Evaluation of dysrhythmias and myocardial biomarkers in high and low-yielding dairy cows

Authors

1 Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty of Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran

2 Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Veterinary Faculty of Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran

3 Graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular system is a very important
organ that plays a vital role in tissue function. In farm animals,
the growth and high milk production depends on function of
cardiovascular system. OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular health in
high and low-yielding dairy cows was investigated. METHODS:
Fifty 4-year-old high- yielding Holstein dairy cows and fifty 4-
year-old low- yielding Holstein dairy cows were used in this
study. Electrocardiogram was recorded by a base- apex lead, and
blood samples were collected from the jugular vein for the
measurement of cardiac biomarkers (CK (Creatine Kinase), CKMB
(Creatine Kinase-Myocardial Band), LDH (Lactate
Dehydrogenase), and AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) and
troponin I). RESULTS: Cardiac dysrhythmias were detected more
in low- yielding Holstein dairy cows (62%) compared to highyielding
Holstein dairy cows (46%). The cardiac dysrhythmias
that were observed in low- yielding Holstein dairy cows included
sinus arrhythmia (34.7%), wandering pacemaker (22.45%),
sinus bradycardia (18.37%), sinus tachycardia (10.20%), atrial
premature beat (2.04%), sinoatrial block (2.04%), atrial
fibrillation (8.16%), and atrial tachycardia (2.04%). The cardiac
dysrhythmias were observed in high- yielding Holstein dairy
cows, including sinus arrhythmia (86.95%) and wandering pace
maker (13.05%). Also, notched P wave was observed in highand
low- yielding Holstein dairy cows, 30% and 14%
respectively. The amount of cardiac biomarkers in the low
yielding cows was significantly higher than that of the high
yielding cows. Further more, there was not any detectable
significant difference of serum concentration of total CK between
the high and low- yielding Holstein cows. CONCLUSIONS:
Despite significant differences in cardiac biomarkers and based
on the normal range of cardiac biomarkers in both groups, the
increase in cardiac dysrhythmias in low- yielding Holstein dairy
cows may be metabolic and electrolyte disorders.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine
Volume 8, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
August 2014
Pages 101-109

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