Peripartal calcium homoeostasis of multiparous dairy cows fed rumen‐protected rice bran or a lowered dietary cation/anion balance diet before calving

Milk fever is one of the most important metabolic diseases in dairy cattle. Reducing the dietary cation/anion balance (DCAD) with anionic salts is a common prevention strategy. However, many small European farms cannot use total mixed rations (TMR) in the close‐up period. Including anionic salts in compound feeds can result in feed refusals and moderate inclusions to preserve feed palatability results in insufficient DCAD reduction. Rumen‐protected rice bran induces the adaptation of Ca metabolism in dairy cows by a reduction of Ca intake and by a reduction of the availability of dietary Ca. In the presence of a negative control, rumen‐protected rice bran (2.8 kg/day) was compared with a lowered DCAD diet (from 269 to 4 meq/kg DM) in their effect to prevent milk fever. In a randomized block design, 45 multiparous Holstein cows joined the trial sequentially from 21 days before the expected calving date and were observed until the 8th week of lactation. Feed and nutrient intakes were recorded, and Ca, P, Mg in serum and urine, urine pH, serum NEFA and milk production in early lactation were compared. Feeding rumen‐protected rice bran before calving improved the recovery of calcaemia after calving and had a positive effect on DMI after calving. The moderately low DCAD diet did not positively influence serum Ca at calving. Calcaemia recovered even later than in control, and cows showed reduced DMI post‐calving and higher NEFA levels in the first 36 h after calving. This moderate reduction of DCAD did not provide an intermediate prevention level indicating that DCAD needs to be reduced to the recommended levels to prevent milk fever. Rumen‐protected rice bran may be a suitable feed to reduce hypocalcaemia post‐partum and can be included in pre‐calving compound feeds representing a palatable alternative to anionic salts.     

Effects of pre‐partum milking of dairy cows on calcium metabolism at start of milking and at calving

This experiment studied the effect of pre‐partal milk removal on calcium metabolism at start of milking and at calving. Nine cows of the Swedish Red breed were milked for 1–7 days pre‐partum. The average milk yield at the first milking was 4.8 l, and the average yield the last day prior to calving was 13.4 l. Five cows were used as control cows and were only milked post‐partum. Samples of plasma and urine were taken to determine the effect of pre‐partum milking and calving on levels of calcium, magnesium, parathyroid hormone and plasma C‐terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type 1‐collagen (CTx), used as a marker of bone resorption. Pre‐partum milking resulted in a decrease in plasma calcium that was evident 2 days after the first milking. Parathyroid hormone increased at the same time, and CTx started to increase from 24 h after the first milking. There were no effects on plasma magnesium or urinary output of calcium or magnesium. The first week after calving, there were no differences between pre‐partum milked cows and control cows in plasma or urine variables, or in milk yield. In conclusion, pre‐partum milking activated the calcium‐restoring mechanisms but did not improve calcium status at calving.     

Pre‐ and Post‐Partum Mild Underfeeding Influences Gene Expression in the Reproductive Tract of Cyclic Dairy Cows

