The effect of carprofen on fresh dairy cows health

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of stress on the health of fresh-lactation cows and the effect of NSAIDs on the stress indicator cortisol, rumination time (RT) and somatic cell count (SCC). The treatment group of cows (TG) (n = 15) were given a subcutaneous injection of Rimadyl Cattle® (50 mg/ml of carprofen), 1.4 mg per 1 kg BW dose, up to 1 hour after calving. At the same time, the control group of cows (CG) (n = 15) were given an injection of 0.9% NaCl. The whole study looked at the health of cows by recording cases that occurred during the period after calving. Blood cortisol examination was performed within 2, 24 and 48 h after the use of the mentioned drugs. Rumination time was registered with the Lely T4C management program for analysis. Milk composition (SCC) was determined using the Lely T4C management program for analysis. NSAIDs (carprofen 50 mg/ml) statistically significantly reduced cortisol plasma concentrations within 48 h from the use of the drug and did not have an impact on SCC. The use of NSAID increased the average ruminating time from the third to the eleventh day after calving.