Ketosis treatment and milk yield in dairy cows related to milk acetoacetate levels

Milk yield and milk acetoacetate (M-acac) were measured weekly for the first 6 weeks of lactation in 5 herds with a ketosis problem. Ketosis treatments and the corresponding ketotest score, were also recorded. The treatment rate was highest 7-16 days after calving. Most of these early cases were associated with low ketone levels in milk, whereas the treatment rate for cows with high ketone levels was highest 17-31 days after calving. Nearly half of the treated cows were low-ketone animals. They were classified as ketosis cases in the cow health card records, although probably suffering from other post partum disturbances in many instances. About 40% of the cows with high ketone levels recovered spontaneously. Reduction in milk yield associated with peak M-acac levels was transient and moderate. It was concluded that health card statistics overestimates the severity of the ketosis problem in Norway.     

Increased blood concentration of isopropanol in ketotic dairy cows and isopropanol production from acetone in the rumen

To evaluate acetone and isopropanol metabolism in bovine ketosis, the blood concentrations of isopropanol, acetone, plasma 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) and other metabolites were analyzed in 12 healthy controls and 15 ketotic dairy cows including fatty liver and inferior prognosis after laparotomy for displaced abomasum. In ruminal fluid taken from 6 ketotic cows, ruminal isopropanol and acetone were also analyzed. Ketotic cows showed higher concentrations of isopropanol, acetone, 3-HB and nonesterified fatty acid, and higher activities of aspartate transaminase and γ-glutamyl transferase than control cows. Blood samples had higher concentration of isopropanol accompanied by increased acetone. In the ketotic cows, acetone was detected not only in blood but also in ruminal fluid, while higher ruminal isopropanol did not necessarily accompany its elevation in the blood. Using 2 steers with rumen cannula, all ruminal content was emptied and then substituted with artificial saliva to evaluate the importance of ruminal microbes in isopropanol production. Under each condition of intact and emptied rumen, acetone was infused into the rumen and blood isopropanol was analyzed. The elevation in the blood isopropanol concentration after acetone infusion was markedly inhibited by the emptying. Here, increased blood concentrations of isopropanol and acetone were observed in ketotic cows, and the importance of ruminal microbes in isopropanol production was confirmed.     

Comparative proteomic analysis of livers from ketotic cows

The aim of this study was to examine molecular pathways activated in the liver of the ketotic cow to gain further understanding of the pathogenic effects of ketosis. We used two-dimensional-electrophoresis (2D-E) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF-TOF) tandem mass spectrometry to compare the liver proteomic profile between ketotic and normal cows. Thirty-eight different proteins were identified between these groups by 2D-E gel. These proteins play a role in energy metabolism, carbohydrate degradation, fatty acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, antioxidation, cell structure, nucleotide metabolism, and protein metabolism. This is the first time the majority of these proteins have been reported in cow ketosis. Possible explanations for the differential expression patterns and their relevance to the pathogenesis of ketosis in the cow are discussed. This study is the first to provide a detailed insight into protein expression patterns in the liver of the ketotic cow, and the different proteins involved in the pathogenesis of bovine ketosis.     

