Use of metabolic profiles and body condition scoring for the assessment of energy status of dairy cows

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the significance of body condition scoring and metabolic profile test for estimation of energy status of healthy high-yielding dairy cows. Twenty one healthy cows (primiparous and secundiparous) were divided into three groups: dry cows, early puerperal cows and early lactating cows. Cow's energy status was estimated by the analysis of blood samples for beta-hydroxybutirate (BHBA) and glucose. Additionally, urea, total bilirubine and total protein were measured in blood serum samples. According to body condition scores (BCS) results dry cows were overweight (4.03±0.29 points). Immediately after calving, cows lost their weight significantly, since BCS was 2.85±0.46 points at puerperal period and 3.12±0.33 points at day 60 of lactation (p<0.001 compared to dry period, respectively). Glucose concentration did not change significantly between dry and puerperal period, while BHBA increased significantly (0.46±0.14 mmol/l at dry period to 1.08±0.21 mmol/l at puerperal period; p<0.001). Urea concentration did not change significantly during examined period. Total bilirubin concentration significantly increased from dry (6.31±0.37 mmol/l) to puerperal period (7.63±2.52 mmol/l; p<0.001 compared to dry period) and remained high until day 60 of lactation (7.62±0.13 mmol/l; p<0.001 compared to dry period). Total protein concentration decreased from dry to puerperal period (69.59±6.14 g/l to 58.87±3.29 g/l; p<0.001). According to obtained results it can be concluded that cows were not in adequate energy status during transition period. Our results also indicate that, body condition scoring, BHBA and total bilirubin concentrations can be used as reliable indicators of cow's energy status even when there are not clinically visible health disorders.

Metabolic profiles of cow's blood; a review

“…Moss and Murray 92 found higher plasma urea concentration due to supplementary protein intake in dairy calves. A significant positive correlation between urea nitrogen and the content of lipid in the liver 10 days after calving has been reported by Prodanović et al 87 Roche et al 93 found that high-protein diets fed to postpartum cows lead to increased blood urea and lower fertility.…”

“…Blood serum bilirubin is elevated in early lactation owing to its diminished hepatic uptake in favor of NEFA uptake . Prodanović et al . reported that total bilirubin concentration increased significantly from the dry (6.31 ± 0.37 mmol L −1 ) to the puerperal (7.63 ± 2.52 mmol L −1 ) period.…”

“…Plasma proteins are in a state of equilibrium with amino acids and tissue proteins . Physiological ranges for total protein and albumin concentrations tended to be lower in fresh cows when they might have been used to provide amino acids for milk production …”

“…Albumin was found to be associated with postpartum disease and can be used to predict disease risk in close‐up and fresh periods . Prodanović et al . reported that total protein and albumin concentrations at puerperium were significantly lower compared with the dry period and day 60 of lactation.…”

“…48 Physiological ranges for total protein and albumin concentrations tended to be lower in fresh cows when they might have been used to provide amino acids for milk production. 87 Urea nitrogen concentrations are influenced by many parameters, including dietary protein intake and rumen degradability, dietary amino acid composition, protein intake relative to requirement, liver and kidney function, muscle tissue breakdown and dietary carbohydrate amount and rumen degradability. 88 Increased plasma urea concentrations indicate increased ammonia detoxification in the liver, whereas an increase in total blood protein concentrations indicates intestinal absorption of protein.…”