Plasma cholesterol levels and short-term adaptations of metabolism and milk production during feed restriction in early lactating dairy cows on pasture

Low plasma total cholesterol (TC) concentrations are characteristic during the negative energy balance in early lactating dairy cows. The objective was to investigate short-term effects of different TC concentrations during an aggravated energy deficiency through a 1-week concentrate withdrawal on adaptations of metabolism and milk production. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 15) were investigated during 3 week beginning at 24 ± 7 DIM (mean ± SD). Cows were kept on pasture and received additional concentrate in experimental week 1 and 3, while in week 2, concentrate was withdrawn. Blood was sampled once and milk twice daily. Based on their average TC concentration during week 1 (prior to concentrate withdrawal), cows were retrospectively assigned into a high (H-Chol; n = 8, TC ≥ 3.36 mmol/L) and a low TC groups (L-Chol; n = 7, TC < 3.36 mmol/L). Concentrations of phospholipids and lipoproteins were higher in H-Chol compared to L-Chol throughout the study (p < 0.05). During concentrate withdrawal, milk yield, glucose and insulin concentrations decreased similarly in both groups, while milk fat, milk acetone and plasma BHB were higher in H-Chol compared to L-Chol (p < 0.05). Compared to initial values, plasma NEFA, TAG and VLDL increased in both groups within 2 days after concentrate withdrawal (p < 0.05). Concentrations of NEFA during week 2 were greater in L-Chol compared to H-Chol (p < 0.05). Despite reintroduction of concentrate, milk yield in H-Chol remained lower for two more days compared to week 1 (p < .05), whereas milk yield recovered immediately in L-Chol. Activity of aspartate aminotransferase was higher in H-Chol compared to L-Chol in week 2 (p < 0.05). Greater plasma TC concentrations were associated with a reduced increase of NEFA. Further research is warranted if TC concentrations are related to adipose tissue mobilization and fatty acid turnover.