Serum alkaline phosphatase and lactic dehydrogenase activity in cows with retained fetal membranes.

Serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were determined for 15 cows with retained fetal membranes (RFM) and 15 cows without retained fetal membranes (WRFM). The results revealed that the levels of both AKP and LDH were significantly higher in cows with RFM during late gestation and continued to be higher until 5th day postpartum. The usefulness of these findings for the prediction of RFM before parturition and for evaluating the therapeutic response of RFM is discussed.