Metabolic Disorders in the Transition Period Indicate that the Dairy Cows’ Ability to Adapt is Overstressed

Abstract

Simple SummaryMetabolic disorders are a key problem in the transition period of dairy cows and often appear before the onset of further health problems. Problems derive from difficulties animals have to adapt to large variations and disturbances occurring both outside and inside the organism. A lack of success in solving these issues may be due to predominant approaches in farm management and agricultural science, dealing with such disorders as merely negative side effects. Instead, a successful adaptation of animals to their living conditions should be seen as an important end in itself. Both farm management and agricultural sciences should support animals in their ability to cope with nutritional and metabolic challenges by employing a functional and result-driven approach.AbstractMetabolic disorders are a key problem in the transition period of dairy cows and often appear before the onset of further health problems. They mainly derive from difficulties the animals have in adapting to changes and disturbances occurring both outside and inside the organisms and due to varying gaps between nutrient supply and demand. Adaptation is a functional and target-oriented process involving the whole organism and thus cannot be narrowed down to single factors. Most problems which challenge the organisms can be solved in a number of different ways. To understand the mechanisms of adaptation, the interconnectedness of variables and the nutrient flow within a metabolic network need to be considered. Metabolic disorders indicate an overstressed ability to balance input, partitioning and output variables. Dairy cows will more easily succeed in adapting and in avoiding dysfunctional processes in the transition period when the gap between nutrient and energy demands and their supply is restricted. Dairy farms vary widely in relation to the living conditions of the animals. The complexity of nutritional and metabolic processes and their large variations on various scales contradict any attempts to predict the outcome of animals’ adaptation in a farm specific situation. Any attempts to reduce the prevalence of metabolic disorders and associated production diseases should rely on continuous and comprehensive monitoring with appropriate indicators on the farm level. Furthermore, low levels of disorders and diseases should be seen as a further significant goal which carries weight in addition to productivity goals. In the long run, low disease levels can only be expected when farmers realize that they can gain a competitive advantage over competitors with higher levels of disease.

<i>Orelha de Elefante Mexicana</i> (<i>Opuntia stricta</i> [Haw.] Haw.) spineless cactus as an option in crossbred dairy cattle diet

“…The excess nutrients provided by greater inclusion of MIU diet may be diverted to other functions, such as weight gain (Sundrum, 2015). Data presented by Ferreira et al (2012) corroborates with intakes presented in this study.…”

Inorganic phosphorus decrease after intravenous glucose tolerance test is associated with insulin resistance in dairy cows

“…Major metabolic adaptations are needed in order to sustain the nutrient balance for milk production in dairy cows. Ketosis is a disorder which occurs in dairy cows that cannot adapt to metabolic challenges in this period (SUNDRUM, 2015). This disorder is characterized by insulin resistance, the reduced response of insulin to glucose, lower levels of glucose and lowered glucose clearance during IVGTT, greater lipid mobilization and synthesis of ketone bodies (WILCOX, 2005;DE KOSTER and OPSOMER, 2013).…”

Relationship between the indexes of insulin resistance and metabolic status in dairy cows during early lactation

“…It allows two important processes: conservation of glucose for lactose production in milk and increased lipolysis followed by increased NEFA (non-esterifi ed fatty acids) concentration for energy purpose [1,2]. These changes are related to milk production initiation, reduced feed intake, negative energy balance, as well as endocrine and metabolic changes at calving [3].…”