Adipose tissue angiopoietin-like protein 4 messenger RNA changes with altered energy balance in lactating Holstein cows

Negative energy balance at the onset of lactation is unfavorably associated with fitness traits in high-producing dairy cows. Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is an adipokine that has been associated with the regulation of lipid metabolism through the inhibition of lipoprotein lipase activity and regulation of lipolysis. Expression of ANGPTL4 messenger RNA (mRNA) increases during early lactation, but its regulation with changing energy status is currently unknown. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to determine whether ANGPTL4 mRNA abundance is responsive to declining energy balance induced by the transition from pregnancy to lactation, feed restriction, and GH administration in lactating dairy cows. The mRNA abundance of leptin, adiponectin, and adiponectin receptor 2 were also measured to compare adipokine mRNA profiles during changes in energy metabolism. Repeated adipose tissue biopsies were taken from different cows during transition from late pregnancy to lactation (n = 26), feed restriction (n = 19), and GH administration (n = 20). As expected, milk yield increased with the onset of lactation and GH administration (P < 0.01) but declined during feed restriction. Energy balance declined in each experiment, resulting in negative energy balance at the onset of lactation and after feed restriction. Abundance of ANGPTL4 mRNA expression increased 2- to 6-fold with declining energy balance in each experiment. Leptin mRNA declined with feed restriction, and adiponectin mRNA decreased with the onset of lactation. The consistency and magnitude of the increase in ANGPTL4 mRNA across multiple models of altered energy balance identifies it as an adipokine that is uniquely responsive to changes in energy balance in the lactating dairy cow.     

Evaluation of energy requirements of beef cows during early lactationEvaluation des besoins énergétiques des vaches allaintantes au début de lactationBestimmung des energiebedarfs von fleischrindern im frühen laktionsstadium

Two feeding trials were carried out to evaluate the energy requirements of beef cows during early lactation. Samples of thirty and thirty-four suckled cows were used from the 4th to approximately the 14th week of lactation. Levels of feeding were 80–85% (L), 100% (M) and 115–120% (H) of the theoretical energy requirements of dairy cows with the same milk production. Each cow was fed the same restricted diet in the pre- and post-experimental periods for measurements of liveweight changes. The rations consisted of 85% hay and 15% concentrate mixture. The digestibility of the diets was measured for dairy cows in late lactation.The reduced level of feeding decreased milk production and increased liveweight loss significantly (P < 0.05) from H to L treatments in the second experiment. Linear regression of daily liveweight gain on calculated daily energy balance was highly significant (P < 0.001). Cows with a zero energy-balance (calculated) had a significant weight loss of 123 g per day. No change in liveweight was obtained with a metabolizable energy intake 16.2 MJ above the theoretical energy requirement. Lack of information on the energy content of suckled milk and on changes in body composition could, at least partly, explain these results.     

GH secretory responses to ghrelin and GHRH in growing and lactating dairy cattle

Release of growth hormone (GH) is known to be regulated mainly by GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin (SRIF) secreted from the hypothalamus. A novel peripheral release-regulating hormone, ghrelin, was recently identified. In this study, differences of the GH secretory response to ghrelin and GHRH in growing and lactating dairy cattle were investigated and an alteration of plasma ghrelin levels was observed. The same amounts of ghrelin and GHRH (0.3 nmol/kg) were intravenously injected to suckling and weanling calves, early and mid-lactating cows and non-lactating cows. Plasma ghrelin levels were also determined in dairy cattle in various physiological conditions. The peak values of ghrelin-induced GH secretion were increased in early lactating cows compared to those in non-lactating cows. The relative responsiveness of GH secretion to ghrelin was also increased compared with that to GHRH in early lactating cows. GH secretory responses to GHRH were blunted in mature cows with and without lactation. Conversely, GHRH-induced GH secretory response was greater than that to ghrelin in calves, and also greater in calves than in mature cows. Plasma ghrelin concentrations were elevated in early lactating cows compared to those in non-lactating cows. Plasma GH concentrations were higher in suckling calves and early lactating cows compared with those in non-lactating cows. These results suggest that GHRH is an effective inducer of GH release in growing calves, and that the relative importance of ghrelin in contributing to the rise in plasma GH increases in early lactating cows.     

