Metabolic profile in dairy cows of high production in the transition period

Abstract

For decades, innovations in relation to production system and racial selection in the bovine species, has been applied in order to increase milk productivity. The changes in the production system led to an increased amount of metabolic diseases, especially in the transition period, three weeks before calving until three weeks after childbirth, the period of highest susceptibility clinical or subclinical. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the metabolic profile of magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, triglycerides and glucose Holstein dairy cows during the transition period. 56 Holstein cows, with an average yield of 25 to 30 kg of milk per day were examined. The samples were collected in five time points: 30 and 15 days pre-partum, during birth, 15 and 30 days after delivery. The values of calcium showed a significant increase from 30 days before delivery and birth. At 15 days postpartum decreased levels of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were observed. During birth the highest values ​of glucose in combination with a decrease in triglycerides were detected. It was observed that even though the values ​​varied, healthy animals showed statistical significance in relation to delivery. Thus it is of fundamental importance to evaluate the metabolic profile in the herd and maintain a balanced nutritional diet.