An association between the level of oxidative stress and the concentrations of NEFA and BHBA in the plasma of ketotic dairy cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative status in ketotic cows. We observed changes in the oxidative status and correlations between the oxidative and metabolic status in non‐ketotic (n = 10), subclinical ketotic (n = 10) and ketotic cows (n = 10). Plasma samples were analysed by standard biochemical techniques and ELISA to determine traditional metabolic parameters: triglyceride (TG), phosphonium (P), calcium (Ca), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), immune globulin (Ig), total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); energy metabolism indices: glucose, β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA); and indices of oxidative status: malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), vitamin C, vitamin E, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), catalase (CAT), xanthine oxidase (XOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC). The results of this study showed that plasma glucose levels were lower in ketotic and subclinical ketotic cows than in non‐ketotic cows; however, the plasma NEFA and BHBA concentrations were higher. In addition, significant decreases in TC, HDL and VLDL and significant increases in AST, ALT and LDH were observed in the plasma of the ketotic cows. The ketotic cows showed decreased plasma SOD, CAT, vitamin C and vitamin E, inhibited hydroxyl radical capacity and increased plasma H₂O₂ and MDA. There were positive correlations between the plasma NEFA and ALT, AST, LDH and MDA and negative correlations between the plasma NEFA and TC, HDL, VLDL, SOD, vitamin C, vitamin E, 1542280 uric acid and inhibited hydroxyl radical capacity. In addition, there were positive correlations between BHBA concentrations and ALT, AST and LDH and negative correlations between plasma BHBA concentrations and TC, HDL, VLDL, vitamin E and inhibited hydroxyl radical capacity. Overall, ketotic dairy cows experience oxidative stress, which is presumably associated with hyperketonemia and higher NEFA.     

The change of dry matter intake, milk yield and bone turnover in primiparous cows compared to multiparous cows during early lactation

Data from six primiparous and nine multiparous Holstein cows were used to clarify the difference of Ca and P mobilization between primiparous and multiparous cows during early lactation. The dry matter intake (DMI) of primiparous cows was lower (P < 0.01) than those of multiparous cows. Milk yield was lower in primiparous cows at 7, 14, 21 (P < 0.01), and 28 days (P < 0.05) after parturition. There was no significant difference in milk Ca and P concentrations between primiparous and multiparous cows. There were no significant differences in plasma Ca and P concentrations between primiparous and multiparous cows. The plasma P level at 7 days postpartum in primiparous cows was lower (P < 0.05) than 28 days postpartum. The concentration of plasma osteocalcin (OC) measured as bone formation marker of primiparous cows was significantly higher than multiparous cows (P < 0.01) at 21 and 28 days postpartum. The urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) as bone resorption marker of primiparous cows tended to be higher (P < 0.10) than multiparous cows at 21 days after parturition and decreased to the same level as that of multiparae toward the peak lactation. These results show that Ca and P mobilization of primiparous cows are more active than multiparous cows.     

Feed intake, lactation performance, blood metabolites and fertility in early lactation dairy cows grazing a timothy pasture

The present study was conducted to investigate feed intake, milk yield, milk composition, blood metabolites and fertility in early lactation dairy cows grazing a timothy pasture. Fourteen multiparous Holstein cows that calved between 20 May and 19 July were used over a 3‐year period. The stocking rate was 3.6–4.3 cow/ha. Concentrates were fed separately at 9.5–11.5 kg/day per cow (dry matter basis) from 1 to 13 weeks postparturition. Herbage intake was estimated using chromium oxide as an indigestible marker. The mean contents of crude protein, total digestible nutrients and neutral detergent fiber of pasture during the 3‐year study period were 22.3%, 71.8% and 51.7%, and those of total diet were 18.9%, 77.3% and 40.3%, respectively. The mean herbage dry matter intake was 13.0 kg/day from 2 to 13 weeks postparturition during the study, total dry matter intake was 23.7 kg/day, the total digestible nutrients sufficiency rate was 105%, milk yield was 39.7 kg/day, and milk fat percentage was 3.30%. The decrease in bodyweight postparturition was slight. Urea nitrogen concentrations in serum were below 18.3 mg/dL. The mean days to first estrus and days open were 36 and 104 days, respectively. These results indicate that energy deficiency, decrease in bodyweight and fertility in early lactation barely occur when high producing dairy cows are fed enough grazing grass and suitable concentrates.     

