Seasonal effect of milk yield and blood metabolites in relation to ketosis of dairy cows fed under a high ambient temperature

Background and Aim: Metabolism and environment are closely related. Under high ambient temperature (HTa), dairy cows may have different energy metabolism during summer and winter. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of HTa on the milk yield and blood concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and glucose at the herd level. Materials and Methods: One large dairy farm in Thailand with more than 100 crossbred Holstein cows milked each month was selected. The first experiment was performed on non-lactating cows to determine the normal daily concentrations of blood BHBA and glucose. Under the HTa condition, there was no significant change in blood BHBA and glucose concentrations. The second experiment was performed using a prospective cohort clinical design to demonstrate the seasonal effect on milk yield and blood BHBA as an indication of energy metabolism at the herd level. Results: The temperature and humidity index for the winter (78.1±0.5) and summer (83.4±0.7) periods differ significantly. The average milk yield during the winter period was 17.8% higher than during the summer period. The reduction of body condition score (BCS) during early lactation was significant in the winter cows. Both higher milk yield and lower BCS in the winter cows suggested a state of negative energy balance. However, there was no difference in blood BHBA and glucose concentrations between winter and summer cows. The effect of HTa on insulin signaling appeared to be a counterbalancing factor for the ketogenic status. Based on the present results, it would be interesting to further investigate the incidence of subclinical and clinical ketosis in a dairy farm under tropical conditions. Conclusion: The present experiment revealed that HTa during summer decreased milk yield in dairy cows fed under tropical conditions. Higher milk yield in winter caused a greater reduction of BCS and suggested a greater negative energy balance. However, there was no seasonal effect on blood BHBA and glucose concentrations.

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Consequences for reproductive function of metabolic adaption to load

BSAP Occasional Publication ◽

10.1017/s1463981500043119 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 24 ◽

pp. 99-112 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

R. Webb ◽

P. C. Garnsworthy ◽

J. G. Gong ◽

R. S. Robinson ◽

D. C. Wathes

Keyword(s):

Energy Balance ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Milk Production ◽

Direct Effect ◽

Milk Yield ◽

Dairy Cow ◽

Reproductive Function ◽

Negative Energy ◽

Follicular Growth ◽

Embryo Survival

AbstractAn effective method for enhancing milk production efficiency in dairy cows is to increase milk yield and significant progress has been achieved through intense selection, assisted by the application of new reproductive techniques. However this increased milk yield has been accompanied by a slow but steady decline in dairy cow fertility. The two main reasons for this reducing level of fertility appear to be selection for increased milk yield and large herd sizes, although the affect of the introduction of Holstein genes needs to be investigated. In addition, other negative consequences such as an increase in the incidence of metabolic diseases and lameness have been observed. This has given rise to public concern that the high-yielding dairy cow may be under a state of metabolic stress during peak lactation and therefore the welfare and performance of other body functions are compromised.The reason for this decline in fertility is not well understood, although a nutritional influence on the initiation of oestrous cycles, follicular growth, oocyte quality and early embryonic development has been implicated. In early lactation dietary intake is unable to meet the demands of milk production and most cows enter a period of negative energy balance. Negative energy balance has a broadly similar effect to undernutrition leading to a mobilization of body reserves. Furthermore diets high in rumen degradable protein lead to an excess of rumen ammonia, which before it is converted to urea by the liver and excreted in the urine, may cause an alteration in the reproductive tract environment reducing embryo survival. Such major changes in the metabolic and endocrine systems can therefore influence fertility at a number of key points.Possible reproductive sites where inadequate nutrition may have detrimental effects include: (i) the hypothalamic/pituitary gland where gonadotropin release may be impaired; (ii) a direct effect on the ovaries, where both follicular growth patterns and corpus luteum function may be directly influenced; (iii) the quality of the oocyte prior to ovulation may be reduced and coupled with an inadequate uterine environment will result in reduced embryo survival and (iv) there may be effects on subsequent embryo development. The initiation of normal oestrous cycles post partum is usually delayed in dairy cows with a higher genetic merit for milk production, confirming that intense selection towards high milk yield can compromise reproductive function. In addition, the effects of increased milk yield may include changes in circulating GH and insulin concentrations, which in turn alter both insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and IGF binding protein production. Nutrition has recently been shown to have a direct effect at the level of both the ovaries and the uterus to alter the expression of these growth factors.In conclusion, further knowledge is required to determine how the metabolic changes associated with high milk output reduce fertility. Identification and understanding of the mechanisms involved and the key sites of action responsible for compromised reproductive function, will enable the identification of possible indices for future multiple-trait selection programmes.

