scholarly journals Influence of an immune-modulatory feed supplement on performance and immune function of beef cows and calves preweaning

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler S Crook ◽  
Paul A Beck ◽  
Shane Gadberry ◽  
Michael B Sims ◽  
C Brandon Stewart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Beef Industry ◽  
Data Loggers ◽  
Daily Rate ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Nutritional Compounds

Abstract The ability to positively alter immune and stress response with nutritional compounds is of great interest and importance to the beef industry. There is a proprietary product (OmniGen-AF [OG]; Phibro Animal Health, Quincy, IL) reported to have performance-enhancing benefits by altering animal response to stress and immune challenges. The objective of this 2-yr research project was to study the effect of supplementing OG to beef cows and their calves on breeding and growth performance. One hundred and twelve multiparous beef cows and 48 primiparous cows were randomly assigned to treatment in year 1; control (CON, no OG; n = 56 multiparous and 24 primiparous) or treatment (OG fed at 8.8 g/100 kg body weight [BW]; n = 56 multiparous and 24 primiparous). Multiparous cows (mean ± SD = 6.4 ± 0.4 yr; BW = 589 ± 9.2 kg; body condition score [BCS] 6.2 ± 0.07) were used in both years of the experiment and primiparous cows (mean ± SD = 2.1 ± 0.04 yr of age, weighed 400 ± 7.5 kg, and BSC of 5.6 ± 0.06) were only used in the first year of the experiment. CON and OG supplements were offered over two production cycles beginning in December approximately 60 d prior to projected calving through pre-breeding in May of each year. Calves from treatment cows were offered treatments in a creep supplement limited to a daily rate of 1% as-fed of BW prorated for 3-d/wk feeding from mid-July through weaning with OG offered at 8.8 g/100 kg BW. Primiparous cow’s BW, BCS, and calf performance were not affected by treatment (P ≥ 0.15) in year 1. BW of multiparous OG cows tended (P = 0.10) to be heavier at weaning in year 1 and was greater (P = 0.05) at the onset of the experiment in year 2. Body condition of OG cows was greater (P ≤ 0.02) at weaning in both years 1 and 2, as well as at the onset of the experiment in year 2. Calves fed OG from the mature cows gained more (P = 0.05) BW during the creep feeding period than CON. Core body temperatures of OG heifers measured during the late summer with intravaginal temperature data loggers tended (P ≤ 0.10) to be less at 1400 and 1700 hours and were less (P = 0.05) at 1800 hours than CON heifers. Feeding OG did not result in changes (P = 0.25) in serum titer response to the BVD virus of calves during year 2. The results of the current experiment indicate feeding OG to beef cows and calves can result in improvement in BCS of cows, enhance weight gain of calves preweaning, and reduce heat loads in heifer calves during the late summer.

Effect of herbage allowance on productive and reproductive responses of primiparous beef cows grazing on Campos grassland

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (9) ◽  
pp. 1615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martín Claramunt ◽  
Andrea Fernández-Foren ◽  
Pablo Soca
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
The Body ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Early Postpartum ◽  
Grazing System ◽  
Condition Score

The effects of two levels of herbage allowance (HA, kg DM/kg liveweight (LW)) on forage mass and chemical composition, cow body condition score, cow LW, stocking rate, productive and reproductive responses were evaluated during two consecutive years. Eighty primiparous spring-calving beef cows were allocated to a completely randomised block design of two HA that had an annual average of 2.5 (low) and 4.0 kg DM/kg LW (high) from –150 to 195 days postpartum. The grazing system was continuous, and the put-and-take method was employed to adjust HA. At 86 ± 12 days postpartum, all cows were submitted to calf suckling restrictions with nose plates (12 days) and dietary flushing (2 kg/cow.day of whole-rice bran for 22 days), 6 days before bull introduction. Forage mass was affected by HA (P = 0.004) and year (P = 0.014); the high HA had a greater forage mass than the low HA (1474 vs 1212 ± 86 kg DM/ha; P < 0.05), and Year 2 had a greater forage mass than Year 1 (1545 vs 1134 ± 78 kg DM/ha; P < 0.05). Stocking rate was affected by HA and season (P = 0.0004) interaction. The stocking rate during autumn and spring was greater in low than high HA, and no differences were identified in winter and summer. The body condition score was improved in high HA during autumn and resulted in a greater winter (mid-gestation) body condition score than the low HA without differences during spring-summer (postpartum). Cow LW was lower during autumn, winter and early postpartum (16 days postpartum) in low HA in Year 1 than high HA of Year 1 and high and low HA cows in Year 2. Furthermore, the probability of total pregnancies (0.88 vs 0.59 ± 0.07; P = 0.01) and the calf weight adjusted to 205 days (194 vs 175 ± 16 kg; P < 0.05) were greater in high HA. Calf weight adjusted to 205 days (Year 1: 192 vs Year 2: 177 ± 16 kg; P < 0.05) and survival curves of postpartum anoestrus (P = 0.01) were affected by year but did not affect the probability of conception, early or total pregnancies. In conclusion, the reproductive and productive responses of primiparous beef cows grazing Campos grasslands were improved in high HA and could contribute to alleviating adverse climatic conditions effects.

