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Santos MGS, Mion B, Ribeiro ES. Estimations of prepartum feed intake and its effects on transition metabolism and subsequent milk production. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)01016-6. [PMID: 39033915 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to identify factors associated with prepartum DMI, evaluate the performance of linear models to estimate prepartum DMI using different classes of predictors, and investigate the consequences of different levels of prepartum DMI on transition metabolism and lactation performance. Individual feed intake of nulliparous (n = 100) and parous cows (n = 173) was measured by automatic feeding bins from d -35 to 98 relative to calving. Rumination and physical activities were monitored by wearable sensors. Blood metabolites were measured on d -21, -10, -3, 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21. Body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were assessed throughout the study. The average prepartum DMI as percentage of BW (DMIpBW) was calculated for each cow and used as dependent variable of linear models. Parity, prepartum BCS and BW, milk production in the previous lactation (M305) and at dry-off (MYDO), and length of the dry period were associated with DMIpBW and explained 41% of the variation in all cows, and 49% in parous cows. Estimations of DMIpBW were improved when data on prepartum rumination and blood metabolites were added in the predictive models. In the latter, the adjusted R-Sq increased to values between 47 and 61%, and selected models performed consistently in a 5-fold cross-validation analysis. To evaluate the implications of DMIpBW to transition metabolism and performance, cows were ranked within parity and classified into terciles as low (LFI), moderate (MFI), or high feed intake (HFI). The mean DMI was 1.44, 1.70, and 1.91 ± 0.01% of BW, respectively. No differences in BW were observed in nulliparous cows, but all 3 groups of parous cows differed (LFI = 892, MFI = 849, HFI = 798 ± 8 kg). The proportion of cows with BCS > 3.5 at enrollment differed among all groups, and averaged 67.4, 55.1, and 36.5 ± 6%, respectively. For parous cows, M305 and MYDO differed among all groups and averaged 9,808, 10,457, and 11,182 ± 233 kg, and 18.1, 23.1, and 26.2 ± 1 kg/d, respectively. After calving, DMI (LFI = 20.9, MFI = 21.9, and HFI = 22.1 ± 0.2 kg/d) and milk yield (LFI = 36.7, MFI = 38.2, and HFI = 38.3 ± 0.4 kg/d) was lower in LFI cows compared with the other 2 groups. Postpartum EBAL differed among all groups and averaged -2.79, -1.63, and -0.66 ± 0.3 Mcal/d for LFI, MFI, and HFI, respectively. During the transition period, LFI cows had higher serum concentrations of NEFA, BHB, Cl (prepartum only), and AST (postpartum only), and lower serum concentrations of cholesterol, P, GLDH, GGT (prepartum only), AST (prepartum only), urea (parous only), and SOD activity (parous only). In conclusion, a low level of prepartum DMI was associated with fatter and heavier cows, lower milk production in previous lactation, important adjustments in energy metabolism, and moderate losses in DMI and milk yield in the subsequent lactation. Moreover, the inclusion of prepartum rumination activity and target blood metabolites into predictive models improved the estimations of prepartum DMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G S Santos
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - B Mion
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - E S Ribeiro
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1.
