Postparturient Change in Endotoxin Levels of Ruminal Fluid and Serum in Dairy Cows

Abstract

The changes in the endotoxin levels of ruminal fluid and serum in postparturient cows were evaluated. Five cows were fed hay and concentrates on an individual basis (farm A) and the other 5 cows were given complete feed ad libitum (farm B) after parturition. Ruminal pH levels decreased in both groups after parturition. Subsequently, the ruminal endotoxin levels increased with the declining pH on both of the farms. The ruminal endotoxin levels were slightly higher in cows of farm B than those of farm A. Serum endotoxin levels also showed episodic fluctuations, however, there were no parallel changes between the endotoxin levels of the ruminal fluid and sera.