Relationship between different environmental and housing conditions on some acute phase markers in dairy cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of serum total proteins and their electrophoretic fractions as well as white blood cells count in Cinisara dairy cows under two different management and environmental conditions. Twenty-five Cinisara dairy cows, from two dairy farms at two levels above the sea level, were selected. Ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded by means of a data logger. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was also calculated as indicator of thermal comfort for animals. From each animal blood samples were collected every two days for eight days to assess WBC count, serum total proteins and electrophoresis. The obtained data were expressed as Mean ± Standard Deviation (SD). Two-way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied. The application of ANOVA showed significant differences between Group A and Group B in α1-, α2-, β-, γ-globulin and WBC concentrations (P<0.05). During the experimental period, α1-, α2- and β-globulins concentration showed lower values in Group A respect Group B. Whereas, γ-globulin and WBC concentrations showed higher values in Group A respect Group B. The results obtained in the present study showed that the serum protein electrophoretic patterns along with WBC count are significantly influenced by the different management and environmental conditions and this must be taken as a very important factor in determining the levels of some acute phase markers in dairy cows. Moreover they may be useful indicators of animal health and welfare and good predictors of risk in dairy cows.