Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of prepartum and postpartum feed restriction on body weight (BW), blood metabolites, and hormones as well as colostrum and milk yields and compositions in fat-tailed dairy sheep. In this study, 20 multiparous and pregnant ewes were randomly allocated to either the control (Ctrl; n = 10) or the feed-restricted (FR; n = 10) groups from week -5 to week 5 relative to parturition. Despite dry matter intake being decreased in the FR group compared to the Ctrl throughout both prepartum and postpartum periods, no differences in BW were detected between groups in any of the studied periods. Feed restriction increased both free fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations during both prepartum and postpartum periods. Similarly, feed restriction increased triglyceride concentration postpartum. Additionally, feed restriction increased insulin and growth hormone and decreased prolactin concentrations during both prepartum and postpartum periods. Feed restriction caused a decreased colostrum yield and a relative increase of the main colostrum components in the FR group. Similarly, milk yield decreased in the FR group compared to the Ctrl group, although milk components were not affected. In conclusion, feed restriction did not affect BW but decreased colostrum and milk yield in fat-tailed dairy sheep.
Highlights
Energy intake does not meet energy requirements for body maintenance, fetal growth, and milk production, which results in negative energy balance (NEB) and high adipose tissue mobilization [3,4]
Based on the above-mentioned facts, the current study aimed to investigate the consequences of pre- and postpartum feed restriction on body weight (BW), blood metabolites, and hormones as well as colostrum and milk yield and composition in dairy fat-tailed ewes
To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first investigating the effects of feed restriction during both prepartum and postpartum periods on BW, blood metabolites, and hormones as well as colostrum and milk yield and composition in fat-tailed dairy ewes
Summary
Livestock systems located in tropical and sub-tropical regions are heavily dependent on natural resources (i.e., pastures) In these countries, decreased pasture availability and quality during the dry season have important consequences on the performance and health of dairy ruminants [1], especially during the transition period (i.e., from the last weeks of prepartum to the first weeks postpartum). During this period, the reduced feed intake capacity and the high demand for energy for fetal growth (i.e., prepartum) and milk production (i.e., postpartum) present an important metabolic challenge for dairy ruminants [2]. Insufficient energy intake during the last weeks before parturition may affect the cell reorganization of the dry mammary gland and, affect milk yield and composition in the lactation [6]
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