Inflammatory biomarkers as tools for early detection of laminitis and welfare impairment in beef cattle

Abstract

Laminitis in feedlot cattle constitutes a multifactorial sanitary and productive problem closely linked to processes of subclinical systemic inflammation, particularly associated with digestive alterations inherent to intensive production systems. In this context, the present study analyzed the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and laminitis through a systematic review of the scientific literature published between 2020 and 2025, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and using the Scopus database. Although a limited availability of specific and methodologically robust studies was identified, the available evidence indicates that haptoglobin (Hp) behaves as a sensitive biomarker for the early detection of subclinical inflammation related to ruminal dysbiosis and excessive post-ruminal fermentation, reflected by decreases in ruminal and cecal pH. In contrast, serum amyloid A (SAA) showed lower discriminatory capacity in mild inflammatory states, although it is useful in acute or more severe processes. Overall, the findings support the importance of integrating the monitoring of inflammatory biomarkers with digestive physiopathological parameters as a preventive strategy against the development of laminitis, which would improve animal welfare, reduce productive losses, and strengthen the sustainability of intensive livestock systems, especially in contexts where early clinical diagnosis is limited.