能量平衡对围产期奶牛泌乳和干物质摄入量及机体代谢的影响

为了阐明不同能量平衡状况的围产期奶牛泌乳量、干物质摄入的变化及其机体代谢调节作用。在某一集约化牛场选取胎次、年龄相近的奶牛,分为高血糖组(H)和低血糖组(L),每组各15头。在产前21、14、7d和分娩当天,产后7、14、21d,分别记录奶牛围产期干物质摄入量(DMI)、泌乳量(MY),并测定血浆血糖(Glu)、游离脂肪酸(NEFA)、β-羟丁酸(BHBA)、胰岛素(Ins)、胰高血糖素(Gn)、瘦蛋白(Lp)、皮质醇(Cor)的浓度。结果显示,试验奶牛产后泌乳量和干物质摄入量均增加,但是产后能量负平衡发生率高于产前,产后21d达最高;两组产后血浆Glu水平均降低,血浆NEFA和BHBA升高,L组血浆NEFA和BH-BA水平高于H组(P0.05);H组血浆Ins与Lp水平高于L组(P0.05),血浆Gn与Cor水平低于L组(P0.05)。围产期不同能量平衡状态的奶牛机体能量代谢发生了各自适应性的变化。血浆低水平Ins、Lp和高水平Cor在缓解能量负平衡方面发挥了重要作用。     

Effects of forage-to-concentrate ratio in prepartum diet on the dry matter intake and milk yield of periparturient cows during hot weather

The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of prepartum diets on dry matter intake (DMI) around parturition and on milk production in early lactation during a hot summer. Nine cows due to calve in July or August were assigned to two groups and fed either control (group C; four cows) or high‐concentrate (group H; five cows) diets to meet 110% of their energy requirements from 18 days before the expected calving date to parturition. The proportion of concentrate in the control diet was 35%, and that in the high‐concentrate diet was 45%. For 21 days after parturition, all cows were fed the same diets for lactation ad libitum. The DMI of cows in group H almost met their energy requirements. In group C, the DMI was decreased relative to group H and the concentration of plasma non‐esterified fatty acids was significantly higher (P < 0.05) before parturition. Therefore, the cows in group C were thought to be energy deficient before parturition. After parturition, there were no significant differences in DMI between the two groups. The milk yield of cows in group H tended to be higher than that of cows in group C at 21 days after parturition. Milk protein yield was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in group H 21 days after parturition relative to group C. There were no significant differences in milk composition between the two groups.     

Changes in walking parameters of milking cows after hoof trimming

We examined the walking parameters of milking cows in relation to hoof trimming. The hooves of eight Holstein cows were trimmed. Two days before and after the hoof trimming, walking behavior, limb angles, back posture and vertical movement of the back while walking were measured. Walking rate (1.27 vs 0.87 m/s; P = 0.003), step length (1.46 vs 1.33 m; P = 0.009) and stepping rate (0.78 vs 0.65 steps/s; P = 0.046) were found to increase significantly after hoof trimming. Limb angles at the start and end of the support phase changed significantly after hoof trimming, thus indicating an improvement in the ‘on tiptoe’ appearance. The parameters relating to backline indicated that the marked arched shape of the back diminished after hoof trimming. Before hoof trimming, the positions of the withers varied widely and irregularly while walking; however, it changed after hoof trimming as the sinusoid curve and the range of vertical movement of withers decreased significantly. Overall, it has been quantitatively indicated that walking characteristics are improved after hoof trimming. The parameters used in the present study are expected to be useful for monitoring the walking characteristics of cows.     

