The effect of a 48 hour fast on acid- base balance and blood gas values on dairy cows

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to study which changes were caused in the acid-base balance and electrolytes during fasting. Five healthy lactating cows were selected for the longitudinal study to be monitored over five and a half day. This period was divided into a non fasting period and a fasting period. During the first day the cows could get used to the situation and acclimatize to the environment, on the second day baseline measurements were performed, day three and day four were the fasting period and day five and six were the follow up. Due to the fast, significant decreases were seen in pH and bicarbonate. A significant increase was seen in the total protein concentration. Changes in the electrolyte concentrations were seen but not all of them were significant. The conclusion of this study is that due to the unexpected dehydration a metabolic acidosis occurred. Electrolyte concentrations in plasma remain constant, probably due to the simultaneous occurrence of fasting and dehydration.