Reducing milking frequency from thrice to twice daily in early lactation improves the metabolic status of high-yielding dairy cows with only minor effects on yields

Abstract

Reducing milk production during early lactation might be of interest to improve the energy balance (EB) of high-yielding dairy cows. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine how reducing the milking frequency (MF) of high-yielding dairy cows from thrice to twice a day during the first 30 d in milk (DIM) affects yields, intake, efficiency, metabolic status, and carryover effects. To this end, 42 multiparous cows were divided into 2 groups according to their previous lactation performance, parity, and body weight. The control cows were milked 3 times a day (3ML) and the treated cows were milked twice a day (2ML) until 30 DIM and then both groups were milked 3 times a day. Milk samples were taken twice a week from 2 or 3 consecutive milkings until 45 DIM for analysis of milk solids, and both groups were followed until 100 DIM to determine the carryover effects of MF until 30 DIM. Individual dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, and body weight were recorded daily. Blood samples were taken 3 times weekly from 14 d prepartum until 45 DIM. Milk yield during the first 30 DIM was 8.6% higher (49.3 and 45.4 kg/d, respectively), milk fat percentage was lower (3.96 and 4.27%, respectively), and the yields of all milk solids were higher in the 3ML cows than in the 2ML cows. Dry matter intake and 4% fat-corrected milk were similar between groups. The EB during the first 30 DIM was lower in the 3ML cows than in the 2ML cows, and milk yield, but not 4% fat-corrected milk yield, per unit of DMI was higher in the 3ML cows. No differences were observed between groups from 31 to 100 DIM in milk yield (~56.3 kg/d for both groups), milk solids yield, DMI, or milk/DMI; however, fat percentage was lower and EB was higher in the 3ML cows. Blood glucose concentrations between 0 and 30 DIM were lower and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations were higher in the 3ML cows than in the 2ML cows, but nonesterified fatty acids concentrations were lower, which may be attributed to the lower clearance frequency of nonesterified fatty acids from the blood stream in the 2ML cows. A lower proportion of the 3ML cows (10%) ovulated ≤15 DIM compared with the 2ML cows (40%), with no beneficial effects on preovulatory follicle characteristics. Reducing the MF from thrice to twice a day during the first 30 DIM improved EB and metabolic status, with only minor effects on production.

Proteome dataset of liver from dairy cows experiencing negative or positive energy balance at early lactation

“…The experiment was conducted at the experimental dairy farm of the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel. The data represented within this paper are part of a larger study published elsewhere [2] . Full details on animal management and handling are provided in the companion paper [1] .…”

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

“…Various factors are affecting NEB condition in dairy cows. For energy requirements, a genetic factor predominantly related to milk production is an influential parameter [ 9 ], together with environmental and management factors such as temperature, humidity, or housing system [ 10 ]. For energy intake, feeding management and feed ingredients for proper animal intake and requirement amounts are the most important factors [ 11 ].…”

“…Dairy cows with NEB have decreased reproductive performance by alteration of DMI to reduce nutritional activation of the reproductive cycle [ 9 , 32 , 33 ].…”

Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation on Components of the Endocannabinoid System and Metabolic and Inflammatory Responses in Adipose and Liver of Peripartum Dairy Cows

“…Numerous studies have shown that dietary omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids have positive effects on reproductive and physiological properties in dairy cows [4][5][6][7][8]. In addition, changing omega-6 (n-6) to n-3 ratio in the diet is also a well-known strategy for affecting the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and the possible consequences of this change in ECS activity on peripartum dairy cows is yet to be explored [9,10].…”

“…Monoglyceride Lipase;5 Nuclear Factor Kappa-Light-Chain-Enhancer of activated B cells; 6 β-Actin which…”