Managing the grazing dairy cow through the transition period: a review

2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 936 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. Kay ◽  
J. J. Loor ◽  
A. Heiser ◽  
J. McGowan ◽  
J. R. Roche
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Health Indices ◽  
Grazing Dairy Cows

The transition period of the dairy cow generally refers to the last three weeks of gestation and the first three weeks of lactation. During this period, the dairy cow faces numerous physiological challenges, requiring both homeostatic and homeorhetic changes to support the demands of lactation. Management strategies to achieve a successful transition have developed over many decades. Historically, these strategies focussed on achieving high energy intakes pre-calving in an attempt to improve post-calving metabolism; however, more recent research has indicated that this approach may not be appropriate. Physiological and molecular data have indicated that imposing a slight negative energy balance (EBAL) pre-calving can improve post-calving EBAL, metabolic health indices and milk production. It was hypothesised that the challenges of the transition period would be less in a grazing system than in an intensive confinement system, due to the lower milk production and the difference in population density and, therefore, pathogen exposure. However, the molecular and immunological responses to the change of state are similar in magnitude in a moderate-yielding pasture-fed cow and in a high-yielding cow fed a total mixed ration. The collective data point to a peripartum immunosuppression, which is affected by body condition score and feeding level. This review will outline the literature and provide an assessment of the most recent transition cow management for grazing dairy cows.

Effects of level of feeding of concentrates during early lactation on the yield and composition of milk from grazing dairy cows with varying body condition score at calving

2004 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Stockdale
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Grazed Pasture ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Grazing Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition Scores

An experiment was undertaken to establish the influence of body condition at calving on milk production and composition using diets typical of those currently used in Victoria. Seventy-two cows were fed differently from April 2001 to achieve target body condition scores (BCS) by 1 month before calving of about 4�(3.5–4.5), 5 (4.5–5.5) or 6 (5.5–6.5) units on an 8-point scale. The actual mean BCS at calving for the 3 treatments were 3.8, 5.2 and 5.7 units (P<0.05). After calving, cows grazed at pasture allowances of about 35 kg DM/cow.day and received 1 of 2 levels of supplementation (1 or 6 kg DM of pelleted concentrates per day) for about the first 10�weeks of lactation. The low BCS cows lost less body condition (0.35 v. 1.27 units; P<0.05) for a shorter period (4.8 v. 7.9 weeks; P<0.05) than did the medium and high BCS cows. The low BCS cows also ate more pasture than the other 2 BCS groups, but only when expressed as a percentage of liveweight (2.91 v. 2.73%; P<0.05). Improvements in BCS at calving resulted in higher milk fat percentages in early lactation (3.31% for low BCS cows v. 3.60% for the 2 higher BCS groups; P<0.05), while milk protein and lactose were not affected (P>0.05). At the lower level of feeding in early lactation, milk production increased (P<0.05) linearly as BCS at calving increased, by 1.0 kg milk per unit of body condition per day. However, when energy intake was increased by feeding 6 kg of concentrates, milk production increased as body condition increased (P<0.05) from the low to medium BCS, but there was no significant benefit beyond the medium BCS. Therefore, the hypothesis, that providing that cows are fed well with grazed pasture supplemented with high-energy concentrates in early lactation, BCS at calving will have no effect on subsequent milk production, was at least partially disproved, and it may be that it is never possible for cows at pasture to be sufficiently well fed.

scholarly journals Influence of post-calving supplemental protein on calf performance and reproductive efficiency for beef cows fed silage

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Charmley ◽  
J. A. Small ◽  
K. B. McRae
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
Linear Effect ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Protein Milk

