Effect of Prepartum Energetic Supplementation on Productive and Reproductive Characteristics, and Metabolic and Hormonal Profiles in Dairy Cows under Grazing Conditions

The effect of cracked corn grain supplementation (3.5 kg/day) during 3 weeks before the expected calving date on milk production and composition, body condition score (BCS), metabolic and hormonal profiles and length of postpartum anoestrus was evaluated in multiparous Holstein dairy cows under grazing conditions (Energy supplemented group, n = 10; Control group, n = 10). Body condition score was weekly recorded during the peripartum period, from days −21 to +35 (parturition = day 0). Non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, urea, insulin, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), leptin, thyroxine (T₄) and 3,3'5-triiodothyroinine (T₃) were weekly determined in plasma from days −21 to +35. The reinitiation of ovarian cyclicity was twice weekly determined by ovarian ultrasonography and confirmed by plasma progesterone concentrations. Cows fed energy concentrate prepartum had higher BCS during the prepartum and postpartum and produced more milk. Non-esterified fatty acids plasma concentrations were significantly higher in the energy group, while cholesterol was higher in the control group. Treated cows had higher levels of plasma insulin, IGF-I and leptin pre-calving. IGF-I, leptin and T₄ were diminished during the early postpartum period in both groups. Insulin levels were also diminished in the control group, but levels remained high in the energy-supplemented group. Treated cows ovulated sooner after parturition than controls. We conclude that Energetic supplementation prepartum in cows under grazing conditions increased milk production and reduced the reinitiation of ovarian activity, consistent with a better EB (BCS), higher prepartum levels of IGF-I, leptin and insulin, and higher insulin levels during early postpartum.