Patterns of blood biochemical parameters of peripartum dairy cows raised in either smallholder or semi-commercial dairy farms in Thailand

Abstract

Background and Aim: Data about dynamics of serum biochemical parameters and negative energy balance (NEB) related conditions differ among geographical areas or farm types. It should be cautious about applying those data to justify control and prevention strategies of NEB problems. Therefore, dynamics of blood biochemical parameters related to NEB condition of peripartum dairy cows raised in either smallholder (SH) or semi-commercial (SC) farms were studied. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two healthy pregnant dry cows were selected from five dairy farms in Western part of Thailand, including 15 and 17 cows from three SH and two SC farms, respectively. Blood samples were collected at 2 weeks before the expected calving date, and 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks postpartum to determine concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA). Body condition scores (BCSs) and milk yields were also recorded. Results: Dairy cows in both farm types suffered from NEB by elevation of serum NEFA and BHBA, and loss of BCS postpartum. Degrees of elevation in serum NEFA and BHBA were different between farm types. The SC cows showed more BCS loss postpartum, but lower serum NEFA. In the SH cows, even with less BCS loss, the cows showed high serum NEFA concentrations. Conclusion: Dairy cows in our study entered NEB condition even with low milk yields. Moreover, elevation of serum NEFA and BHBA postpartum was higher in our studied cows as compared with other studies in high producing cows of commercial dairy farms in temperate areas.

Factors associated with negative energy balance in periparturient dairy cows raised under tropical climate of Thailand—A mini-review

“…The overuse of non-forage fiber in dairy cows also reduces the ratio of effective neutral detergent fiber leading to subacute ruminal acidosis, which is considered an important problem as its prevalence has been reported to be 30% to 42% [ 44 , 45 ]. Various nutritional limitations and diseases followed by metabolic disorders, especially in transitional dairy cows, enhance greater chances of NEB condition [ 46 ].…”

“…Factors including the high price of concentrate feed, lack of proper feeding management in small-holder dairy farms, and inability to formulate on-farm concentrates should be considered an NEB-related factor in Thailand. In Thai small-holder farms, mismanagement of the concentrate diet resulted in over-condition prepartum or under-condition early postpartum, leading the cow to enter into NEB [ 37 , 46 ].…”

Хозяйственно-Биологические Особенности Первотелок Голштинской Породы Разного Происхождения При Акклиматизации В Хозяйстве В Условиях Центральной России Коров В Период Сухостоя И Лактации

“…Изучение показателей крови -объективный метод оценки функционального состояния организма животного в условиях адаптации к технологии и факторам среды (2,39). Например, отмечалось, что у животных голштинской породы, завезенных в Самарскую область из Голландии, только с каждым новым поколением происходило улучшение морфологического и биохимического состава крови, повышение показателей по клеточным и гуморальным факторам естественной резистентности.…”