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Effects of calcium propionate supplementation on lactation performance,energy balance and blood metabolites in early lactation dairy cows

To evaluate the effects of calcium propionate (CaP) supplementation on feed intake, milk yield and milk composition, energy balance, blood metabolites and urine ketones in early lactation Holstein dairy cows from 1 to 63 days in milk (DIM), 32 multiparous Holstein dairy cows, blocked by lactation number, previous 305‐day milk production, and expected calving date, were arranged into four groups in a randomized block design. Treatments were control, LCaP, MCaP and HCaP with 0, 100, 200 and 300 g calcium propionate per cow per day respectively. The supplement of food grade CaP (99.8% of CaP) 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. Feed intake, milk yield and components were not affected by CaP supplementation. The energy balance, expressed as the difference between energy input and output, tended to be higher (p = 0.08) for CaP‐supplemented cows during the 63‐DIM period, especially during the first 21‐DIM lactation. Calcium propionate‐supplemented cows showed a trend (p = 0.09) towards less loss of body weight (BW) during the 63‐DIM period. Concentrations of glucose in plasma and insulin in serum were higher for cows fed CaP relative to control and linearly (p < 0.01) increased with increasing CaP supplementation. Concentrations of non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta‐hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and urine ketones were lower for CaP‐supplemented cows at 7, 14 and 21 DIM of lactation and linearly (p < 0.01) decreased with increasing CaP supplementation. These results indicated that nutrient digestibilities and energy status may have been improved.     

乳牛产后血浆瘦素动态与亚临床酮病的相关分析

对某奶牛场16头乳牛产前10d至产后56d血样的瘦素、酮体、葡萄糖、脂肪水平及其动态特征和相关性进行了检测。结果表明，血浆瘦素、血酮、血脂含量在不同乳牛和不同时间点之间均有显著差异。酮体在产后14～49d出现高峰，瘦素和血脂从产后第0d到产后第56d内逐渐升高。瘦素水平与血脂水平呈极显著正相关，血酮与血糖呈极显著负相关。亚临床酮病组乳牛的瘦素和血脂水平分别极显著或显著低于血酮正常组，其瘦素、血酮和血糖在试验期内的波动频率明显减少，跨度变长，瘦素在试验期内仅出现一个两端接近0、波峰不超过1．5ng／mL的波。证实，产后乳牛瘦素、血酮、血糖含量的低频率波动变化和产后8周内血浆瘦素跨时持久的单峰动态变化与乳牛亚临床酮病的发生有关。     

Study on some risk factors and effects of bovine ketosis on dairy cows from the Galicia region (Spain)

The study was designed to determine the relation between β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations in milk from dairy cows after calving and the length of the previous lactation, the dry period and the 305‐day normalized production, and to assess the influence of BHB concentrations on culling and test‐day milk productions and somatic cell counts (SCC) throughout the lactation that followed the BHB measurement. The data used in the study were obtained from 59 187 cows in the Galicia region (Spain). BHB determination was performed using Fourier‐transformed infrared spectrometry from the milk samples collected from each cow on the first post‐partum test day. For statistical analysis, the following methods were applied: (i) ordinal regression to assess the effect of the length of the previous lactation, the dry period and the 305‐day normalized milk production on milk BHB, (ii) a Cox model to estimate the influence of the BHB concentration on risk of culling (overall and for a variety of reasons) and (iii) linear regression to assess the link between BHB and the milk yield and SCC obtained from each of the tests day performed throughout lactation. The probability of having higher BHB concentrations increased when the length of the previous lactation (p = 0.006), the dry period (p = 0.003) and the 305‐day normalized milk yield (p = 0.005) increased. However, the slight increase observed (especially for the case of the dry period and the 305‐day milk yield) would not justify that measures be implemented to reduce these traits. Higher concentrations of BHB led to an increased risk of culling due to ‘death’ (p ≤ 0.001) and ‘urgent slaughter’ (p ≤ 0.002) (both causes of involuntary culling). It also led to a reduction in milk production (p < 0.001) and an increase in SCC (p < 0.001) in the post‐partum; from that moment onward (including peak lactation), there were no differences in those two parameters depending on the BHB levels.     

