Blood metabolic pattern and somatic cells dynamic in Achai and Holstein Friesian cows during transition period

This study focused on assessing blood metabolites and somatic cell count (SCC) during the transition period in Achai and Holstein Friesian cows. Blood samples were collected from cows of both breeds on days −21, −14, −7 (pre-partum period), on day 0 (parturition day) and then on days 7, 14 and 21 (post-partum period). Additionally, milk samples were obtained on the day of parturition and on days 7, 14 and 21 post-partum for SCC assessment. Among Holstein cows, blood glucose levels showed a significant increase on day −21 before calving, and a decrease on the 14th and 21st days post-partum. Similarly, the blood triglycerides concentration exhibited a significant rise in Holstein cows 21 days before calving, while Achai cows experienced a significant decline in blood triglycerides on the day of parturition and throughout the entire post-partum period. Comparing Holstein and Achai cows, blood cholesterol was significantly higher in Holstein cows on day −21 before calving, whereas Achai cows had significantly lower blood cholesterol levels on the day of parturition. Regarding blood protein, Holstein cows exhibited significantly higher levels on day 14 post-partum, while Achai cows had lower protein levels 7 days before calving. The results further demonstrated that SCC was significantly elevated in Holstein cows on day 21 of parturition and lower on the day of parturition in Achai cows. Overall, the metabolic profile trend and SCC were comparable, yet the studied parameters were more pronounced in Holstein Friesian compared to Achai cows.