Introduction: Lameness is a painful and debilitating condition that affects dairy cows worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the plasma concentration of norepinephrine, β-endorphin, and substance P in dairy cows with lameness and different mobility scores (MS).
Material and methods: A total of 100 Friesian and Jersey cows with lameness (parity range: 1-6; weight: 400-500 kg; milk yield: 22-28 L a day, and lactation stage less than 230 days) were selected. Animals were selected and grouped according to MS (MS 0-3; n = 25), and plasma concentration of norepinephrine, substance P, and β-endorphin was measured using ELISA.
Results: Cows with MS 3 had higher plasma concentrations of norepinephrine and substance P and lower plasma concentrations of β-endorphins when compared to MS 0 cows.
Conclusion: Variations in plasma concentration of norepinephrine, substance P, and β-endorphin could be associated with intense pain states in dairy cows with lameness, but are insufficient to differentiate these states from the mildest pain states. Further studies are necessary in order to evaluate the potential use of these biomarkers in the detection of chronic bovine painful conditions.
Keywords: dairy cows; lameness; norepinephrine; substance P; β-endorphin.