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Plasma metabolite changes in anestrous dairy cows with negative energy balance identified using 1H NMR technology

Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia ◽

10.1590/1678-4162-12123 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 73 (4) ◽

pp. 929-937

Author(s):

F. Zhang ◽

Z. Wang ◽

C. Zhao ◽

Y. Bai ◽

D. Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Energy Balance ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Low Density Lipoprotein ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Dairy Farm ◽

Negative Energy ◽

Negative Energy Balance ◽

Plasma Metabolites ◽

Low Density ◽

Hormone Synthesis

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to investigate the different plasma metabolites between anestrus and estrus postpartum dairy cows and to provide a theoretical basis for prevention of anestrus in dairy farm cows. In the experiment, one hundred and sixty-seven Holstein dairy cows were selected with similar age and parity. According to the concentration of β-hydroxybutyric acid, non-esterified fatty acids and glucose in plasma during 14 to 21 days in milk, all dairy cows were determined as having a status of energy balance. According to the results of clinical symptom, rectal and B ultrasound examination at 60 to 90 days postpartum, these cows were divided into twenty estrus and twenty-four anestrus group, other dairy cows were removed. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance technology was utilized to detect the plasma metabolites changes and screen different plasma metabolites between anestrus and estrus cows. Ten different metabolites including alanine, glutamic acid, asparagine, creatine, choline, phosphocholine, glycerophosphocholine, low-density lipoprotein, and very-low-density lipoprotein were significantly decreased in anestrous cows compared with estrous cows. Metabolic pathway analyses indicated that differential metabolites were primarily involved in amino acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism. These metabolites and their enrichment pathways indicate that reduced steroid hormone synthesis precursors result in lower levels of estradiol and progesterone and cause anestrus in negative energy balance. These data provide a better understanding of the changes that may affect estrus of postpartum dairy cows at NEB status and lay the ground for further research.

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Influence of microclimatic conditions on the daily production of dairy cows

Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry ◽

10.2298/bah1301045k ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 45-51 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

D. Kucevic ◽

M. Plavsic ◽

S. Trivunovic ◽

M. Radinovic ◽

V. Bogdanovic

Keyword(s):

Relative Humidity ◽

Ambient Temperature ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Milk Yield ◽

Dairy Farm ◽

Comfort Level ◽

Daily Production ◽

Microclimatic Conditions ◽

Daily Milk Yield ◽

Daily Milk

The aim of this paper was to determine the microclimatic conditions (ambient temperature and relative humidity) in dairy farm, as well as to evaluate the effect and significance of temperature - humidity index (THI) values on the daily milk yield. The observation of microclimatic parameters was conducted in the period from 9.03.2012 to 6.05.2012. The study included 136 Holstein Friesian cows. The estimation of the effect of THI on daily production of dairy cows was defined by applying fixed-effect statistical model. Average ambient temperature during measuring months amounted to 15.6?C (ranging from 7.2? C to 24.6?C), while the average value of relative humidity was 56.33% (ranging from 40.30% to 81.80%). During the study, the mean value of THI was 58.93 (ranging from 47.08 to 70.13) and didn?t exceed the critical comfort level of 72. All tested fixed-factors were statistically affected the daily milk yield (p <0.01). For each unit of increase in the value of the THI, the amount of milk decreased by 0.05344 kg. This confirmed the importance of regular recording of THI values and microclimatic conditions as a unique indicator of thermal stress in dairy farm.

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Metabolic evaluation of dairy cows submitted to three different strategies to decrease the effects of negative energy balance in early postpartum

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0100-736x2011001300003 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 31 (suppl 1) ◽

pp. 11-17 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Alejandra M.B García ◽

Felipe C Cardoso ◽

Rómulo Campos ◽

Diego X Thedy ◽

Félix H.D González

Keyword(s):

Energy Balance ◽

Fatty Liver ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Milk Yield ◽

Ketone Bodies ◽

Negative Energy ◽

Negative Energy Balance ◽

Early Lactation ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Subclinical Ketosis