Undernutrition before and after calving has a detrimental effect on the fertility of dairy cows. The effect of nutritional stress was previously reported to influence gene expression in key tissues for metabolic health and reproduction such as the liver and the genital tract early after calving, but not at breeding, that is, between 70 and 90 days post‐partum. This study investigated the effects of pre‐ and post‐partum mild underfeeding on global gene expression in the oviduct, endometrium and corpus luteum of eight multiparous Holstein cows during the early and middle phases of an induced cycle 80 days post‐partum. Four control cows received 100% of energy and protein requirements during the dry period and after calving, while four underfed received 80% of control diet. Oestrous synchronization treatment was used to induce ovulation on D80 post‐partum. Oviducts, ovaries and the anterior part of each uterine horn were recovered surgically 4, 8, 12 and 15 days after ovulation. Corpora lutea were dissected from the ovaries, and the endometrium was separated from the stroma and myometrium in each uterine horn. The oviduct segments were comprised of ampulla and isthmus. RNAs from ipsi‐ and contralateral samples were pooled on an equal weight basis. In each tissue, gene expression was assessed on a custom bovine 10K array. No differentially expressed gene (DEG) in the corpus luteum was identified between underfed and control, conversely to 293 DEGs in the oviduct vs 1 in the endometrium under a false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.10 and 1370 DEGs vs 3, respectively, under FDR < 0.15. Additionally, we used dedicated statistics (regularized canonical correlation analysis) to correlate the post‐partum patterns of six plasma metabolites and hormones related to energy metabolism measured weekly between calving and D80 with gene expression. High correlations were observed between post‐partum patterns of IGF‐1, insulin, β‐hydroxybutyrate and the expression in the oviduct of genes related to reproductive system disease, connective tissue disorders and metabolic disease. Moreover, we found special interest in the literature to retinoic acid‐related genes (e.g. FABP5/CRABP2) that might indicate abnormalities in post‐partum tissue repair mechanisms. In conclusion, this experiment highlights relationships between underfeeding and gene expression in the oviduct and endometrium after ovulation in cyclic Holstein cows. This might help to explain the effect of mild undernutrition on fertilization failure and early embryonic mortality in post‐partum dairy cows.     

Calcium homeostasis, acid–base balance, and health status in periparturient Holstein cows fed diets with low cation–anion difference

Forty multiparous Holstein dry cows on d 21 prepartum were randomly allocated to four blocks of 10 cows to examine the effects of reducing the dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) on calcium homeostasis, acid–base balance, health status, and subsequent lactation performance. The reduced DCADs (Na + K − Cl − S, mEq/kg DM) of + 150,+ 50, − 50, and − 150 were obtained by addition of anionic salts. Reducing DCAD resulted in mild metabolic acidosis as indicated by the sharp decline in urinary pH, and minor reductions in blood pH and HCO₃⁻ concentration. Greater plasma calcium concentration was observed in cows fed diets of − 50 and − 150 DCAD (P < 0.05) than those on + 50 and + 150 DCAD diets. The nadir of plasma calcium level on the day of calving was lower (P < 0.05) than the highest level on d 14 prepartum (8.33 vs. 9.30 mg/dL). Composite colostrum calcium concentration was decreased (P < 0.05) with time on d 1 relative to d 2 postpartum (0.212 vs. 0.174%), and feeding of diet − 150 DCAD induced higher (P < 0.05) composite colostrum calcium content than other three DCAD diets. No case of milk fever occurred for any diets, but feeding the two negative DCAD diets reduced (P < 0.05) retained placenta incidence compared with diet of + 150 DCAD. Dry matter intake, milk yield and compositions of fat, protein, and lactose were non-significantly affected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments. In conclusion, urinary pH is an effective indicator of extracellular fluid acid–base balance, and feeding negative DCAD in late gestation period is beneficial for dairy cows in blood calcium homeostasis and improvement of health status.     

Low potassium diets with different levels of calcium in comparison with different anionic diets fed to prepartum dairy cows: Effects on sorting behaviour,total tract digestibility,energy metabolism,oxidative status and hormonal response

This study investigated the effects of low potassium diets with different levels of Ca compared to two diets low in dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) fed prepartum as a strategy to prevent hypocalcemia on sorting behaviour, total tract digestibility, oxidative status and energy and protein metabolism of transition cows. Forty-eight pregnant dairy cows were assigned to 4 treatment groups: Low Ca, low K (LCLK), High Ca, low K (HCLK), Supplementation with anionic mineral mixture (AMS) supplementation with SoyChlor (CAS). After parturition, all animals were fed a standard postpartum diet. Data were collected until 21 DIM. Prepartum urinary pH was significantly reduced by the low DCAD diets, while postpartum Ca homeostasis was affected by the HCLK ration. Feeding AMS induced sorting against particles <1.18 mm in favour of particles >19 mm prepartum. In contrast, cows fed CAS showed an increase in selective consumption of fine particles and sorted against longer particles similar to the HCLK and LCLK groups. Postpartum sorting activity was not affected by the dietary treatments. After calving, apparent digestibility of NDF was significantly reduced in the HCLK group. Prepartum, we observed effects on serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids were higher and insulin sensitivity was lower in the AMS group. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was decreased in cows fed the CAS ration. Postpartum, we found serum protein to be decreased with the low DCAD diets while BUN was decreased in the CAS group. The low DCAD rations increased prepartum serum malondialdehyde concentrations, while postpartum total antioxidant capacity was lower in the HCLK and the AMS group. From these data, we conclude that AMS decreased prepartum intake due to compromised palatability. Intermediate protein metabolism was affected by the low DCAD diets, while parameters of oxidative stress were probably affected by acid–base balance and Ca homeostasis.     

