CORRELATION BETWEEN KEY BLOOD BIOMARKERS (BETA- HYDROXYBUTYRATE, GLUCOSE, LIPOPROTEINS) AND HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN BROWN SWISS COWS HOUSED IN A NATURALLY VENTILATED BARN
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37000/abbsl.2026.118.15Keywords:
Brown Swiss cows, biomarkers, haematological and biochemical blood parameters, correlation, adaptation, microclimate.Abstract
This study examined the correlations between key biomarkers of energy and lipid metabolism (beta-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, lipoproteins) and haematological and biochemical blood parameters in Brown Swiss cows kept under year-round housing in a naturally ventilated barn. The relevance of this research is due to the increasing frequency of metabolic disorders and heat stress in high-yielding dairy cattle, which is exacerbated by seasonal fluctuations in microclimatic conditions. The investigation of the diagnostic value of blood biomarkers is considered promising for the early detection of metabolic stress and for improving the effectiveness of animal welfare monitoring. The study involved second-lactation cows (n = 50) at one of the largest Brown Swiss dairy complexes in central Ukraine. Representative groups of cows were randomly formed for each season, ensuring similar productivity and stage of lactation. Protein, lipid, carbohydrate and mineral metabolism, as well as haematopoietic indices, were investigated. Environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, temperature–humidity index) were assessed using data from the nearest meteorological station. Correlations between blood parameters were determined using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Data processing and statistical analysis were performed using Statistica 12 (StatSoft Inc., USA), with significance accepted at p ≤ 0.05. The results showed that beta-hydroxybutyrate was significantly negatively correlated with liver enzyme activity (ALT, r = –0.465, p < 0.05; AST, r = –0.321, p < 0.05). Glucose was negatively correlated with total calcium (r = –0.742, p < 0.05), Ca/P ratio (r = –0.561, p < 0.05), haematocrit (r = –0.472, p < 0.05), total lipoproteins (r = –0.512, p < 0.05) and albumins (r = –0.283, p < 0.05), but positively correlated with inorganic phosphorus (r = 0.309, p < 0.05), MCH (r = 0.333, p < 0.05) and MCHC (r = 0.385, p < 0.05). Lipoproteins showed positive correlations with total calcium (r = 0.532, p < 0.05), carotene (r = 0.399, p < 0.05), haematocrit (r = 0.417, p < 0.05), Ca/P ratio (r = 0.294, p < 0.05) and negative correlations with AST (r = –0.302, p < 0.05) and MCHC (r = –0.306, p < 0.05). The identified significant correlations between the principal biomarkers and haematological parameters reflect the integrated regulatory mechanisms of homeostasis. The findings confirm the utility of simultaneous monitoring of beta-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and lipoproteins in blood for assessing metabolic adaptation and the risk of disorders in contemporary dairy cow management systems.