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Van Soest BJ, Pereira MN, Duffield TF, Steele MA, DeVries TJ. Effect of pre- and postpartum supplementation of a pure glycerol product to dairy cows on feeding behavior, lying behavior, and reticulorumen pH. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:1427-1440. [PMID: 37806635 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of supplementing a low level of dry glycerol product pre- and postpartum on the feeding behavior, lying behavior, and reticulorumen pH of dairy cows. Multiparous Holstein dairy cows (n = 60) were enrolled in a 2 × 2 factorial design study. Twenty-one days before expected parturition, cows individually received a dry cow diet with (1) 250 g/d glycerol supplementation (GLY; 66% pure glycerol, United States Pharmacopeia grade), or (2) no supplementation (CON). Following parturition, cows were individually assigned to either (1) 250 g/d glycerol product (GLY; 66% pure glycerol), or (2) no supplementation (CON) to their partial mixed ration (PMR) for the first 21 d in milk (DIM). All cows were milked by an automated milking system and offered a target of 5.4 kg/d pellet (23% of target total dry matter intake [DMI]). For both treatment periods, cows were individually assigned to automated feed bins to measure PMR feeding behavior. Rumination time and lying behavior were monitored with electronic sensors for the whole study (-21 to 21 DIM). Reticulorumen pH boluses were administered to a subset of cows (n = 40) where pH was recorded every 10 min from 21 d prepartum to 21 d postpartum. Prepartum, cows fed GLY had fewer, larger meals and spent 20.2% more time feeding than CON while consuming feed at a similar rate. Cows on the CON diet prepartum spent more time lying down in more frequent bouts in the 21 d before calving. Following parturition, cows that received GLY prepartum continued to devote more time to eating, while tending to spend less time ruminating per kilogram of DMI. Cows receiving CON postpartum had larger meals with longer intervals between meals. In the first 21 DIM, cows receiving CON prepartum tended to have shorter, but significantly more frequent, lying bouts than cows fed GLY prepartum. Glycerol supplementation pre- and postpartum resulted in less time spent lying down following parturition. Minimal differences between treatments were observed for pre- and postpartum sorting behavior or reticulorumen pH. Overall, supplementation of glycerol pre- and postpartum altered cow time budgets, with cows spending more time eating pre- and postpartum, less time lying pre- and postpartum, and having fewer, larger meals prepartum when receiving glycerol prepartum, and with cows having slower feeding rates and smaller meals following parturition with postpartum glycerol supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Van Soest
- Department of Animal Bioscience, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G1Y2
| | - M N Pereira
- Department of Animal Science, University of Lavras, Lavras, MG, 37200-900, Brazil
| | - T F Duffield
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G1Y2
| | - M A Steele
- Department of Animal Bioscience, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G1Y2
| | - T J DeVries
- Department of Animal Bioscience, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G1Y2.
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Van Soest BJ, Pereira MN, Duffield TF, Steele MA, DeVries TJ. Effect of pre- and postpartum supplementation of a pure glycerol product to dairy cows on feed intake, metabolic markers, and milk yield and components. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:6798-6815. [PMID: 37500425 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-23173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of supplementing transition dairy cows with a low inclusion dry glycerol product in the pre- and postpartum periods on feed intake, metabolic markers, and milk yield and components. Multiparous Holstein dairy cows (n = 60) were enrolled in a 2-by-2 factorial design study. Starting 21 d before expected parturition, cows individually received a dry cow diet with (1) 250 g/d glycerol product supplementation [66% pure glycerol (United States Pharmacopeia grade); GLY], or (2) no supplementation (CON) mixed to their total mixed ration. After parturition, cows, again, were individually assigned to either GLY, or (2) no supplementation (CON) to their partial mixed ration for the first 21 d in milk (DIM). Cows were milked by an automated milking system and offered a target of 5.4 kg DM/d pellet (23% of target total dry matter intake, DMI) in the automated milking system and followed for 42 d into lactation. Blood samples were collected 6.3 ± 3.47 d before calving for all blood measures and 3, 7, 10, and 14 DIM for analysis of glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate, as well as 3 and 7 DIM for nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and haptoglobin. Initial dry cow body weight (BW), calf birth weight, previous 305-d milk, and month of parturition were used as covariates in the statistical model. Cows supplemented with GLY prepartum lost less BW and consumed more DMI pre- and postpartum, as well as had lower postpartum blood β-hydroxybutyrate and NEFA concentrations compared with those fed the CON treatment prepartum. Cows supplemented with GLY postpartum had lesser DMI in the first 42 DIM than cows fed CON postpartum, but also had reduced blood NEFA concentrations, odds of a high haptoglobin test, odds of a low blood glucose test, and lesser preformed fatty acid concentrations and yields in their milk. Cows supplemented glycerol both pre- and postpartum lost the least total BW from -21 to 21 DIM. No treatment effects were detected for milk yield; however, cows receiving GLY postpartum had lower milk fat. Overall, glycerol supplementation during the transition period, particularly during the 21 d before calving, was associated with markers of improved metabolic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Van Soest
- Department of Animal Bioscience, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G1Y2
| | - M N Pereira
- Department of Animal Science, University of Lavras, Lavras, MG, 37200-900, Brazil
| | - T F Duffield
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G1Y2
| | - M A Steele
- Department of Animal Bioscience, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G1Y2
| | - T J DeVries
- Department of Animal Bioscience, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G1Y2.
