scholarly journals The Transition Period Updated: A Review of the New Insights into the Adaptation of Dairy Cows to the New Lactation

Dairy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 617-636
Author(s):  
Matteo Mezzetti ◽  
Luca Cattaneo ◽  
Matilde Maria Passamonti ◽  
Vincenzo Lopreiato ◽  
Andrea Minuti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
Immune Dysfunctions

Recent research on the transition period (TP) of dairy cows has highlighted the pivotal role of immune function in affecting the severity of metabolic challenges the animals face when approaching calving. This suggests that the immune system may play a role in the etiology of metabolic diseases occurring in early lactation. Several studies have indicated that the roots of immune dysfunctions could sink way before the “classical” TP (e.g., 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after calving), extending the time frame deemed as “risky” for the development of early lactation disorders at the period around the dry-off. Several distressing events occurring during the TP (i.e., dietary changes, heat stress) can boost the severity of pre-existing immune dysfunctions and metabolic changes that physiologically affect this phase of the lactation cycle, further increasing the likelihood of developing diseases. Based on this background, several operational and nutritional strategies could be adopted to minimize the detrimental effects of immune dysfunctions on the adaptation of dairy cows to the new lactation. A suitable environment (i.e., optimal welfare) and a balanced diet (which guarantees optimal nutrient partitioning to improve immune functions in cow and calf) are key aspects to consider when aiming to minimize TP challenges at the herd level. Furthermore, several prognostic behavioral and physiological indicators could help in identifying subjects that are more likely to undergo a “bad transition”, allowing prompt intervention through specific modulatory treatments. Recent genomic advances in understanding the linkage between metabolic disorders and the genotype of dairy cows suggest that genetic breeding programs aimed at improving dairy cows’ adaptation to the new lactation challenges (i.e., through increasing immune system efficiency or resilience against metabolic disorders) could be expected in the future. Despite these encouraging steps forward in understanding the physiological mechanisms driving metabolic responses of dairy cows during their transition to calving, it is evident that these processes still require further investigation, and that the TP—likely extended from dry-off—continues to be “the final frontier” for research in dairy sciences.

scholarly journals Intraday variation of metabolic key indicators in serum of dairy cows between week 2 antepartum and week 12 postpartum

2013 ◽  
Vol 58 (No. 8) ◽  
pp. 343-350
Author(s):  
S. Wiedemann ◽  
K. Horstmann ◽  
M. Piechotta ◽  
U. Meyer ◽  
G. Flachowsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Interindividual Variation ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Herd Health ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Beta Hydroxybutyrate ◽  
Key Indicators ◽  
The Impact

Metabolic diseases during early lactation in dairy cows can be routinely diagnosed assessing key indicators in blood. The objectives of the present study were to characterize the impact of interindividual along with intraday variation on specific metabolites and to investigate the effect of the sampling time point relative to calving. Serum samples of four high-yielding, clinically healthy, multiparous dairy cows (body weight 589 ± 27 kg) were obtained in 3-h intervals during 24-h intervals throughout the transition period and early lactation (week –2 antepartum (ap), weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 12 postpartum (pp)). The lowest intraday variation (less than 15%) as indicated by relative coefficients of variation (CV) was found for glucose, cholesterol, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Intraday variation characterized by a CV between 15 and 30% was typical of urea, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), total bilirubin, and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). The highest intraday variation (CV > 30%) was assessed for insulin. Week relative to calving had significant influence on interindividual means of BHB, NEFA, insulin, and cholesterol in blood, but did not affect the interindividual variation of all parameters investigated. No significant intraday variation patterns were found. It is concluded that the considerable intraday variation of especially BHB and NEFA has to be taken into account in herd health monitoring for estimating the proportional outcome in respect to animals exceeding thresholds for specific metabolic key parameters.  

scholarly journals Neutrophil phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity of dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 894-903
Author(s):  
Marina Žekić-Stošić ◽  
Zdenko Kanački ◽  
Dragica Stojanović ◽  
Dejan Bugarski ◽  
Miodrag Lazarević ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Respiratory Burst ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Hematological Parameters ◽  
Optimal Level ◽  
Burst Activity ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Health Production ◽  
Respiratory Burst Activity ◽  
Entire Study

