Evaluation of Calcium Propionate and Propylene Glycol Administered into the Esophagus of Dairy Cattle at Calving

A field study was conducted to evaluate the effects of oral drenching with additional energy or energy plus calcium on blood parameters and performance of fresh cows. Treatments were 9.5 L water (control), 9.5 L water plus 300 mL (310 g) propylene glycol (PG), or 9.5 L water plus 0.68 kg calcium propionate (CP). Cows received the assigned drench within 4 h of calving and again 24 h post-calving. Animals were bled prior to each drench and on d 4 and 10 of lactation. Animals were fed and managed by parity (primiparous vs multiparous) in a commercial setting. Health events were recorded during calving and for the first 15 d in milk (DIM). Milk records were evaluated from monthly test weights the first 4 mo in lactation. The addition of PG or CP did not affect either plasma calcium or glucose (P>0.05). Plasma nonesterified fatty acid levels were lower in animals receiving the PG drench as compared with animals receiving either the control or CP treatment (P<0.05). Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate was lowest at calving but was not affected by treatment. Health disorders (retained placenta, ketosis, hypocalcemia, displaced abomasum, metritis) were low across all treatment groups. Cattle receiving either PG or CP at calving had a significantly lower incidence of metritis compared with control animals (P<0.05). Averaged across all trial periods, animals receiving PG had 3.1 kg/d greater milk production than those receiving the control drench (P<0.05).     

Relationships between endometrial cytology and interval to first ovulation,and pregnancy in postpartum dairy cows in a single herd

The objectives were to investigate the relationships between endometrial cytology (EC) and interval from calving to first ovulation, and pregnancy in dairy cows, and that between uterine fluid and EC. On day 25 postpartum, 39 dairy cows were grouped based on EC, as having low (⩽8%) or high (>8%) polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), and the quantity of uterine fluid was assessed by ultrasound. The interval from calving to first ovulation was shorter in low, than in high PMN cows (32 vs. 45 d). A greater proportion of cows with uterine fluid had high PMN (64% vs. 21%), and the PMN increased from 14% to 34% as the quantity of uterine fluid increased. The mean interval from calving to ovulation was longer in primiparous cows with high PMN (49 d) compared to that of primiparous and multiparous cows with low PMN (28 and 29 d, respectively). Although the conception rate to first service at 92 d postpartum was not different between PMN groups, the cumulative pregnancy at 270 d tended to be higher in low than in high PMN (80% vs. 58%) multiparous cows. Also, cows that had uterine fluid on day 25 postpartum had a shorter interval from calving to pregnancy than those with no uterine fluid (161 vs. 208 d). In conclusion, combining transrectal ultrasonography with endometrial cytology on day 25 postpartum has diagnostic value in the assessment of uterine inflammation.     

Studies of the transition cow under a pasture-based milk production system: metabolic profiles

This study describes the effect of parity (multiparous versus primiparous) and body condition score (BCS) at calving (<3 or > or =3; scale 1-5) on variations of BCS, body weight (BW) and metabolic profiles in Holstein cows grazing on improved pastures. Forty-two cows were studied (21 multiparous and 21 primiparous) from 2 months before to 3 months after calving. BCS, BW and milk production were measured every 2 weeks. Blood samples were taken every 2 weeks to determine total protein, albumin, urea, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Primiparous cows had lower BCS during the early postpartum (PP) period and produced less milk than multiparous. In primiparous cows NEFA concentrations were higher during the early postpartum period; BHB levels were similar in both categories during this period. Primiparous cows showed a more unbalanced metabolic profile than multiparous cows, reflecting that they are recovering from the loss of BCS after calving with less success.     

Influence of body condition at calving and postpartum nutrition on endocrine function and reproductive performance of primiparous beef cows

