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International Journal of Dairy Science

Year: 2010 | Volume: 5 | Issue: 4 | Page No.: 253-263
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Authors

A.F. Park

J.E. Shirley

E.C. Titgemeyer

R.C. Cochran

J.M. DeFrain

E.E. Wickersham

D.E. Johnson

Keywords

Present objective was to characterize plasma metabolites as cows transitioned from non-lactational to lactational state. Four multiparous, pregnant Holstein cows were used to achieve this goal. Plasma was obtained on day 79 before projected calving, weekly thereafter until parturition and on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, 20, 25, 30, 60 and 90 postpartum. Crude protein concentrations were 18.7, 11.5, 15.6 and 18.4% for late lactation (-79, -72, -65 days prepartum), far-off dry (-58, -51, -44, -37, -30 days prepartum), close-up dry (-23, -16, -9, -2 days prepartum) and early lactation diets. Albumin was above 3 g dL-1 during the last 3 weeks of lactation (days -79, -72, -65) and the first 3 weeks of the far-off dry period (days -58, -51, -44), decreased to less than 2 g dL-1 during the close-up dry period, then increased linearly after parturition reaching over 4 g dL-1 by day 25 postpartum. Plasma non-esterified fatty acids were relatively constant prepartum, increased at parturition peaking on day 15 and returned to prepartum levels by day 30 postpartum. Insulin and glucagon tended to decrease prior to calving, but glucagon increased during the first week postpartum, whereas insulin continued to decline. Insulin: glucagon was relatively constant prepartum and declined sharply through the first week after calving. Glucose and triacylglycerol decreased following parturition. Plasma urea varied with level of dietary protein and dry matter intake. Plasma total α-amino-nitrogen increased from parturition through day 20 of lactation. These data support the concept that plasma metabolites respond to changes in diet and lactational status.
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