Effect of pre-calving body condition score and previous lactation on BCS change, blood metabolites, oxidative stress and milk production in Holstein dairy cows

Abstract

The aim of study was to determine the effect of pre-calving body condition score (BCS) and previous milk yield on BCS change, blood metabolites, oxidative stress and milk production in Holstein cows. At 3 wk before expected calving, 100 multiparous cows were grouped according to their BCS and then classified based the previous 305 milk yield. The four experimental groups (25 cows each) were medium BCS and moderate milk yield (MM), medium BCS and high milk yield (MH), high BCS and moderate milk yield (HM), and high BCS and high milk yield (HH). The cows’ BCS was recorded at −21, 0, 21, 50 and 80 d related to parturition time. Daily milk production of cows was recorded after parturition. Blood samples were taken at d −21, −7, +1, +7 and +21 postpartum. The HH cows had lower (p <.05) plasma insulin than MH group. Also, the HH cows had lowest (p <.05) plasma insulin at 7 d after calving. Cows with high BCS had greater (p <.05) NEFA and BHBA concentration than medium BCS groups. Cows with high BCS had lower activity of antioxidant enzymes (p <.05) compared to medium BCS groups. Milk production, fat-corrected milk (FCM) and energy-corrected milk (ECM) were affected (p <.05) by pre-calving BCS and previous milk yield. Pre-calving BCS and previous milk yield affect (p <.05) milk fat production. In conclusion, the HH cows have greater milk production; however they are susceptible to oxidative stress and metabolic disorders risk based on their blood metabolites.