In early lactation dairy cattle suffer metabolic alterations caused by negative energy balance, which predisposes to fatty liver and ketosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic condition of high yielding dairy cows subjected to three treatments for preventing severe lipomobilization and ketosis in early lactation. Fifty four multiparous Holstein cows yielding >30 L/day were divided into four groups: control (CN= no treatment), glucose precursor (PG= propylene-glycol), hepatic protector (Mp= Mercepton®), and energy supplement with salts of linolenic and linoleic faty acids (Mg-E= Megalac-E®). Treatments were administrated randomly at moment of calving until 8 weeks postpartum. Blood samples were collected on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 postpartum. Body condition score (BCS) was evaluated at the same periods and milk yield was recorded at 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th weeks of lactation. Concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), albumin, AST, ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), cholesterol, glucose, total protein, urea and triglycerides were analyzed in blood samples. Cut-off points for subclinical ketosis were defined when BHBA >1.4 mmol/L and NEFA >0.7 mmol/L. General occurrence of subclinical ketosis was 24% during the period. An ascendant curve of cholesterol and glucose was observed from the 1st to the 8th week of lactation, while any tendency was observed with BHBA and NEFA, although differences among treatments were detected (p<0.05). BCS decreased from a mean of 3.85 at 1st week to 2.53 at 8th week of lactation (p=0.001). Milk yield was higher in the Mg-E group compared with the other treatment groups (p<0.05) Compared with the CN group, the treatments with Mp and PG did not show significant differences in blood biochemistry and milk yield. Cows receiving PG and Mg-E showed higher values of BHBA and NEFA (P<0.05), indicating accentuated lipomobilization. Supplementation with Mg-E also resulted in significant higher concentrations of cholesterol, BHBA, urea, AST and lower values of glycemia. This performance may be explained by the highest milk yield observed with this treatment. Treatments with PG and Mp did not improve milk yield, compared with control cows, but did not show metabolic evidence of ketosis, fat mobilization or fatty liver. These results suggest that treatment with Mg-E improves milk production but induces a higher negative energy balance leading to moderated lipomobilization and ketone bodies production, increasing the risk of fatty liver.

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Plasma Protein Comparison between Dairy Cows with Inactive Ovaries and Estrus

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-019-49785-8 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chang Zhao ◽

Shi Shu ◽

Yunlong Bai ◽

Dong Wang ◽

Cheng Xia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Energy Balance ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Ultrasound Examination ◽

Dairy Farm ◽

Follicular Development ◽

Negative Energy ◽

Differentially Expressed ◽

Differentially Expressed Proteins ◽

Differential Proteins ◽

Mixed Samples

Abstract To screen differentially expressed proteins in the blood dairy cows with inactive ovaries caused by a negative energy balance and to determine the roles of the identified proteins in the development of inactive ovaries.Holstein cows at 14 to 21 days postpartum in an intensive dairy farm were examined for their energy balance (EB) status by blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and assigned to the inactive ovary (IO) group (n = 50) and the normal oestrus control (CON) group (n = 50) at 60 to 90 days postpartum by means of the oestrus manifestation, rectal examination and B-ultrasound examination. Fourteen differentially expressed proteins from 61 proteins in the plasma of dairy cows with IOs were identified by iTRAQ/LC-MS/MS and GO, KEGG, and PATHWAY analysis. Eleven expressed proteins were upregulated, and 3 expressed proteins were downregulated. Among the 10 differentially expressed proteins verified by Western blot or ELISA, the relative expression levels of ALDOB, IGFBP2, ITIH3 and LDHB in mixed samples and single samples were consistent with the proteomic protein results. PKM2, GPX3, ALDOB, RBP4 and AHSG were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05); APOA4 and SPAM1 were not significantly different (P > 0.05) but were still downregulated in the ovarian resting group. This study confirmed that 14 plasma differential proteins in the inactive ovaries of postpartum dairy cows were associated with follicular development, and these findings provide a foundation for further research on the mechanism and prevention of inactive ovaries in dairy cows.

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Reducing or eliminating the dry period of dairy cows

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture ◽

10.1071/ea05304 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 46 (7) ◽

pp. 957 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

C. R. Stockdale

Keyword(s):

Energy Balance ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Milk Yield ◽

Body Condition ◽

Post Partum ◽

Negative Energy ◽

Late Gestation ◽

Negative Energy Balance ◽

Dry Period ◽

Dairy Farmers

This review considers the research that has been conducted recently on reducing the length of the dry period of dairy cows, with particular emphasis on the effects of eliminating the dry period altogether. Milk yield in the subsequent lactation is reduced by up to 25%, but this loss is offset to some degree by the milk produced when cows would otherwise be dry. The lower subsequent milk yield in cows continuously milked is most likely to be a consequence of changes in the mammary gland during late gestation rather than insufficient feed or body condition to maintain milk synthesis. Shortening or eliminating the dry period may result in a lower incidence of metabolic problems post-partum, and a reduced negative energy balance in early lactation due to the maintenance of dietary intake while milk yields and body condition loss are reduced. The reductions in both body condition loss and negative energy balance may have a beneficial influence on reproductive performance. However, it is concluded that more research, particularly with cows that graze pasture during lactation, together with an economic appraisal, is needed before it could be recommended that Australian dairy farmers change their current dry period practices, particularly if continuous milking was to be considered.