Effects of partial replacement of barley grain with beet pulp on performance,ruminal fermentation and plasma concentration of metabolites in transition dairy cows

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of partial replacement of barley grain with beet pulp (BP) on dry matter intake (DMI), ruminal fermentation, plasma concentration of metabolites and milk yield of transition dairy cows. Twenty‐four multiparous Holstein cows [735 ± 26 kg of body weights and 3.5 ± 0.05 of body condition score (BCS)] were used in a randomized complete block design. Cows were assigned randomly on day 28 relative to expected parturition date to one of three treatments containing (i) 0% BP, (ii) 25% BP or (iii) 50% BP substituted for barley grain on a DM basis. During the pre‐partum period, DMI and energy intake were greater (P < 0.01) in cows fed the BP diet compared with cows fed the barley grain diet. During the post‐partum period, substituting BP for barley grain caused a response in DMI and energy intake, with the highest amount for the 25% BP diet and lowest for the 50% BP diet (P < 0.01). Milk yield was lowest (P < 0.01) for 50% BP diet than the other treatments. During the post‐partum period, cows fed the 50% BP diets had greater rumen pH, molar proportion of butyrate and acetate: propionate ratio (P < 0.01) in the rumen compared with cows fed the 0% BP diets. In addition, cows fed the BP diets had greater (P < 0.01) plasma β‐hydroxybutyrate and lower plasma glucose (P < 0.05) and blood urinary nitrogen (BUN) (P < 0.01) concentrations than cows fed the barley grain diets. Results showed that substituting BP for barley grain was effective in increasing DMI, but it did not have a significant effect on net energy balance during the post‐partum period. However, replacing BP for barley grain at 50% had adverse effects on DMI, milk yield and metabolic status, as indicated by key blood metabolite concentrations.     

Effect of dietary chromium supplementation on productive and reproductive performance of early lactating dairy cows under heat stress

One hundred and twenty early lactating Holstein dairy cows were assigned to investigate the effect of dietary chromium (Cr) supplementation (0 or 6 mg Cr/head/day from organic preparation) on the productive and reproductive performance as well as on some blood serum parameters under heat stress (35–40 °C). Cows received treatment from 3 weeks pre‐partum through 12 weeks post‐partum. Chromium supplemented diet had lower body weight loss and improved dry matter intake with consequent reduction in the energy balance deficits during the first period after calving when compared with the control group. Chromium supplementation increased (p < 0.05) milk yield by 6.7%, 12.3% and 16.5% at 4, 8 and 12 weeks post‐partum, respectively, whereas milk composition and milk to feed ratio were unaffected (p > 0.05) when compared with the control. Moreover, dietary Cr supplementation had no effect (p > 0.05) on blood serum glucose, calcium and phosphorus concentrations. A reduction (p < 0.05) of non‐esterified fatty acids at 1 week pre‐partum, 2 and 4 weeks post‐partum was also observed. Serum insulin concentration increased whereas cortisol concentration decreased, when compared with the control group, throughout the whole experimental period. Also Cr supplementation showed a trend towards improving reproductive performance as indicated by increased percentage of pregnant cows in the first 28 days of breeding. It could be concluded that dietary Cr supplementation at level of 6 mg/head/day may offer a potential protective management practice to lessen the effect of heat stress in dairy cattle.     

