不同能量摄入水平对围产期奶牛肝MTP mRNA丰度的影响

将年龄、胎次相同，年产奶量大于7000kg的围产期荷斯坦奶牛30头随机分为3组，每组10头，低能量组（Ⅰ组）按中国奶牛营养标准2000年版减少20％日粮（能量摄入80％），高能量组（Ⅱ组）则按此标准增加20％日粮（能量摄入120％），对照组（Ⅲ组）按标准日粮（能量摄入100％）饲喂，试验从产前28d到产后56d结束，分娩后各组均按标准配制相同的泌乳日粮。分别于产前28、14d及产后1、14、28、56d采取肝活体组织。应用内对照RT—PCR方法检测肝脏组织MTPmRNA丰度。结果显示，各组奶牛肝MTPmRNA丰度均呈现先升高后降低的趋势。产后均高于产前，且产后1～28d差异显著（P〈0．01或P〈0．05），而后回降，至56d趋于平稳（P〉0．05）；Ⅲ组肝MTP mRNA丰度在产后1d达到峰值，而Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组在产后14d达到最大值（P〈0．01）；Ⅱ组产后1～28d显著高于I组。产后14d显著高于Ⅲ组（P〈0．01）；Ⅲ组产后1d和28d显著高于Ⅰ组（P〈0．01或P〈0．05）。这些结果表明，围产期奶牛能量摄入水平对肝MTP mRNA丰度有显著影响。     

Effects of feeding intensity during the dry period on leukocyte and lymphocyte sub-populations, neutrophil function and health in periparturient dairy cows

The objective of this investigation was to study (1) the numbers of leukocytes, (2) the proportions of lymphocytes expressing CD4, CD8, WC1, B or IL2R and (3) neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst activity in blood around parturition in three groups of dairy cows fed different levels of a total mixed ration during the last eight weeks before calving. All cows were fed ad libitum during the first eight weeks of lactation. Serum concentration of the acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA), the milk somatic cell count (SCC) and disease incidence were also recorded. Special emphasis was given to the weeks just before and just after calving as dairy cows are known to be immune suppressed during this period. Dry period diet had only minor effects on leukocyte numbers, and did not influence neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst. In addition, no effect was observed on disease incidence or SAA concentrations. However, an increase in the proportion of B-lymphocytes and a decrease in the proportion of WC1+ T lymphocytes were observed after calving in cows fed high or low energy rations during the dry period, but not in cows fed a medium energy ration. The weeks just before and after parturition were characterised by neutrophilia, eosinopenia, lymphopenia and monocytosis, but time had no effect on neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst. The proportions of CD4+, CD8+, B+ and IL-2R+ lymphocytes increased in early lactation relative to the mid dry period. In addition, the concentration of SAA increased dramatically at calving. The results emphasise the need for more studies to clarify the complex interactions between nutrition and immunity during the peripartum period in dairy cattle.     

Effect of energy density in the diet and milking frequency on hepatic long chain fatty acid oxidation in early lactating dairy cows

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of diet energy density (high versus low) and increased milk yield, induced by increased milking frequency (two versus three times daily), on the hepatic status of triacylglycerol (TAG) and glycogen content and hepatic long chain fatty acid (LCFA) oxidation capacity in early lactation in a 2 x 2 factorial design. Forty multiparous Danish-Holstein dairy cows were used from 8 weeks before to 8 weeks after calving. Liver biopsies and blood samples were taken in weeks -2, 2, and 7 from calving. The cows fed the high energy density diet, compared with the cows fed the low energy density diet, had an 18 and 28% higher milk production and net energy intake, respectively. Milk yield was increased by 10% when the cows were milked three times compared with twice daily. Complete (CO2 production) and incomplete (ketone body production) LCFA oxidation capacity in the liver were 35 and 32% higher, respectively, and liver TAG content was 48% lower for the cows fed the high energy density diet compared with the low energy density diet. Overall there was no effect of milking frequency on liver parameters. However, a significant interaction between diet and milking frequency showed that the cows milked three times daily and fed the low energy density diet had the lowest liver LCFA oxidation (CO2 and ketone body) capacity. Furthermore, these cows had the numerically highest liver TAG content. The results for liver LCFA metabolism are discussed in relation to the plasma concentration of metabolites and insulin. In conclusion, cows in early lactation given a high energy density diet will, in general, have a lower risk of high TAG infiltration in the liver.     