泌乳盛期和泌乳后期奶牛的采食行为和日粮营养物质表观消化率的对比分析

试验旨在研究不同泌乳阶段奶牛饲喂相同日粮对采食行为和日粮营养物质表观消化率的影响。选择体重、胎次相近的8头健康泌乳牛,其中4头处于泌乳盛期(泌乳盛期组),4头处于泌乳后期(泌乳后期组),2组奶牛饲喂相同日粮,预试期15 d,正试期15 d。结果表明:泌乳盛期组奶牛每天干物质采食量(24.0 kg)高于泌乳后期组(P<0.01),泌乳盛期组奶牛每千克干物质的采食时间、一昼夜总反刍时间、躺卧时间均低于泌乳后期组(P<0.01),;泌乳盛期组奶牛日粮中中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维的表观消化率低于泌乳后期组(P<0.01)。由此可见,泌乳盛期奶牛采食时间极显著高于泌乳后期奶牛,泌乳盛期奶牛躺卧时间极显著少于泌乳后期。     

Allocation of feed based on individual dairy cow live weight changes: II: Effect on milk production

Based on individual cow live weight gain, feeding strategies were designed for individual feeding of dairy cows in loose-housing systems, and examined in a four-year production trial including 115 Danish Red (DR), 91 Danish Holstein (DH), and 93 Danish Jersey (DJ). The objective of the present paper was to examine the milk yield obtained in response to three feeding strategies. The interrelationship between feed intake and live weight changes is presented in a companion paper.Cows were stalled in a loose-housing system based on automatic milking, automatic recording of feed intake and automatic weighing of the cows. All cows had 3 kg of individually separately offered concentrate (ISC) in addition to a mixed ration (MR). Cows were either allowed a medium energy MR during whole lactation (strategy MR1) or a high energy MR during early lactation, which was reduced to a low energy MR either early or late (strategy MR2-E and MR2-L). The early and late changes were defined as a live weight gain after live weight minimum at 15 and 35 kg, respectively, for DR/DH and 11 and 25 kg, respectively, for DJ. When MR energy concentration was changed, cows on the MR2 strategies were offered 3 kg per day of extra concentrate. The total allowance of 6 kg ISC was stepwise reduced to 3 kg per day as live weight continued to increase until 50 and 35 kg for DR/DH and DJ, respectively.Compared to feeding the MR1 strategy, the analysis showed that feeding the MR2 strategies did not significantly affect milk yield within primiparous DR and DH or within any DJ, as total lactation feed energy intake within these groups of cows was not significantly affected by the feeding strategy. Results obtained for multiparous DH showed that it is possible to increase milk yield without reducing the milk:feed ratio, when MR2 strategies were applied compared to the MR1 strategy. Feeding high energy rations during early lactation caused a higher peak feed energy intake within multiparous cows of DH and DR, but only multiparous DH obtained higher peak ECM yield in response to higher feed energy intake in early lactation. Across breed the results suggested that cows offered the MR2-E strategy might obtain higher lactation ECM yield compared to cows offered the MR2-L strategy due to a higher ECM yield persistency obtained by cows offered the MR2-E strategy. Results on feed intake and live weight changes presented in a companion paper indicated, that cows offered the MR2 strategies obtained a lower extent of mobilization compared to cows offered the MR1 strategy, and feeding the MR2-E strategy significantly increased duration of the mobilization period, which might have increased MR2-E cows' ability to maintain a high milk production during mid lactation.     

Variation in plasma growth hormone during first parity in lactating cows

This study analyzed genetic and phenotypic variation in plasma GH during lactation in first parity dairy cows. The heritability and repeatability were examined using an algorithm for separation of basal and peak concentrations and different power transformations. Blood samples were obtained 17 times during first parity in 85 Holstein, 67 Red Dane, and 62 Jersey cows and assayed for GH. Each breed comprised 2 genetic groups; thus, a total of 6 genetic groups were defined. Across genetic groups, cows were assigned to 1 of 2 total mixed rations with a low or a normal energy concentration. The separation algorithm identified only 4.0% of the plasma GH concentrations as peaks. After excluding peak concentrations, the repeatability of GH during lactation was improved. A log-transformation was found appropriate for GH. The log-transformed GH concentrations for lactating dairy cows had a heritability ranging between 0.14 in early lactation to 0.08 in mid and late lactation. The repeatability was 0.24 in early lactation and increased to between 0.58 and 0.61 in mid and late lactation. We conclude that for GH concentrations in lactating cows that are sampled infrequently, the exclusion of peak values to obtain a basal GH concentration was not effective in clarifying phenotypic or genetic effects.     

