Energy balance in transition cows and its association with health, reproduction and milk production.

Abstract

It was the purpose of this study to determine the effects of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations at different time periods of the transition period as well as lactation number on metabolism, health, reproduction and milk production in dairy cows. This trial was conducted in a single dairy herd located in Northern Germany. Of the herd, which comprised 330 lactating Holstein cows housed in a free stall barn and fed a total mixed ration (TMR), 83 primiparous and multiparous cows were randomly selected. Animals were checked for body condition score (BCS), locomotion score, calving data, quality of colostrum, reproductive measures, daily rectal temperature of the first 10days post-partum (p.p.), health data and culling rates up to 200days in milk (DIM) as well as milk production until 305DIM. Three different time periods were considered: 3 and 1week ante partum (a.p.); partus and 1weekp.p.; 3weeksp.p. Animals with NEFA concentrations ≥0.4mmol/l ante partum had a higher risk of no ovarian activity in week 5p.p. and of subclinical ketosis post partum than cows with lower NEFA concentrations (p<0.05). Cows with NEFA concentrations ≥1.1mmol/l in week 1p.p., in comparison to those with lower NEFA concentrations, showed a higher prevalence of clinical ketosis (24.1% vs. 5.9%), subclinical ketosis (62.1% vs. 34.0%) and culling rate within 200DIM (34.5% vs. 14.0%) (p < 0.05). Cows with NEFA concentrations ≥0.3mmol/l at week 3p.p. had higher 100- and 305-day milk yields than cows with lower NEFA concentrations (p<0.05). First lactating heifers were at higher risk to loose body condition ante partum, of dystocia, fever within the first 10DIM, metritis, clinical and subclinical ketosis as well as to develop a disease within the first 30DIM (p<0.05). Multipara were more likely to loose body condition after calving, to a prolonged calving to first service interval and to higher milk yields (p<0.05). In conclusion increased NEFA concentrations during the transition period as well as parity can have an influence on health, production and reproduction of dairy cows.