BLOOD CLINICAL-CHEMISTRY OF DOWNER COWS F ROM THE SOUTH OF CHILE

To obtain information about the downer cow syndrome in the south of Ch ile, the biochemical composition of 76 blood samples, from downer cows was determined. The samples were analysed for beta-hydroxy-butyrate, urea, total proteins, albumins, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium , potassium, AST. GLDH and GGT and the results compared with reference values. The most common blood abnormalities found were: increased AST (82%), hypocalcaemia (51%) hypomagnesaemia (47%), uraemia (49%), hypo kalaemia (38%) and increased GLDH (33%). According to blood analysis, hypomagnesaemia (33%) and milk fever (26%) were the most common diagno ses. Other alterations associated with downer cows were nutritional de ficiency (11%), liver damage (9%), hypokalaemia (4%) and ketosis (3%). No metabolic abnormalities were identified in 13% of the cases. The r esults are a first approach to the unterstanding of metabolic disturba nces associated with downer cows in Chile and provide orientation for further studies to improve the prevention and treatment of this syndro me.