Metabolic adaptation and reticuloruminal pH in periparturient dairy cows experiencing different lipolysis early postpartum

Abstract

Metabolic adaptation includes an array of concerted metabolic and endocrine events that enable dairy cows bridging the period of energy deficit at the onset of lactation. The present study evaluated metabolic, endocrine and reticuloruminal pH changes in 30 (25 Holstein and five Simmental) periparturient dairy cows experiencing variable lipolysis early postpartum. Cows were fed the same close-up and fresh lactation diets and kept in the same management conditions. Blood samples were collected at day 14, and day 4, relative to expected parturition, and at day 2, and day 21 postpartum, and serum metabolites and hormones related to glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as concentrations of several liver enzymes and acute phase proteins were determined. Additionally, reticuloruminal pH was monitored every 10 min over the last 3 days of the observation period. BW and milk yields were recorded and balances of energy and protein were assessed. Based on serum concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) postpartum, cows were retrospectively classified into low (n = 8), medium (n = 11), and high (n = 11) lipolysis groups, with NEFA levels of <0.4 mmol/l, between 0.4 and 0.7 mmol/l, and >0.7 mmol/l, respectively. Overall, elevated NEFA concentrations in the High group went along with a higher ratio of NEFA to cholesterol and reduced insulin sensitivity. While serum glucose, energy deficit and BW loss did not differ, cows of the High group exhibited increased lactate concentrations in the serum, compared with the Medium group. No differences in liver enzymes and acute phase proteins were evidenced among fat mobilization groups, whereas concentration of serum billirubin was lowest in the Low group after parturition. Data of milk yield and milk energy output showed no differences among groups, despite divergences in calculated energy balance and BW change postpartum. Cows of the Low group tended to increase dry matter intake but also showed longer time duration of pH below 6.0 in the reticulorumen (on average 299 min/day compared with 99 and 91 min/day for Medium and High groups, respectively). Differences in metabolic, endocrine and reticuloruminal pH responses indicate diverse metabolic adaptation strategies of early-lactation cows to cope with energy deficit postpartum.Keywords: transition dairy cow, fat mobilization, energy metabolism, energy balance, milk production ImplicationsSmooth metabolic adaptation and maintaining rumen health are highly important during the transition period in dairy cows. This study monitored changes in metabolic and endocrine responses and reticuloruminal pH in periparturient dairy cows that experienced different degrees of lipolysis early postpartum. The findings of different metabolic adaptation strategies to cope with the energy deficit postpartum and the differences regarding reticuloruminal pH indicate a role of rumen fermentation in the metabolic adaptation of dairy cows. This implies that it is necessary to find a proper balance between prevention of rumen fermentation disorders an...

Alterations of the Lipid Metabolome in Dairy Cows Experiencing Excessive Lipolysis Early Postpartum

“…The trial was conducted at the Dairy Research Facilities of the Institute of Livestock Research, Agricultural Research and Education Centre Raumberg-Gumpenstein, Austria). The experiment was part of a larger study reported elsewhere [ 10 ]. Data of metabolic adapation of cows, energy and nutrient balance, and rumen pH during transition period are presented in that article.…”

“…A smooth metabolic adaptation during the transition period is of utmost importance to prevent excessive mobilization of fat tissues and consequently to improve animal health and productivity. We recently observed different metabolic adaptation strategies in periparturient dairy cows to cope with the energy deficit postpartum, despite similar feeding and management conditions [ 10 ]. Although these cows had similar milk production, body weight and body condition scores, they showed different levels of circulating NEFA and differed in the estimated sensitivity to insulin.…”

Effects of meeting the requirements in energy and protein, and of systemic inflammation on the interval from parturition to conception in dairy cows

“…The rumen pH was continuously measured from week 3 to week 10 after parturition using indwelled wireless pH-transmitting units (smaXtec animal care sales GmbH, Austria) as described recently (Humer et al 2016). Blood samples were collected shortly before the morning feeding from the coccygeal vein at weeks 3, 6, and 13 after parturition using 10 ml serum vacutainer tubes (Vacuette ® , Greiner BioOne GmbH, Austria).…”

“…It normally takes 6-10 weeks after parturition until cows meet their energy requirements totally through diet, although strong individual variation in the NEB level and body tissue mobilization is well known in the transition cows (Gruber et al 2014;Humer et al 2016). However, there is a paucity of information regarding the influence of the level of meeting the energy and nutrient needs on the reproductive performance in cows during early lactation.…”

Effect of nutrition on reproductive efficiency of dairy animals

“…It appears that exposure to high levels of ammonia or urea may impair the maturation of oocytes and subsequent fertilization or maturation of developing embryos. Successful embryo development depends upon the nature of the uterine environment, while increased urea level can decrease the uterine pH that would negatively affect the implantation (2) and development of embryos, mostly at the cleavage and blastocyst formation stage (16). However, supplying adequate energy for excretion of excess ammonia or urea may prevent these negative effects on reproductive performance of cows.…”