Effect of nutrient levels during the far‐off period on postpartum productivity in dairy cows. (12th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hirabayashi, Haruhi; Kawashima, Kenji; Okimura, Tomoko; Tateno, Ayane; Suzuki, Akitsu; Asakuma, Sadaki; Isobe, Naoki; Obitsu, Taketo; Sugino, Toshihisa; Kushibiki, Shiro
• Is Part Of: Animal science journal. Volume 88:Number 8(2017:Aug.)
• Page Start: 1162
• Page End: 1170
• Publication Date: 2016-12-12
• Subjects: dairy cow -- far‐off period -- nutrient levels; Animal culture -- Periodicals; Livestock -- Periodicals; 636
• DOI: 10.1111/asj.12743
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1344-3941

Abstract

Abstract: The present study aimed to determine the effects of differing nutrient levels during the far‐off period on postpartum metabolism and milk production in lactating cows. Twenty‐six multiparous cows were assigned to three dietary treatments in the far‐off period: a low‐energy diet (L, n = 9, 80% intake of the total digestible nutrients requirement), a moderate‐energy diet (M, n = 8, 105%) and a high‐energy diet (H, n = 9, 130%). During the close‐up period, all cows were provided with 105% intake. After parturition, all cows were fed a lactation diet. The BCS recovery was slow, and low milk yield was found in the H group. In the L group, BCS recovery was favorable after parturition, and lactation persistence was increased. The L group had low rumen endotoxin activity and a high initial ovulation rate after parturition. These findings indicate that a high‐energy diet during the far‐off period has a deleterious effect on milk production. In contrast, the restricted diet in the far‐off period increased adaptability with respect to peri‐parturition metabolic changes, improved the post‐parturition nutritional state, and increased milk production. Furthermore, it suggests that the nutrient levels in the far‐off period affect rumen endotoxin activity and reproductive function after parturition.