Sex of offspring influences metabolism during early transition period in dairy cows

D Alberghina,M Morgante,G Piccione,M Gianesella,C Giannetto

doi:10.5194/aab-58-73-2015

D Alberghina, M Morgante + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-58-73-2015

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Abstract

Abstract. A study using 20 Holstein Friesian cows was conducted to investigate the influence of calf gender on metabolism during the transition period in dairy cattle. Blood samples were collected at three time points: 2–4 days prepartum (time 1), and 1 week and 2 weeks postpartum (time 2 and time 3 respectively). Serum samples obtained were analysed for total proteins, albumin, urea, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Depending on the sex of the offspring, cows were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of cows with heifer offspring (n = 12) and Group 2 consisted of cows with bull offspring (n = 8). A two-way repeated measures ANOVA and t tests for unpaired data were used to analyse the pattern of studied parameters and differences between the two groups. The results indicate differences in metabolic parameters between the two groups. These results highlight the importance of considering fetal sex as a factor that influences maternal metabolism during the early transition period in dairy cows.

Highlights

The ability of an individual to adapt to the natural change of energy balance during early lactation is an important aspect of the transition period for dairy cows
The results of this study indicate that the sex of the offspring can affect nitrogen and energy metabolism during the transition period in Holstein Friesian dairy cows
The increase in total proteins, albumin, and globulins in dams of heifers could suggest a greater dehydration than what was observed for dams of bulls

Summary

Introduction

The ability of an individual to adapt to the natural change of energy balance during early lactation is an important aspect of the transition period for dairy cows. During this period, the cow undergoes physiological, metabolic and nutritional changes. Cows that are unable to adapt adequately to these changes often develop hyperketonemia, which can cause other health complications. Key metabolic parameters used as indicators of negative energy balance (NEB) and subclinical ketosis are non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) (Oetzel, 2004). Cows with bull calves were reported to be more likely to develop hyperketonemia than those with female calves (McArt et al, 2013a)

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