OC10A Negative Energy Balance but not Suckling Frequency (ad libitum,Twice or Once Daily) Modules Ovarian Resumption in Parda de Montaña Cattle Breed

In extensive systems, beef cows should be continuously with their calves to optimise pasture use but this practice can lengthen post‐partum interval (PPI). A study was conducted to determine the influence of suckling frequency on Parda de Montaña cow‐calf performance when cows are fed 70% energy requirements during lactation (outdoor winter conditions simulation). Thirty‐six autumn‐calving cows with similar body condition at calving (2.57) were assigned to three suckling systems [ad libitum (AL), twice (2D) or once daily (1D) for 30 min]. Blood samples were collected twice a week to analyse progesterone concentrations by RIA. Cows lost similar weight until start of mating period (day 52 post‐partum; ?0.583, –0.513, –0.520 kg/day in AL, 2D and 1D). Standard milk yield was higher in AL than the rest (8.9, 6.2, 7.0 kg; p < 0.05), which was reflected on greater calf gain (0.895, 0.752, 0.676 kg/day; p < 0.05) and larger cow weight loss within 90 days post‐partum in this treatment (–0.345, –0.188, –0.083 kg/day; p < 0.05). Suckling system did not affect either PPI (69.6, 89.1, 65.5 days) or cows cycling within 90 days post‐partum (55, 46, 58%), which may compromise the target calving interval. In Parda de Montaña breed fed moderately pre‐calving and undernourished during lactation, restricted suckling did not favour ovarian activity resumption, but post‐partum subnutrition delayed about 40 days PPI observed in similar body condition at calving and calf management (Sanz et al., 2003; Anim Reprod Sci 79: 57–69)     

Effect of supplementation of vitamin E,copper and zinc on the in vitro phagocytic activity and lymphocyte proliferation index of peripartum Sahiwal (Bos indicus) cows

To study the effect of vitamin E (VE), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) supplementation on the in vitro phagocytic activity (PA) and lymphocyte proliferation response (LPR) of blood neutrophils and lymphocytes, thirty Sahiwal pregnant cows (six in each group) in their late gestation at 30 days before the expected date of calving were selected from the NDRI experimental herd and supplemented with various micronutrients from 30 days before calving to 45 days after calving. Cows were supplemented individually with VE (1000 IU/cow/day), Cu (20 ppm/cow/day) and Zn (80 ppm/cow/day) and also with a combination of VE, Cu and Zn to study cumulative effect of all micronutrients. One group without any supplementation acted as a control. Blood neutrophils and lymphocytes were isolated and studied for their PA and LPR. Supplementation of micronutrients like VE, Cu, Zn and a combination of all these nutrients significantly (p < 0.01) increased the PA of experimental cows as compared to control (unsupplemented) cows during the pre‐partum period. During post‐partum, all the micronutrients (VE, Cu, Zn and their combination) showed a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the PA of experimental cows as compared to control cows. Of all the groups, significant (p < 0.01) and maximum PA was observed in the combination group followed by Zn‐supplemented group during both the pre‐ and post‐partum period. A significant (p < 0.01) increase in LPR of B lymphocytes was observed in combination‐supplemented group during the pre‐partum period and during both the pre‐ and post‐partum period in the Cu‐supplemented group.     

Subclinical ketosis in dairy cows: prevalence and risk factors in grazing production system