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Energy Balance Indicators during the Transition Period and Early Lactation of Purebred Holstein and Simmental Cows and Their Crosses

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11020309 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 309

Author(s):

Deise Aline Knob ◽

André Thaler Neto ◽

Helen Schweizer ◽

Anna C. Weigand ◽

Roberto Kappes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Energy Balance ◽

Milk Yield ◽

Milk Composition ◽

Negative Energy ◽

The Other ◽

Negative Energy Balance ◽

Metabolic Energy ◽

Genetic Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Fat Thickness

Crossbreeding in dairy cattle has been used to improve functional traits, milk composition, and efficiency of Holstein herds. The objective of the study was to compare indicators of the metabolic energy balance, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), glucose, body condition score (BCS) back fat thickness (BFT), as well as milk yield and milk composition of Holstein and Simmental cows, and their crosses from the prepartum period until the 100th day of lactation at the Livestock Center of the Ludwig Maximilians University (Munich, Germany). In total, 164 cows formed five genetic groups according to their theoretic proportion of Holstein and Simmental genes as follows: Holstein (100% Holstein; n = 9), R1-Hol (51–99% Holstein; n = 30), first generation (F1) crossbreds (50% Holstein, 50% Simmental; n = 17), R1-Sim (1–49% Holstein; n = 81) and Simmental (100% Simmental; n = 27). The study took place between April 2018 and August 2019. BCS, BFT blood parameters, such as BHBA, glucose, and NEFA were recorded weekly. A mixed model analysis with fixed effects breed, week (relative to calving), the interaction of breed and week, parity, calving year, calving season, milking season, and the repeated measure effect of cow was used. BCS increased with the Simmental proportion. All genetic groups lost BCS and BFT after calving. Simmental cows showed lower NEFA values. BHBA and glucose did not differ among genetic groups, but they differed depending on the week relative to calving. Simmental and R1-Sim cows showed a smaller effect than the other genetic groups regarding changes in body weight, BCS, or back fat thickness after a period of a negative energy balance after calving. There was no significant difference for milk yield among genetic groups, although Simmental cows showed a lower milk yield after the third week after calving. Generally, Simmental and R1-Simmental cows seemed to deal better with a negative energy balance after calving than purebred Holstein and the other crossbred lines. Based on a positive heterosis effect of 10.06% for energy corrected milk (ECM), the F1, however, was the most efficient crossbred line.

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Metabolic Adaptations to Dynamic Energy Requirements during Lactation and Pregnancy in Dairy Cows with Varying Proportions of Holstein and Simmental Breed

Proceedings ◽

10.3390/ieca2020-08833 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 73 (1) ◽

pp. 9

Author(s):

Deise Aline Knob ◽

André Thaler Neto ◽

Helen Schweizer ◽

Anna Weigand ◽

Roberto Kappes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Energy Balance ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Negative Energy ◽