20 ADMINISTRATION OF FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE AT CIDR REMOVAL DOES NOT AFFECT THE PREGNANCY RATE IN A CIDR-BASED, COSYNCH PROTOCOL IN LACTATING BEEF COWS

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 90 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Small ◽  
F. Dias ◽  
L. Pfeifer ◽  
K. Lightfoot ◽  
M. Colazo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Secondary Objective ◽  
Pfizer Animal Health

In previous studies, giving eCG at CIDR removal significantly increased the pregnancy rate after timed-AI in beef cows. However, eCG is not universally available. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that giving pFSH at CIDR removal might improve the pregnancy rate in a CIDR-based, Cosynch protocol in postpartum, suckled Bos taurus beef cows; a secondary objective was to compare pregnancy rates when GnRH v. pLH was used to synchronize wave emergence and ovulation. This work was conducted as two experiments (separate locations). All cows were given a CIDR (containing 1.9 g progesterone; Pfizer Animal Health, Montreal, QC, Canada) on Day 0 (without regard to stage of estrous cycle or cyclicity). On Day 7, CIDRs were removed, all cows were concurrently given 25 mg PGF (Lutalyse; Pfizer Animal Health, Groton, CT, USA), half were given 20 mg pFSH (Folltropin-V; Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, ON, Canada), and all cows were timed-AI 54 h later (Day 9). In Experiment 1, 240 cows [94 � 10.8 days postpartum; body condition score (BCS: 1 = emaciated, 9 = obese; mean � SD): 5.8 � 0.4] were used; at CIDR insertion and AI, cows were allocated to receive either 100 µg GnRH (n = 160; Cystorelin, Merial Canada Inc., Victoriaville, QC, Canada) or 12.5 mg pLH (n = 80; Lutropin-V, Bioniche Animal Health). In Experiment 2, 109 cows (59.2 � 19.5 days postpartum; BCS: 5.6 � 1.1) were used; all received 100 µg GnRH (Cystorelin) at CIDR insertion and AI. In Experiment 1, three cows that lost their CIDR were excluded; pregnancy rates after timed-AI (logistic regression, backward selection: parity, pFSH, synchronizing treatment, and their interactions) were not different between cows given pFSH v. control cows (64.7 v. 65.2%; P > 0.80), nor between cows given GnRH v. pLH (62.7 v. 69.6%; P = 0.91). However, there was an interaction (P < 0.04) between parity and the synchronizing treatment; in primiparous cows, pregnancy rates were significantly lower in those given GnRH v. pLH (59.3 v. 83.3%). In Experiment 2, pregnancy rates after timed-AI (logistic regression, backward selection: parity, pFSH, and their interaction) were not different between cows given pFSH v. control cows (38.2 v. 42.6%; P > 0.6). In conclusion, our hypothesis was not supported; giving pFSH at CIDR removal did not significantly improve the pregnancy rate in a CIDR-based, Cosynch protocol in postpartum, suckled Bos taurus beef cows.

10 TIMED ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION PROTOCOLS TO SYNCHRONIZATION OF OVULATION IN BOS TAURUS TAURUS SUCKLING BEEF COWS

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
G. A. Pessoa ◽  
A. P. Martini ◽  
J. M. Trentin ◽  
D. R. Dotto ◽  
H. L. D. Neri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Follicle Diameter ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
South Of Brazil