The influences of body condition score (BCS) at calving and postpartum nutrition on endocrine and ovarian functions, and reproductive performance, were determined by randomly allocating thin (mean BCS = 4.4 +/- 0.1) or moderate condition (mean BCS = 5.1 +/- 0.1) Angus x Hereford primiparous cows to receive one of two nutritional treatments after calving. Cows were fed to gain either 0.45 kg/d (M, n = 17) or 0.90 kg/d (H, n = 17) for the first 71 +/- 3 d postpartum. All cows were then fed the M diet until 21 d after the first estrus. A replication (yr 2; M, n = 25; H, n = 23) was also used to evaluate reproductive characteristics. Concentrations of IGF-I, leptin, insulin, glucose, NEFA, and thyroxine were quantified in plasma samples collected weekly during treatment and during 7 wk before the first estrus. Estrous behavior was detected by radiotelemetry, and luteal activity was determined based on concentrations of progesterone in plasma. All cows were bred by AI between 14 and 20 h after onset of estrus, and pregnancy was assessed at 35 to 55 d after AI by ultrasonography. Cows that calved with a BCS of 4 or 5 had similar endocrine function and reproductive performance at the first estrus. During treatment, H cows gained BW and increased BCS (P < 0.01), and had greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of IGF-I, leptin, insulin, glucose, and thyroxine in plasma than M cows. However, during the 7 wk before the first estrus, plasma concentrations of IGF-I, leptin, insulin, glucose, NEFA, and thyroxine were not affected by time. Cows previously on the H treatment had a shorter (P < 0.01) interval to first postpartum estrus and ovulation, and a larger dominant follicle (P < 0.01) at first estrus, than M cows, but duration of estrus and the number of mounts received were not influenced by nutrient intake. Pregnancy rate at the first estrus was greater (P < 0.03) for H (76%, n = 38) than for M (58%, n = 33) cows. Increased nutrient intake after calving stimulated secretion of anabolic hormones, promoted fat deposition, shortened the postpartum interval to estrus, and increased pregnancy rate at the first estrus. Concentrations of IGF-I and leptin in plasma were constant during 7 wk before the first estrus, indicating that acute changes in these hormones are not associated with the resumption of ovarian function in primiparous beef cows.     

Relationships between the plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I in dairy cows and their fertility and milk yield

The relationships between insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and the fertility and milk yield of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were investigated. The concentration of IGF-I in blood was measured weekly from one week before to 12 weeks after calving in 177 multiparous cows and at four times during this period in 142 primiparous cows; the concentration of IGF-I in milk was measured in 50 of the multiparous cows. The plasma concentrations of IGF-I were higher in the primiparous than in the multiparous animals. In the primiparous cows, high concentrations of IGF-I before calving were associated with longer calving to conception intervals. Conversely, in the multiparous cows low concentrations of IGF-I before and after calving were associated with a failure to conceive, despite repeated services. Multiparous cows with IGF-I concentrations of greater than 25 ng/ml in the week after calving were 11 times more likely to conceive to first service than those with lower concentrations. Concentrations of IGF-I greater than 50 ng/ml at first service increased the likelihood of conception five-fold. Cows with higher peak milk yields had lower plasma concentrations of IGF-I and took longer to return to ovarian cyclicity. The negative relationship between milk yield and return to cyclicity was stronger in the multiparous cows (P < 0.002) than in the primiparous cows (P < 0.04). The concentrations of IGF-I in milk followed a different pattern and were not associated with the changes in plasma IGF-I or fertility.     

Metabolic and endocrine profiles and reproductive parameters in dairy cows under grazing conditions: effect of polymorphisms in somatotropic axis genes

Background

The present study hypothesized that GH-AluI and IGF-I-SnabI polymorphisms do change the metabolic/endocrine profiles in Holstein cows during the transition period, which in turn are associated with productive and reproductive parameters.

Methods

Holstein cows (Farm 1, primiparous cows, n = 110, and Farm 2, multiparous cows, n = 76) under grazing conditions were selected and GH and IGF-I genotypes were determined. Blood samples for metabolic/endocrine determinations were taken during the transition period and early lactation in both farms. Data was analyzed by farm using a repeated measures analyses including GH and IGF-I genotypes, days and interactions as fixed effects, sire and cow as random effects and calving date as covariate.

Results and Discussion

Frequencies of GH and IGF-I alleles were L:0.84, V:0.16 and A:0.60, B:0.40, respectively. The GH genotype was not associated with productive or reproductive variables, but interaction with days affected FCM yield in multiparous (farm 2) cows (LL yielded more than LV cows) in early lactation. The GH genotype affected NEFA and IGF-I concentrations in farm 1 (LV had higher NEFA and lower IGF-I than LL cows) suggesting a better energy status of LL cows.There was no effect of IGF-I genotype on productive variables, but a trend was found for FCM in farm 2 (AB cows yielded more than AA cows). IGF-I genotype affected calving first service interval in farm 1, and the interaction with days tended to affect FCM yield (AB cows had a shorter interval and yielded more FCM than BB cows). IGF-I genotype affected BHB, NEFA, and insulin concentrations in farm 1: primiparous BB cows had lower NEFA and BHB and higher insulin concentrations. In farm 2, there was no effect of IGF-I genotype, but there was an interaction with days on IGF-I concentration, suggesting a greater uncoupling somatropic axis in AB and BB than AA cows, being in accordance with greater FCM yield in AB cows.

