Circulating metabolic hormones in different metabolic states of high producing Holstein dairy cows

Abstract

Background: Information regarding the metabolic hormones in different metabolic states of high producing dairy cows can aid high producing herds to manage and resolve the metabolic and production problems. Furthermore, it can be considered as a tool to evaluate metabolic status of dairy cows. Herd managers can also evaluate the energy input-output relationships by assessing the metabolic profile to prevent and control negative energy balance, metabolic disorders and nutritional insufficiencies. OBJECTIVES: The present study was performed to clarify the metabolic hormone profile in each metabolic state of high producing Holstein dairy cows. The results of this research can reveal the normal metabolic state of these animals. METHODS: 25 multiparous Holstein dairy cows were divided to 5 equal groups containing early, mid and late lactations, far-off and close-up dry periods. Blood samples were collected from all cows and sera were analyzed for concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), cortisol and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). RESULTS: Serum T3 concentration in early lactation group was significantly higher than other ones (p<0.05). T4 levels in early and mid lactation dairy cows were lower than other studied groups, significantly. The cows in early lactation and close-up dry periods had the highest and the lowest serum fT3 concentrations, respectively (p<0.05). fT4 in far-off dry cows was significantly higher than others. The highest and the lowest circulating levels of cortisol were detected in mid and late lactation periods, respectively (p<0.05). The lowest concentrations of IGF1 were detected in early lactation period and its highest levels were seen in mid and late lactation and far-off dry cows (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic hormones change in different metabolic states of high producing Holstein dairy cows. The presented metabolic hormone profile can be considered as criteria to monitor the metabolic status of dairy cows at different metabolic states.