Introduction: Hormonal and metabolic changes, as well as energy imbalance, can affect health, production and reproductive performance of dairy cows. In the present study, we evaluated phagocytosis and respiratory burst neutrophil activity during the transition period and early lactation and compared it with biochemical and hematological parameters in dairy cows. Methodology: Simmental cows (n = 21) were enrolled in the study. Whole blood samples were collected weekly from 3 weeks pre- calving until 6 weeks post calving. Basic metabolic and blood parameters were assessed by routine laboratory analyses, while neutrophil functions were analyzed by commercial test kits. Results: Optimal neutrophil response was observed pre and post calving. The highest value was recorded in the 6th week after calving (89.54 ± 7.61%) and being significantly higher (p < 0.01) as compared to values recorded at two and one week before and one week after calving. The percentage of activated neutrophils was high during the entire study period: from 70.80 ± 5.22% at the beginning of the study to 89.54 ± 7.61% at the end of the study. During the study period, production of Reactive Oxidative Species by neutrophils was positively correlated with β-hydroxybutyrat and non-esterified fatty acids values (0.454** and 0.423**, respectively) and calcium levels (0.164* and 0.212**, respectively). Conclusions: The most prominent changes in all parameters had no influence on phagocytic and respiratory burst activity of neutrophils. Neutrophil function is preserved at the optimal level during the transition period and early lactation in Simmental cows.

Colostrum and milk fatty acids of dairy cows as influenced by extruded linseed supplementation during the transition period

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
D E Santschi ◽  
H -R Wettstein ◽  
F Leiber ◽  
A.-K. M Witschi ◽  
M Kreuzer
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Metabolic Parameters ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Milk Fatty Acids ◽  
Carry Over

The effects of precalving fat sources on fatty acid (FA) profile of colostrum and milk and on metabolic parameters in early lactation were determined. Two fat supplements (target: 21% fat, DM basis) fed at 1.8 kg DM d-1 were compared: Control (C; containing fractionated palm oil rich in 16:0) and Linseed (L; containing extruded linseed, rich in 18:3n-3). Sixteen dry Holstein (n = 7) and Brown Swiss (n = 9) cows were assigned to four groups receiving the supplements from 5 wk pre- to 4 wk post-calving in different sequences: CC, CL, LC and LL. Treatments did not affect metabolic parameters, milk yield or composition. Linseed supplementation increased proportions of 18:0, 18:1, 18:2 and 18:3 in colostrum and milk (except 18:1 for colostrum). The highest n-3 FA proportion was observed in milk of LL cows. For most 16 and 18 FA, a fast response occurred within the first week of lactation for cows that switched treatments over calving. Carry-over to milk of 18:3 and its biohydrogenation products from linseed fed precalving was low. Pre-calving feeding strategies to favour incorporation of these FA into early lactation milk were not successful, but the reasons for this failure remain unclear.Key words: Linseed, omega-3 fatty acids, transition period, milk, colostrum, dairy cows

scholarly journals Desafíos para la salud de las vacas durante el periodo de transición. Uso de monensina

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 ◽  
pp. 7-16
Author(s):  
Estefanía Alcázar ◽  
Silvia Martínez ◽  
Josefa Madrid ◽  
Pablo Larrosa ◽  
Fuensanta Hernández
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Nutrient Balance ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Esterified Fatty Acids ◽  
Consequent Improvement ◽  
Positive Effect

El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar una revisión de los efectos derivados del uso de monensina como alternativa para afrontar con mayor éxito el periodo de transición en vacas lecheras. En las vacas de leche, la transición de la preñez al inicio de la lactación es un periodo crítico que se caracteriza por presentar una mayor incidencia de enfermedades. En este periodo, el riesgo de que se presenten trastornos metabólicos y enfermedades está relacionado con el balance energético negativo en el que se encuentra la vaca, hecho que conlleva una movilización de nutrientes desde las reservas tisulares. Una de las posibles soluciones para mejorar el balance de nutrientes durante el período de transición consiste en administrar ionóforos como la monensina que actúan modificando la población microbiana del rumen. Los efectos beneficiosos de la monensina se han asociado a la producción de precursores gluconeogénicos a nivel ruminal, lo que originaría mayor disponibilidad de glucosa y la consiguiente mejora del estatus energético. Con el uso de monensina, a nivel sanguíneo se ha observado un descenso de β-hidroxibutirato, y ácidos grasos no esterificados. También han sido atribuidos efectos beneficiosos sobre la funcionalidad hepática, la absorción de ciertos minerales, la función inmune y la excreción de metano. En definitiva, el efecto positivo de la MON sobre el balance energético y la utilización de nutrientes reduciría la movilización de reservas tisulares, minimizando el riesgo de desórdenes metabólicos, mejorando la salud y por tanto el rendimiento de la vaca lechera. The aim of this research was to carry out a review of the use of monensin in dairy cows as a choice to approach more successfully the transition period. In dairy cows, the transition for the pregnancy to the beginning of lactation is a critical period which is characterized by display a higher incidence of diseases. The risk of metabolic disorders and other diseases during this time is allied to the state of negative energy balance in which the cow is, fact that involves a mobilization of nutrients from the tissue reserves. One of the possible solutions to improve the nutrient balance during the transition period is based on dispense ionophores such as monensin who modify the microbial population of the rumen. The beneficial effects of monensin have been associated with the production of gluconeogenic precursors at the ruminal level which would lead to greater availability of glucose and the consequent improvement of the energetic status. At the blood level it has been noted a decrease of β-hydroxybutyrate and non-esterified fatty acids. Beneficial effects have also been attributed to liver function, absorption of certain minerals and immune function.In brief, the positive effect of monensin on the energy balance and the use of nutrients would reduce the mobilization of tissue reserves, playing down the risk of metabolic disorders, improving the health and therefore the performance of the dairy cow.