Conclusion

The GH and IGF-I genotypes had no substantial effect on productive parameters, although IGF-I genotype affected calving-first service interval in primiparous cows. Besides, these genotypes may modify the endocrine/metabolic profiles of the transition dairy cow under grazing conditions.     

Changes of vitamin E status of periparturient dairy cows and newborn calves

Eleven primiparous Holstein Friesian and their crossbred calves (F1, Japanese Black cattle × Holstein Friesian) and 10 multiparous Holstein Friesian and their Holstein Friesian calves were used to evaluate vitamin E status in periparturient period. Plasma α‐tocopherol (α‐toc) concentrations of the multiparous cows were significantly higher than those of the primiparous cows from 60 days before expected calving to 90 days of lactation (P < 0.05). The multiparous cows had a further decrease in the concentrations of α‐toc and total lipid in plasma to the calving than the primiparous cows. Colostrum α‐toc concentrations in multiparous cows were significantly higher than those of the primiparous cows (P < 0.05). Plasma α‐toc concentrations of calves borne by the multiparous cows were significantly higher than those of the primiparous cows at 5 days of age (P < 0.05). Plasma α‐toc concentrations of calves were highest at 5 and 15 days of age in the calves borne by the multiparous and primiparous cows, respectively, and decreased thereafter till 90 days of age. The higher vitamin E status of multiparous cows over primiparous cows might have reflected nutritional composition in the rations. Their calves afforded higher plasma α‐toc levels after birth because of more α‐toc transfer via placenta and more α‐toc secretion in the colostrums thereafter. Plasma α‐toc concentrations of the calves might have decreased as the calves became dependent upon the solid feed of low vitamin E content.     

Effects of Fishmeal Supplementation on Fertility and Plasma Ω-3 Fatty Acid Profiles in Primiparous,Lactating Beef Cows

A 2-yr study was conducted using 82 lactating, 2-yr-old, primiparous crossbred beef cows (yr 1, n = 40; yr 2, n = 42) to study the effect of fishmeal supplementation on reproductive performance. Cows were fed a corn silage-based diet supplemented with fishmeal (5% DM) or corn gluten meal (8.7% DM), beginning 25 d prior to the start of and continuing through the 90-d breeding season. Cows were artificially bred with semen from bulls of proven fertility 12 h after being detected in estrus. Jugular blood samples were taken from all cows on d 3 or 4, 9 or 10, and 15 or 16 following first insemination and analyzed for serum progesterone. During yr 2 of the study, additional blood samples were collected from four cows within each treatment group immediately before supplementation began (d 0) and at 7-d intervals for the first 35 d of supplementation. Plasma samples were analyzed for Ω-3 fatty acids. Serum progesterone concentrations did not differ between treatment groups following the first insemination (P>0.76). However, first service conception rates approached significance (NS; P=0.12) and tended to be greater for cows supplemented with fishmeal when compared with cows supplemented with corn gluten meal (76% vs 62%, respectively). Overall pregnancy rates at the end of the breeding season did not differ between the two treatment groups (P>0.64). In yr 2, within 7 d of supplementation, plasma eicosapentaenoate (EPA) and docosahexaenoate (DHA) were greater for cows supplemented with fishmeal (P<0.001). In conclusion, these data indicate that fishmeal supplementation alters plasma EPA and DHA (yr 2) and may improve first service conception rates in primiparous beef cows.     