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。     

干奶期不同能量摄入水平对产后奶牛生产性能的影响

将围产期健康奶牛30头随机分为3组．分别于产前28d开始饲喂NRC标准日粮（能量摄入100％组）、NRC标准增加20％日粮（能量摄入120％组）和NRC标准减少20％日粮（能量摄入80％组）．产后各组奶牛均饲喂标准日粮，至产后56d结束，观察干奶期不同能量摄入水平对产后奶牛生产性能的影响。结果表明，高能量组奶牛产后干物质采食量和产奶量均显著低于其他2组，并且体质量消耗明显。由此认为，干奶期能量摄入水平是影响和调节产后干物质摄入量、产乳量和能量平衡状态的重要因素。     

不同能量摄入水平对围产期奶牛脂肪组织Leptin mRNA和HSL mRNA表达的影响

选用围产期健康奶牛30头随机均分为3组,其中组为对照组,组和组为试验组。Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组于产前28d开始分别饲喂中国奶牛饲养标准(2000)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同一标准日粮至56 d。试验各组奶牛分别于产前28、14 d、产后1、14、28、56 d尾根部手术采取脂肪样品,采用荧光RT-PCR法对脂肪组织Leptin mRNA及HSL mRNA表达水平进行定量分析。结果表明,不同能量摄入水平显著影响脂肪组织Leptin mRNA和HSL mR-NA表达。低能饲喂明显提高了脂肪组织中Leptin mRNA表达,降低了HSL mRNA表达;高能饲喂明显降低了脂肪组织中Leptin mRNA表达,提高了HSL mRNA表达。     

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.     

Effect of energy density in the diet and milking frequency on plasma metabolites and hormones in early lactation dairy cows

The effects of energy density in the diet [low = 0.86 SFU/kg dry matter (DM) or high = 1.06 SFU/kg DM] and daily milking frequency (two or three times) in early lactation on plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones were evaluated in 40 Holstein dairy cows arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial block design. The four treatment combinations were L2, L3, H2 and H3, and the experimental period comprised the first 8 weeks of lactation. Plasma glucose, insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I concentrations were on average 8 (3.43 versus 3.19 mmol/l), 114 (41.6 versus 19.4 pmol/l) and 60% (91.9 versus 57.4 ng/ml) higher, whereas beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB), plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) and growth hormone (GH) concentrations were on average 18 (0.73 versus 0.89 mmol/l), 14 (7.18 versus 8.35 mmol/l), and 63% (1.0 versus 2.6 ng/ml) lower for cows fed diet H than for cows fed diet L. Cows milked three times daily had a 6% (3.20 versus 3.42 mmol/l) lower plasma glucose concentration and a 19% (0.88 versus 0.74 mmol/l) higher plasma concentration of BOHB compared with cows milked two times daily. Plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration was not affected by either treatment. Overall, it is concluded that increasing the daily milking frequency creates a higher metabolic imbalance in early lactation. Cows in early lactation will benefit from receiving a high energy density diet and thereby avoid a too high metabolic imbalance when mobilizing body tissue in support of milk production.     

干奶期不同能量水平对奶牛血中神经肽 Y和生长激素浓度的影响

将健康围产期奶牛30头随机分为3组．预产前28d按奶牛营养需要分别饲喂100％、120％、80％能量日粮，产后各组奶牛均饲喂标准的产奶日粮，至产后56d结束，观测干奶期不同能量摄入水平对围产期健康奶牛血中神经肽Y和生长激素浓度的影响。结果表明，干奶期低能量日粮饲喂，奶牛血中神经肽和生长激素浓度均高于其他2组，从产前14d至产后28d组间差异显著（P〈0.01；P〈0.05），提示低能量饲料饲喂干奶期奶牛，产后能量负平衡得到缓解。     

In vitro regulation of Mac-1 expression on bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes by endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor-α at different stages of lactation

The purpose of this in vitro study is to clarify some of the underlying mechanisms leading to the decreased migratory capacity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) during mastitis in dairy cows soon after calving. Surface expression of Mac-1 (CD11b, CR3) on PMN and of CD14 on monocytes was measured in early- (EL), peak- (PL), and midlactation (ML) by flow cytometric analysis. In addition, we evaluated the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha on CD11b surface expression in PMN at different stages of lactation in a whole blood model. During EL, while resting monocytes expressed diminished levels of CD14, the basal expression of CD11b on PMN was not significantly altered. The relative increase of CD11b on PMN after incubation with LPS or TNF-alpha did not significantly differ among EL, PL, or ML at any of the concentrations tested. The current findings do not support an important role for basal CD11b levels nor for a defective mobilization of CD11b by LPS and TNF-alpha in the reduced migratory capacity of PMN during EL.     

