Biomarkers for bovine mammary gland involution and disease

Bovine mammary gland involution occurs after the abrupt cessation of lactation and involves a complex sequence of inflammatory processes, morphology changes, and mammary epithelial cell turnover. The mammary gland is vulnerable to bacterial infections in the first 3 weeks after dry off, especially if milk leakage occurs. Increased risk of milk leakage and infection are associated with high milk production at the end of lactation. Therefore, as advances in dairy cow genetics and management continue to increase milk production- more cows will be at risk for infection during early mammary involution. Many aspects of mammary gland involution remain unknown. Biomarkers can be used to predict disease, such as with plasma non-esterified fatty acids in close up dry cows. Biomarkers can also be used to monitor the effect of treatment or intervention. There is not strong evidence that many of the current biomarkers for mammary gland involution, such as lactoferrin, are associated with disease risk or improved involution. Thus, this dissertation is centered around the association of certain biomarkers (fat soluble vitamins and lipid mediators) with mammary gland involution, oxidative stress, and diseases in dairy cows.