The aim of this study was to compare 3 methods for synchronization of ovulation in anestrous beef cows. The hypothesis of this study was to determine whether low doses of hCG has superior efficacy to cypionate to induce ovulation in anestrous cows and provide higher pregnancy rate in oestrus-synchronization programs. Synchronization of ovulation and conception rate to timed AI (TAI) were evaluated in anestrus Bos taurus taurus suckling beef cows 45 ± 15 days postpartum and with body condition score of 2.9 (1 to 5) maintained in a native pastured system in the south of Brazil. Females were evaluated with ultrasound on the Day 0 (D0) of the protocol (Day 0), day 8 (D8), immediately before TAI (D10), and 7 days after TAI (Day 17). All cows were synchronized with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (IPRD; 0.75 g of progesterone, Prociclar®, Hertape Calier Animal Health, Juatuba, Brazil) and 2 mg IM of oestradiol benzoate (EB; Benzoato HC®) on D0. On Day 8, the IPRD was removed and 150 μg of D (+) cloprostenol (Veteglan Luteolytic®), and 25 IU IM FSH/LH (Pluset®) were administered. Females of the EC (n = 84) group received 1 mg IM of oestradiol cypionate (EC; Cipionato HC®). Females on D8 of the hCG (n = 81) group received 500 IU IM of hCG (Vetecor®, Hertape Calier) at the time of TAI. The females of the EC + hCG group (n = 83) received both treatments. All cows were submitted to TAI 54 h after withdrawal of IPRD. A part of the cows (n = 102) had the ovulation evaluated every 12 h from the withdrawal of IPRD [EC (n = 34), hCG (n = 34), and hCG + EC (n = 33)]. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS PROC GLIMMIX. The dominant follicle diameter (FD) on Day 8 (8.7 ± 0.2, 8.8 ± 0.2, 8.6 ± 0.2) did not differ between treatments EC, EC + hCG, or hCG (P = 0.79). However, the FD on D10 was higher (P = 0.001) for cows treated with hCG (12.9 ± 0.3) compared with cows from the EC (11.3 ± 0.2) or EC + hCG group (11.8 ± 0.2). The interval (h) between the withdrawal of IPRD and ovulation was lower (P = 0.01) for the hCG group, (71.2 ± 1.7) compared with the groups treated with EC or EC + hCG (76.6 ± 2.18 and 74.2 ± 1.65), respectively. The ovulation rate did not differ (P = 0.61) among the EC (85.2%, 29/34), hCG (91.1%, 31/34), or EC + hCG groups (90.9%, 30/33). Corpus luteum diameter (mm) was higher (P = 0.04) on D17 for the hCG-treated group (21.4 ± 0.3) compared with others treatments (EC = 19.1 ± 0.8 or EC + hCG = 20.4 ± 0.8). However, the plasma progesterone levels on D17 were EC = 2.0 ± 0.1, hCG = 2.4 ± 0.1, and EC + hCG = 2.3 ± 0.1 ng mL–1 (P = 0.19), and the conception rate on the 28th day after TAI (EC = 43.0%; hCG = 47.0%, and EC + hCG = 48.8%; P = 0.76) was also similar. The hCG determined smallest ovulation interval, but similar rates of pregnancy were observed with both treatments.

8 Evaluation of puberty induction protocol in peripubertal beef heifers prior to fixed-time AI programs

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 129
Author(s):  
J. B. S. Borges ◽  
D. S. V. Luiz ◽  
P. R. L. Aguiar ◽  
C. G. B. Berlitz ◽  
G. S. Velho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Hormonal Treatment ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
P Value ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Condition Score

Beef heifers that conceive early during their first breeding season calve earlier, wean heavier calves, and tend to continue doing so throughout the rest of their reproductive lives. Otherwise, under extensively managed systems in Southern Brazil, only a variable proportion of 2-year-old beef heifers reach puberty before the start of the breeding season. The aim of this study was to evaluate a protocol to induce puberty in peripubertal beef heifers using injectable progesterone (P4) and oestradiol cypionate (EC) to improve pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in fixed-time AI (FTAI) programs. A total of 311 Angus heifers, 24±3 months of age, 3.1±0.3 body condition score (1=emaciated; 5=obese), and 328±41kg of body weight (BW), were examined before FTAI protocol (Day −24) by transrectal ultrasonography to determine reproductive tract score (RTS; 1=prepubertal; 5=pubertal). Prepubertal heifers (RTS 1; 12.8%, 40/311) were excluded from the study. Heifers with RTS=2 (n=271) were assigned to 2 groups: P4 (RTS 2 or 3, n=100) and cyclic (RTS 4 and 5, n=171). Peripubertal heifers were treated on Day −24 with 150mg of injectable P4 IM (Sincrogest® injectable, Ourofino Animal Health, Cravinhos, Brazil) and on Day −12 received 1mg of EC IM (Sincro CP®, Ourofino Animal Health). Cyclic heifers received no hormonal treatment before FTAI protocol. On Day 0, heifers in the P4 group were evaluated again to determine RTS, body condition score, and BW. Induction of puberty was defined by the presence of a follicle &gt;8.5mm (RTS=4) or a corpus luteum (RTS=5). All heifers received an FTAI protocol consisting of 2mg of oestradiol benzoate IM (Sincrodiol®, Ourofino Animal Health) and an intravaginal progesterone implant (1 g; Sincrogest®, Ourofino Animal Health). On Day 8, heifers had implants removed and were injected with 1mg of EC and 500µg of sodium cloprostenol IM (Sincrocio®, Ourofino Animal Health). After 48h, all heifers received an FTAI. Thirty days after AI, the diagnosis of gestation was performed by ultrasonography. Statistics included chi-square and linear regression with coefficients analysed as independent variables, considering a significant P-value of 0.05. On Day 0, percentages of RTS 5, 4, and 3 in the P4 heifers were 37, 27, and 36%, respectively, resulting in 64% of puberty induction. The P/AI was similar (P=0.14) in P4-treated and cyclic heifers (59v. 50.3%, respectively). The regression analysis presented a linear and positive effect of BW on P/AI (P&lt;0.001) in cyclic heifers and a positive influence of BW on RTS (P=0.05) and RTS on P/AI (P=0.008) in P4-treated heifers. The application of RTS system associated with P4 treatment of peripubertal heifers before FTAI protocol improved ovarian activity and might have contributed to higher P/AI, comparable with that achieved in cyclic heifers.