References
Gao, S. T., Guo, J., Quan, S. Y., Nan, X. M., Fernandez, M. V. S., Baumgard, L. H., & Bu, D. P. (2017). The effects of heat stress on protein metabolism in lactating Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 100(6), 5040–5049. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-11913
Mylostyvyi, R., Lesnovskay, O., Karlova, L., Khmeleva, O., Кalinichenko, O., Orishchuk, O., Tsap, S., Begma, N., Cherniy, N., Gutyj, B., & Izhboldina, O. (2021). Brown Swiss cows are more heat resistant than Holstein cows under hot summer conditions of the continental climate of Ukraine. Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 9(4), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.31893/jabb.21034
Vasilenko, T., Milostiviy, R., Kalinichenko, A., & Milostivа, D. (2018). Heat stress in dairy cows in the central part of Ukraine and its economic consequences. Social and economic aspects of sustainable development of regions: monograph. Publishing House WSZiA, Opole. URL: https://dspace.dsau.dp.ua/handle/123456789/457
Dahl, G. E., Tao, S., & Laporta, J. (2020). Heat Stress Impacts Immune Status in Cows Across the Life Cycle. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00116
Zeng, J., Cai, J., Wang, D., Liu, H., Sun, H., & Liu, J. (2023). Heat stress affects dairy cow health status through blood oxygen availability. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 14(1), 112. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40104-023-00915-3
Aggarwal, A., Dar, M. R., Vats, P., Singh, M., Kumar, P., Choudhary, R., & Rawal, V. (2019). Physiological changes and blood flow in different breeds of dairy cows during different seasons. Biological Rhythm Research, 52(9), 1322–1333. https://doi.org/10.1080/09291016.2019.1627642
Chen, X., Shu, H., Sun, F., Yao, J., & Gu, X. (2023). Impact of Heat Stress on Blood, Production, and Physiological Indicators in Heat-Tolerant and Heat-Sensitive Dairy Cows. Animals, 13(16), 2562. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162562
Mylostyvyi, R. (2025). Impact of acute heat stress on hematological and biochemical profiles in Brown Swiss cows. Ukrainian Journal of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, 8(1), 8–13. https://doi.org/10.32718/ujvas8-1.02
Chabanenko, D. V., & Shynkarenko, R. V. (2025). Seasonal variations in haematological parameters as markers of physiological adaptation in Brown Swiss dairy cows under intensive production. Scientific Messenger of LNU of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies. Series: Veterinary Sciences, 27(120), 242-247. https://doi.org/10.32718/nvlvet12029
Blond, B., Majkić, M., Spasojević, J., Hristov, S., Radinović, M., Nikolić, S., Anđušić, L., Čukić, A., Došenović Marinković, M., Vujanović, B. D., Obradović, N., & Cincović, M. (2024). Influence of Heat Stress on Body Surface Temperature and Blood Metabolic, Endocrine, and Inflammatory Parameters and Their Correlation in Cows. Metabolites, 14(2), 104. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14020104
Mekroud, M., Arzour-Lakehal, N., Ouchene-Khelifi, N. A., Ouchene, N., Titi, A., & Mekroud, A. (2021). Seasonal variations in hematological profile of Holstein dairy cows as an indicator for physiological status assessment. Agricultural Science and Technology, Volume 13, Issue 1, 28–33. https://doi.org/10.15547/ast.2021.01.005
Mylostyvyi, R., Sejian, V., Izhboldina, O., Kalinichenko, O., Karlova, L., Lesnovskay, O., Begma, N., Marenkov, O., Lykhach, V., Midyk, S., Cherniy, N., Gutyj, B., & Hoffmann, G. (2021). Changes in the Spectrum of Free Fatty Acids in Blood Serum of Dairy Cows during a Prolonged Summer Heat Wave. Animals, 11(12), 3391. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123391
Hoffmann, G., Silpa, M. V., Mylostyvyi, R., & Sejian, V. (2021). Non-Invasive Methods to Quantify the Heat Stress Response in Dairy Cattle. Climate Change and Livestock Production: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives, 85–98. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9836-1_8
Hussein, H. A., Thurmann, J.-P., & Staufenbiel, R. (2020). 24-h variations of blood serum metabolites in high yielding dairy cows and calves. BMC Veterinary Research, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-020-02551-9
