Comparative Analysis of Changes in the Chemical Composition of Milk in East Friesian and Simmental Cows with Ketosis, Puerperal Paresis, and Mastitis During the Postpartum Period

Janevski, Dejan and Petrovska, Biljana and Gichova, Tijana and Krivokapic, Jovana and Radinovic, Miodrag and Stanojevic, Jovan and Petrovska, Natasa and Dodovski, Petar and Cavic, Karmela (2025) Comparative Analysis of Changes in the Chemical Composition of Milk in East Friesian and Simmental Cows with Ketosis, Puerperal Paresis, and Mastitis During the Postpartum Period. Veterinarija ir Zootechnika, 83 (2). pp. 43-49. ISSN ISSN 2669‑2511

Text Trud Litvanija.pdf - Published Version Download (273kB)

Abstract

Abstract. Postpartum metabolic and inflammatory disorders, including ketosis, puerperal paresis,
and mastitis, profoundly affect milk composition and have significant implications for dairy herd
productivity and health. This study aimed to investigate breed-related differences in milk chemical
composition between Holstein-Friesian and Simmental cows during early lactation prior to therapeutic
intervention. A total of 360 cows were examined and grouped by disease and breed.
Milk was analyzed for fat, protein, casein, lactose, solids-not-fat, fatty acid profiles (saturated,
unsaturated, polyunsaturated), BHB, acetone, minerals (Ca, P, Mg), milk urea, citrate, somatic cell
count, and pH (mastitis). ANOVA assessed breed differences, while correlation and regression analyses
evaluated associations among metabolic markers and milk components. Chi-square tests examined
breed-specific differences within disease categories.
Holstein-Friesian cows with ketosis showed higher BHB (450 ± 30 μmol/L) and acetone
(2.5 ± 0.2 mmol/L) compared with Simmental (BHB 380 ± 25 μmol/L; acetone 1.8 ± 0.2 mmol/L;
P < 0.001), reflecting enhanced lipid mobilization. In mastitis, reductions in protein (Holstein
2.9 ± 0.2% vs Simmental 3.0 ± 0.2%; P < 0.002) and lactose (4.0 ± 0.1% vs 4.1 ± 0.1%; P < 0.001)
were more pronounced in Holstein-Friesians. Puerperal paresis was associated with lower milk calcium
(95 ± 5 mg/100 mL vs 100 ± 4 mg/100 mL; P < 0.001), phosphorus, and magnesium in Holstein�Friesians. Regression models showed that BHB and acetone explained up to 72% of protein variation,
while chi-square tests confirmed significant breed-specific metabolic differences.
However, mechanistic explanations for breed differences remain unclear, and potential confounders
such as diet, housing, and environmental factors were not fully controlled, limiting causal inference.
These findings highlight milk composition as an integrated biomarker system for monitoring postpartum
metabolic and inflammatory stress. Understanding breed-specific responses may inform targeted
nutritional strategies, early detection, and precision herd management, enhancing both animal welfare
and milk productivity.
Keywords: postpartum disorders, dairy cows, metabolic indicators, milk composition.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Scientific Fields (Frascati) > Agricultural Sciences > Veterinary science
Divisions:	Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Depositing User:	Mrs Natasha Petrovska
Date Deposited:	06 Apr 2026 10:40
Last Modified:	06 Apr 2026 10:40
URI:	https://eprints.uklo.edu.mk/id/eprint/11505

Actions (login required)

View Item