Negative Energy Balance ◽

Repeated Measure ◽

Holstein Cows ◽

Mixed Model Analysis ◽

Genetic Groups

Depending on the breed or crossbreed line, cows have to cope with a more or less severe negative energy balance during the period of high milk yields in early lactation, which can be detected by beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) in blood. Preventing cows from undergoing a severe negative energy balance by breeding and/or feeding measures is likely to be supported by the public and may help to improve the sustainability of milk production. The aim was to compare BHBA and NEFA concentrations in the blood of Holstein and Simmental cows and their crosses during the prepartum period until the end of lactation. In total, 164 cows formed five genetic groups according to their theoretic proportion of Holstein and Simmental genes as follows: Holstein (100% Holstein; n = 9), R1-Hol (51–99% Holstein; n = 30), F1 crossbreds (50% Holstein, 50% Simmental; n = 17), R1-Sim (1–49% Holstein; n = 81) and Simmental (100% Simmental; n = 27). NEFA and BHBA were evaluated once a week between April 2018 and August 2019. A mixed model analysis with fixed effects breed, week (relative to calving), the interaction of breed and week, parity, calving year, calving season, milking season, and the repeated measure effect on cows was used. Holstein cows had higher NEFAs (0.196 ± 0.013 mmol/L), and Simmental cows had the lowest NEFA concentrations (0.147 ± 0.008 mmol/L, p = 0.03). R1-Sim, F1 and R1-Hol cows had intermediate values (0.166 ± 0.005, 0.165 ± 0.010, 0.162 ± 0.008 mmol/L; respectively). The highest NEFA value was found in the first week after calving (0.49 ± 0.013 mmol/L). BHBA did not differ among genetic groups (p = 0.1007). There was, however, an interaction between the genetic group and week (p = 0.03). While Simmental, R1-Sim and F1 cows had the highest BHBA value, the second week after calving (0.92 ± 0.07 and 1.05 ± 0.04, and 1.10 ± 0.10 mmol/L, respectively), R1-Hol and Holstein cows showed the BHBA peak at the fourth week after calving (1.16 ± 0.07 and 1.36 ± 0.12 mmol/L, respectively). Unexpectedly, Holstein cows had a high BHBA peak again at week 34 after calving (1.68 ± 0.21 mmol/L). The genetic composition of the cows affects NEFA and BHBA. Simmental and R1-Sim cows mobilize fewer body reserves after calving. Therefore, dairy cows with higher degrees of Simmental origin might be more sustainable in comparison with Holstein genetics in the present study.

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The Capacity of Holstein-Friesian and Simmental Cows to Correct a Negative Energy Balance in Relation to Their Performance Parameters, Course of Lactation, and Selected Milk Components

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11061674 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1674

Author(s):

Ilona Strączek ◽

Krzysztof Młynek ◽

Agata Danielewicz

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acid ◽

Energy Balance ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Negative Energy ◽

Negative Energy Balance ◽

Holstein Friesian ◽

Condition Score ◽

Peak Lactation

A significant factor in improving the performance of dairy cows is their physiological ability to correct a negative energy balance (NEB). This study, using Simmental (SIM) and Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows, aimed to assess changes in NEB (non-esterified fatty acid; body condition score; and C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1) and its effect on the metabolic efficiency of the liver (β-hydroxybutyrate and urea). The effects of NEB on daily yield, production at peak lactation and its duration, and changes in selected milk components were assessed during complete lactation. Up to peak lactation, the loss of the body condition score was similar in both breeds. Subsequently, SIM cows more efficiently restored their BCS. HF cows reached peak lactation faster and with a higher milk yield, but they were less able to correct NEB. During lactation, their non-esterified fatty acid, β-hydroxybutyrate, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, and urea levels were persistently higher, which may indicate less efficient liver function during NEB. The dynamics of NEB were linked to levels of leptin, which has anorectic effects. Its content was usually higher in HF cows and during intensive lactogenesis. An effective response to NEB may be exploited to improve the production and nutritional properties of milk. In the long term, it may extend dairy cows’ productive life and increase lifetime yield.

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Glycogenic induction of thyroid hormone conversion and leptin system activation in the liver of postpartum dairy cows

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica ◽

10.1556/avet.57.2009.1.14 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 57 (1) ◽

pp. 139-146

Author(s):

Andrea Győrffy ◽

Mónika Keresztes ◽

Vera Faigl ◽

Vilmos Frenyó ◽

Margit Kulcsár ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Thyroid Hormone ◽

Energy Balance ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Energy Homeostasis ◽

Leptin Receptor ◽

Energy Content ◽

Short Form ◽

Negative Energy ◽

Type I ◽

Leptin System

In the regulation of energy metabolism, the liver plays an important role in the reinforcement of energy production. In periparturient cows the energy homeostasis turns into a negative energy balance that may shift the physiological regulation of energy balance towards pathological processes. Propylene glycol (PG), as a complementary source of energy used in the nutrition of dairy cows, alters systemic thyroid hormone economy; however, the exact mechanism through which highly glycogenic feed supplements impact liver metabolism is little known. Previous studies showed that only leptin receptors are expressed in the liver of cows, and now we report that leptin mRNA is expressed in the liver of cows as well. The present results show that the mRNA of leptin and its receptors are differentially modulated by the increased energy content of the feed consumed. Simultaneous changes in hepatic type I deiodinase activity suggest that hepatic modulation of the leptin system by PG supplementation may be mediated by an increased local thyroxine-triiodothyronine conversion. Since PG supplementation with simultaneous T4–T3 turnover and increased hepatic leptin- and short-form leptin receptor mRNA were not associated with a significant change in hepatic total lipid levels, it is suggested that the leptin system, directly or indirectly modulated by thyroid hormones, may represent a local defence mechanism to prevent fatty liver formation.

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