scholarly journals Body condition score to predict the postpartum fertility of crossbred beef cows

2007 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 741-746 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Carlos Ferrugem Moraes ◽  
Carlos Miguel Jaume ◽  
Carlos José Hoff de Souza
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Statistical Difference ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Estradiol Benzoate ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
The Third ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between changes in body condition score (BCS) during the postpartum and fertility in beef cows suckling calves under extensive conditions were investigated. Cows were subjected to four BCS evaluations over the postpartum period, starting around one month after calving. In the second evaluation cows were treated with medroxy-progesterone acetate impregnated pessaries and received an injection of estradiol benzoate. At the third evaluation, pessaries were removed and calves were separated from the cows for 96 hours, during which time estrous was observed twice a day, and animals artificially inseminated 12 hours after detection. When calves returned to their dams, bulls were introduced until a 60-day mating period was reached. The distribution of BCS differed among calving groups and evaluations. Results indicated that only cows comprising a BCS 3 (1 to 5 scale) around the first month postpartum can be used in an artificial insemination program with possibilities of becoming pregnant. There was no statistical difference between the calving groups in pregnancy rate. The evolution of the BCS of the cows during postpartum can be used to adjust the start of the breeding season to coincide with the time of the year where herd pregnancy rates will be highest.

Changes in body composition during the winter gestation period in mature beef cows grazing different herbage allowances of native grasslands

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 520 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Casal ◽  
A. L. Astessiano ◽  
A. C. Espasandin ◽  
A. I. Trujillo ◽  
P. Soca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Gestation Period ◽  
Body Protein ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Gross Energy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of controlling the grazing intensity of native pastures, through the herbage allowances (HA) on body composition (water, protein, and fat) of beef cows of different cow genotype (CG; purebred: Angus and Hereford; PU, and crossbred: reciprocal F1; CR). Mature beef cows (n = 32) were used in a complete randomised block design with a factorial arrangement of HA (2.5 vs 4 kg DM/day; LO vs HI) and CG (PU vs CR). The experiment was conducted during 3 years and at the end of the third year at 150, 210, and 240 ± 10 days of gestation and 190 ± 10 days postpartum body composition was estimated using the urea dilution technique. At 192 ± 10 days postpartum cows were slaughtered and all tissues and organs were weighed and samples were collected for chemical composition analyses. During the winter gestation period, body condition score was greater (P < 0.05) in HI than LO cows and in CR than PU cows. Relative body water (g/kg of empty bodyweight) was greater (P ≤ 0.02) in HI than LO cows and in CR than PU cows, whereas relative body protein did not differ between HI and LO, but tended (P = 0.10) to be greater in CR than PU cows. In contrast, relative body fat tended (P = 0.10) to be greater and gross energy content was greater (P < 0.01) in HI than LO cows, whereas they did not differ between CR and PU cows. Relative body water increased (P < 0.01) from 150 to 210 days of gestation for all cows whereas relative body fat decreased (P < 0.05) and body protein increased (P < 0.05) from 150 to 210 days of gestation in PU but not in CR cows. These results suggest that HI maintained greater body condition score and retained gross energy content when compared with LO cows, and CG affected not only body composition (greater body fat and protein in CR than PU cows) but also composition of mobilised/retained weight during the winter gestation period with a greater protein tissue mobilisation in CR than PU cows.