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Türkgeldi B, Koç F, Lackner M, Okuyucu B, Okur E, Palangi V, Esen S. Infrared Thermography Assessment of Aerobic Stability of a Total Mixed Ration: An Innovative Approach to Evaluating Dairy Cow Feed. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2225. [PMID: 37444023 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A major objective of this study is to identify factors influencing the quality of high-moisture total mixed rations (TMRs) for livestock feed and explore possible manipulations that can enhance their fermentation characteristics and stability in order to address the problem of poor aerobic stability. Therefore, the current study utilized infrared thermography (IRT) to assess the aerobic stability of water-added TMRs in the feed bunker. By manipulating the moisture content of freshly prepared TMRs at four different levels through water addition and subjecting it to storage at two consistent temperatures, significant correlations between IRT values (center temperature (CT) and maximum temperature difference (MTD)) and key parameters such as lactic acid bacteria, water-soluble carbohydrates, and TMR pH were established. The first and second principal components together accounted for 44.3% of the variation, with the first component's load influenced by IRT parameters, fermentation characteristics, and air exposure times, while the second component's load was influenced by dry matter content and lactic acid concentration. The results of these studies indicate the possibility that feeding methods can be optimized by identifying portions with higher CT or MTD data using IRT measurements just before feeding dairy cows in the field. As a result, increasing the use of IRT in feed management and preservation processes is projected to have a positive impact on animal productivity in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Türkgeldi
- Department of Animal Science, Tekirdağ Namik Kemal University, Tekirdağ 59030, Türkiye
| | - Fisun Koç
- Department of Animal Science, Tekirdağ Namik Kemal University, Tekirdağ 59030, Türkiye
| | - Maximilian Lackner
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, Hoechstaedtplatz 6, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Berrin Okuyucu
- Department of Animal Science, Tekirdağ Namik Kemal University, Tekirdağ 59030, Türkiye
| | - Ersen Okur
- Department of Biosystem Engineering, Tekirdağ Namik Kemal University, Tekirdağ 59030, Türkiye
| | - Valiollah Palangi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Türkiye
| | - Selim Esen
- Balikesir Directorate of Provincial Agriculture and Forestry, Republic of Turkey Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Balikesir 10470, Türkiye
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Pan C, Yang C, Ma Y, Sheng H, Lei Z, Wang S, Hu H, Feng X, Zhang J, Ma Y. Identification of Key Genes Associated With Early Calf-Hood Nutrition in Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose Tissues by Co-Expression Analysis. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:831129. [PMID: 35619603 PMCID: PMC9127810 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.831129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Substantive evidence has confirmed that nutrition state is associated with health risk and the onset of pubertal and metabolic profile. Due to heterogeneity, adipose tissues in different anatomical positions tend to show various metabolic mechanisms for nutrition. To date, the complicated molecular mechanisms of early calf-hood nutrition on bovine adipose tissue are still largely unknown. This study aimed to identify key genes and functionally enriched pathways associated with early calf-hood nutrition in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Results The RNA-seq data of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues of calves feeding on low and high dietary nutrition for more than 100 days were downloaded and analyzed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Two modules that positively associated with a low plane of nutrition diet and two modules with a high plane of nutrition diet were identified in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. The blue and yellow modules, most closely associated with low and high nutrition, were selected for the functional enrichment analysis and exploration of hub genes. The results showed that genes in the blue module were significantly enriched in pathways that related to fat metabolism, reproduction, and cell communication. Genes in the yellow module were enriched in pathways related to fat metabolism, reproduction, cell proliferation, and senescence. Meanwhile, the blue and brown modules in visceral adipose tissue were most closely associated with low and high nutrition, respectively. Notably, genes of the blue module were significantly enriched in pathways related to substance metabolism, and genes in the brown module were significantly enriched in energy metabolism and disease pathways. Finally, key genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue for low nutrition (PLCG1, GNA11, and ANXA5) and high nutrition (BUB1B, ASPM, RRM2, PBK, NCAPG, and MKI67), and visceral adipose tissue for low nutrition (RPS5, RPL4, RPL14, and RPLP0) and high nutrition (SDHA and AKT1) were obtained and verified. Conclusion The study applied WGCNA to identify hub genes and functionally enriched pathways in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue and provided a basis for studying the effect of early calf-hood nutrition on the two adipose tissue types.