丙酸钙对泌乳早期奶牛泌乳性能和代谢产物的影响

选用32头经产奶牛,根据泌乳期、上个泌乳期305 d产奶量和预产期,采用随机区组设计分为4组,对照组饲喂基础日粮,处理1、2、3组分别在基础日粮基础上添加丙酸钙100、200、300 g/d.结果显示,日粮添加丙酸钙对奶牛的采食量、乳脂率、乳蛋白率、乳糖率和乳干物质率无显著影响,200、300 g/d组产奶量和饲料转化效率显著高于对照组(P<0.05).200、300 g/d组血浆葡萄糖和胰岛素浓度显著高于对照组(P<0.05),而血浆游离脂肪酸和β-羟丁酸浓度显著低于对照组(P<0.05);200、300 g/d组尿酮浓度显著低于对照组和100 g/d组(P<0.05).试验结果表明,丙酸钙适宜添加量为200 g/d.     

Chromium improves production and alters metabolism of early lactation cows in summer

Metabolic demands of early lactation introduce enormous challenges to dairy cows when coincided with environmental stresses. The objective of this study was to determine effects of a chromium (Cr) supplement on feed intake and blood indicators of nutrient metabolism in early lactation cows in summer. Fifteen Holstein cows at 38 ± 6 days in milk were grouped based on parity and randomly assigned to three supplemental doses of 0, 0.05 and 0.10 mg Cr/kg of BW^0.75. Cows received a basal mixed ration with a forage to concentrate ratio of 57.7:42.3, twice daily at 09:00 and 16:00 h for 9 weeks. The first 2 weeks were for adaptation, and the following 7 weeks were for weekly sampling and data collection. The Cr supplement (a Cr–methionine product with 10% Cr and 90% Met from a compound containing one atom of Cr and three molecules of Met) was mixed with 100 g of ground corn and top dressed with the morning feed. The average ambient temperature–humidity index was 77.7 units during the study. Dry matter intake increased from 21.8 to 24.2 and 23.7 kg/day when 0.05 and 0.10 mg Cr/kg BW^0.75 was provided respectively. Milk output of energy, fat, protein and total solids increased by providing Cr at 0.05 mg but not 0.10 mg/kg BW^0.75. Both doses of Cr increased milk protein content, but the higher Cr dose reduced feed efficiency compared with control. While rectal temperature and body condition score were unaffected, cows receiving 0.05 mg and not 0.10 mg Cr/kg BW^0.75 tended to have greater respiration rate than control cows. Blood insulin and non‐esterified fatty acids concentrations and the insulin to glucagon ratio decreased, and serum albumin increased when cows received 0.05 mg of Cr/kg BW^0.75. Blood glucose, glucagon, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, total protein, globulins, urea, BHBA, triglycerides, cholesterol, cortisol, progesterone, and high‐ and very low‐density lipoproteins were not affected. Therefore, supplemental Cr supply at 0.05 and 0.10 mg/kg BW^0.75 improved feed intake, only at 0.05 mg/kg BW^0.75 increased milk secretion, and mainly at 0.05 mg/kg BW^0.75 altered peripheral nutrient metabolism in early lactation Holstein cows under high ambient temperatures.     

丙酸镁对泌乳早期奶牛体况、泌乳性能和代谢参数的影响

选用36头经产奶牛,根据泌乳期、上一泌乳期305 d产奶量和预产期,采用随机区组设计分为4组,对照组饲喂基础日粮,处理1,2和3组分别在基础日粮基础上添加丙酸镁50,100和150 g/d,研究丙酸镁对泌乳早期奶牛采食量、泌乳性能、血液代谢参数和尿酮浓度的影响。结果表明,添加丙酸镁对奶牛的采食量、乳脂率、乳蛋白率、乳糖率和乳干物质率无显著影响,添加丙酸镁100和150 g/d对产乳量、饲料转化效率、体况及代谢参数有改善,该二处理组产奶量、饲料转化效率、体况评分、能量平衡、血浆葡萄糖和胰岛素浓度均显著高于对照组(P<0.05),而血浆游离脂肪酸和β-羟丁酸浓度显著低于对照组(P<0.05),尿酮浓度(除100 g/d组产后7 d测定值与50 g/d组无显著差异外)显著低于对照组和50 g/d组(P<0.05)。根据试验结果,丙酸镁适宜添加量为100 g/d。     

