Acta Vet. Brno 2010, 79: 459-468

https://doi.org/10.2754/avb201079030459

Evaluating the Effects of Rumenocentesis on Health and Performance in Dairy Cows

Matteo Gianesella1, Massimo Morgante1, Calogero Stelletta1, Licia Ravarotto2, Elisabetta Giudice3, Robert J. Van Saun4

1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
2Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
3Department of Veterinary Public Health, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
4Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania, USA

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the rumenocentesis procedure on dairy cows by determining selected metabolic and physiological variables representing the health status. Two groups of 6 cows either underwent rumenocentesis (GA) or sham (GB) procedures. Superficial skin temperature of the rumenocentesis area was measured using infrared thermography before the procedure (-1 h), immediately after (0 h), and at 48 h, 96 h, and 20 days following rumenocentesis. Blood samples were collected at all times, except for immediately after the procedure (0 h), and selected immunologic response variables were determined. Milk yield and rectal temperatures were measured daily. Rumenocentesis did not influence the white blood cell count, haptoglobin or total protein concentrations. Electrophoretic protein fractions were not different between GA and GB treatments. Milk yield and rectal temperature were not affected by rumenocentesis. Skin temperature of the rumenocentesis region in GA group cows increased by 1.0 °C immediately after rumenocentesis and returned to baseline after 48 h where it remained constantly until the end of the study; similar to observation in GB group cows. Results of this study would suggest minimal adverse effects on cow health and production when performing rumenocentesis for the diagnosis of subacute ruminal acidosis. Additional more intensive studies addressing animal welfare issues relative to the diagnostic techniques are needed.

References

24 live references