Year 2015 - Volume 35, Number 3


Title
Evaluation of the metabolic profile of Holstein cows during the transition period, 35(3):281-290
Authors

Abstract
ABSTRACT.- Alvarenga E.A., Moreira G.H.F.A., Facury Filho E.J., Leme F.O.P., Coelho S.G., Molina L.R., Lima J.A.M. & Carvalho A.U. 2015. [Evaluation of the metabolic profile of Holstein cows during the transition period.] Avaliação do perfil metabólico de vacas da raça Holandesa durante o período de transição. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 35(3):281-290. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Cx. Postal 567, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 30123-970, Brazil. E-mail: alvarenga.ea@gmail.com

The transition period is a time of great challenge for dairy cows, since most metabolic problems occur at this time and can compromise the entire lactation, resulting in a significant economic loss to commercial farms. This study evaluated the metabolic profile of dairy cows during the transition period. Twelve Holstein cows between three weeks pre-calving until three weeks postpartum was used in this study. They remained in a free-stall system, located in Inhaúma, Minas Gerais, during October to December 2012. The metabolic profile were composed by non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), cholesterol (COLES), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), calcium, phosphorus, magnesium as well as the activity serum enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). There were differences in serum NEFA and BHBA between prepartum and postpartum (p<0.05). Observed a decrease in the concentration of COLES with the approaching birth with subsequent increase (p<0.05). Serum concentrations of minerals, PT and ALB did not differ (p>0.05). The enzymatic activity of AST and LDH were higher in the postpartum period (p<0.05). The evaluation of the metabolic profile is an important monitoring tool. Changes in the metabolic profile of cows during the transition period are motivated by energetic changing. Cows that were evaluated have a small risk of developing postpartum diseases related to the transition period.
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