Measurement of haptoglobin after the time of dry-off and effects of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administered on the day of dry-off to Holstein dairy cows.

Meloxicam at dry-off reduces inflammation and culling without affecting production.

This randomized controlled trial evaluated haptoglobin dynamics during the early dry period in Holstein dairy cows and assessed meloxicam's effects when administered at dry-off. Haptoglobin, an acute phase protein, significantly increased from 0.02 ±0.01 g/L at dry-off to 0.48 ± 0.02 g/L at 48 hours post dry-off (P < 0.001), indicating substantial inflammation during this critical transition period. Meloxicam treatment (n=113) significantly reduced haptoglobin concentrations at 48 hours compared to controls (n=120): 0.42 ± 0.02 g/L versus 0.55 ± 0.02 g/L (P < 0.001), demonstrating effective anti-inflammatory effects. Notably, meloxicam administration at dry-off reduced subsequent culling rates in the next lactation without negatively impacting rumination time or early lactation milk production (first 21 days). These findings suggest that NSAIDs may provide clinical benefits during the dry period transition by modulating inflammatory responses, though effects on production metrics were limited.

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