泌乳早期发情和乏情奶牛机体代谢和生殖机能的变化

在某一集约化牛场,随机选取奶牛30头,在奶牛产后发情期(50～90 d)内根据奶牛是否发情将奶牛分为发情组和乏情组。通过对试验奶牛血液生化指标(Glu、BHBA、NEFA)、内分泌指标(FSH、LH、LP、E2、P4)等进行调查和检测。结果显示:当奶牛发情时,机体血浆Glu、FSH、LH、E2和LP浓度高,血浆NEFA、P4浓度低,但乏情时正好相反。当奶牛发情时,血浆leptin与LH、E2呈显著正相关,与P4呈显著负相关,但乏情奶牛未呈现相关性。这些结果提示奶牛乏情与机体能量代谢状况和Ins、Gn、E2、P4、Lp分泌少有关。能量平衡能促进奶牛产后发情,与机体高水平血糖、Lp、FSH、LH、E2和低水平P4、NEFA有关。LP是奶牛泌乳早期发情的一个重要调控因子,在奶牛产后能量平衡、生产性能和繁殖性能之间起到一个平衡纽带的作用。     

预防奶牛酮病的饲养措施

文章概述了通过适宜的干乳期、提供营养平衡的日粮、控制饲喂含酮体高的饲料、改善粗饲料质量满足泌乳前期高产奶牛营养需要、在干乳期和泌乳前期饲料中使用预防酮病的添加剂等控制奶牛酮病的饲养措施。     

Immune function in dairy cows related to energy balance and metabolic status in early lactation

Two feeding experiments were carried out in 2 successive years with 28 cows of the Norwegian Red Cattle (NRF) in each experiment. The cows were randomly distributed into 4 groups and subjected to different feeding regimens from 1 month prior to calving until 12 weeks after calving. The experimental design was factorial (2 x 2) with respect to protein content of the concentrate (17.5% digestible crude protein (DCP) v.s. 12.5% DCP) and concentrate allowances (standard v.s. substandard allowances after calving). Silage was offered ad libitum. Samples for estimation of serum immunoglobulin-G, white blood cells and lymphocyte responses to the mitogens phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A and pokeweed mitogen were collected 4 weeks prior to expected calving, and 2, 4 and 8 weeks after calving. The levels of milk immunoglobulin-G were estimated at calving and 2, 4 and 8 weeks after calving. A significant positive relationship was found between the estimated energy balance and the lymphocyte response to mitogens. Little evidence was found for the existence of a significant relationship between the immunologic parameters and plasma indicators of metabolic status. The lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin and levels of serum immunoglobulin-G increased, while levels of milk immunoglobulin-G decreased during the period from calving to 8 weeks after calving. Increased milk somatic cell counts were associated with a significant decrease in the lymphocyte responses to mitogens.     

