Post-partum serum albumin as a predictor of metritis

Abstract

The transition cow is in a negative nutrient balance, recognized largely as a negative energy and calcium balance. In response to the negative energy state, the body begins to mobilize body fat. In response to the negative calcium balance, the body begins to mobilize calcium stores from bone. A negative protein balance has also been documented, and results in mobilization of protein reserves from skeletal muscles. Total serum protein has been associated with cow health, but serum albumin is more specific and plays an important role in transporting triglycerides and calcium. Albumin has been proposed as a potential biomarker for health in the transition cow. The objective of this study was to determine whether low serum albumin concentrations 2 days after calving would result in an increased risk of developing acute puerperal metritis (APM). A secondary objective was to establish whether total or ionized calcium levels 48 hours post calving were associated with serum albumin levels early postpartum.