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Subclinical ketosis (SCK) between 4 and 19 days in milk (DIM) in a grazing production system and investigate the importance of potential risk factors for SCK. This cross‐sectional study was conducted in dairy cows (n = 107), which had more of two parities. The concentration of β‐hydroxybutyric (BHB) in blood was quantified through a hand‐held meter. Potential risk factors evaluated were calving interval (CI), milk yield in previous lactation, metritis, dystocia, calf sex (male), parity (≤3 vs. ≥4) and pre‐partum body condition score (BCS ≤ 3.5 vs. ≥3.75). Prevalence of SCK was 10.3% (95% CI 4.7–15) between 4 and 19 DIM. Risk factors identified were the occurrence of both metritis and pre‐partum BCS ≥ 3.75. Cows with metritis had 4.9 (95% CI 1.17–20.98) times more risk of developing SCK than cows without metritis. And the cows with pre‐partum BCS ≥ 3.75 had 5.25 (95% CI 1.32–21.11) times more risk of developing SCK than cows with pre‐partum BCS ≤ 3.5. Metritis could induce a lower feed intake and promote the development of SCK. High pre‐partum BCS could induce a greater mobilization of body reserves altering liver function and aggravating post‐partum NEB. The results are indicative of the expected prevalence of SCK in grazing production system. Factors associated could help to identify cattle at risk of SCK and improve the management of strategies to limit the effects.     

Duration of the effects of anionic salts on the acid–base status in cows fed different anionic salts only once daily

Seeing the fact that farm managers in Germany feed anionic salts to transition cows once daily, this study set out to evaluate whether the effects on the acid–base status (ABS) and calcium excretion in urine would persist throughout the entire day beyond this feeding practice. Eleven non-lactating, non-pregnant, Holstein–Friesian-cows with a rumen fistula were administered 2Eq of calcium chloride (CaCl₂/five cows) or calcium sulfate (CaSO₄/six cows) once daily for a period of 1 week. At day 7, blood and urine samples were taken every 4 h starting at 06:00 a.m. before feeding the anionic salts, and then ending at the same time the next day. Feeding anionic salts to the cows induced metabolic acidosis in both of the groups. The changes tended to be greater in CaCl₂-cows. After 12 h, the acidosis lessened and the initial values were reached after 24 h. The CaCl₂-cows, however, still showed signs of compensated metabolic acidosis. The results of the present study showed that feeding anionic salts once daily confined the risk of an interrupted effect of the anionic salts on the acid–base status as well as calcium metabolism after 12 h.     

The Effect of Lactation on Post‐Partum Uterine Involution in Holstein Dairy Cows

The objective was to examine the effect of lactation on uterine involution in post‐partum dairy cows. Holstein primiparous cows were used (n = 19, mean age: 3.9 ± 0.1 years). At calving, cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups, lactating (n = 11) or non‐lactating (i.e. dried off at calving, n = 8). Examination of the reproductive tract was carried out by ultrasonography twice weekly until week 7 post‐partum. Blood samples were collected twice weekly for the analysis of progesterone to indicate the resumption of cyclicity and metabolites indicative of energy status. Uterine involution was assessed in terms of size of the uterine horns, uterine body diameter and uterine fluid volume as assessed by the amount of non‐echogenic material measured by ultrasound and position of the uterus. Vaginal mucous score was taken on day 28 post‐partum for the assessment of uterine inflammation. Resumption of cyclicity (serum progesterone > 1 ng/ml) had occurred in both groups on average by day 21 post‐partum. Concentrations of non‐esterified fatty acids and beta‐hydroxybutyrate were higher, whereas concentrations of glucose, insulin and IGF‐1 were lower (p < 0.05) in lactating compared to non‐lactating cows. Lactating cows had a smaller mean uterine body diameter (p < 0.05) than non‐lactating cows from days 28 to 42 post‐partum (day 28: 20.2 ± 1.3 vs 24.9 ± 1.5 mm, respectively) and had a lower mean uterine fluid volume up to day 49 (p < 0.05). By day 49, there was no difference in uterine diameter (15.2 ± 1.8 vs 15.2 ± 1.6 mm) or uterine fluid volume (0.11 ± 0.38 vs 0.18 ± 0.46) between lactating and non‐lactating cows, respectively. Vaginal mucous score revealed no evidence of uterine inflammation in either group. In conclusion, while lactation induced significant alterations in metabolic status, it did not have a major effect on the rate of uterine involution as defined in this study.     

