27High-yielding dairy cows are metabolically challenged during transition, when intense mobilization 28 and hepatic oxidation of lipids is achieved, thus leading to fatty infiltration, ketosis and generalized 29 inflammation. The condition is associated to periparturient diseases and poor fertility. The aim of 30 this study was to assess whether serum lipoprotein concentrations in the dry period could influence 31 the occurrence of postpartum diseases and reproductive performance in dairy cows. The study was 32 carried out on 30 multiparous Holstein Friesian cows. Blood samples were collected at dry-off (-60 33 days), 30 days after dry-off and within 12 hours after parturition for biochemical and serum 34 lipoprotein assays. From 10 to 60 days after parturition milk was collected twice weekly after 35 feeding, for milk whey progesterone assay. The Optimal Cutpoint package identified a threshold of 36 89% for serum High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) concentration at the beginning of the dry period 37 with 95% of confidence interval. Cows with serum HDL greater than 89% (High group, n = 10) 38showed better reproductive performance when compared to those with low values (Low group, n = 39 18). The odds ratio for reproductive disorders in High group was 0.6875, however, differences were 40 not significant probably due to both the reduced number of animals per group and overall low 41 incidence of postpartum reproductive disease. First postpartum luteal activity occurred around day 42 23, while the second one between days 40 and 48. The average calving to first AI interval was 64.00 43 ± 3.95 days and 94.50 ± 12.32 days in High and Low group, respectively (P < 0.05). The calving-44 conception interval was 129.86 ± 24.42 days and 199.18 ± 24.73 days in High and Low groups, 45 respectively (P < 0.05). Low group displayed an increase in liver markers, that is total bilirubin, 46 with 0.46 ± 0.09 mg/dL and 0.23 ± 0.08 mg/dL, in Low and High group respectively (P < 0.05), and 47 NEFA/cholesterol ratio, with 0.30 ± 0.06 and 0.14 ± 0.03, in Low and High groups, respectively (P 48 < 0.05), at parturition. Concentrations of HDL > 89% at dry-off could be suggestive of improved 49 liver adaptation to the transition, and probably of enhanced fertility in High group. 50 51