Aim: To investigate the serum levels of angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1Β), IL-6, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and energy-related metabolism analytes and hematological parameters in cows with placental retention (PR).

Materials and Methods: In the presented study, blood samples were taken from the coccygeal veins of 10 cows with PR and 10 healthy control cows. All of the samples were analyzed to determine the serum glucose, unesterified fatty acid (NEFA), triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), SOD, and MDA levels. Blood serum hepatokines, ANGPTL4, FGF21 levels, proinflammatory cytokine response parameters, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 levels were evaluated.

Results: As a result, the increase in serum AST (p < 0.05) indicated altered liver function. During negative energy balance, the serum NEFA levels (p < 0.05) increased, and serum HDL levels (p < 0.05) decreased as indicators of an increased risk of metabolic pathology. Increases in the serum ANGPTL4, FGF21, CRP, and SOD (p < 0.001) and IL-6, MDA, creatine kinase levels (p < 0.05) were evaluated as indicators of the development of effective metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress. The monocyte count was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the cows with PR.

Conclusion: It was concluded that significant increases in the serum ANGPTL4 and FGF2 levels were associated with energy balance, effective cytokine responses, and oxidative stress in dairy cows with PR.