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。     

干奶期奶牛不同能量摄入对其肝脏胰岛素受体mRNA表达的影响

将健康围产期奶牛30头随机分为3组,预产前28 d分别饲喂奶牛标准日粮（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的产奶日粮,至产后56d结束,采用半定量RT-PCR方法,观测干奶期不同能量摄入水平对围产期健康奶牛肝脏胰岛素受体（IR）基因表达的影响.试验结果表明,干奶期低能饲喂奶牛,产后肝脏IR mRNA表达增加,提示低能饲喂有利于调节奶牛产后血糖平衡.     

Effect of dietary carbohydrate and monensin on expression of gluconeogenic enzymes in liver of transition dairy cows

Thirty-four multiparous Holstein cows were used in a randomized block design to evaluate the effects of feeding nonforage fiber sources (NFFS), monensin, or their combination on expression of gluconeogenic enzymes in the liver during the transition to lactation. The addition of 0 or 300 mg/d of monensin to a conventional (CONV) or NFFS prepartum diet was evaluated in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The NFFS diet was formulated by replacing 30% of the forage component of the CONV diet with cottonseed hulls and soyhulls. The CONV and NFFS basal diets were fed at dry-off and continued through parturition. Monensin was fed from -28 d relative to calving (DRTC) through parturition. At calving, all cows were placed on the same diet. Liver biopsy samples obtained at -28, -14, +1, +14, and +28 DRTC were used to determine pyruvate carboxylase (PC) and cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-C) mRNA expression. Feeding NFFS resulted in greater (P < 0.05) prepartum DMI compared with the CONV diet. There was no effect of prepartum diets on postpartum DMI or average milk production to 56 d of lactation. Expression of PC mRNA was elevated (P < 0.05) at 1 d postpartum, but there was no effect of NFFS or monensin on PC mRNA abundance. Expression of PEPCK-C mRNA at calving was increased (P < 0.05) with prepartum monensin feeding. The data indicate that feeding monensin to transition cows induces hepatic PEPCK-C mRNA expression before calving. The increased expression of hepatic PEPCK-C mRNA with monensin feeding suggests a feed-forward mechanism of metabolic control in ruminants that links molecular control of gluconeogenesis with the profile of rumen fermentation end products.     

Effect of nutrient levels during the far‐off period on postpartum productivity in dairy cows

The present study aimed to determine the effects of differing nutrient levels during the far‐off period on postpartum metabolism and milk production in lactating cows. Twenty‐six multiparous cows were assigned to three dietary treatments in the far‐off period: a low‐energy diet (L, n = 9, 80% intake of the total digestible nutrients requirement), a moderate‐energy diet (M, n = 8, 105%) and a high‐energy diet (H, n = 9, 130%). During the close‐up period, all cows were provided with 105% intake. After parturition, all cows were fed a lactation diet. The BCS recovery was slow, and low milk yield was found in the H group. In the L group, BCS recovery was favorable after parturition, and lactation persistence was increased. The L group had low rumen endotoxin activity and a high initial ovulation rate after parturition. These findings indicate that a high‐energy diet during the far‐off period has a deleterious effect on milk production. In contrast, the restricted diet in the far‐off period increased adaptability with respect to peri‐parturition metabolic changes, improved the post‐parturition nutritional state, and increased milk production. Furthermore, it suggests that the nutrient levels in the far‐off period affect rumen endotoxin activity and reproductive function after parturition.     

不同能量摄入水平对奶牛产乳性能及血液中Leptin和NPY浓度的影响研究

将30头围产期健康奶牛随机分为3组,每组均为10头,其中Ⅰ组为对照组,Ⅱ组和Ⅲ组为试验组;Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ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%能量(能量摄入120%组)和标准日粮减少20%能量(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,观察不同能量摄入水平对产后奶牛产乳性能及血液中瘦素(Leptin)和神经肽Y(NPY)浓度的影响。试验结果表明,产前饲喂低能日粮不仅提高了产后奶牛产乳性能,而且提高了产后奶牛血液中Leptin和NPY浓度。可见,奶牛不同能量摄入水平与产奶量及血液中Leptin和NPY浓度之间存在着密切的关系。     

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     

Parturition invokes changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations in Holstein dairy cows naturally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

