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Animals
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Advances in the Nutrition and Management of Transition Dairy Cows
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Advances in the Nutrition and Management of Transition Dairy Cows

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2024) | Viewed by 10078

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Thomas Overton

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
Interests: metabolic adaptation; dairy cows; transition period; nutrition; immune function; postpartum uterine health
Dr. Allison L. Kerwin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
Interests: transition dairy cows; nutrition; management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Transition dairy cows are faced with a myriad of changes, including those that are physiological, physical and social. These changes can negatively affect the health and performance of dairy cows, resulting in economic losses. The objective of this Special Issue is to bring light to recent advances in any aspect of the nutrition or management of dairy cows during the transition period that positively impacts their welfare, health and productivity. Original research articles and reviews are welcome as contributions to the Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Overton
Dr. Allison L. Kerwin
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • dairy cow
  • transition period
  • management
  • nutrition
  • health
  • performance
  • energy metabolism
  • inflammation
  • stress

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 963 KiB  
Article
Effect of Gestational Direct-Fed Microbials Supplementation on the Metabolic Profile in Periparturient Dairy Cows
by Orlando Ramirez-Garzon, David Barber, Loreto Meneses and Martin Soust
Animals 2024, 14(20), 2928; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202928 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1295
Abstract
This study was conducted at a commercial dairy farm in Queensland, Australia to evaluate the effects of feeding a lactic acid bacteria-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) during gestation on the metabolic profile of periparturient dairy cows and its effects on milk production and body [...] Read more.
This study was conducted at a commercial dairy farm in Queensland, Australia to evaluate the effects of feeding a lactic acid bacteria-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) during gestation on the metabolic profile of periparturient dairy cows and its effects on milk production and body weight. A total of 150 multiparous Holstein cows were randomly selected based on parity (2.3) and days in milk (130 DIM) and divided into two groups of 75 cows each (control and DFM). The control cows were assigned to a basal diet consisting of a silage-based partial mixed ration (PMR), concentrate fed in the dairy twice a day, and ad libitum pasture. The DFM group received the same basal diet supplemented with three strains of Lactobacillus top-dressed in the feed. The DFM supplementation continued during both the dry period and the subsequent lactation. A subset of 82 cows (40 control and 42 DFM) were monitored during the calving season (March to July 2022) to assess the metabolic profile and postpartum performance. Blood samples were collected during the periparturient period (−4 to −2 w prepartum, around calving, and at weeks 1, 3, and 6 postpartum) to measure the levels of metabolites, enzymes, and minerals. Overall, the serum glucose, NEFA, and chloride levels were higher, while protein and urea were lower in cows supplemented with the DFM (p < 0.005). The pre-calving levels of glucose were higher and the total bilirubin, urea, and BHB were lower in cows supplemented with DFM than in the control (p < 0.05). The post-calving levels of glucose and Mg were also higher in the DFM cows than in the control cows (p < 0.05). Average milk production at 110 DIM was significantly higher in the DFM cows compared to control cows (p = 0.03). Although the total milk production over 305 days was numerically greater in the DFM cows, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.3), whereas the milk protein percentage was higher in the control cows (p = 0.03). The body weight of the DFM cows was greater during the periparturient period (p = 0.001) than that of the control cows. In the DFM cows, glucose levels had a positive correlation (r = 0.16) with milk yield, at 110 DIM, while serum total protein had a positive correlation with body weight (r = 0.32) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding Lactobacillus-based DFM during gestation can positively influence the metabolic profile of periparturient cows, which, in turn, may affect the milk production and body weight of postpartum dairy cows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Nutrition and Management of Transition Dairy Cows)
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11 pages, 1604 KiB  
Article
Index Development to Comprehensive Assess Liver Function during the Dairy Cows’ Transition Period in Low-Tropic Conditions
by Rómulo Campos-Gaona, Adriana Correa-Orozco, Arcesio Salamanca-Carreño and Mauricio Vélez-Terranova
Animals 2024, 14(14), 2056; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14142056 - 13 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1145
Abstract
The aim of this work was to develop a liver tissue function index during the transition period of dairy cows managed in low-tropic conditions. In two farms, twenty crossbred and synthetic native cows during the peripartum period were selected, and blood samples were [...] Read more.
The aim of this work was to develop a liver tissue function index during the transition period of dairy cows managed in low-tropic conditions. In two farms, twenty crossbred and synthetic native cows during the peripartum period were selected, and blood samples were taken on days −30 and −15 prepartum, the calving day, and 7, 20, 35, 50, 65, 80 and 105 days postpartum for serum metabolic tests. On each measurement day, body condition scores (BCS) and parameters on nitrogen metabolism (total protein—TP, albumin—ALB, globulin—GLOB, urea), adipose tissue metabolism (cholesterol—COL, non-esterified fatty acids—NEFA) and two transaminases (alanine aminotransferase—ALT and aspartate aminotransferase—AST) were evaluated. Data analysis included the Spearman correlation, principal components, multiple linear regression and cluster analysis. Results showed that regarding the days after calving and BCS, a liver tissue function index can be constructed using the TP, urea, COL, ALT and NEFA. The estimated index generated three groupings, both by days after calving and BCS. In the former, the index discriminated the metabolic behavior in the prepartum, parturition and postpartum periods, while in the latter, the index discriminated between extreme (2.25, 2.50 and 4.25), slightly low (2.75 and 3.0) and slightly high (3.25 to 4) conditions. The results allow us to conclude that it is feasible to construct mathematical function indexes for liver function to monitor metabolic changes during highly demanding productive phases in dairy cows under tropical conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Nutrition and Management of Transition Dairy Cows)