Effects of calcium intake and parity on plasma minerals and bone turnover around parturition

Eight pregnant heifers (primiparous cows) and seven pregnant cows in their second, third and forth pregnancies (multiparous cows) were assigned to two groups and fed either a low calcium (Ca) diet (Ca, 0.46%) or a high Ca diet (Ca, 0.86%) ad libitum from 3 weeks before the expected calving date to 3 days after parturition. All cows were examined for a change in dry matter intake (DMI), plasma minerals and bone turnover around parturition. The dietary Ca level did not affect the DMI in both primiparous and multiparous cows. The DMI of primiparous cows was significantly lower than that of multiparous cows (P < 0.05) in both the low and high dietary Ca groups. The dietary Ca level did not affect the concentrations of plasma Ca, phosphorus, magnesium and parathyroid hormone throughout the experimental period. Plasma phosphorus in primiparous cows was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of multiparous cows around parturition. Plasma Ca and magnesium tended to be higher (P < 0.10) in primiparous cows. The dietary Ca level did not affect the plasma osteocalcin (OC) level measured as bone formation or the urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) excretion measured as bone resorption before parturition in both primiparous and multiparous cows. After parturition, the plasma OC level was lower than it was before parturition in multiparous cows fed a low Ca diet, and in primiparous cows. There were no significant differences in urinary DPD excretion between each group before and after parturition. Both the plasma OC level and urinary DPD excretion of primiparous cows were significantly higher than those of multiparous cows in both the low and high dietary Ca groups.     

Prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone changes in paretic and nonparetic cows during the periparturient period

We studied the relationship of serum prolactin, estradiol-17 beta, and progesterone concentrations to plasma calcium, phosphorus, and free hydroxyproline concentrations, as well as to dry matter intake, in 14 aged dairy cows (mean of 4.5 parities), 7 of which became paretic, from 28 days before to 4 days after calving. Plasma calcium and phosphorus concentrations and dry matter intake decreased more at parturition in paretic cows than in nonparetic cows. Prolactin concentrations were not different between paretic and nonparetic cows, but were variable. Concentrations of estradiol were higher in paretic cows from 15 to 5 days before parturition, whereas hydroxyproline concentration was lower in paretic cows on days 10 through 3 before parturition. Progesterone concentration was lower in paretic cows and decreased earlier at parturition, compared with that in nonparetic cows. The findings suggested that high estradiol concentrations in late pregnancy inhibit bone resorption and predispose aged cows to parturient paresis. The earlier decrease in progesterone concentration at parturition and lower concentrations throughout late pregnancy might have contributed to the greater inappetence in paretic cows at parturition. The importance of prolactin in the pathogenesis of parturient paresis is not clear.     

The effect of clover silage treated with acrylic acid on selected indicators of metabolism in cows around the time of parturition and the status of their calves]

A trial was conducted with 16 cows divided into control and test group (eight cows in either); since day 57.6 +/- 21.1 before parturition, test cows were given feed rations for 107 days which contained 16.0 kg clover-grass silage a day, treated with 3 l acrylic acid per t ensiled matter. Control group of cows was administered feed rations containing silage treated with 4 l formic acid per 1 t ensiled matter from day 55.5 +/- 21.9. In the blood (plasma) of test cows the alkaline phosphatase activity was increasing gradually, in the time after parturition a tendency of lower glucose (P 0.05 to 0.01), thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentrations was observed, and the phagocytal activity of leucocytes and its index decreased. The levels of ketone bodies and aspartate aminotransferase activity were found to be higher. In this period in urine the pH value and net acid-base output were lower, while the inorganic phosphorus concentration was higher. No difference were observed in colostrum density, liveweight of born calves and in the target metabolic parameters in the blood (plasma) of calves. In the 30-day period of investigation the cows of test group gave an average daily milk yield lower by 1.5 l (in comparison with control cows). The residues of acrylic acid (method sensitivity of 1.0 mg acrylic acid in 1 l sample) were not detected in their colostrum and milk.     

Comparison of Productive Performance and Serum Biochemical Indices of Primiparous and Multiparous Dairy Cows During the Perinatal Period

