Relationship between body condition score, blood metabolites and oxidative stress in transition period and reproductive performance of dairy cows

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between prepartum body condition score (BCS), blood metabolites (Glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate; BHB), oxidative stress (Malondialdehyde; MDA, Glutathione peroxidase; GSH-Px) in transition period and some reproductive parameters in Holstein dairy cows. Fifty cows were divided into two groups [low-BCS = 2.75-3.0 (n=25); adequate-BCS = 3.25-3.75 (n=25)] according to BCS on the 21st day before expected calving. BCS was also recorded at 0 and +21 days after calving. Blood samples collected at -21, 0 and +21 days from calving for MDA and GSH-Px analysis as well as at -21, +14 and +21 days of postpartum for glucose and BHB. Data on reproductive parameters obtained from farm records were also collected. MDA concentrations were higher in group of low-BCS compared to group of adequate-BCS at -21 and 0 d related to calving (p<0.05). GSH-Px activity was lower in group of low-BCS than adequate one during the transition period (p<0.05). Low-BCS group also showed higher concentrations of BHB at +14 and +21 days after calving. During the transition period, low-BCS group had lower glucose concentrations compared to adequate one (p<0.05). Adequate-BCS group of cows showed shorter intervals of calving to first estrus (p<0.01) and calving to conception (p<0.01). In conclusion, cows with lower BCS at the prepartum period had worse metabolic and oxidative balance during the transition period. This situation also was associated with worse reproductive performance in cows.

Assessment on Oxidative Stress in Animals: From Experimental Models to Animal Production

“…High BCS cows showed lower overall concentrations of β-carotene and tocopherol, explaining the lower indicator (ferric reducing ability of plasma) of antioxidant capacity and showed lower hepatic protein abundance of the 1-carbon metabolism enzymes cystathionine-β-synthase, betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase, methionine adenosyltransferase 1 A, glutathione metabolism-related enzymes, and glutathione S-transferase α4 and GPx3. The published data suggest that the BCS values are well correlated with milk yield, immune response, and synthesis of antioxidant [126,153,154]. In deterioration of physical environment during the dry season and in the first time in body condition postpartum has been related to higher probabilities of metabolic and infection diseases [20,155,156].…”

Factors affecting first ovulation in postpartum dairy cows under tropical conditions: A review

“…When cows have adequate energy balance, leptin acts as a hormonal signal of nutritional status that increased secretion of growth hormone and GnRH ( Hoya et al , 2015 ). Delayed first ovulation, first estrous sign and decreased circulatory serum leptin were found in dairy cows enter NEB post parturition ( Liefers et al , 2003 ; Çolakoğlu et al , 2017 ).…”