Metabolic Profile and Hormonal Status Comparison Between Primiparous and Multiparous Non-Cyclic Cows

Abstract

Several reports indicated that a large proportion of dairy cows have not resumed cyclicity until day 60 after calving. These cows are traditionally classified as non-cycling (anoestrous or anovular cows). Static ovaries (SO, lack of luteal tissue and follicles >8 mm, and progesterone < 0.5 ng/mL) could be a possible underlying reason that contributes to a non-cycling status. Although SO affects both primiparous (PP) and multiparous (MP) cows, PP cows are more prone to be non-cycling than MP. Therefore, this study aims to compare the metabolic profiles and hormonal status between non-cycling PP and MP cows diagnosed with SO. One hundred and twenty one animals that did not express signs of oestrus until day 60 postpartum were grouped by parity (PP, n=58 and MP, n=63), then blood sampled and examined using transrectal ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected before the ultrasonographic examination. Out of those, 42 PP (72.4%) and 28 MP (44.4%) were diagnosed as non-cycling (bearing SO). Serum concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein and albumin did not differ between parity groups. The glucose concentrations in PP cows (1.43 ± 0.59 mmol/L) and MP cows (1.69 ± 0.71 mmol/L) did not differ, however, they were less than the normal physiological concentration. In addition, no differences were detected between parity groups for concentrations of NEFA, β-HBA, progesterone and estradiol. In summary, we concluded that non-cycling PP and MP cows bearing SO have similar hormonal status and metabolic profiles.

Effect of parity on metabolic and oxidative stress profiles in Holstein dairy cows

“…In addition, in previous papers, comparison between postpartum primiparous and multiparous cows revealed non-significant differences in biochemical factors, including glucose, total protein, albumin, cholesterol, and triglycerides [ 20 , 25 ], which confirms the results found in the present paper.…”

“…Evaluation of the multiparous cows’ metabolic profile pattern revealed significant decrease in glucose, total protein, and albumin, with significant increase in cholesterol and MDA, when compared to prepartum multiparous state. The reduction of glucose level in postpartum phase was also reported in other studies [ 16 , 20 ]. Increased glucose demand during early lactation, particularly in high-yielding animals, results in a hypoglycemic state [ 22 ].…”

“…Contradictory results were reported in the previous studies; however, some researchers asserted that NEFA changes are more pronounced in multiparous cows in the postpartum phase [14,15,17]. Other reports showed no significant differences in NEFA between multiparous and primiparous cows [20,25]. Furthermore, another paper stated that NEFA is more correlated with lactation stage than with parity [6].…”

“…In this study, hypoglycemia in postpartum primiparous cows was realized, which agrees with a previous study [ 16 ]. Increased demand for glucose to cope with the expected increase in milk production causes hypoglycemia during this phase [ 20 ]. In one study, glucose was thought of as an insensitive indicator of cattle energy status due to homeostatic regulation [ 5 ]; however, it was hypothesized that glucose in conjunction with NEFA and β-HBA is useful in indicating an animal’s energy status [ 21 ].…”