Effects of Organic Chromium on Protein Synthesis and Glucose Uptake in Ruminants

In vitro glucose uptake and protein synthesis were measured using serum from feedlot steers fed diets supplemented with organic Cr (OCr); glucose clearance was studied using sheep as a model. Treatments investigated for glucose uptake and protein synthesis were 1) control (0 ppm supplemental Cr), 2) 0.2 ppm supplemental OCr from high Cr yeast, and 3) 0.4 ppm supplemental OCr from high Cr yeast that contained 2,000 ppm Cr (2 mg Cr/g Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast) added to a 90% concentrate feedlot diet. The form of OCr supplied by high Cr yeast is presumably a glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which potentiates the action of insulin, and consists of Cr³⁺ centrally bound to or associated with cysteine, glutamate, glycine, and nicotinic acid residues. Serum harvested from steers fed 0.2- and 0.4-ppm OCr diets increased (P<0.05) protein synthesis in primary bovine muscle cultures. Glucose uptake rate by muscle cell cultures was increased (P<0.09) by serum from OCr-supplemented steers. Treatments investigated for glucose clearance by lambs were 1) control (0 ppm supplemental Cr), 2) 0.2 ppm, 3) 0.4 ppm, and 4) 0.8 ppm supplemental OCr from high Cr yeast added to a 85% concentrate finishing diet. Glucose clearance in lambs was improved (P<0.05) by addition of 0.2 and 0.8 ppm OCr to the diet. These results are interpreted to suggest that increased carcass muscling in ruminants fed OCr-supplemented diets is a result of improvements in amino acid uptake and glucose metabolism within muscle cells.     

Response to metabolic challenges in early lactation dairy cows during treatment with bovine somatotropin

Milk production is increased in lactating cows treated with bovine somatotropin (bST) because a greater portion of absorbed nutrients are partitioned for milk synthesis. This homeorhetic action may be caused by alterations in response of key tissues to homeostatic signals. To examine this theory, acute metabolic challenges were administered to 8 multiparous Holstein cows (61 +/- 2 days postpartum) receiving daily subcutaneous injections of pituitary-derived bST (26.3 mg) or excipient during two 14-day treatment periods (crossover experimental design). Treatment with bST increased milk yield 12%. Feed intake did not change so that net energy balance decreased (+ .5 vs. -4.3 Mcal/day). Plasma concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) were chronically elevated in bST-treated cows, consistent with energy balance differences. However, baseline concentrations of glucose, insulin, and glucagon in plasma did not differ. On the last 3 days of treatment, individual metabolic challenges were administered via jugular cannulas: epinephrine (700 ng/kg BW), glucose (250 mg/kg BW), insulin (1.0 micrograms/kg BW), and glucagon (175 ng/kg BW). Plasma glucose was reduced after the insulin challenge to a lesser extent during bST treatment. In bST-treated cows, the increase in plasma NEFA in response to epinephrine was greater, and NEFA concentrations were lowered to a greater extent after insulin and glucose challenges. Glucose, insulin, and glucagon removal rates were not altered, nor was plasma glucose response to epinephrine or glucagon challenges. Treatment of lactating cows with bST primarily altered the response of adipose tissue to homeostatic signals which affect lipid metabolism.     

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).     

Effects of Supplemental Undegradable Protein During Early Lactation on the Performance of Beef Cows Grazing Native Range

Two experiments were conducted (Exp. 1, n = 63; Exp. 2, n = 72) using Angus x Hereford cows grazing Oklahoma dormant tallgrass prairie to determine the effects of increasing supplemental undegradable intake protein (UIP) on performance. In each experiment following parturition (February and March), cows were blocked by body weight, body condition score (BCS), and calving date and randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments. For Exp. 1, supplements provided 396 g/d of degradable intake protein (DIP) with increasing amounts of UIP (211, 274, 337, and 400 g/d, respectively). For Exp. 2, supplements provided 281 g/d of DIP with 142, 196, 248, and 301 g/d UIP, respectively. Cows were individually fed 1.59 kg supplement 6 d/wk. Body weight and BCS were determined biweekly until the end of supplementation (Exp. 1, 37 + 1.5 d; Exp. 2, 45 + 1.2 d). Milk production was estimated 30 and 45 d postpartum. Plasma progesterone concentrations were quantified weekly to determine interval to first normal luteal function (PPI). Weight loss, BCS, and PPI were not influenced by treatment. In Exp. 2, there was a linear (P<0.08) decrease in weight gain of calves post-treatment to weaning as supplemental UIP increased, and a quadratic effect (P<0.06) of additional UIP on milk production at 30 d postpartum. In these experiments, metabolizable protein requirements were met by microbial protein, forage UIP, and a minimum of 142 g of supplemental UIP.     