scholarly journals The Effect of Peroral Administration of Lactobacillus Fermentum Culture on Dairy Cows Health Indices

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-151
Author(s):  
Laima Liepa ◽  
Māra Viduža
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Liver Enzymes ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Lactobacillus Fermentum ◽  
Peroral Administration ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Experimental Animals

Abstract The culture of Lactobacillus fermentum was isolated from the biogas substrate. The aim was to evaluate the efficiency of perorally applied L. fermentum additive to prevent metabolic diseases in the early lactation period of dairy cows. The experiment was performed in the early lactation group of a herd with 240 cows. The control and experimental group each consisted of 10 clinically healthy cows with normal concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate and glucose. On day 1–5 (D1–D5), the experimental cows received orally 150 ml of L. fermentum product of 8.1x105 CFU/ml. On D1, D2, D5 and D20, the rumen fluid samples were collected from all animals in both groups with an oral-ruminal probe once per day for detection of pH and concentration of volatile fatty acids, on D1, D5 and D20 – blood samples for biochemical analyses. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: Significant changes were observed in the concentration of the liver enzymes AST and GGT. On D1, in the experimental animals AST concentration 100.5±14.0 IU/L was higher than in control cows – 51.4±5.7 IU/L (p<0.05). On D20, AST was reduced significantly only in experimental cows. On D1, GGT concentration 31.5±6.91 IU/L was higher (p<0.05) in experimental animals than in control cows – 13.6±1.53 IU/L, but on D5, GGT concentration in experimental animals was reduced to 18.4±6.41 IU/L (p<0.05), and remained until D20. Conclusion: L. fermentum culture administered orally for five days improved the blood liver enzymes in cows, and the effect lasted for two weeks.

Effect of feeding diet containing fish oil and canola oil from transition period on milk production and components of Holstein cows in early lactation

2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 ◽  
pp. 157-157
Author(s):  
T Vafa ◽  
A Naserian ◽  
A Heravi Moussavi ◽  
R Valizadeh ◽  
M Danesh Mesgaran
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Fish Oil ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Canola Oil ◽  
Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Effect Of Feeding

There are too many physiological and nutritional factors which can influence lactation performance of early lactation Holstein dairy cows. Supplemental fat sources are utilized in rations for dairy cows as a common method to increase the energy density of the diet, especially in early lactation (Juchem et al., 2007). The fat sources also have a positive effect on milk fatty acid profile. Canola seed which contains 40% fat is an excellent source of dietary fat high in unsaturated fatty acids and protein for dairy animals. Canola oil contains 51% oleic, 25% linoleic, and 14% linolenic acids. Fish oil contains relatively high concentrations fatty acids of the n-3 family. It seems that feeding a blend of different oils will have more positive productive response than individual usage of them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding diets containing fish oil and canola oil starting from transition period on milk production and composition of early lactating Holstein cows.

Immune modulation property of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC2461 (ST11) strain and impact on skin defences

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Benyacoub ◽  
N. Bosco ◽  
C. Blanchard ◽  
A. Demont ◽  
D. Philippe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Modulation ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Skin Barrier ◽  
Probiotic Strain ◽  
Skin Barrier Function ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Skin Immune System ◽  
Skin Physiology ◽  
Immune Dysfunctions

The gut intestinal tract harbours a complex microbiota. Disturbances in the microbiota composition have been associated with several immune dysfunctions such as inflammatory diseases. Specific strains of probiotics have shown to beneficially influence the composition and/or metabolic activity of the endogenous microbiota. Taking advantage of the plasticity of the immune system, the probiotic strain NCC2461 (i.e. ST11 or CNCM I-2116) supports and/or restores homeostasis in reaction to different physiopathological conditions. The potential of NCC2461 to modulate both mucosal and systemic immune functions led us to test its impact on skin physiology. Even though clear mechanisms explaining gut-skin interaction are still lacking, a set of experimental and clinical data reviewed herein have shown that NCC2461 exerts its effects beyond the gut and confers benefits at the skin level. It contributes to the reinforcement of skin barrier function, decreases skin sensitivity and modulates the skin immune system leading to the preservation of skin homeostasis.

scholarly journals Monitoring the Transition Period in Dairy Cows through 1H NMR-Based Untargeted Metabolomics

Dairy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 356-366
Author(s):  
Andrés López Radcenco ◽  
María de Lourdes Adrien ◽  
Gretel Ruprechter ◽  
Elena de Torres ◽  
Ana Meikle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
1H Nmr ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Untargeted Metabolomics ◽  
The Impact

