Serum apolipoprotein B100 concentrations in obese Holstein heifers

The purpose of this study was to examine the changes of serum apolipoprotein B100 (apo B100) concentrations and to evaluate the liver steatosis in obese Holstein heifers. In this study, 10 clinically healthy (with body condition scores (BCS) comprised between 2.75-3.50) and 10 obese (with BCS of 5), Holstein heifers were used. Serum concentrations of apo B100 were assayed by single radial immunodiffusion method. Hepatic biopsy samples, were obtained front liver under local anesthesia with percutaneous biopsy needle for histopathological examination. Our results indicated that serum apo B100 concentrations were not significantly decreased (P = 0.39) in the obese heifers. and the degree of fill infiltration in liver was comparable to controls. It was concluded that the fatty liver disease was absent ill the obese heifers and the changes in apo B100 concentrations should be carefully evaluated together with hepatic biopsy analysis.