Comparative Assessment of Cortisol, Leptin, Haptoglobin and Inflammatory Interleukins in Modicana and Holstein Cows During the Peripartum Period.

Understanding breed-related physiological responses during the peripartum period may contribute to the development of more resilient and sustainable dairy systems. This study compared endocrine and inflammatory responses in a native Sicilian breed, Modicana, and a high-producing cosmopolitan breed, Holstein, during the 15 days before and 15 days after calving. Twenty cows (10 per breed), managed under the same conditions, were monitored for serum cortisol, haptoglobin, leptin, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Both breeds showed peripartum changes in cortisol and haptoglobin concentrations (p < 0.0001). Holstein cows showed higher cortisol concentrations before calving and at calving, as well as higher haptoglobin concentrations at calving. Leptin concentrations were consistently higher in Holsteins (p < 0.001), whereas Modicana cows showed a transient prepartum decline. The inflammatory biomarkers also showed breed- and time-dependent patterns, with differences observed in IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Overall, the two breeds showed different endocrine and inflammatory responses during the peripartum period. These findings suggest possible breed-related differences in the physiological response to the transition period, although physiological resilience was not directly assessed.