British Cattle Veterinary Association

Low IGF-I concentrations in post partum dairy cows have been associated with poor fertility, decreased milk production and increased culling rates. This study determined IGF-I concentrations at the time of treatment for cows affected with left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) compared to matched controls from the same herd (n = 67 pairs). Although more LDA cows were culled, no statistical difference was found (24% versus 15%, P = 0.285). Mean IGF-I levels were significantly lower in cows affected with an LDA (10.9 ± 1.32 ng/ml versus 30.4 ± 2.70 ng/ml, P = <0.001) and were also significantly lower in cows that were culled (P = <0.05). IGF-I may therefore offer a prognostic indicator for individual animals.