In order to study the differences of productive performances and serum biochemical indices between primiparous and mulitiparous dairy cows during the perinatal period, ten primiparous and ten multiparous healthy dairy cows were selected and were fed the same total mixed ration.Blood samples were collected from the caudal vein before the morning feeding on -7, -4, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 4, 7 and 14 d after parturition, and serum glucose, triglyceride and calcium concentrations were determined. Milk yields were recorded every day from 11 to 40 days after parturition. Milk samples were collected from each experimental cow on 30th day after parturition and milk compositions and somatic cell counts were determined. The results indicated that no significant difference was observed in serum triglyceride, milk fat, milk protein, milk lactose and milk dry matter between primiparous and multiparous dairy cows (P>0.05). Mutiparous cows had greater daily milk yield and higher milk somatic cell count than primiparous cows (P<0.05). Primiparous cows had significant higher serum glucose level on -4, 2 and 4 d after parturition (P<0.05), but significant lower serum glucose level on calving date (P<0.05) when compared with multiparous cows. Higher serum calcium concentrations were found on -2, -1 and 2 d after parturition in primiparous cows than multiparous cows (P<0.05).     

头胎与经产奶牛围产期生产性能和血清生化指标的比较

为比较头胎奶牛与经产奶牛在围产阶段生产性能和血清生化指标的差异,本研究选取临床健康的头胎和经产奶牛各10头,在同等条件下饲喂全混合日粮,于预产期前7、4、2、1 d及产后0、1、2、4、7、14 d晨喂前尾静脉采血并分离血清,测定血糖、甘油三酯和血钙浓度,产后11~40 d记录产奶量,于产后第30天采集乳样,测定乳成分和体细胞数。结果显示,头胎奶牛与经产奶牛血清甘油三酯、乳脂、乳蛋白、乳糖和乳干物质等指标均无显著差异（P>0.05）;经产牛产后日均产奶量和乳体细胞数均显著高于头胎牛（P<0.05）;在分娩前第4天和分娩后第2、4天时,头胎牛血糖浓度显著高于经产牛（P<0.05）,但在分娩时,头胎牛血糖浓度显著低于经产牛（P<0.05）;头胎牛在产前第1、2天、分娩当天及产后第2天的血钙水平显著高于经产牛（P<0.05）。     

Stability of plasma metabolites and hormones in parturient dairy cows

Metabolic changes that accompany the transition from parturition to lactation in dairy cows were studied. To measure these changes, plasma samples were obtained from 20 mature Holstein-Friesian dairy cows 10 days before through 10 days after parturition. They were analyzed for glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), lactic acid, ketone bodies, glucocorticoids, insulin, and growth hormone concentration. Lactic acid and glucocorticoids remained constant during the experiment, except for the day of parturition itself. In the prepartum period, changes were not detected in concentrations of hormones (glucocorticoids, insulin, and growth hormone), whereas, plasma metabolites began changing prior to parturition. Most evident were prepartum increased in FFA, ketones, and glucose. Postpartum plasma glucose concentration rapidly returned to prepartum concentrations. Plasma concentration of FFA and ketone bodies remained elevated for longer periods.     

过瘤胃氯化胆碱在泌乳奶牛上的应用

将14头荷斯坦奶牛完全随机分为2组,每组7头。试验组从围产前期开始至产后1个月内每天每头饲喂10 g过瘤胃氯化胆碱,测定所有供试牛产后第1个泌乳月内日均产奶量;同时分别在产前1周、产后24 h、产后1、2、3、4周共6个时间点采血,测定血清中血糖、D₃ 羟丁酸、血脂（甘油三酯、总胆固醇, 包括高密、低密、极低密）、谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶的含量。结果表明,与对照组相比,饲喂过瘤胃氯化胆碱的奶牛产后第1个月内日均产奶量比对照组提高1.7%（P>0.05）;围产期及泌乳初期血糖能维持在相对稳定的水平;D₃ 羟丁酸含量降低（P>0.05）,血脂、谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶均无显著差异（P>0.05）。因此,围产期饲喂过瘤胃氯化胆碱能缓解奶牛产后能量负平衡状态,预防酮病,帮助奶牛快速恢复健康,提前进入产奶高峰期,提高牛场经济效益。     