Ketonuria in dairy cows

In 3337 dairy cows, urine was examined for ketone bodies by help of Bililabstix during the first and second phase of lactation and in the eighth to the ninth and a half month of pregnancy; at the same time needed supply of energetic nutrients in 175 summer and 308 winter feed rations was calculated. Intensity and frequency of ketonuria in lactating cows fed winter rations is significantly higher than in those fed green feeds; it decreases significantly with a phase of lactation and with milk production. On the contrary, cows in late pregnancy have higher intensity and frequency of ketonuria (32.9%) when fed green feeds than when fed winter rations (30.7%). In winter feed rations energy input was significantly lower, percentage of deficient feed rations at a relatively broader caloric-protein ratio was higher than in summer season. The highest deficits of energy and digestible nitrogen compounds were observed in cows in the first phase of lactation. Discussion concerns the causes and mechanisms of different ketonuria in groups of dairy cows in relation to deficit of energetic nutrients, caloric-protein ratio, to the level of glycaemia, non-esterified fatty acids in plasma, triglycerides of plasma and to the state of liver function.     

Use of metabolic profiles for the assessment of dietary adequacy in UK dairy herds

Between April 1999 and March 2004, metabolic profile analyses were performed on individual blood samples from 35,506 dairy cattle in the UK. Assessment of the cows' energy status by the analysis of plasma samples for beta-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and non-esterified fatty acids showed that 70.4 per cent of the cows in early lactation (10 to 20 days calved), 57.1 per cent of the cows in mid-lactation (51 to 120 days calved) and 57.7 per cent of the dry cows within 10 days of their predicted calving date had one or more energy metabolites outside the optimum range; in addition, 16 per cent of the cows in early lactation, 5.6 per cent of those in mid-lactation and 20.5 per cent of the dry cows within 10 days of their predicted calving date had a low plasma urea nitrogen concentration, indicating poor intakes of effective rumen-degradable protein. Abnormalities in the concentrations of magnesium, inorganic phosphate, copper, selenium and iodine were relatively uncommon. The transitional period, particularly in late pregnancy, was commonly identified as a constraint on productivity. Nutritional problems were most commonly associated with poor feed intakes and poor feed management, rather than with the formulation of the rations.     

Leptin, GH, PRL, Insulin and Metabolic Parameters Throughout the Dry Period and Lactation in Dairy Cows

Leptin may play a role in the endocrine-metabolic processes that guarantee the physiological course of lactation in dairy cattle. This study was aimed at determining the changes in plasma concentrations of leptin and some of the main hormones and metabolites involved in the lactogenetic process in high-yielding dairy cows throughout lactation; we also wanted to assess whether leptin secretion is subjected to seasonal influences. Blood samples were collected from 23 Italian Friesian dairy cows from the end of a lactation to the ninth month of the subsequent one; in addition, blood was sampled from 47 dairy cows in different phases of lactation during February and July. Plasma concentrations of leptin, growth hormone (GH), insulin, prolactin (PRL), glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and urea were quantified by either validated radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzymatic colorimetric methods. At the beginning of lactation, GH concentrations significantly increased, while a significant reduction occurred in leptin and insulin. This endocrine condition, such as the significant increase in NEFA plasma concentrations, is indicative of a marked lipid mobilization. In the more advanced stages of lactation, when both energy and protein balances become positive, leptin plasma concentrations increased, whereas GH and NEFA concentrations declined. During the summer months, a significant increase in leptin plasma concentrations, irrespective of the phase of lactation, was observed. Collectively, our findings suggest that, in dairy cows, leptin may represent a 'metabolic signal' of animal's status of fattening and nutritional level; in addition, leptin seems to be influenced by photoperiod and environmental temperature.     

