Authors : Servet Bademkiran , Beran Yokus , Hasan Icen , Dilek Ulker Cakir and Do an Kurt
Abstract: Self-sucking, that is, a cow sucking on her own teats is an important and leading cause of economic loss. However, the causes of self-sucking are virtually unknown, although numerous possible influencing factors, such as feeding management, nutrient deficits, genetic factors and housing systems have been suggested. In this study, our main objective was to investigate the possible effects of mineral levels on self-sucking in dairy cows. Biochemical variables of blood serum were also investigated. Cows which self-sucked had significantly lower serum concentrations of Mn, Co, Zn, P, Na, Cl, K and total protein, compared with the control group. Levels of serum cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and ALP activity were significantly increased in the self-sucking group. There were no significant differences in serum levels of Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, saturated Fe, iron binding capacity, urea, creatinin, uric acid, total bilirubin, amylase, gamaglutmyl transaminase, lactate dehidrogenase, creatin kinase, creatine kinase-MB, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities between the self-sucking group and the control group. The findings provide novel information about whether macro and micro element deficiency may cause self-sucking in dairy cows. An evaluation of our results supports the hypothesis that energy deficiency is a possible cause of self-sucking. Although the explanation is not clear, it may be related to decreased Co, Mn and P levels, which are important in carbohydrate and energy metabolism.
Servet Bademkiran , Beran Yokus , Hasan Icen , Dilek Ulker Cakir and Do an Kurt , 2008. Assessment of Serum Mineral and Certain Biochemical Variables in Self-Sucking Dairy Cows. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 7: 717-722.