Allevamento biologico: modificazioni ematologiche e delle difese aspecifiche nella bovina da latte nel bimestre attorno al parto

Hematological and non-specific defensive changes in Friesian dairy cows from an organic farm (B) were evaluated from four weeks prepartum until four weeks postpartum and compared with results obtained from cows from an intensive husbandry (I). Fagocytosis decreased at partum in both farms, but individual variation was very high. Around parturition RBC, WBC, haptoglobin (Hp) and cortisol were lower in B, suggesting lower stress and better hygienic conditions. However at the third week postpartum, a marked increase of Hp together with a decrease of WBC and phagocytosis was observed in B, suggesting phlogosis and a defensive defect. The impairment of energy metabolism reported in the same animals(6) could be responsible for the immune deficiency.