Rashid, M., Hossain, M., Azad, M., & Hashem, M. (2013). Long term cyclic heat stress influences physiological responses and blood characteristics in indigenous sheep. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science, 42(2), 96–100. https://doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v42i2.18486
Rathwa, S. D., Vasava, A. A., Pathan, M. M., Madhira, S. P., Patel, Y. G., & Pande, A. M. (2017). Effect of season on physiological, biochemical, hormonal, and oxidative stress parameters of indigenous sheep. Veterinary World, 10(6), 650–654. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2017.650-654
Tejaswi, V., Bosco, J., Verma, V., Anjali, Pathak, M. C., Samad, H. A., Tiwari, A. K., Chouhan, V. S., Maurya, V. P., Sarkar, M., & Singh, G. (2022). Seasonal alterations in blood biochemical parameters among zebu and crossbred cattle. Biological Rhythm Research, 53(12), 1941–1949. https://doi.org/10.1080/09291016.2022.2098619
Aleena, J., Sejian, V., Krishnan, G., Bagath, M., Pragna, P., & Bhatta, R. (2020). Heat stress impact on blood biochemical response and plasma aldosterone level in three different indigenous goat breeds. Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 8(4), 266–275. https://doi.org/10.31893/jabb.20034
Thammacharoen, S., Semsirmboon, S., Chanpongsang, S., Chaiyabutr, N., Panyasomboonying, P., Khundamrongkul, P., Puchongmart, P., & Wichachai, W. (2021). Seasonal effect of milk yield and blood metabolites in relation to ketosis of dairy cows fed under a high ambient temperature. Veterinary World, 2392–2396. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2021.2392-2396
Wang, L., Zhang, P., Du, Y., Wang, C., Zhang, L., Yin, L., Zuo, F., & Huang, W. (2024). Effect of heat stress on blood biochemistry and energy metabolite of the Dazu black goats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1338643
Nabi, B., Gupta, S. K., Rasool, M., Rasool, S., Najar, A. A., & Umar, S. I. U. (2022). Hemato-biochemical, Antioxidant Alteration in Thermal Stressed Cross-bred Cows and Mitigation using Micronutrients in Sub-tropical Zone of India. Indian Journal of Animal Research, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.18805/ijar.b-4846
Hadžimusić, N., & Hadžijunuzović-Alagić, D. (2024). Effects of season on metabolic profile of Holstein Friesian cows in postpartum period. Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research. LOCKSS. https://doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2024.34
Melendez, P., McDaniel, K., Chacon, C., Poock, S., Bartolome, J., & Pinedo, P. (2020). Association between blood β-hydroxybutyrate at 7 days postpartum and milk yield, disease occurrence and fertility in grazing dairy cattle with seasonal calving: a case study. Animal Production Science, 60(14), 1737–1744. https://doi.org/10.1071/an19414
Giri, A., Bharti, V. K., Kalia, S., Ravindran, V., Ranjan, P., Kundan, T. R., & Kumar, B. (2017). Seasonal changes in haematological and biochemical profile of dairy cows in high altitude cold desert. The Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 87(6). https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v87i6.71080
Mylostyvyi, R. V., Wrzecińska, M., Samardžija, M., Gutyj, B. V., Yefimov, V. H., Skliarov, P. М., & Lieshchova, M. O. (2024). Impact of heat stress on blood serum cortisol level in dairy cows. Theoretical and Applied Veterinary Medicine, 12(4), 3–8. https://doi.org/10.32819/2024.12016
Mylostyvyi, R., Lacetera, N., Amadori, M., Sejian, V., Souza-Junior, J. B. F., & Hoffmann, G. (2023). The autumn low milk yield syndrome in Brown Swiss cows in continental climates: hypotheses and facts. Veterinary Research Communications, 48(1), 203–213. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-023-10203-0
Abbas, Z., Sammad, A., Hu, L., Fang, H., Xu, Q., & Wang, Y. (2020). Glucose Metabolism and Dynamics of Facilitative Glucose Transporters (GLUTs) under the Influence of Heat Stress in Dairy Cattle. Metabolites, 10(8), 312. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo10080312
