Association between prepartum dry matter intake, net energy balance, and postpartum diseases in dairy cows

Authors

  • J. Perez-Baez Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
  • C. A. Risco Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
  • G. C. Gomes Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
  • M. Zenobi Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
  • N. Martinez Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
  • C. R. Staples Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
  • J. E. Santos Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
  • K. N. Galvao Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20173370

Keywords:

transition period, dairy cattle, milk yield, prepartum, postpartum

Abstract

The transition period in dairy cows is characterized by a drop in dry matter intake, leading to lipid mobilization in the form of nonesterified fatty acids [NEFA) and an increase in ketone bodies such as beta-hydroxybutyrate. Concentrations of NEFA > 0.3 mEq/L during 14 to 2 days prepartum can predict diseases like displaced abomasum, clinical ketosis, metritis, and retained placenta (RP). These diseases reduce milk yield, impair reproductive performance, and increase culling, hence incurring economic losses. The association between DMI prepartum and disease incidence postpartum has not been extensively studied. The primary objectives of this study were to determine the association between prepartum dry matter intake (DMI), DMI as percentage of body weight (DMI%BW), and net energy balance (NEB) (-21 days) and postpartum diseases or disorders; calving problems (dystocia, twins, stillbirth), RP, metritis, mastitis, metabolic problems (hypocalcemia, ketosis), digestive problems (indigestion, displaced abomasum), lameness, and disease (Dz) (no disease, 1 disease, >2 diseases). A secondary objective was to use DMI, DMI%BW and NEB prepartum to predict Dz postpartum.

Downloads

Published

2017-09-14

Issue

Section

Research Summaries

Most read articles by the same author(s)

1 2 3 > >>