Effects of anionic salts in a pre-partum dairy ration on calcium metabolism

The effects of anionic salts in the transition diet on serum and urine calcium at calving and on peripartal health, subsequent milk production and fertility performance were studied in a well-managed, high-producing Friesland dairy herd. Over a period of a year, approximately 21 days before the expected date of calving, 28 pre-partum heifers and 44 multiparous dry cows were randomly allocated within parity to 1 of 2 transition diets, designated control and experimental anionic diets. The anionic diet contained the same quantities of the basic transition ration fed to the control group as well as a standard anionic salt mixture containing 118 g NH4Cl, 36 g (NH4)2SO4 and 68 g MgSO4 (total 222 g) per animal per day. This reduced the DCAD to -11.68 mEq/100 g dietary dry matter compared to +13.57 for the control diet. Blood and urine were randomly sampled from 7 to 8 animals within each category within 3 hours post-partum. Serum calcium (total and ionised) and creatinine, urine calcium and creatinine and the fractional clearance of calcium were assessed. Relevant clinical, milk production, and fertility data were collected. The total serum calcium (2.07 versus 1.60 mmol/l), serum ionised calcium (1.12 vs 1.02 mmol/l), urine calcium (0.92 vs 0.10 mmol/l) and the fractional clearance of calcium (1.88 vs 0.09%) were significantly higher(P <0.01) at calving for multiparous cows fed the anionic diet compared to those fed the control diet. In the primiparous cows there were no significant differences in serum calcium levels. However, the urine calcium (1.07 vs 0.43 mmol/l) and the fractional clearance of calcium was higher (1.75 vs 0.45%) in cows fed the anionic diet (P <0.05 and 0.01 respectively). These results illustrated that there were benefits, although no differences were demonstrated with respect to health, milk production or fertility. The supplementation of diets with anionic salts in the last 2-3 weeks before calving has the potential to significantly improve parturient calcium homeostasis.     

Wheat grain as a prepartal cereal choice to ease metabolic transition from gestation into lactation in Holstein cows

Wheat grain (WG) is a unique cereal rich in easily fermentable starch and low in cation–anion difference (e.g. 5.3 mEq/100 g). The controlled prepartal dietary inclusion of WG, thus, has the potential to ease adapting the rumen microbes and papillae to the high‐starch lactation diets, stimulate feed intake, reduce hypocalcaemia by reducing extracellular alkalinity and a moderate induction of bone resorption, and improve milk yield in periparturient cows. The primary objective was to determine the effects of prepartal feeding of WG compared to barley grain plus wheat bran on metabolic and productive criteria in periparturient Holstein cows. Twenty‐four dry cows and 16 pregnant heifers were blocked based on parity and projected calving date and fed a prepartal diet containing either (i) ground WG (18% on a dry matter basis) or (ii) a conventional diet with ground barley grain and wheat bran or control diet, from 28‐day prepartum until parturition. All cows were fed the control diet during 21‐day postpartum. Prepartal dietary inclusion of WG increased prepartum feed intake, elevated blood glucose and attenuated hypocalcaemia at 7‐day prepartum and 1‐day postpartum, reduced urine pH, and increased milk fat percent and yield. Blood proteins at 7‐day prepartum were higher and placenta tended to be expelled sooner in WG‐fed cows than in other cows. Treatments did not affect milk protein, changes in body condition score; total time spent eating, ruminating and chewing; blood levels of urea nitrogen, cholesterol, and phosphorous, fecal pH, and calving difficulty. Therefore, the prepartal dietary use of WG proved effective in the simultaneous improvement of calcium and energy states, and thereby, in easing the metabolic transition from gestation into lactation in Holstein cows.     

