Changes of Body Condition Scores, Serum Biochemistry and Liver Triacylglycerol in Periparturient Holstein Friesian Dairy Cows Raised in a Small-Holder Farm

Abstract

This Negative energy balance (NEB) inevitably occurs in periparturient dairy cows. Its consequences are related to reduced cows’ performances. Most studies concerning the NEB are performed in dairy cows of large-scale farms, particularly raised under non-tropical climate. The current study aimed to investigate the changes in body condition score, serum biochemical parameters, and liver triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation in periparturient Holstein Friesian dairy cows raised by a small-holder farm. In this regard, 10 healthy pregnant dairy cows in a small-holder farm were recruited for the study. At 4 weeks before and 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after calving, blood samples were collected for determination of glucose, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations. BCS was evaluated at 4 weeks before and 2 weeks after calving. Liver samples were collected 4 weeks before and 2 weeks after calving to determine TAG concentration. Results revealed that serum NEFA and liver TAG concentration were elevated postpartum. Serum BHBA concentrations increased postpartum and the concentration indicated that dairy cows entered NEB condition as type I ketosis with a longer period. Serum IGF-I concentrations and BCS did not differ between before and after calving. In conclusion, dairy cows raised under small-holder tropical conditions suffered from serious NEB, though the cows had low milk production, as compared with the commercial non-tropical condition.