Evaluation of the serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase activity in lame dairy cows

This study was performed to evaluate the probable changes in serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) in dairy cows suffering from lameness. In this regard, blood samples were taken from cows which suffering from white line disease and sole ulcers. Blood samples also were taken one month after treatment. In addition, blood samples were taken from healthy cows at the same age and parities. Serum activity of BALP was assayed using heat-precipitation method. The results showed a higher activity of serum balp in cows which suffering from sole ulcers compare to healthy cows. The enzyme activity was significantly decreased after treatment in cows that suffering from sole ulcers. The serum BALP activity was not significantly changed by white line disease. Based on these findings, it seems that the determination of the serum activity of BALP could be used as a useful tool to diagnosis the lameness and evaluation of treatment effectiveness.