围产期酮病奶牛血液生化指标特征分析

试验随机选取产前奶牛29头,跟踪采集产前2周、产前1周、分娩当天及产后3,7,14,21 d的血浆样品,检测血浆相关生化指标变化特征,并记录泌乳量。任意采集时间点血浆β-羟丁酸(BHBA)≥1.2 mmol/L则为酮病组, BHBA<1.2 mmol/L则为对照组。结果显示:随机选取的牛群中酮病发病率为58.6%,酮病主要发生在产后7～14 d;酮病组奶牛产前血液相关生化指标与对照组相比无显著性差异;与对照组相比,酮病组奶牛分娩当天血钾水平升高,血磷水平显著降低;产后3 d酮病组奶牛血浆甘油三酯、总胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、BHBA、泌乳量显著高于对照组奶牛;产后7,14,21 d血浆BHBA、非脂化脂肪酸(ENFA)、TC、HDL-C、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)水平极显著高于对照组奶牛,血糖水平显著低于对照组奶牛。二元Logistic回归分析显示:产后3 d血液TC、HDL-C、K、BHBA、泌乳量与奶牛酮病的发生显著相关。将显著性相关指标利用Logistic回归建模,最终建立了基于血液HDL-C、BHBA、泌乳量的奶牛酮病早期诊断模型,即y=17.95-9.81×HDL-C-2.71×BHBA-0.20×泌乳量,当y<0时存在发生酮病风险,模型早期预测奶牛酮病的准确率82.8%、灵敏度81.3%、特异性84.6%。     

Relationship among blood indicators of lipomobilization and hepatic function during early lactation in high-yielding dairy cows

Blood indicators are used as a tool to diagnose metabolic disorders. The present work was conducted to study the relationships among blood indicators of lipomobilization and hepatic function in high-yielding dairy cows. Two groups of Holstein cows were studied: 27 early lactation cows and 14 mid lactation cows from four different herds with similar husbandry characteristics in Galicia, Spain. Blood samples were obtained to measure beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglycerides (TG), and the activity of aspartate transaminase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Cows in early lactation had higher levels of BHB and NEFA than mid lactation cows. High lipomobilization (NEFA > 400 µmol/L) was detected in 67% and 7% of early lactation and mid lactation cows, respectively, while subclinical ketosis (BHB > 1.2 mmol/L) was detected in 41% and 28% of the early lactation and lactation cows, respectively. TG concentrations were low in all cows suffering subclinical ketosis and in 61% of the cows with high lipomobilization. During early lactation, 30% of cows suffered hepatic lipidosis as detected by levels of AST. Compromised hepatic function was observed in early lactation cows as shown by lower concentrations of glucose, total protein, and urea.     

Effects of tryptophan supplementation on plasma tryptophan and related hormone levels in heifers and dairy cows

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of rumen-protected tryptophan (125 g tryptophan per day) in heifers and dairy cows. Blood samples from dairy cows and heifers were collected for 24h in 3-h intervals on the day before tryptophan supplementation, on day 2, 5 and 7 of tryptophan supplementation, and in heifers additionally on d 14 after tryptophan supplementation was ceased. Plasma tryptophan, melatonin, serotonin, and prolactin concentrations were determined. Tryptophan plasma concentrations on d 5 were augmented at day (11:00 h) and nighttime (02:00 h), (P<0.05) in response to tryptophan supplementation in heifers by 119% and in dairy cows by 47%, respectively, as compared with d 0. Melatonin increased (P<0.05) in response to tryptophan supplementation in heifers, but not in cows. The effect of tryptophan supplementation on plasma tryptophan and melatonin was reversible as demonstrated in heifers on d 14 after cessation of tryptophan supplementation. Serotonin and prolactin in plasma did not respond to tryptophan supplementation. However, milk yield during morning milking increased significantly in tryptophan supplemented cows on d 1, 3 and 4 as compared to the day before tryptophan supplementation. Additional blood samples were taken during afternoon milking in cows at 1-min intervals for the analyses of oxytocin and prolactin on the day before the start and on d 7 of tryptophan supplementation. Milk flow curves were recorded during milking. No effect of tryptophan supplementation on the milking related release of oxytocin and prolactin and on any characteristic of milk flow was observed. In conclusion, tryptophan supplementation caused increased plasma tryptophan in cows and heifers and plasma melatonin in heifers. However, plasma serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin release in cows remained unchanged by tryptophan supplementation. Milk yield at morning milking increased slightly and transiently in response to tryptophan supplementation.