Lora, I., Calderone, C., Prussiani, L., Contiero, B., Malagoli, S., Lotto, A., & Cozzi, G. (2024). Reference limits for blood gas analysis performed from coccygeal vessels of multiparous Holstein dairy cows: Effects of stage of lactation and season of sampling. Journal of Dairy Science, 107(11), 9839–9846. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-24859
Kim, W.-S., Nejad, J. G., Park, K.-K., & Lee, H.-G. (2023). Heat Stress Effects on Physiological and Blood Parameters, and Behavior in Early Fattening Stage of Beef Steers. Animals, 13(7), 1130. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071130
Sukandi, S., Rahardja, D. P., Sonjaya, H., Hasbi, H., Baco, S., Gustina, S., & Adiputra, K. D. D. (2023). Effect of Heat Stress on the Physiological and Hematological Profiles of Horned and Polled Bali Cattle. Advances in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 11(6). https://doi.org/10.17582/journal.aavs/2023/11.6.893.902
Syafiqa, N. N., Zulkifli, I., Zuki, A. B. Md., Meng Goh, Y., & Kaka, U. (2023). Physiological, haematological and electroencephalographic responses to heat stress in Katjang and Boer goats. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 30(11), 103836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103836
Santos, F. C. R. dos, Santarosa, B. P., Dal Más, F. E., Silva, K. N. da, Guirro, É. C. B. do P., & Gomes, V. (2024). Effects of dam metabolic profile and seasonality (Spring vs. Winter) on their offspring’ metabolism, health, and immunity: maternal factors in dairy calves’ analytes. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1424960
Pawliński, B., Gołębiewski, M., Trela, M., & Witkowska-Piłaszewicz, O. (2023). Comparison of blood gas parameters, ions, and glucose concentration in polish Holstein-Friesian Dairy cows at different milk production levels. Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-28644-7
Mylostуva, D., Prudnikov, V., Kolisnyk, O., Lykhach, A., Begma, N., Кalinichenko, O., Khmeleva, O., Sanzhara, R., Izhboldina, O., & Mylostyvyi, R. (2022). Biochemical changes during heat stress in productive animals with an emphasis on the antioxidant defense system. Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 10(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.31893/jabb.22009
Baccouri, W., Wanjala, G., Tóth, V., Komlósi, I., Földesi, I., Diána, K., & Mikó, E. (2025). The effect of seasonal changing temperature on blood metabolic indicators in Holstein Friesian cows. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2025.2550498
Joo, S. S., Lee, S. J., Park, D. S., Kim, D. H., Gu, B.-H., Park, Y. J., Rim, C. Y., Kim, M., & Kim, E. T. (2021). Changes in Blood Metabolites and Immune Cells in Holstein and Jersey Dairy Cows by Heat Stress. Animals, 11(4), 974. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11040974
Mary, A. E. P., Artavia Mora, J. I., Ronda Borzone, P. A., Richards, S. E., & Kies, A. K. (2021). Vitamin E and beta-carotene status of dairy cows: a survey of plasma levels and supplementation practices. Animal, 15(8), 100303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2021.100303
Bahrami-Yekdangi, M., Ghorbani, G. R., Sadeghi-Sefidmazgi, A., Mahnani, A., Drackley, J. K., & Ghaffari, M. H. (2022). Identification of cow-level risk factors and associations of selected blood macro-minerals at parturition with dystocia and stillbirth in Holstein dairy cows. Scientific Reports, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-09928-w
Kozyr, V. S., Antonenko, P. P., Mylostyvyi, R. V., Suslova, N. I., Skliarov, P. M., Reshetnychenko, O. P., Pushkar, T. D., Sapronova, V. O., & Pokhyl, O. M. (2019). Effect of herbal feed additives on the quality of colostrum, immunological indicators of newborn calves blood and growth energy of young animals. Theoretical and Applied Veterinary Medicine, 7(3), 137–142. https://doi.org/10.32819/2019.71024
Farafonov, S., Yaremko, O., Verkholiuk, M., Muzyka, L., Gutyj, B., Marenkov, O., Lykhach, V., Nemova, T., Khmelova, O., & Mylostyvyi, R. (2024). Determining Trace Elements in the Hair of Beef Cattle as a Non-Invasive Method for Assessing Mineral Metabolism. Journal of Animal Health and Production, 12(s1). https://doi.org/10.17582/journal.jahp/2024/12.s1.332.337