Reproductive and Metabolic Responses of Early‐lactating Dairy Cows Fed Different Dietary Protein Sources

Optimal reproduction is very closely tied with optimal nutrition, and early‐lactation diets in cows are critical to successful reproduction and monitoring is important. To evaluate the effects of different dietary protein sources on metabolic parameters and reproductive activity, a total of 36 Italian Friesian early‐lactating dairy cows were assigned for 16 weeks to three dietary treatments as follow: the control diet contained soya bean meal (SBM) as the main protein source, whereas the experimental diets contained faba bean (FB) or pea seeds (PS) as alternative protein sources. Diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Cow blood samples were collected, and plasma were analysed for metabolites, biological enzymes, β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Feeding alternative protein sources had no effects on most metabolic blood profile, except for blood cholesterol, triglycerides and urea. Results from reproductive parameters indicated that cows fed FB diet had a lower insemination index, but a shorter calving to conception period and an improved conception rate and artificial insemination outcome, when compared to cows fed SBM or PS diets. It can be concluded that replacing conventional dietary SBM with alternative protein sources, especially FB, resulted in improved reproductive performances and metabolic parameters in early‐lactating dairy cows.     

Effect of Anionic Salts on Health and Production Performance of Holstein Cows in Peripartum

This study was to determine the effect of anionic salts on health and production performance of Holstein cows during the peripartum period. Twenty-four Holstein cows during the peripartum period were selected and divided into control group and experimental group. Twelve Holstein dairy cows in control group were fed diets with original concentrate,while twelve cows in experimental group were fed diets with concentrates adding anionic salts for the last 21 days before expected calving. All animals were ad libitum fed with the same diets after calving. The results showed that urine pH maintained 5.7 to 6.9,and blood pH was decreased significantly compared to control group (P<0.05). However,the contents of plasma Ca,glucose and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in experimental group were significantly increased in 1 d after calving (P<0.05). What's more, the incidences of hypocalcemia,milk fever,retained placenta,displaced abomasum and mastitis were reduced in experimental group and the incidences of retained placenta was significantly decreased (P<0.05). No significant difference was detected in milk yield between two groups (P>0.05). In summary,supplementation of anionic salts concentrate could help to keep the health and plasma Ca homeostasis of Holstein cows.     

Metabolic parameters and their relationship to energy balance in multiparous Simmental,Brown Swiss and Holstein cows in the periparturient period as influenced by energy supply pre‐ and post‐calving

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of three energy supply (E) levels [low (L), medium (M), high (H)], both pre‐partum (PRE) and post‐partum (POST), and their interactions on metabolic parameters and energy balance (EB) in dairy cows of three breeds. In both phases, E levels applied to a total of 81 multiparous cows of breeds Simmental (SI), Brown Swiss (BS) and Holstein–Friesian (HF; n = 27 for each breed) were 75%, 100% and 125% of recommendations of the German Society of Nutrition Physiology, using a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. During the pre‐calving period, serum concentrations of non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were higher for L_PRE cows, and glucose concentrations were elevated for H_PRE cows. During the lactation period, NEFA concentrations were greatest for treatment L_POST. Mean concentrations of β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) were highest for cows of the L_POST treatment, intermediate for M_POST and lowest for H_POST. Glucose concentrations were lower for L_POST cows. SI cows had lower BHB concentrations both pre‐ and post‐calving and higher glucose concentrations during early lactation than the other breeds. BHB concentration POST was highest for BS cows. Restricted feeding PRE resulted in a better energy status of cows fed above energy requirements POST (E_PRE × E_POST interaction). HF cows had a higher EB pre‐calving, whereas SI cows had a less negative EB during early lactation, compared with the other breeds respectively. Correlations of serum NEFA, BHB and glucose concentrations with EB were strongest during the transition period. Results suggest that controlling energy intake during the dry period might be advantageous for the energy status of dairy cows after calving, whereas energy restriction in early lactation leads to metabolic stress. Evidence is provided of a clear relationship between EB and the blood metabolites NEFA and BHB, especially in the transition period.     