Metabolic profiles in ovulatory and anovulatory primiparous dairy cows during the first follicular wave postpartum

Metabolic hormones affect ovarian function in the cow. However, the relationship between metabolic factors and ovarian function is not clear in the postpartum primiparous cow because they are still growing. The aim of the present study was to investigate in detail the time-dependent profile of the metabolic hormones, metabolites, and milk yields of ovulatory and anovulatory primiparous cows during the first follicular wave postpartum. We used 16 primiparous Holstein cows and obtained blood samples for the profiles of metabolites (glucose; non-esterified fatty acid, NEFA; ketone body; total cholesterol; and aspartate aminotransferase), metabolic hormones (growth hormone, GH; insulin-like growth factor-I, IGF-1; and insulin), and progesterone every other day from 1 to 21 days postpartum. In addition, all ovaries were observed using ultrasound. Dairy milk yield was recorded during the experimental period. In all cows, the first follicular wave postpartum was observed and 6 of the cows ovulated. The plasma glucose (P<0.0001) and IGF-1 (P<0.001) concentrations were lower and the plasma NEFA (P<0.0001) and ketone bodies (P<0.0001) concentrations and daily milk yield (P<0.0001) were higher in the anovulatory cows compared to the ovulatory cows. However, the GH levels, which enhance lipolysis for milk production, insulin and other metabolites did not differ between the two groups. In conclusion, the present study suggests that anovulation of the dominant follicle during the first follicular wave postpartum in primiparous cows is induced by low IGF-1 levels that are similar to those of multiparous cows. In addition, anovulatory cows are likely to mobilize body fat stores for milk production more easily than ovulatory cows.     

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）。     

Effect of twin birth calvings on milk production, reproductive performance, and survival of lactating cows

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effect of twin birth calvings on milk production, reproductive performance, and survival of lactating cows. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study. ANIMALS: 33,868 cows from 20 farms. PROCEDURES: Data on age at calving for primiparous cows and mature equivalent milk yield for multiparous cows, assistance at calving, stillbirths, twin births, gestation duration, pregnancy at the end of the data collection period, and culling-death for all cows were extracted from farm computer records and used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence of twin parturitions was 1.3% (159/12,050) and 6.5% (1,410/21,818) for primiparous and multiparous cows, respectively. Primiparous and multiparous cows with singletons produced more milk than cows with live twins or at least 1 dead twin (primiparous, 33.1 vs 31.9 vs 31.2; multiparous, 36.5 vs 35.7 vs 35.0). Multiparous cows with dead twins produced less milk than cows with live twins. Compared with dams with singleton birth, cows with twins were 0.78 times as likely to conceive and 1.42 times as likely to die or be culled. Cows with dead twins also had increased time to conception, compared with live twins. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Twin birth was associated with decreased survival, milk production, and reproductive performance. Having at least 1 dead twin was even more detrimental than having live twins and resulted in decreased milk production and reproductive performance of lactating cows.     

Whole sunflower seeds as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids for grazing dairy cows: Effects on metabolic profiles and resumption of postpartum ovarian cyclicity

Intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) could modify follicular dynamics and reduce the length of the interval from calving to first ovulation (ICOV) in dairy cows, associated with changes in metabolites (i.e. cholesterol) or hormones (i.e. IGF-I). To test this hypothesis, 48 cows were stratified in two groups (primiparous or multiparous) and within each group were randomly assigned to three treatments to begin at calving: 0 kg (SS0), 0.7 kg (SS0.7) and 1.4 kg (SS1.4) of whole sunflower seeds (WSS) per cow per day. The experimental period lasted for 60 days after calving and the diets, which consisted of direct grazing of improved pastures, whole-plant wheat silage and concentrates, were designed to be isocaloric and isoproteic (1.6 Mcal NEL/kg DM, 16.7% CP). Ovaries were examined by ultrasound three times per week from day 8 postpartum (PP) until first PP ovulation. Body condition score (BCS) was determined and blood samples were collected weekly from calving to characterize the metabolic profiles. In treatments SS0.7 and SS1.4, 7/8 and 6/8 primiparous cows ovulated the first follicular wave PP, compared with only 1/8 primiparous cow in treatment SS0, while there were no treatment differences in multiparous cows. The ICOV was 44, 21 and 19 days for the primiparous, and 22, 21 and 25 days for the multiparous cows, in treatments SS0, SS0.7 and SS1.4, respectively. Treatments had no effect on BCS, plasma IGF-I and metabolic profiles except that NEFA and urea were increased by WSS supplementation. Intake of PUFA (WSS up to 1.4 kg/day or 6.7% of the diet) during early lactation reduced the ICOV in primiparous grazing dairy cows in early lactation but not in multiparous cows, and while the precise mechanism for these results is unclear, it was not related to changes in the plasma concentrations of IGF-I or cholesterol.     