Gutyj, B. V., Goralskyi, L. P., Mylostyvyi, R. V., Sokulskyi, I. M., Stadnytska, O. I., Vus, U. M., Khariv, I. I., Martyshuk, T. V., Leskiv, Kh. Ya., Vozna, O. Ye., Adamiv, S. S., & Petrychka, V. V. (2024). The influence of “Butaselmevit” on the antioxidant status of the cows’ organisms during the development of endotoxicosis. Scientific Messenger of LNU of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies, 26(114), 210–216. https://doi.org/10.32718/nvlvet11431
Hu, L., Brito, L. F., Luo, H., Chen, S., Johnson, J. S., Sammad, A., Guo, G., Xu, Q., & Wang, Y. (2023). Differential Responses of Physiological Parameters, Production Traits, and Blood Metabolic Profiling between First- and Second-Parity Holstein Cows in the Comparison of Spring versus Summer Seasons. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 71(31), 11902–11920. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.3c00043
Chabanenko, D. V., & Shynkarenko, R. V. (2025). Biochemical indicators of adaptation and stress across seasons in Brown Swiss dairy cows. Ukrainian Journal of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, 8(3), 79–83. https://doi.org/10.32718/ujvas8-3.10
Zachut, M., Kra, G., Nemes-Navon, N., Ben-Aharon, N., Moallem, U., Lavon, Y., & Jacoby, S. (2020). Seasonal heat load is more potent than the degree of body weight loss in dysregulating immune function by reducing white blood cell populations and increasing inflammation in Holstein dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 103(11), 10809–10822. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-18547
Mylostyvyi, R., & Izhboldina, O. (2025). An Integrated Approach Using Temperature–Humidity Index, Productivity, and Welfare Indicators for Herd-Level Heat Stress Assessment in Dairy Cows. Animals, 15(22), 3341. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15223341
Antonenko, P. P., Dorovskych, A. V., Vysokos, M. P., Mylostyvyi, R. V., Kalinichenko, O. O., & Vasilenko, T. O. (2018). Methodological bases and methods of scientific research in veterinary hygiene, sanitary and expertise. Dnipro, “Svіdler A.L.”
Kaneko, J. J., Harvey, J. W., & Bruss, M. L. (Eds.). (2008). Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals (6th ed.). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-370491-7.X0001-3
O’Brien, M. D., Rhoads, R. P., Sanders, S. R., Duff, G. C., & Baumgard, L. H. (2010). Metabolic adaptations to heat stress in growing cattle. Domestic Animal Endocrinology, 38(2), 86–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.domaniend.2009.08.005
Belhadj Slimen, I., Najar, T., Ghram, A., & Abdrrabba, M. (2015). Heat stress effects on livestock: molecular, cellular and metabolic aspects, a review. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 100(3), 401–412. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12379
Duda, Y. V., Prus, M. P., & Shevchik, R. S. (2020). Seasonal influence on biochemical blood parameters in males of Californian rabbit breed. Ukrainian Journal of Ecology, 10 (4), 262–268. https://doi.org/10.15421/2020_197
Mylostyvyi, R. (2025). The effect of prolonged heat stress on haematological parameters of Holstein cows. Ukrainian Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 16(1), 59–69. https://doi.org/10.31548/veterinary1.2025.59
Sklyarov, P., Fedorenko, S., & Naumenko, S. (2020). Oxidant/Antioxidant Balance in Cows and Sheep in Antenatal Pathology. Ukrainian Journal of Ecology, 10(5), 26–28. https://doi.org/10.15421/2020_201
Valencia, R., Kim, S. H., Berdos, J., Kim, M. H., Lee, S. S., & Lee, S. S. (2024). Metabolic and Metataxonomic Changes in Lactating Holstein Dairy Cows During the Transition from Heat Stress to the Recovery Period. Journal of Animal Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.5187/jast.2024.e97
Važić, B., Drinić, M., Kasagić, D., Popadić, S., & Rogić, B. (2020). Metabolic profile of the blood of Simmental cows during a production cycle. Veterinarski Arhiv, 90(1), 11–18. https://doi.org/10.24099/vet.arhiv.0371
Alrhmoun, M., Gauly, M., & Poulopoulou, I. (2025). Seasonal prevalence and geographical distribution of claw health in dairy cows: Investigation of the causal relationship with breed. Journal of Dairy Science, 108(1), 980–995. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-25204
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