Influence of different calcium contents in diets supplemented with anionic salts on bone metabolism in periparturient dairy cows

At the initiation of lactation, Ca homeostatic mechanisms have to react to a tremendous increase in demand for Ca. Mobilization of Ca from bone and increased absorption from the gastrointestinal tract are required to re-establish homeostasis. It has been shown that dietary anions play an important role in the prevention of milk fever by mobilizing Ca from bone and by increasing Ca absorption in the GI tract. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of different Ca contents in diets supplemented with anionic salts on bone metabolism of dairy cows. Twenty-four holstein cows (housed inside, second to fourth lactation) without a milk fever history were divided into four groups (A, B, C, D). Each group was fed a different diet which was given from day 263 of gestation till the day of parturition. Group A and B received a low calcium diet (4 g/kg DM) whereas group C and D received a high Ca diet (8 g/kg DM). In addition group B and D received anionic salts. The DCAD was calculated with the formula: DCAD (mEq/kg DM)=(0.2 Ca2++0.16 Mg2++Na++K+)-(Cl-+0.6 S2-+0.65 P3-). Blood and urine samples were collected on days 256, 270 and 277 of gestation, on the day of parturition as well as the following 5 days and on days 9, 14 and 19 after parturition. Serum Ca, P, Mg, ICTP, OC, VITD, PTH and urinary pH were analysed. The bone resorption marker ICTP showed a significant increase after parturition in all the groups. On the contrary, the bone formation marker OC decreased after parturition in all the groups. The VITD concentrations in group D and the urinary pH in group B were significantly lower compared to the other groups (p<0.05). The Ca concentrations tended to be higher in group B around parturition than in all the other groups. No significant influence of the four different diets on all the other parameters could be shown. In conclusion, this data showed that the addition of anions and the different Ca contents had no significant influence on bone resorption and bone formation markers. This may be because of the fact that the dietary cation-anion balance was not low enough (DCAD-group A: 181 mEq/kg DM, group B: -48 mEq/kg DM, group C: 210 mEq/kg DM and group D: 28 mEq/kg DM) to induce a metabolic acidosis with all its positive effects on calcium metabolism.     

Impact of dietary plane of energy during the dry period on lipoprotein parameters in the transition period in dairy cattle

The high energy demands of dairy cows during the transition period from late gestation into early lactation can place them at an increased risk for the development of metabolic and infectious diseases. Modification of the dry period diet has been investigated as a preventive means to minimize the detrimental aspects of metabolic shifts during the transition period. Studies investigating the impact of dry period diet on lipid parameters during the transition period have largely focused on markers of lipolysis and ketogenesis. Total cholesterol declines during the periparturient period and increases in early lactation. The impact total energy in the dry period diet has on the ability of the cow to maintain total serum cholesterol, as well as its natural high‐density lipoprotein‐rich status, during this metabolically challenging window is not clear. The impact of lipoproteins on inflammation and immune function may have a clinical impact on the cow's ability to ward off production‐related diseases. In this study, we hypothesized that the provision of adequate, but not excessive, total metabolizable energy, would better allow the cow to maintain total cholesterol and a higher relative proportion of HDL throughout the transition period. Cows were allocated to one of three dry period dietary treatment groups following a randomized block design. Total serum triglycerides, cholesterol and lipoprotein fractions were measured on a weekly basis from approximately 7 weeks pre‐calving to 6 weeks post‐calving. The cows on the high energy diet maintained total serum cholesterol as compared to the cows provided a lower energy diet, but there was no significant increase in the LDL fraction of lipoproteins between diet treatment groups.     

阴离子盐对围产期奶牛健康和生产性能的影响

试验旨在研究阴离子盐对围产期奶牛产后健康和生产性能的影响。试验选取24头围产前期经产奶牛分为对照组和试验组,对照组饲喂牧场原饲料、试验组于产前21 d饲喂含阴离子盐颗粒料,产犊后统一饲喂牧场原有日粮。结果显示,试验组奶牛尿液pH值维持在5.7~6.9;与对照组相比,试验组血液pH值显著降低（P<0.05）,血钙含量、血糖水平、碱性磷酸酶活性在产后1 d显著升高（P<0.05）;试验组低血钙、产乳热、胎衣不下、真胃移位和乳房炎等疾病的发生率降低,其中胎衣不下发病率显著降低（P<0.05）;但两组间产奶量无显著差异（P>0.05）。综上所述,饲喂阴离子盐颗粒料可提高奶牛的健康状况,维持血钙平衡。