Abstract
Simple SummaryDetermination of BHB concentration in the second week of lactation (WK 2) may allow us to predict the fertility properties of cows and help better manage farms. BHB concentration can be considered as a predictor trait of reproduction success. High BHB concentration requires a higher amount of insemination. The season in which the cows calve and the parity must be considered in the assessment as these factors affect BHB concentration in WK 2.Hyperketonemia is a very common metabolic state in dairy cows, which result in lower milk production, impaired fertility, and increased frequency of other diseases. In this study, we aimed to determine the influence of season, parity, and milk yield of cows on beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration in the second week of lactation (WK 2) and establish the relationship between BHB concentration in WK 2 and reproduction performance traits such as insemination rate and first insemination day of Lithuanian Black and White dairy cows. The study included clinically healthy Lithuanian Black and White cows (n = 692). Blood BHB concentration was measured using capillary blood samples collected after morning milking when cows were 7–10 DIM. The impact of WK 2 blood BHB concentration on the insemination rate and first insemination day were investigated. The effect of BHB was evaluated according to the season, parity, and milk yield per lactation (305 DIM). Significant differences were observed in BHB concentration in WK 2 due to season and parity, but no statistically significant differences were observed for milk yields (305 d). Increased blood BHB concentration in WK 2 negatively affected insemination rate (p < 0.001) and first insemination day (p < 0.001). The study findings indicate that BHB concentration in WK 2 depends on season and parity, while the milk yield is not associated with BHB concentration. High BHB concentration in WK 2 increases insemination rate and delays the first insemination day for high milk-yielding Lithuanian Black and White dairy cows.
Highlights
Metabolic load in high milk-yielding cows is a vital issue, and periodic changes are susceptible to a variety of metabolic and infectious diseases during transition processes [1,2,3]
The average milk yield during last lactation (305 d) of all cows was in the range of 7008—13,669 kg
The mean BHB concentration in WK 2 was 15.73% higher in summer compared to spring (p < 0.001) and 13.48% higher in summer compared to winter (p < 0.01), representing statistically significant differences
Summary
Metabolic load in high milk-yielding cows is a vital issue, and periodic changes are susceptible to a variety of metabolic and infectious diseases during transition processes (the period between three weeks before and three weeks after parturition) [1,2,3]. B-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is the ketone body that is increased in cow’s blood during early lactation due to negative energy balance (NEB). Researchers have reported detrimental effects of NEB on metabolic processes, milk yield per lactation, and the immune system, along with other health problems [4,5,6]. Hyperketonemia (HYK) impairs the health of dairy cows by increasing the risk of onset of other early lactation diseases and negatively affects the reproductive status after calving
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