Serum osteocalcin in dairy cows: age-related changes and periparturient variation

We evaluated age-related changes in serum osteocalcin concentrations in non-periparturient cows and variations in serum osteocalcin concentration in periparturient primiparous and multiparous cows. The serum osteocalcin levels were evaluated in 144 non-periparturient Holstein dairy cows aged 11 days to 10 years; these levels were the highest in the youngest cows, appeared to steadily decrease with age until the time of the first calving, and were subsequently maintained at low levels. Between 14 days before calving and 21 days after calving, the serum osteocalcin levels were significantly higher in the primiparous cows than in the multiparous cows. A comparison between age-matched non-periparturient and periparturient cows showed that serum osteocalcin levels were significantly lowered during late gestation in both primiparous and multiparous cows. These results suggest that serum osteocalcin measurement might be useful for the detection of mineral imbalances at the time of parturition in cows.     

Coordinated gene expression in adipose tissue and liver differs between cows with high or low NEFA concentrations in early lactation

Dairy cows with high and low plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in early lactation were compared for plasma parameters and mRNA expression of genes in liver and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The study involved 16 multiparous dairy cows with a plasma NEFA concentration of >500 μmol/l [n = 8, high NEFA (HNEFA)] and <140 μmol/l [n = 8, low NEFA (LNEFA)] in the first week post-partum (pp). Blood samples, adipose and liver tissues were collected on day 1 (+1d) and at week 3 pp (+3wk). Blood plasma was assayed for concentrations of metabolites and hormones. Subcutaneous adipose and liver tissues were analysed for mRNA abundance by real-time qRT-PCR encoding parameters related to lipid metabolism. Results showed that mean daily milk yield and milk fat quantity were higher in HNEFA than in LNEFA cows (p < 0.01), and the NEB was more negative in HNEFA than in LNEFA in +3wk too (p < 0.05). HNEFA cows had slightly lower (p < 0.1) insulin concentrations than LNEFA cows across the study period, and the body condition score decreased more from +1d to +3wk in HNEFA than in LNEFA (p = 0.09). The mRNA abundance of genes in the liver related to fatty acid oxidation (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 and very long chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase) and ketogenesis (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase 2) were lower in HNEFA than in LNEFA cows. No differences between the two groups were observed for mRNA expression of genes in adipose tissue. The number of calculated significant correlation coefficients (moderately strong) between parameters in the liver and in adipose tissue was nearly similar on +1d, and higher for HNEFA compared with LNEFA cows in +3wk. In conclusion, dairy cows with high compared with low plasma NEFA concentrations in early lactation show differentially synchronized mRNA expression of genes in adipose tissue and liver in +3wk that suggests a different orchestrated homeorhetic regulation of lipid metabolism.     

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.     

Influence of category-heifers,primiparous and multiparous lactating cows-in a large-scale resynchronization fixed-time artificial insemination program

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of category (heifers, primiparous or multiparous cows) on pregnancy rates in a large scale resynchronization ovulation program. Nelore heifers (n = 903), primiparous lactating cows (n = 338) and multiparous lactating cows (n = 1,223) were synchronized using a conventional protocol of estradiol/P4-based fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). Thirty days after ultrasonography, females who failed the first FTAI were resynchronized with the same hormonal protocol prior to a second FTAI. The pregnancy status of each cohort was evaluated by ultrasonography 30 days after each FTAI. The average conception rate after the first FTAI and resynchronization was 80.5%. Heifers had a higher conception rate (85%) than primiparous (76%) or multiparous cows (78%; p = 0.0001). The conception rate after the first FTAI was similar among heifers (57%), primiparous cows (51%) and multiparous cows (56%; p = 0.193). After the second FTAI, heifers exhibited a higher conception rate (66%) than primiparous or multiparous cows (51%; p = 0.0001). These results demonstrate the feasibility of resynchronization in large beef herds for providing consistent pregnancy rates in a short period of time. We also demonstrated that ovulation resynchronization 30 days after FTAI is particularly effective for heifers, providing a conception rate of up to 66%.