Evaluation of the serum fructosamine concentrations in transition period and its relationship with serum proteins and energy characteristics in dairy cows

The relationship between fructosamine (FRUC) and glucose (GLU) amounts in dog was previously reported. On the other hand, no correlations were reported in transition dairy cow and late-pregnant sheep. Similar controversy also existed concerning the relationship between FRUC, albumin (ALB), and total protein (TP) concentrations. Thirty-three healthy Holstein cows were enrolled in to the study. Blood samples were obtained by jugular venipuncture at 3 and 1 weeks before and 1 and 3 weeks after calving. The concentrations of FRUC, GLU, ALB, TP, β hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were measured with automated biochemical analyzer, using commercial kits. SPSS software, version 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA) was used for data analysis. The mean ± SE of fructosamine for all cows during the study was 355.6 ± 4.5 μmol/l. There was significant difference in the serum concentration of FRUC post-partum, and throughout of trial, but not at pre-partum period. The maximum concentration of FRUC was at W−1 and decreased thereafter. There were significant positive correlations between FRUC and GLU concentrations at pre-partum, post-partum, and overall time of the study. There were significant negative correlations between FRUC and NEFA concentrations at pre-partum, post-partum, and overall time of the study. There were no correlations between FRUC, TP, ALB, and BHBA amounts at pre-partum, post-partum, and overall time of the study. Linear regression analysis between each sampling amount of GLU and three consecutive FRUC concentrations did not reveal significant correlation between GLU and FRUC. According to present results, fructosamine measurement could be considered as a useful indicator of energy economy in transition period.