Effects of toe angle on hoof growth and contraction in the horse

The effects of toe angle on the growth of the unshod hooves of mature horses were measured over 126 days. The hooves of 4 horses were trimmed long in the toe and short in the heel (“LT”), with toe angles of 40° for the forelimb and 50° for the hind limb hooves; 4 others were trimmed short in the toe and long in the heel (“ST”), with toe angles of 50° for the forelimb and 55° for the hind limb hooves. Growth of the hoof wall at the toe ranged between .19 and .28 mm/day, and was slowest in the forelimb hooves trimmed ST. After 126 days, the hooves trimmed LT were 7% smaller in width than they had been at day 0. Narrowing of the hoof walls and frogs was accompanied by deformation of the angles of the walls (bending outward of their weightbearing surfaces). Frog lengths and sole areas were not affected by toe angle. Regardless of trimming method, all forelimb hooves tended to return to a toe angle of 45° between trimmings, while all hind limb hooves tended toward toe angles of 52° to 53°. The soles of all hooves were basically circular in shape, although the hooves trimmed LT tended to be skewed to the left, as viewed from above, after 126 days.     

不同能量摄入对围产期奶牛脂肪组织胰岛素受体mRNA丰度的影响

将年龄、胎次相同,年产奶量大于5000kg的围产期健康奶牛30头随机分为3组,每组10头。按照中国奶牛饲养标准(2000),低能组饲喂减少20%日粮(能量摄入80%组),对照组饲喂标准日粮(能量摄入100%组),高能组饲喂增加20%日粮(能量摄入120%组),试验从产前14天开始至产后28天结束,产后各组奶牛均饲喂标准日粮。采用半定量RTPCR方法检测了不同能量摄入对围产期奶牛脂肪组织胰岛素受体(InsR)mRNA丰度的影响。结果表明:各组脂肪InsRmRNA相对表达量从产前14天至产后28天均呈现先升高后降低的趋势,产后14天达到最大值,且产后高于产前;低能组产前InsRmRNA相对表达量低于高能组和正常组,产后1天至产后28天高于高能组和正常组,产后14天显著高于高能组(P<0.01)。可见,干乳期低能饲喂奶牛,产后脂肪InsRmRNA表达增加,提示产前适当降低能量摄入水平,有利于胰岛素抑制泌乳初期脂肪动员作用的发挥。     

干乳期能量摄入水平对围产期奶牛肝载脂蛋白B100mRNA丰度的影响

将年龄、胎次相同，年产奶量大于5000kg的围产期健康奶牛30头随机分为3组，每组10头。Ⅰ组饲喂中国奶牛饲养标准（2000）减少20％日粮（能量摄入80％组）。Ⅱ组饲喂中国奶牛饲养标准（2000）日粮（能量摄入100％组），Ⅲ组饲喂中国奶牛饲养标准（2000）增加20％日粮（能量摄入120％组）。试验从产前28d开始至产后56d结束，产后各组奶牛均饲喂标准泌乳日粮。采用内对照RT—PCR方法，检测了干乳期摄入不同能量的围产期奶牛肝脏活体组织载脂蛋白B100（apoB100）mRNA丰度。结果表明。apoB100mRNA相对表达量，产前至产后Ⅰ、Ⅲ组均呈先升高后降低的趋势，Ⅲ组产后apoB100mRNA丰度降低了61．45％，Ⅰ组呈逐渐降低的趋势，各组均在产后28d达最低值（Ⅰ组，P〈0．05；Ⅱ、Ⅲ组，P〈0．01）。产前14d至产后1d，apoB100mRNA相对表达量Ⅲ组高于Ⅰ组，Ⅰ组高于Ⅱ组，组间差异极显著（P〈0．01）；产后28d。Ⅰ组高于Ⅱ、Ⅲ组（P〈0．05）。由此可见，围产期奶牛能量摄入水平对肝脏载脂蛋白B100mRNA丰度有显著影响。     

Prepartum maternal plasma glucose concentrations and placental glucose transporter mRNA expression in cows carrying somatic cell clone fetuses