Genetic analysis of fat‐to‐protein ratio,milk yield and somatic cell score of Holstein cows in Japan in the first three lactations by using a random regression model

We estimated the genetic parameters of fat‐to‐protein ratio (FPR) and the genetic correlations between FPR and milk yield or somatic cell score in the first three lactations in dairy cows. Data included 3 079 517 test‐day records of 201 138 Holstein cows in Japan from 2006 to 2011. Genetic parameters were estimated with a multiple‐trait random regression model in which the records within and between parities were treated as separate traits. The phenotypic values of FPR increased soon after parturition and peaked at 10 to 20 days in milk, then decreased slowly in mid‐ and late lactation. Heritability estimates for FPR yielded moderate values. Genetic correlations of FPR among parities were low in early lactation. Genetic correlations between FPR and milk yield were positive and low in early lactation, but only in the first lactation. Genetic correlations between FPR and somatic cell score were positive in early lactation and decreased to become negative in mid‐ to late lactation. By using these results for genetic evaluation it should be possible to improve energy balance in dairy cows.     

Effects of malic acid on feed intake, milk yield, milk components and metabolites in early lactation Holstein dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of malic acid (MA) on feed intake, milk yield and composition, blood metabolites and energy balance in early lactation Holstein dairy cows from 1 to 63 day in milk (DIM). Twenty-eight multiparous Holstein dairy cows, blocked by lactation number, previous 305-d mature equivalent milk production, and expected calving date, were arranged into four groups in a randomized block design. Treatments were: control (without MA), LMA, MMA and HMA with 70, 140 and 210 g malic acid per cow per day, respectively. The supplement of food grade MA (99.8% of MA) was hand-mixed into the top one-third of the daily ration. Cows were fed ad libitum a total mixed ration consisting of equal proportion of forage and concentrate. Milk yield increased (P = 0.04), but feed intake and milk components were not affected (P > 0.05) by MA supplementation. The energy balance, expressed as the difference between energy input and output, tended to be higher (P = 0.08) for MA supplemented cows during the 63-DIM period MA and supplemented cows showed a trend (P = 0.07) toward less loss of BW during the 63-day period, especially during the first 21-day of lactation. Concentrations of plasma glucose and serum insulin were higher for cows fed LMA, MMA, and HMA relative to control and linearly (P < 0.01) increased with increasing MA supplementation. Concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and urine ketones were lower for MA-supplemented cows at 7, 14 and 21 DIM of lactation and linearly (P < 0.01) decreased with increasing MA supplementation. Although feed intake was not affected, milk yield increased, MA-supplemented cows experienced higher concentrations of plasma glucose and serum insulin, lower concentrations of plasma BHBA and NEFA, and lower concentrations of urine ketones, suggesting that nutrient digestibilities and energy availability may have been improved.     

Effects of a non-starch polysaccharidase enzyme preparation from Thermomyces lanuginosus on energy and protein metabolism and milk yield of dairy cattle

Non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) form an integral part of the cell walls in plants and represent considerable available energy when degraded into absorbable mono-, di-, tri- and oligosaccharides. The ruminal microflora hydrolyses a good part of NSPs, however, recently there have been attempts to enhance the rate of utilisation by using external polysaccharidase enzymes. In the present study the effects of an enzyme preparation (Rumino-Zyme) high in xylanase activity were studied on ruminal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, parameters of energy and protein metabolism, milk yield, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body condition score of high-yielding dairy cows. A lignolytic enzyme preparation produced by the thermophilic fungus Thermomyces lanuginosus was applied in the present experiment and fed to dairy cows at 34 g/day dosage in the period between calving and the 110th day of lactation. This preparation increased VFA concentration in the rumen from about 32 days after calving and onward. Increased VFA concentration was followed by an about 5 to 10% increase in milk production and an almost 0.1% increase in butterfat production. Increased VFA concentration produced more balanced energy metabolism in the experimental cows as indicated by the lower incidence rate of hyperketonaemia, and lower acetoacetic acid and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration in the blood of the experimental cows. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity was tendentiously higher in the control group and the proportion of cows that had AST activity higher than 100 U/l was also higher in the control group. Both control and experimental cows showed balanced protein and acid-base metabolism throughout the experiment. Enhanced VFA concentration contributed to an improvement in energy balance in the experimental cows with a resultant improvement of feed intake and feed utilisation. Due to the more balanced energy metabolism postparturient body condition loss of the treated cows was reduced.     