Metabolic and endocrine profiles of primiparous beef cows grazing native grassland. 1. Relationships between body condition score at calving and metabolic profiles during the transition period

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (7) ◽  
pp. 856 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Soca ◽  
M. Carriquiry ◽  
M. Claramun ◽  
V. Gestido ◽  
A. Meikle
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
The Body ◽  
Metabolic Profiles ◽  
Native Grassland ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Condition Score

The body condition score (BCS) at calving has been postulated as the main factor in the interaction of nutrition and reproduction in beef-cow ecosystems. The objective of the present study was to analyse the effect of BCS at calving on endocrine and metabolic profiles during the transition period in primiparous Hereford cows (n = 56) grazing native grassland. Cow BCS was registered and plasma insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and metabolites (concentrations of urea, albumin, cholesterol, total protein, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA)) were determined in plasma from –30 to +45 days postpartum (DPP). The effect of BCS at calving (low ≤3.5 and moderate ≥4; 1–8 visual scale) on BCS evolution and hormone and metabolite concentrations were analysed using a time repeated-measures analysis. Cow BCS, NEFA, urea and IGF-I profiles were affected (P < 0.05) by the BCS at calving and DPP interaction, while insulin tended (P = 0.06) to be affected only by BCS at calving. The low-BCS cows presented a smaller loss of BCS during the prepartum than did moderate-BCS cows, and a delayed BCS recovery during the postpartum. The increase in plasma NEFA was greater (P < 0.05) and started earlier during the prepartum period in the low-BCS cows. Protein concentrations increased during prepartum to +30 DPP, while albumin and urea concentrations were maintained until calving and decreased during the postpartum. Urea concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) during prepartum in low-BCS cows. Concentrations of IGF-I and insulin were greater (P < 0.05) in moderate- than low-BCS cows during prepartum, but did not differ between the groups after calving. No effects were observed in calf weight or milk production at +45 DPP. The association between BCS during prepartum and at calving with the endocrine and metabolic profiles (positive: insulin, IGF-I; negative: NEFA and urea) reflected a better nutritional status and plasticity to negative energy balance on moderate cows. This different endocrine milieu did not affect calf weight and/or milk production. In conclusion, the BCS at calving affected the metabolic and endocrine profile during the transition period of primiparous beef cows grazing native grassland.

scholarly journals Effects of parity order on performance, metabolic, and hormonal parameters of grazing beef cows during pre-calving and lactation periods

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matheus Fellipe de Lana Ferreira ◽  
Luciana Navajas Rennó ◽  
Isabela Iria Rodrigues ◽  
Edenio Detmann ◽  
Mário Fonseca Paulino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Metabolic Profile ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Stage Of Lactation ◽  
Esterified Fatty Acids ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Background Metabolic profile evaluation is a tool widely used in ruminant nutrition as metabolic cues that relate nutrition to physiology. Metabolic and hormonal traits change during pre-partum and lactation according to parity in dairy cows, but studies of beef cows under grazing are scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate how metabolic and hormonal traits change over time, their relationship to performance, and determine if these factors differ according to the parity order of grazing beef cows. Thirty-six pregnant Nellore cows (12 nulliparous, 12 primiparous, and 12 multiparous) were used. The study started at 60 d prepartum until 203 d of lactation. Results The initial body weight (BW) and final BW were higher for multiparous cows (P > 0.05). An interaction occurred between parity and day (P < .0001) for body condition score. Nulliparous and primiparous body condition score were reduced from − 60 prepartum to 30 postpartum, then stabilized 60 postpartum (P < 0.05), while multiparous maintained body condition score from − 60 days until 60 days postpartum (P > 0.05). Calf BW, final BW, and average daily gain did not differ between parities (P > 0.05). Effect of day (P < 0.05) was detected for non-esterified fatty acids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, progesterone, and insulin. An interaction was observed between parity and days for glucose, HDL, β-hydroxybutyrate, creatinine and IGF-1 (P < 0.05). Parity affected serum urea nitrogen, total proteins, albumin, and globulins (P < 0.05). Parity and day relative to calving did not impact total T3 and T4 (P > 0.05). Conclusions Hormonal and metabolic profile is strongly influenced by the stage of lactation. Time effects (pre-partum and lactation period) were more pronounced in nulliparous since they displayed more unbalanced metabolic and hormonal traits and lowered BCS pre- and postpartum.

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