The effect of body condition score of heifers on glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations and gluthatione peroxidase activity

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish if there are differences in glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity related to the body condition in heifers. Based on the body condition (BC), heifers were divided into two groups: 1. BC = 3.75 and 2. BC ≥ 4.0. Whole blood samples from 23 heifers, taken between day 1 and day 10 after parturition, were used in the study. Glucose and BHB concentrations were determined immediately after sampling, while GPx activity was determined 24 hours after that. Heifers with higher body condition had significantly higher average BHB concentration and GPx activity. Average glucose concentrations did not differ between groups.