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18 pages, 1992 KiB  
Article
Effect of Dietary Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Fatty Acid Supplementation during the Last Month of Gestation on Fatty Acid Metabolism and Oxidative Status in Charolais Cows and Calves
by Diana Brozić, Kristina Starčević, Marina Vranić, Krešimir Bošnjak, Maja Maurić Maljković and Tomislav Mašek
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091273 - 24 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1552
Abstract
Fatty acids (FAs) are of utmost importance in the peripartal period for the development of the central nervous and immune systems of the newborn. The transport of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) through the placenta is considered to be minimal in ruminants. Nevertheless, the [...] Read more.
Fatty acids (FAs) are of utmost importance in the peripartal period for the development of the central nervous and immune systems of the newborn. The transport of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) through the placenta is considered to be minimal in ruminants. Nevertheless, the cow’s FAs are the main source of FAs for the calf during gestation. This research aimed to investigate the influence of low-dose eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation during late gestation on the FA metabolism of cows and their calves. A total of 20 Charolais cows during the last month of their gestation were included in the feeding trial and were divided into a control group (CON) and an experimental group (EPA + DHA). The latter received a supplement in the amount of 100 g/day (9.1 and 7.8 g/cow/day of EPA and DHA, respectively). Supplementation of low-dose EPA and DHA alters colostrum and milk fatty acid composition through the elevation of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) without affecting milk fat and protein concentrations and oxidative status. Plasma composition in cows was significantly altered, while the same effect was not detected in calf plasma. No significant change in mRNA expression was detected for the genes fatty acid synthase (FASN) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACACA). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Nutrition and Management of Transition Dairy Cows)
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14 pages, 1236 KiB  
Article
The Performance and Metabolism of Dairy Cows Receiving an Ultra-Diluted Complex in the Diet during the Transition Period and Early Lactation
by Larissa S. Gheller, Mellory M. Martins, Thiago H. Silva, Gustavo Freu, Márcia S. V. Salles, Luiz C. R. Júnior, Weber V. B. Soares and Arlindo S. Netto
Animals 2023, 13(20), 3261; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203261 - 19 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2071
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of feeding an ultra-diluted complex to dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation. Thirty multiparous pregnant dairy cows were blocked and randomly assigned to either a placebo control (CON) group or ultra-diluted complex (UD) group. The [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of feeding an ultra-diluted complex to dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation. Thirty multiparous pregnant dairy cows were blocked and randomly assigned to either a placebo control (CON) group or ultra-diluted complex (UD) group. The CON group received a placebo (basal diet + 40 g/cow/day of expanded silicate), while the UD group received the ultra-diluted complex (basal diet + 40 g/cow/day of PeriParto Transição–RealH, composed of ultra-diluted substances + vehicle: expanded silicate). Cows were evaluated from 30 days before the expected calving date until 60 days in milk (DIM) for sample and data collection. Post-partum dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected by the treatment. Cows fed UD had higher DMI relative to BW. Feeding UD increased milk lactose content and decreased milk protein content. Cows fed UD had lower somatic cell counts in the third and fourth week of lactation. Cows fed UD showed a tendency for higher liver health index. Using UD during the transition period and early lactation may benefit liver and udder health of dairy cows with no detrimental effect on milk performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Nutrition and Management of Transition Dairy Cows)
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23 pages, 308 KiB  
Article
Transition Cow Nutrition and Management Strategies of Dairy Herds in the Northeastern United States: Associations of Nutritional Strategies with Analytes, Health, Milk Yield, and Reproduction
by Allison L. Kerwin, Winfield S. Burhans, Daryl V. Nydam and Thomas R. Overton
Animals 2023, 13(17), 2701; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172701 - 24 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2396
Abstract
The objective was to identify relationships between transition cow nutritional strategies and the prevalence of elevated analytes (nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and haptoglobin (Hp)), disorder incidence (DI), milk yield, and reproductive performance. Multiparous and primiparous cows from 72 farms in the [...] Read more.
The objective was to identify relationships between transition cow nutritional strategies and the prevalence of elevated analytes (nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and haptoglobin (Hp)), disorder incidence (DI), milk yield, and reproductive performance. Multiparous and primiparous cows from 72 farms in the northeastern US were enrolled in a herd-level cohort study. Farms were dichotomized within parity into a nutritional strategy within each period; far-off: controlled energy (CE; <16.5% starch and ≥40% forage neutral detergent fiber (FNDF)) or not CE (NCE; ≥16.5% starch or <40% FNDF or both), close-up: high FNDF (HF; ≥40% FNDF) or low FNDF (LF; <40% FNDF), and fresh: low starch (LS; <25.5% starch) or high starch (HS; ≥25.5% starch). No evidence existed that transition cow nutritional strategies were associated with milk yield outcomes (p ≥ 0.20). In general, our results support feeding multiparous cows HF close-up and HS fresh to minimize excessive BHB and DI; however, multiparous cows fed LF close-up had a higher pregnancy rate, and lower prepartum NEFA and Hp. Similarly, our results support feeding primiparous cows CE far-off, HF close-up, and HS fresh to maximize reproductive performance, and minimize BHB and DI; however, herds fed HF close-up or HS fresh had higher Hp. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Nutrition and Management of Transition Dairy Cows)