不同能量水平对围产期奶牛脂肪动员的影响

将围产期健康奶牛30头随机分为三组,分别于产前第28d开始饲喂标准日粮(能量摄入100%组)、标准日粮增加20%日粮(能量摄入120%组)和标准日粮减少20%日粮(能量摄入80%组),产后各组奶牛均饲喂标准泌乳日粮,至产后第56d结束,观察干奶期不同能量摄入水平对围产期健康奶牛血液甘油三酯、非酯化脂肪酸和总酮体浓度的影响。实验结果表明,产前低能饲喂可以降低产后奶牛血液甘油三酯、非酯化脂肪酸和总酮体浓度。提示干乳期能量摄入水平是影响和调节产后能量平衡状态的重要因素。     

Changes in plasma ghrelin and growth hormone concentrations in mature Holstein cows and three-month-old calves

We measured changes in plasma ghrelin and GH concentrations in mature Holstein cows and 3-mo-old female Holstein calves fed at scheduled times. Our objective was to determine the characteristics of ghrelin secretion in dairy cattle and its influence on GH. Animals were fed at 0800 and 1600 for 2 wk before and during experiments. Plasma was sampled for 24 h at 2-h intervals in Exp. 1. In mature cows, plasma ghrelin concentrations decreased (P < 0.01) just after 0800 but not at the 1600 feeding. Ghrelin concentrations were lower (P < 0.01) in calves than in mature cows and they did not decrease after feeding in calves. The temporal relationship between ghrelin and GH remained unclear. In Exp. 2, plasma was sampled 2 h before and after both morning and evening feedings at 20-min intervals. Plasma ghrelin concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) 40 min after 0800 feeding and 60 min after 1600 feeding in mature cows. These results indicate that in mature cows, plasma ghrelin concentration decreased after feeding, but this decrease was not evident in 3-mo-old calves. Further studies are required to define the relationship between plasma ghrelin and GH concentrations.     

Effect of Kisspeptin on Regulation of Growth Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone in Lactating Dairy Cows

Kisspeptin (KP),a neuroendocrine regulator of reproduction,is hypothesized to be an integrator of metabolism and hormones critical to the regulation of reproduction.Lactation is associated with enhanced growth hormone (GH) responsiveness and reduced fertility.Our study was designed to determine the effects of lactation on KP-stimulated GH and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion.Five nonlactating and five lactating dairy cows were used in the study.Experiments were conducted with lactating cows at weeks 1,5 and 11 after parturition.The experimental treatments (saline and KP [ 100 and 400 pmol/kg body weight] ) were given intravenously and blood was collected and plasma was stored until later assay to determine concentrations of GH,LH,progesterone and non-esterified fatty acids.We found that neither dose of KP stimulated an increase in GH secretion.The low dose of KP increased (P ＜0.05)LH concentrations only in lactating cows.The higher dose of KP elicited an increase in circulating LH concentrations in both lactating and non-lactating cows.The lower dose of KP increased ( P ＜ 0.05 ) the area under the curve for LH only in cows during week 5 of lactation,and the area under the curve of LH following the highest dose of KP was greater ( P ＜ 0.05 ) in cows during week 5 of lactation than that for the other groups of cows.In summary,lactation status and stage of lactation did not change the sensitivity of the GH system to KP.However,an effect of stage of lactation on KP-stimulated LH secretion was detected in the dairy cows.Study of the KP system during lactation in dairy cows may provide critical insights into the mechanisms for lactation-associated changes in the reproductive axis.     

Acyl Ghrelin and Metabolic Hormones in Pregnant and Lactating Sows

Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand of the growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptor, is considered a pleiotropic regulator involved in a large array of functions, including control of energy balance, regulation of food intake and, more recently, modulation of the reproductive axis. The present study was aimed at determining the changes in plasma concentrations of acyl-ghrelin in pregnant and lactating sows, with special emphasis on the relationship with the levels of GH, leptin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture from 22 multiparous sow 30, 60 and 90 days after artificial insemination, 7 and 21 days after farrowing and at first oestrus post-weaning. Plasma concentrations of acyl-ghrelin, leptin, GH and IGF-1 were quantified by validated radioimmunoassay; NEFA were determined using a colorimetric procedure. Plasma acyl ghrelin levels were highest at 30 days of pregnancy and decreased thereafter and during lactation. At the beginning of lactation, GH, IGF-1 and NEFA concentrations significantly increased, while a significant reduction occurred in leptin. In conclusion, ghrelin concentrations in sow maternal circulation does not seem to play an important role in maintaining circulating GH levels during lactation; moreover, ghrelin is not associated with leptin, NEFA and IGF-1 levels.     