In this study, the plasma glucose concentrations of cows carrying a somatic cell clone fetus during late pregnancy and placental glucose transporter (GLUT) mRNA levels at parturition were examined. Parturition was induced using dexamethasone, prostaglandin F(2α) and estriol in cows bearing a clone (Clone) or a fetus fertilized in vivo as a control (DEX). Plasma glucose concentrations were measured in the cows (days 257 and 271 of pregnancy and at parturition) and newborn calves. Cotyledon and caruncle tissues removed just after parturition were used for mRNA extraction. Expression of mRNA was also analyzed in control cows that were induced to undergo parturition without dexamethasone (PG) or that spontaneously delivered (SP). The glucose concentrations of the Clone group were significantly low at all points examined, but those of the calves were normal. The increase in the maternal glucose concentration from day 257 to parturition was significantly lower in the Clone group. Glucose concentrations were negatively correlated with birth weight for clones (day 257; r=-0.584, day 271; r=-0.286, parturition; r=-0.549). There was no difference in mRNA levels in the cotyledons among the animals examined. In the caruncles, the Clone and PG groups showed significantly higher GLUT1 and GLUT3 mRNA levels than the SP group, and the GLUT3 mRNA level was significantly higher in the Clone group than in the DEX group. The glucocorticoid receptor α mRNA level was significantly lower in the SP group than in the DEX group. Although spontaneous parturition and administration of dexamethasone suppressed the placental GLUT mRNA levels, the action was not observed in clone pregnancy. These results raise the possibility of facilitation of glucose transportation through the placenta to meet increased nutritional requirements of overgrown clone fetuses.     

围产期健康奶牛干物质摄入水平与血浆瘦素浓度及乳产量的关系

将健康的围产期奶牛 3 0头随机均分为 3组。其中Ⅱ组为对照组、Ⅰ组和Ⅲ组分别为试验组 ;Ⅰ ,Ⅱ ,Ⅲ 3组于产前 2 8d开始分别饲喂NRC标准减少 2 0 %日粮组 (能量摄入 80 %)、NRC标准日粮组 (能量摄入 1 0 0 %)、NRC标准增加 2 0 %日粮组 (能量摄入 1 2 0 %) ,产后各组奶牛均饲喂标准日粮 ,至产后 5 6d结束 ,观察不同干物质摄入水平对奶牛血浆瘦素浓度及产奶量、体重等生产性能的影响。试验结果表明 :奶牛产后干物质摄入量、血浆瘦素浓度和产奶量为Ⅰ组高于Ⅱ组、Ⅱ组又高于Ⅲ组 ,经统计分析组间差异极显著 (P <0 .0 1 )或差异显著 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;但产前2 8～ 1 4d瘦素浓度组间差异均不显著 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,此后Ⅰ组和Ⅲ组差异显著 (P <0 .0 5 )。此外 ,Ⅰ组体重消耗最小 ,Ⅲ组体重消耗最大 ,各组间差异极显著 (P <0 .0 1 )。可见 ,围产期健康奶牛不同干物质摄入量与血浆瘦素浓度、产奶量、体重等生产性能之间存在着密切的关系     

干奶期不同能量摄入对围产期乳牛血液葡萄糖胰高血糖素和胰岛素浓度的影响

将围产期健康乳牛30头随机分为3组，分别于产前第28d开始饲喂标准日粮（能量摄入i00％组）、标准日粮增加20％的日粮（能量摄入120％组）和标准日粮减少20％的日粮（能量摄入80％组），产后备组乳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乳牛血液葡萄糖、胰高血糖素和胰岛素浓度的影响。结果表明，产前低能饲喂可以增加围产期乳牛血浆葡萄糖浓度，干奶期不同能量摄入水平对围产期健康乳牛血液葡萄糖、胰高血糖素和胰岛素浓度起重要调节作用。     

Plasma vitamin C concentration is not related to the incidence of ketosis in dairy cows during the early lactation period

Many animals including cattle can synthesize vitamin C from glucose. The objective of this study was to investigate plasma vitamin C concentration in ketotic cows during the early lactation period because glucose supply for vitamin C synthesis might be limited in these cows. We measured plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration in 118 cows within 2 months after parturition. Subclinical/clinical ketosis was quantitatively determined using a plasma BHBA threshold of 1,200 microM. Plasma glucose concentration was lower in the ketotic cows than in the control cows but plasma vitamin C concentration did not differ between the control and the ketotic cows. Then we measured plasma vitamin C, BHBA and glucose levels in 7 cows during the periparturient period. Plasma BHBA increased and plasma glucose decreased after parturition but plasma vitamin C did not change. These results indicate that plasma vitamin C is not related to the incidence of ketosis in the early lactation period. We suggest that ketotic cows have the ability to produce vitamin C to meet its requirement in the early lactation period although glucose supply is not sufficient for milk production. Vitamin C synthesis is possibly given a high metabolic-priority for glucose in lactating cows.     

