Transition Period In Dairy Cows Research Articles

The Relationship between Changes in Serum Glycine and Alanine Concentrations in Non-Essential Amino Acid and Milk Production in the Transition Period in Dairy Cows

The serum concentration of non-essential amino acid (NEAA) was measured in ten Holstein dairy cows grouped as low production (n=5) and high production (n=5) from one month pre-partum through four months post-partum and the relationship between production and amino acid concentrations was studied. The glycine (Gly)/NEAA ratio and the glycine/alanine ratio of the high production group were significantly higher than the low production group (p<0.01). The observed decrease of the alanine (Ala)/NEAA ratio was more remarkable in the high production group than in the low production group. Measurement of Gly/Ala ratio in serum may be useful for evaluating the nutritional status of peri-parturient dairy cow.

Effect of a Monensin Controlled-Release Capsule Inserted At Dry-Off On Energy Status In Transition Holstein Cows Fed Typical Florida Diets

The transition period in dairy cows (three weeks before and after calving) is characterized by tremendous physiological and metabolic changes. During this period, cows experience some degree of hypocalcemia, increased levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and Bhydroxybutyrate (BHB), and decreased levels of glucose. Consequently, if prevention is not employed, cows will be at a higher risk of developing calving-related disorders (CRD).&#x0D; Monensin is an ionophore that affects rumen fermentation, resulting in increased proprionic acid production and a concurrent decrease in the molar proportion of acetate and butyrate. Consequently, monensin as a controlled-release capsule has been used to prevent ketosis and other disorders in dairy cattle.&#x0D; The hypothesis of the present study was that transition dairy cows supplemented with monensin and fed typical Florida diets would positively improve energy status. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of a monensin controlled-release capsule inserted at dry-off on concentrations of NEFA, BHB and glucose during the transition period of Florida dairy cows.