繁奶康对奶牛泌乳早期泌乳性能及血液指标的影响

选择20头荷斯坦高产牛,采用配对分组设计分为对照组和试验组,每组各10头。对照组使用原日粮,试验组产前21d每天在日粮中添加繁奶康125g,于分娩当天添加量增至300g直到试验结束,以探讨日粮添加繁奶康对奶牛泌乳早期产奶性能(产奶量及乳品质)的影响。结果表明,补充繁奶康,产奶量、乳脂校正乳产量试验组明显高于对照组(P0.05);奶牛采食量、乳脂率、乳蛋白率、乳糖率及乳干物质含量两组间差异不显著(P0.05)。血液指标谷草转氨酶、谷丙转氨酶活性两组间无显著差异(P0.05),高产奶牛补充繁奶康对泌乳早期产奶性能有较好的改善作用。     

饲料因素对奶牛生产风险的影响

分析饲料因素对奶牛生产的影响,结果表明:饲料影响奶牛的生长发育、繁殖、泌乳量及健康.根据分析结果,从饲料管理、合理日粮配方、科学饲喂制度、合理提高泌乳量等四方面提出饲料因素对奶牛生产风险的规避措施.     

An investigation into reduced milk production following dietary alteration on an Irish dairy farm

A nutritional evaluation of an Irish dairy herd indicated gross overfeeding of late lactation cows, over-conditioning of cows at parturition and a high rate of body condition loss in early lactation. Metabolisable-energy based nutritional modelling software was used to guide recommended dietary changes to prevent excessive condition gain in late lactation. Immediately following the implementation of the changes there was an unexpected reduction in performance affecting both milk yield and protein concentration. An investigation into the poor performance revealed underestimation of peak milk yield; over-estimation of maize silage quality; a large difference in the concentrate being fed compared to the concentrate recommended, and failure of the blend of concentrate ingredients to maintain the intended proportions in the in-parlour feeding system. The estimated maximum cumulative effect of these errors was to cause undersupply of energy and protein in the recommended diet of 16% and 3% respectively to cows in early lactation. Use of a net-energy nutritional model would have indicated a requirement for a higher energy supply in this case. This report highlights the challenges in obtaining accurate on-farm data for use in dairy cow nutritional models.     

Individual variability in physiological adaptation to metabolic stress during early lactation in dairy cows kept under equal conditions

This study was conducted to investigate individual metabolic and endocrine adaptation to lactation under conditions of identical housing and feeding conditions in high-yielding dairy cows. Forty-five cows were studied on a research farm under standardized but practical conditions. From wk 2 before calving until wk 14 postpartum, blood samples were collected at weekly intervals and assayed for blood chemistry and various metabolites and hormones. Body weight, BCS, and backfat thickness were also recorded weekly. Milk yield, milk composition, and feed intake and energy balance were accordingly measured during the postpartum phase. The animals were retrospectively classified according to their plasma concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB): cows in which a BHB threshold of 1 mM was exceeded at least once during the experiment were classified as BHB positive (BHB+); cows with BHB values consistently below this threshold were classified as BHB negative (BHB -). Using this classification, differences for NEFA and glucose concentrations were observed, but the mean calculated energy balance did not differ between the groups during the experimental period (-22.2 MJ of NE(1)/d +/- 4.7 for BHB+ and -18.9 MJ of NE(1)/d +/- 4.9 for BHB-). In BHB+ cows, the peripartum decrease (P < 0.05) of BW, BCS, and backfat thickness was more pronounced than in BHB- cows. Mean milk yields did not differ between groups. However, BHB+ cows had greater milk fat and lesser milk protein contents (P < 0.05), resulting in a greater (P < 0.05) fat:protein ratio than in BHB- cows. Thus, to some extent, cows were able to compensate for the negative energy balance by adjustments in performance. Milk acetone concentrations followed BHB concentrations in blood. Insulin-like growth factor-I and leptin concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in BHB- cows during the time of observation than in the BHB+ cows. Comparing the reproductive variables recorded (first increase of progesterone, first service conception rate, number of services per conception, interval from calving to first AI, interval from first AI to conception, and days open) between the 2 groups yielded no significant differences. Our findings imply that despite comparable energy balance, there is considerable individual variation of the adaptive ability of cows during early lactation based on a variety of metabolic and endocrine variables.