[Continuing eco-pathological survey: 8. Epidemiological approach to postpartum mastitis in the dairy cow: discriminating biochemical parameters].

To discriminate two groups of dairy cows (with or without post-partum mastitis), with blood parameters, we used discriminant analysis on two samples of dairy cows: one sample where blood was collected around parturition (15 days before and 15 days after calving); one sample where blood was collected at any time of the lactation, but with the same mean interval calving-blood collection in the two groups of animals. Blood parameters which differenciate the two groups (ill and safe) are essentially parameters of energetic metabolism i.e. glucose and 3-hydroxybutyrate. Results are discussed according to the possibility of glucose to be an indicator of energetic status.