Relationship between parity and mineral status in dairy cows during the periparturient period

Data from 65 cows were collected to clarify the relationship between parity and mineral status in Holstein cows during the periparturient period. Milk fever occurred in a second‐ and a fourth‐lactation cow at parturition. Bodyweight of cows decreased immediately after parturition, and the decreased weights of cows from 1 to 6 days after parturition ranged from 11 to 27 kg. Milk yield of multiparous cows was higher than that of primiparous cows, but Ca and P concentrations in colostrum were not affected by the parity. Plasma glucose of primiparous cows was higher than that of multiparous cows, and plasma nonesterified fatty acids of fourth‐and‐more‐lactation cows at parturition was highest. Plasma Ca concentration of cows at parturition decreased with advancing parity, and plasma inorganic P concentration of third‐and‐more‐lactation cows was lowest at parturition. Plasma parathyroid hormone of fourth‐and‐more‐lactation cows at parturition was highest, but plasma hydroxyproline and alkaline phosphatase was lowest. These results suggest that the large transfer of Ca and P to colostrum is a factor in the development of milk fever in third‐and‐more‐lactation cows.     

Metabolic parameters and blood leukocyte profiles in cows from herds with high or low mastitis incidence

The objective of this study was to determine whether there were differences in metabolic parameters and blood leukocyte profiles between cows in herds with high or low yearly mastitis incidence. In this study, 271 cows from 20 high yielding dairy herds were examined. According to the selection criteria, all herds had low somatic cell counts. Ten of the selected herds represented low mastitis treatment incidence (LMI) and ten herds had high mastitis treatment incidence (HMI). The farms were visited once and blood samples were taken from each cow that was in the interval from three weeks before to 15 weeks after parturition. The eosinophil count was significantly lower among cows from the HMI herds in the period from four weeks to 15 weeks after parturition. The plasma concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, insulin and urea did not differ between groups, but the concentration of nonesterified fatty acids was significantly higher among HMI cows during the period three weeks after parturition. The concentration of the amino acid tryptophan in plasma was significantly lower among the HMI cows prior to parturition. Glutamine was significantly lower in cows from HMI herds during the first three weeks after parturition. Arginine was consistently lower in HMI cows, although the decrease was only significant during the period from four to fifteen weeks after parturition. The results suggest that there were differences in the metabolism and immune status between herds with high or low yearly mastitis treatment incidence indicating an increased metabolic stress in HMI cows.     

Effects of supplemental β‐carotene on colostral immunoglobulin and plasma β‐carotene and immunoglobulin in Japanese Black cows

Data from 26 Japanese Black cows were collected to clarify the effects of supplemental β‐carotene on colostral immunoglobulin (Ig) and plasma β‐carotene and Ig in the cows. Cows were assigned to control or β‐carotene groups from 21 days before the expected calving date to 60 days after parturition. Supplemental β‐carotene was provided at 500 mg/day in the β‐carotene group. Supplemental β‐carotene drastically increased plasma β‐carotene concentrations in the cows from parturition to 60 days after parturition, and plasma β‐carotene concentrations in the control and β‐carotene groups at parturition were 202 and 452 μg/dl, respectively. Supplemental β‐carotene had no effects on plasma IgG₁, IgA or IgM concentrations at parturition. Supplemental β‐carotene increased colostral IgG₁ concentrations in the cows, but colostral β‐carotene, IgA and IgM concentrations were not affected by supplemental β‐carotene. These results indicate that supplemental β‐carotene is effective to enhance colostral IgG₁ concentrations and plasma β‐carotene concentrations in Japanese Black cows.