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Khorrami B, Khiaosa-Ard R, Zebeli Q. Models to predict the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis in dairy cows based on dietary and cow factors: A meta-analysis. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:7761-7780. [PMID: 33838889 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The present research aimed at developing practical and feasible models to optimize feeding adequacy to maintain desired rumen pH conditions and prevent subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in dairy cows. We conducted 2 meta-analyses, one using data from recent published literatures (study 1) to investigate the prediction of SARA based on nutrient components and dietary physical and chemical characteristics, and another using internal data of our 5 different published experiments (study 2) to obtain adjustments based on cow status. The results of study 1 revealed that physically effective neutral detergent fiber inclusive of particles >8 mm (peNDF >8) and dietary starch [% of dry matter (DM)] were sufficient for predicting daily mean ruminal pH {y = 5.960 - (0.00781 × starch) + (0.03743 × peNDF >8) - [0.00061 × (peNDF >8 × peNDF >8)]}. The model for time of pH suppression (<5.8 for ruminal pH or <6.0 for reticular pH, min/d) can be predicted with additionally including DMI (kg/d): 124.7 + (1.7007 × DMI) + (20.9270 × starch) + (0.2959 × peNDF >8) - [0.0437 × (DMI × starch × peNDF >8)]. As a rule of thumb, when taken separately, we propose 15 to 18% peNDF >8 as a safe range for diet formulation to prevent SARA, when starch or NFC levels are within 20 to 25% and 35 to 40% ranges, respectively. At dietary starch content below 20% of DM, grain type was insignificant in affecting ruminal pH. However, increasing dietary starch contents by using corn as the sole grain source could lead to more severe drops of pH compared with using grain mix based on barley and wheat, as underlined by an interaction between starch content and grain type. Data from study 2 emphasized an increased risk of SARA for cows in the first and second lactation with lower mean pH (0.2 units) and double amounts of time at pH <5.8 compared with the cows with ≥3 parities. Given that a lower ruminal pH is expected in these high-risk cows, it is advisable to keep the lower end of recommended starch (20%) and higher peNDF >8 (18%) contents in the diet of these cows. Overall, the present study underlines the possibility of predicting SARA based on dietary factors including peNDF >8 and starch contents, as well as DMI of the cows, which can be practically implemented for optimal diet formulation for dairy cows. With more data available, future studies should attempt to improve the predictions by including additional key dietary and cow factors in the models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Khorrami
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, 3391653755 Tehran, Iran
| | - Ratchaneewan Khiaosa-Ard
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Qendrim Zebeli
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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Daros RR, Havekes CD, DeVries TJ. Body condition loss during the dry period: Insights from feeding behavior studies. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:4682-4691. [PMID: 33612220 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Body condition change during the dry period (ΔBCS) has been associated with a myriad of transition cow diseases. We used data from 3 studies to assess the relationship between ΔBCS, feeding behavior, and body condition score (BCS) at dry-off. We also studied the mediation effect that dry matter intake (DMI) has on ΔBCS and the association between dry period feeding time and DMI. A total of 100 parous cows were enrolled in 3 studies to investigate differences in dry period diet on behavior, health, and performance pre- and postcalving. Body weight was measured and BCS was assessed by the same trained observer after dry-off and 1 wk from calving date. The ΔBCS was calculated by subtracting the BCS at calving minus the BCS at dry-off. The BCS at dry-off was categorized as overconditioned (≥3.5) or not overconditioned (<3.5); no cows had a BCS <2.75. Feeding behavior data were collected using electronic feed bins. Parity at dry-off (median = 2; min = 1, max = 6) and 305-d milk production (mean = 10,235 kg, SD = 1,625 kg) from the previous lactation were considered. Data sets were split into 2 time periods: d -56 to -22 (early) and -21 to 0 (late) in relation to calving. Selected feeding behaviors (DMI, DMI as a percentage of body weight, and feeding time) were used to evaluate the associations between each feeding behavior and BCS at dry-off in each period using mixed linear regression models. Each model included the following covariates: parity, previous 305-d milk yield, and trial treatment. Experimental day was included as random slope, and cow was included as random intercept. A mediation analysis was used to evaluate the potential causal direct effect of BCS at dry-off on ΔBCS and the potential indirect effect mediated by differences in DMI. The BCS at dry-off was associated with changes in feeding behavior, such that overconditioned cows had lesser daily DMI and feeding time during the early and late dry periods compared with not overconditioned animals. We also noted an effect of previous 305-d milk yield on DMI; cows that produced more milk had greater DMI throughout the dry period. The ΔBCS was only partially mediated by DMI, and BCS at dry-off still had a direct effect on ΔBCS. This result indicated that mechanisms other than DMI were associated with BCS loss during the dry period. Feeding time correlated weakly and moderately with DMI during the early and late dry periods, respectively. To conclude, strategies to improve intake during the dry period should take dry-off BCS into account or, preferably, efforts should be made to minimize the number of overconditioned cows at the end of lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruan R Daros