Protein supplementation for winter-calving beef cows between calving and turnout to pasture was studied in two trials. Changes in cow body weight (BW) and condition and calf BW gains were recorded from calving to weaning in the fall. Reproductive performance was monitored, and in trial 2, milk production was determined. In trial 1, multiparous silage-fed cows were allocated to one of five levels of corn gluten meal (CGM): 0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 g d−1. In the second trial, cows were allocated to either restricted or ad libitum silage feeding in combination with three protein supplements: no protein, 400 g d−1 CGM or 475 g d−1 soybean meal (SBM). In trial 1, cows gained weight during supplementation, but on pasture they lost weight (linear effect, P = 0.10). Calf gains and weights at turnout and weaning showed a quadratic response to protein supplementation (P < 0.05). There was a trend toward a linear decline in days to first service with increasing levels of CGM (P < 0.10). In trial 2, cows on restricted silage feeding lost weight (P < 0.05) and body condition (P < 0.10), whereas those fed ad libitum silage gained weight and condition. On pasture, this pattern of weight change was reversed (P < 0.05). Protein supplementation did not influence BW change but tended to cause a lower body condition score at turnout (P = 0.10). Restricting silage intake to the cow did not affect calf performance, but protein supplementation increased gains both during supplementation and on pasture, thus increasing weaning weights (P < 0.05). When silage was fed ad libitum, SBM was more effective than CGM for increasing calf gain. However, when silage was restricted, CGM was more effective. Restricting silage intake did not impair milk production, but feeding CGM increased milk production (P < 0.05). For ad libitum-fed cows, protein supplementation increased pregnancy rate; restricting feed had the opposite effect. Our data suggest that protein supplementation to silage-fed beef cows in good body condition can increase calf performance; however, the level of supplementation is critical, and possible adverse effects on breeding have to be taken into account, particularly with cows in negative energy balance after calving. Key words: Beef cow, protein, milk production, calf gains, silage

Consequences for reproductive function of metabolic adaption to load

1999 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 99-112 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Prepartum feeding level and body condition score affect immunological performance in grazing dairy cows during the transition period

2016 ◽  
Vol 99 (3) ◽  
pp. 2329-2338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Lange ◽  
Allison McCarthy ◽  
Jane Kay ◽  
Susanne Meier ◽  
Caroline Walker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Feeding Level ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Grazing Dairy Cows

scholarly journals Regulation of serum leptin and its role in the hyperphagia of lactation in the rat

2003 ◽  
Vol 176 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
RG Denis ◽  
G Williams ◽  
RG Vernon
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Negative Energy Balance ◽  
Calorie Intake ◽  
Serum Leptin ◽  
Nocturnal Rise

The factors regulating serum leptin concentration and its relationship to the hyperphagia of lactation have been investigated in rats. Lactation results in hypoleptinaemia and loss, or at least marked attenuation, of the nocturnal rise in serum leptin. Litter removal resulted in a fall in food intake and restoration of the nocturnal rise in serum leptin. Returning the litter to the mother after a 48-h absence increased food intake and began to reinitiate milk production, but the nocturnal serum leptin levels were still increased at 48 h after litter restoration. Adjusting litter size to four, eight, ten or fourteen pups at parturition resulted in different rates of litter growth and food intake during the subsequent lactation, but had no effect on the degree of hypoleptinaemia. Reducing litter size from ten to four pups at mid-lactation resulted in a transient increase in both serum leptin and pup growth rate, while food intake fell to a level found in rats suckling four pups throughout lactation. Reducing milk production by injection of bromocriptine increased serum leptin, but did not restore the nocturnal rise in serum leptin; food intake decreased, but remained much higher than in non-lactating rats. Feeding a varied, high-energy diet resulted in a decrease in the weight of food ingested, but no change in calorie intake, and had no effect on the hypoleptinaemia. These studies suggested that the hypoleptinaemia of lactating rats is due to negative energy balance, but the loss of the nocturnal rise in serum leptin is due to the suckling stimulus. The negative energy balance of lactation does not appear to be caused by a physical constraint on food intake. While the hypoleptinaemia should facilitate the hyperphagia of lactation, other orexigenic signals must also be involved.

scholarly journals The role of rumen-protected choline in hepatic function and performance of transition dairy cows

2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arash Shahsavari ◽  
Michael J. D’Occhio ◽  
Rafat Al Jassim
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Hepatic Function ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Liver Fat ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Negative Effects

AbstractHigh-producing dairy cows enter a period of negative energy balance during the first weeks of lactation. Energy intake is usually sufficient to cover the increase in energy requirements for fetal growth during the period before calving, but meeting the demand for energy is often difficult during the early stages of lactation. A catabolic state predominates during the transition period, leading to the mobilisation of energy reserves (NEFA and amino acids) that are utilised mainly by the liver and muscle. Increased uptake of mobilised NEFA by the liver, combined with the limited capacity of hepatocytes to either oxidise fatty acids for energy or to incorporate esterified fatty acids into VLDL results in fatty liver syndrome and ketosis. This metabolic disturbance can affect the general health, and it causes economic losses. Different nutritional strategies have been used to restrict negative effects associated with the energy challenge in transition cows. The provision of choline in the form of rumen-protected choline (RPC) can potentially improve liver function by increasing VLDL exportation from the liver. RPC increases gene expression of microsomal TAG transfer protein and APOB100 that are required for VLDL synthesis and secretion. Studies with RPC have looked at gene expression, metabolic hormones, metabolite profiles, milk production and postpartum reproduction. A reduction in liver fat and enhanced milk production has been observed with RPC supplementation. However, the effects of RPC on health and reproduction are equivocal, which could reflect the lack of sufficient dose–response studies.