Johne's disease (JD) is characterized by a protracted period of subclinical infection. Infected cows may remain in the subclinical state until stressors such as parturition and lactation invoke more clinical signs of disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the percentages of CD4(+), CD8(+), and gammadelta T-cells, B-cells, monocytes, as well as the expression of the activation marker, CD5, on these cell subpopulations in the peripheral blood of dairy cows naturally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) during the periparturient period. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from 3 wk pre- to 4 wk post-calving and freshly isolated or cultured for 7d. Day 7 cultures were infected with live MAP at a 10:1 MOI (bacteria to adherent PBMC), and cultures were incubated for an additional 24h. Fluorescent antibody labeling of lymphocyte subsets and monocytes was conducted and analyzed with flow cytometry. Freshly isolated PBMCs from subclinical cows expressed a greater (P<0.05) percentage of CD8(+) and gammadelta T-cells compared with clinical cows. The percentage of CD4(+) T-cells increased (P<0.08) in clinical cows as parturition approached. During the postpartum period, clinical cows had greater (P<0.05) CD4:CD8 ratios compared with subclinical and control cows. After 8d, uninfected PBMCs from clinical cows had greater (P<0.05) percentages of CD14(+) cells compared with subclinical cows. When infected with live MAP, there was no effect of infection group or parturition on cell subpopulations. In fresh PBMCs, clinical cows expressed lower percentages of CD4(+)CD5(bright) and CD8(+)CD5(bright) compared with control cows, but greater percentages of CD5(dim) cells for all lymphocyte subsets. These results suggest changes in the percentages of lymphocyte subsets, monocytes, and CD5 markers are modulated by both infection status and the periparturient period.     

不同能量摄入水平对围产期奶牛生产性能及血浆瘦素浓度影响的研究

将健康的围产期奶牛30头随机分为3组, 每组10头。其中Ⅱ组为对照组, Ⅰ组和Ⅲ组分别为试验组。Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组均于产前28d开始分别饲喂NRC标准减少20%日粮(能量摄入80%组)、NRC标准日粮(能量摄入100%组)、NRC标准增加20%日粮(能量摄入120%组), 产后各组奶牛均饲喂标准日粮, 至产后56d结束。观察妊娠后期奶牛不同能量水平对干物质摄入量、产奶量、乳成分及体重等生产性能和血浆瘦素浓度的影响。试验结果表明: 奶牛产后干物质摄入量、产奶量、乳中蛋白质、乳脂率和非固体物质为Ⅰ组高于Ⅱ组、Ⅱ组又高于Ⅲ组(P>0 05 ); 同时血浆瘦素浓度为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 01) 或差异显著(P<0 05); 但产前28~14d瘦素浓度组间差异均不显著(P>0 05 ), 此后Ⅰ组和Ⅲ组差异显著(P<0 05 )。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 01)。可见, 围产期健康奶牛不同能量水平与干物质摄入量、产奶量、乳成分、体重等生产性能及血浆瘦素浓度之间存在着密切的关系。     

Effect of reduced energy density of close-up diets on dry matter intake,lactation performance and energy balance in multiparous Holstein cows

Energy intake prepartum is critically important to health,milk performance,and profitability of dairy cows.The objective of this study was to determine the effect of reduced energy density of close-up diets on dry matter intake(DMI),lactation performance and energy balance(EB) in multiparous Holstein cows which were housed in a free-stall bam and fed for ad libitum intake.Thirty-nine dry cows were blocked and assigned randomly to three groups fed a high energy density diet[HD,n = 13;6.8 MJ of net energy for lactation(NE_L)/kg;14.0%crude protein(CP)],or a middle energy density diet(MD,n = 13;6.2 MJ NE_L/kg;14.0%CP),or a low energy density diet(LD,n = 13;5.4 MJ NE_L/kg;14.0%CP) from d 21 before expected day of calving.After parturition,all cows were fed the same lactation diet to d 70 in milk(DIM).The DMI and NE_L intake prepartum were decreased by the reduced energy density diets(P 0.05).The LD group consumed 1.3 kg/d(DM) more diet compared with HD group in the last 24 h before calving.The milk yield and the postpartum DMI were increased by the reduced energy density diet prepartum(P 0.05).The changes in BCS and BW prepartum and postpartum were not affected by prepartum diets.HD group had higher milk fat content and lower lactose content compared with LD group during the first 3 wk of lactation(P 0.05).The energy consumption for HD,MD and LD groups were 149.8%,126.2%and 101.1%of their calculated energy requirements prepartum(P 0.05),and 72.7%,73.1%and 75.2%during the first 4 wk postpartum,respectively.In conclusion,the low energy density prepartum diet was effective in controlling NE_L intake prepartum,and was beneficial in increasing DMI and milk yield,and alleviating negative EB postpartum.