Review

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19 pages, 1042 KiB  
Review
Invited Review: Inflammation and Health in the Transition Period Influence Reproductive Function in Dairy Cows
by Tony C. Bruinjé and Stephen J. LeBlanc
Animals 2025, 15(5), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050633 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 737
Abstract
In the early postpartum period, dairy cows undergo significant adaptations in Ca and lipid metabolism, immune function, and inflammatory processes. Concurrent exposure to endotoxins from the uterus, gastrointestinal tract, or mammary gland increases the risk of disease and reproductive problems. Metabolic and inflammatory [...] Read more.
In the early postpartum period, dairy cows undergo significant adaptations in Ca and lipid metabolism, immune function, and inflammatory processes. Concurrent exposure to endotoxins from the uterus, gastrointestinal tract, or mammary gland increases the risk of disease and reproductive problems. Metabolic and inflammatory imbalances during this phase can have both immediate and long-term effects on reproductive health. Associations between metabolic disorders and reproductive outcomes are often confounded by immune activation and systemic inflammation. However, optimal markers, thresholds, and durations for identifying maladaptation and predicting adverse health or reproductive outcomes remain unclear. This narrative review examines key physiological changes during the transition period, including hypocalcemia, lipid mobilization, immune activation, systemic inflammation, and uterine disease. We discuss how these events may affect the dominant follicle, corpus luteum, oocyte, and uterus, potentially leading to prolonged anovulation, reduced estrus expression, impaired response to synchronization protocols, lower progesterone concentrations, and compromised fertility. Understanding these mechanisms will support the development of strategies to monitor, prevent, and mitigate the impacts of transition-related maladaptation on reproductive performance. Such advancements can enhance the health and fertility of high-producing dairy cows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Nutrition and Management of Transition Dairy Cows)
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