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.

ДИНАМИКА КОНЦЕНТРАЦИИ ТРИГЛИЦЕРИДОВ В КРОВИ И БИОХИМИЧЕСКИЙ СТАТУС ПЕРВОТЕЛОК В ПРЕДОТЕЛЬНЫЙ ПЕРИОД И ВТОРОЙ МЕСЯЦ ЛАКТАЦИИ, СВЯЗЬ С РЕПРОДУКЦИЕЙ

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
V.B. LEJBOVA ◽  
S.V. TIMOFEEVA
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Sharp Decrease ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
The Body ◽  
Sharp Drop ◽  
Holstein Breed ◽  
Reproductive Ability ◽  
Service Period

Поступление питательных веществ из корма не покрывает возрастающие потребности организма в переходный период, в результате чего формируется состояние отрицательного энергетического баланса, для компенсации которого используются внутренние резервы организма и, в первую очередь, запасы липидов. Особенно актуальна эта проблема для новотельных первотёлок, испытывающих повышенную потребность в питательных веществах и энергии для завершения собственного роста. В нашей работе была изучена связь биохимического статуса у животных с разной динамикой триглицеридов крови перед первым отелом и на 2й мес лактации и показателями воспроизводства и молочной продуктивности. Объектом исследования служили 14 коров (нетелей) голштинской породы. В сыворотке крови, которую отбирали за 715 дней до и 4552 дня после отела, определяли содержание триглицеридов, холестерина, глюкозы, общего белка, альбумина, мочевины, а также активность ферментов. В конце 2го мес лактации параллельно с отбором проб крови определяли кондиции тела. В качестве показателей репродуктивной способности использовали интервал от отела до первого осеменения и продолжительность сервиспериода, молочную продуктивность оценивали по величине удоя за первые 100 дней лактации. Коровы разделились на 2 группы по интенсивности падения концентрации триглицеридов в крови в изучаемый период. В I группу (n7) вошли животные, у которых содержание триглицеридов резко снизилось с 0,2960,025 до 0,1160,008 ммоль/л. У животных II группы (n7) отмечено плавное снижение концентрации триглицеридов (менее чем в 2 раза). Установлено, что у первотелок с плавным снижением концентрации триглицеридов в крови сервиспериод был короче по сравнению с животными, показавшими резкое падение триглицеридов. При одинаковых условиях кормления и содержания животные обладают разной адаптационной способностью к метаболическим изменениям переходного периода, что обусловливает изменение репродуктивной функции у коров сходной молочной продуктивности.During the transition period, the amount of nutrients obtained from the feed does not cover the needs of the body. As a result, a negative energy balance is formed. To compensate for it, the body uses internal reserves, primarily lipids. This problem is particularly relevant for heifers in need of energy and nutrition to complete growth. The aim of this work was investigation the relationship of biochemical status of cows with different dynamics of blood triglycerides and indicators of reproduction and milk production before the first calving and on the 2nd month of lactation. Iin experience were study 14 cows (heifers) of Holstein breed. Blood for biochemical analysis were collected for 715 days before calving and 45 to 52 days after calving. We estimated concentration of triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, and enzyme activity. Body condition (BCS) was also determined at the end of the 2nd month of lactation. The interval from calving to the first insemination and the duration of the service period were used as indicators of reproductive ability. Milk productivity was estimated by the value of milk yield for the first 100 days of lactation. The cows were divided into 2 groups. 1 group (n7) animals with a sharp decrease of the content of triglycerides from 50,2960,025 to 0,1160,008 mmol/l (G1), 2 group (n8) with a smooth decline of the content of triglycerides (G2). It was found that heifers with a smooth decrease of the triglycerides concentration in the blood (G2) have a short service period compared to animals with a sharp drop in triglycerides (G1). Thus, animals have different adaptive capacity for metabolic changes in the transition period under the same conditions of feeding and maintenance, this fact determines a change in reproductive function in cows with the same milk production.

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