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada; Graduate Program in Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná 80215-901, Brazil
| | - Casey D Havekes
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Trevor J DeVries
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Pascottini OB, Leroy JLMR, Opsomer G. Metabolic Stress in the Transition Period of Dairy Cows: Focusing on the Prepartum Period. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1419. [PMID: 32823892 PMCID: PMC7460369 DOI: 10.3390/ani10081419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
All modern, high-yielding dairy cows experience a certain degree of reduced insulin sensitivity, negative energy balance, and systemic inflammation during the transition period. Maladaptation to these changes may result in excessive fat mobilization, dysregulation of inflammation, immunosuppression, and, ultimately, metabolic or infectious disease in the postpartum period. Up to half of the clinical diseases in the lifespan of high-yielding dairy cows occur within 3 weeks of calving. Thus, the vast majority of prospective studies on transition dairy cows are focused on the postpartum period. However, predisposition to clinical disease and key (patho)physiological events such as a spontaneous reduction in feed intake, insulin resistance, fat mobilization, and systemic inflammation already occur in the prepartum period. This review focuses on metabolic, adaptive events occurring from drying off until calving in high-yielding cows and discusses determinants that may trigger (mal)adaptation to these events in the late prepartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
- Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium;
| | - Jo L. M. R. Leroy
- Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium;
| | - Geert Opsomer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
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Havekes CD, Duffield TF, Carpenter AJ, DeVries TJ. Effects of molasses-based liquid feed supplementation to a high-straw dry cow diet on feed intake, health, and performance of dairy cows across the transition period. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:5070-5089. [PMID: 32278564 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-18085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of adding molasses-based liquid feed to a high-straw dry cow diet on intake, behavior, health, and performance of dairy cows across the transition period. Holstein cows (n = 40) entering their second lactation or greater were enrolled at dry-off (∼45 d before expected calving) and assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: a high-straw dry cow total mixed ration (TMR) with either (1) no molasses [CON; n = 20; 10.7% crude protein (CP), 1.45 Mcal/kg of net energy for lactation (NEL)] or (2) supplemented with 1 kg/cow daily [dry matter (DM) basis] of molasses-based liquid feed (LF; n = 20; 11.2% CP, 1.49 Mcal/kg of NEL). At calving all cows were fed the same lactating TMR (14.9% CP, 1.68 Mcal/kg of NEL) and followed for 28 d. During the dry period, cows fed the LF diet had greater DM intake (15.3 ± 0.24 vs. 13.4 ± 0.24 kg/d) and tended to have a shorter interval between meals (192.8 ± 8.38 vs. 216.5 ± 7.97 min) and more frequent meals (6.3 ± 0.27 vs. 5.6 ± 0.27 meals/d), while consuming their feed faster (0.09 ± 0.001 vs. 0.08 ± 0.001 kg of DM/min) compared with cows fed the CON diet. Regardless of treatment, cows sorted [100% × (actual intake/predicted intake)] against the longest ration particles (>19 mm), with cows fed the CON diet sorting more against these (81.1 ± 2.6 vs. 93.9 ± 2.6%). Cows fed the CON diet did not sort for or against short particles (<8, >4 mm; 100.2 ± 0.31%), but cows fed the LF diet tended to sort against these (99.2 ± 0.31%). Post-calving, cows fed the LF diet did not sort for long particles (98.5 ± 1.1%), but cows fed the CON diet continued to sort against these (96.3 ± 1.1%). Cows fed the LF diet had higher mean reticulorumen pH in the dry period (6.4 ± 0.05 vs. 6.2 ± 0.06 pH), in the first week after calving (CON = 5.7 ± 0.06 pH, LF = 5.8 ± 0.06 pH), and tended to have higher mean reticulorumen pH in the second week after calving (CON = 5.7 ± 0.06 pH, LF = 5.9 ± 0.06 pH). The results suggest that supplementing a molasses-based liquid feed in high-straw dry cow diets may improve intake and consistency in nutrients consumed during the dry period and in early lactation, as well as possibly promoting better rumen health across the transition period.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D Havekes
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - T F Duffield
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - A J Carpenter
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - T J DeVries
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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