Lipid and lipoprotein profile changes in dairy cows in response to late pregnancy and the early postpartum period

Abstract

Abstract. In dairy cows the peripartum period involves endocrine and metabolic changes to compensate for the increased energy requirement aggravated by reduced feed intake. Cows adjust to the resulting negative energy balance with the mobilization of lipids from adipose tissue that, if excessive, could lead to many transition disorders compromising the offspring's growth and well-being. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamic changes in serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles in five dairy cows during the peripartum period. For each cow body condition score (BCS) and body weight (BW) measurements as well as blood sampling was carried out 60, 30 and 15 days before calving (−60, −30 and −15 BC), at calving day (C) and on days 15, 30 and 60 after calving (+15, +30 and +60 AC). Blood samples were tested for serum total lipids, phospholipids, triglycerides, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs), total cholesterol (Total-Chol), high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine the effect of the peripartum period on the studied parameters in cows. A statistically significant effect of the peripartum period (P < 0.05) was found in the values of BCS, BW and all serum lipid and lipoprotein indices measured in cows. The changes observed in lipid indices of peripartum cows could be due to the start of milking and the increase in energy consumption in the body, confirming that metabolic adjustments occur as cows move from the gestation to the lactation period.

Changes in some blood parameters, milk composition and yield of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) during the transition period

“…,b; Arfuso et al . ). Effectively, BHBA values measured in this study showed the same trend of NEFA around parturition.…”

“…A decrease in cholesterol concentration was found throughout the pre‐partum period that might have resulted from the utilization of cholesterol by steroidogenic endocrine organs, including the ovaries and placenta for steroid hormone synthesis during pregnancy (Arfuso et al . ).…”

“…The findings of this study showed a decrease in serum triglycerides values at calving and post‐partum time points compared to pre‐partum time points, probably due to an increase in mammary lipoprotein lipase activity (Arfuso et al . ) in order to satisfy the energy requirements and the fat mammary gland transfer for milk yield (Bertoni et al . ; Fiore et al .…”

Monitoring of blood metabolic profile and milk quality of ewes during lactation in organic farming

“…Consequently, significant changes may occur in the ewes in early lactation period, which can lead to metabolic disorders. Arfuso et al (2016a) reported that cow adjusted to the resulting negative energy balance with the mobilization of lipids adipose tissue that, if excessive, could lead to many transition disorders compromising the offspring's growth and well-being. Mobilization of body reserves firstly activated body fat reserves and changes of NEFA and BHBA concentrations in blood serum of animals (Kokkonen et al, 2005;van Knegsel et al, 2007), as well as some other blood metabolites (insulin and glucose).…”

Changes in Thyroid Hormones Levels and Metabolism in Dairy Cows around Calving

“…Cows in late gestation have higher metabolic demands and less feed intake compared to cows in the early dry period and enter a period of negative energy balance (NEB) intensifi ed in early lactation when feed intake lags behind milk production [4,5].…”