The metabolic alterations associated with the increase in milk production make the transition period critical to the health of dairy cows, usually leading to a higher incidence of disease in periparturient animals. In this manuscript, we describe the use of NMR-based untargeted metabolomics to follow how these changes impact the serum metabolome in a group of 28 transition dairy cows with no initial clinical diseases. Principal component analysis (PCA) of serum 1H NMR data from four weeks before calving to 8 weeks after parturition allowed us to clearly identify four stages during the transition period. Pairwise comparisons using orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and univariate data analysis led to the identification of 18 metabolites that varied significantly through these stages. Species such as acetate, betaine, and creatine are observed early after calving, while other markers of metabolic stress, including acetone, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and choline, accumulate significantly at the height of milk production. Furthermore, marked variations in the levels of lactate, allantoin, alanine, and other amino acids reveal the activation of different gluconeogenic pathways following parturition. Concomitant with a return to homeostasis, a gradual normalization of the serum metabolome occurs 8 weeks after calving. Correlations of metabolite levels with dietary and metabolic adaptations based on animal parity could also be identified. Overall, these results show that NMR-based chemometric methods are ideally suited to monitor manifestations of metabolic diseases throughout the transition period and to assess the impact of nutritional management schemes on the metabolism of dairy cows.

scholarly journals Metabolic and Ruminal Fluid Markers of Dairy Cows Supplemented with a Combination of Yeast Culture and Hydrolyzed Yeast

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Tatiele Mumbach ◽  
Raquel Fraga e Silva Raimondo ◽  
Claudia Faccio Demarco ◽  
Vanessa Oliveira Freitas ◽  
Rodrigo Chaves Barcellos Grazziotin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Postpartum Period ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Negative Energy Balance ◽  
Yeast Culture ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Early Postpartum Period ◽  
Early Postpartum

Background: In order to reduce the effects of a negative energy balance, some measures have been taken into account in nutritional management during the transition period. The use of yeast, has been a good alternative used to improve the rumen metabolism and helping the adjustment of the microbiotato the new diet. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing a combination of yeast culture and hydrolyzed yeast on the metabolism of dairy cows during the transition period.Materials, Methods & Results: The experiment was conducted in a semi-extensive system, using 20 Holstein cows, divided equally into a control group (CG) and a supplemented group (SG). The SG received 28 g/animal/day of a combination of yeast culture and hydrolyzed yeast from 20 ± 2 days pre-calving until early lactation (18 ± 3 days). Serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), albumin and urea were determined at calving, and for three time points during the early postpartum period and three time points during the early lactation period. Regarding energy metabolism, prepartum concentrations of NEFA were higher than the physiological standard in both groups. However, NEFA, albumin and urea decreased during the early postpartum period in the supplemented animals and could be attributed to the yeast in enhancing ruminal microorganisms’ cellulolytic capacity, increasing fibre digestibility and starch utilization.Discussion: The increased concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) due to the mobilization of fat deposits that happens in the transition period, especially in the postpartum period reflects the cow’s adaptation to the negative energy balance (NEB). The lower concentrations of NEFA observed in the present study could be attributed to the effect of the yeast in enhancing the ruminal microorganisms’ cellulolytic capacity. The control cows had a BCS within the recommended range while the supplemented group had it close to the minimal limit proposed for this period. Thus, supplemented cows lost less BCS during the early postpartum period, had a lower BCS loss during the experimental period and had lower NEFA concentration that the CG. It was possible to observe a difference in serum albumin and urea between treatments only in the postpartum period. Besides showing no significant effect in BCS on prepartum period, control cows had a BCS within the recommended range while the supplemented group had it close to the minimal limit proposed for this period. Cows with high BCS prepartum had higher plasma NEFA before and after calving. It can be observed in the present study in both groups. However, a positive effect in prevent subclinical disorders might be attributed to YC, since the SG showed low NEFA plasma levels compared to the CG.  Thus, supplemented cows lost less BCS during the early postpartum period, had a lower BCS loss during the experimental period and had lower NEFA concentration that the CG. There is a negative correlation between BCS and NEFA in the early postpartum period and this information explains the results observed in the present study where BCS declines in the SG are followed by a NEFA increase. This is not so marked in the CG, indicating that SG supplementation can act by improving digestibility. Yeast supplementation promotes higher output energy, enhancing postpartum performance in dairy cows. Yeast supplementation showed benefits in early lactation compared to the prepartum and early postpartum periods, suggesting that supplementation has to have an adaptation period to be effective in protein synthesis. In conclusion, supplementation with a combination of yeast culture and hydrolyzed yeast to cows during the transition period can positively influence the energy and protein metabolism, reducing the collateral effects of negative energy balance.

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