New aspects in the pathogenesis of abomasal displacement

The impairment of abomasal motility and an increased gas accumulation in the abomasum are the prerequisites for displacement. Predisposing factors include breed (e.g. Holstein Friesian, Simmental-Red Holstein cross breeds and Guernsey), genetic background, twin pregnancy, first weeks of lactation, metabolic disorders (ketosis, increased lipomobilization and insulin resistance), high-concentrate and low-fibre diets as well as other diseases (e.g. endometritis, mastitis and claw disorders). Increasing milk yields as well as endotoxins as contributing factors are discussed controversially. Recent studies have focused on possible functional disorders of the abomasal wall enteric nervous system. Patients suffering from abomasal displacement showed increased neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity as well as decreased acetylcholine sensitivity. Our results revealed significant differences between the breeds regarding the content of both the neural transmitters “substance P” (SP) and “vasoactive intestinal polypeptide” (VIP) within the abomasal wall. In healthy German Holstein cows the amount of the motility stimulating SP was decreased and the motility inhibiting VIP increased in comparison to German Fleckvieh cows. In addition to the common risk factors this may explain the increased frequency of abomasal displacement in Holstein cows.

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