-biochemical indicators in cows affected by the “downer” syndrome. For the study period “downer” syndrome was found in 47 cows (4.89%) of average age 7±0.6 years and in the pre-calving period (82.97%). Most affected were Speckled cows (53.19%), Simental (29.78%) and interbreeding (10.02%). In 36.17 % of cases cows ended in slaughter. “Downer” syndrome in cows dictates changes in haemato-biochemical indicators that might be used for prognostic purposes. Raising indicators are the amount of albumin (4.1 ± 0.7g/dl from 2.1-3.6 g/dl), the total of white cells (16.0 ± 0.8 x 103/µl from 4-12 x 103/µl) and number of neutrophils (65.2 ± 5.1 x 103/µl out of 15-47 x 103/µl). Indicators that decrease are the overall calcium (1.58 ± 0.2 mmol/l from 2.43 - 3.10 mmol/l), inorganic phosphorus (0.98 ± 0.2mmol/l from 1.08 - 2.76 mmol/l), magnesium (1.32 ± 0.1 mmol/l from 0.74 - 1.10 mmol/l) and number of lymphocytes (23.9 ± 2.1 x 103/µl from 45.0 - 75.0 x 103/µl). Changes in haemato-biochemical indicators are recorded since days 3-5 and can be used to control the clinical status and prognosis in cases of cows affected by the “downer” syndrome.