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Dry matter intake, body condition score and, betahydroxybutyrate of Holstein and crossbred Holstein x Simmental cows during the transition period
Knob, D., Kappes, R., Perazzoli, L...
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Objectives
We aimed at a comparison between purebred Holstein and crossbred Holstein x Simmental cows for dry matter intake (DMI), body condition score (BCS), body weight (BW) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) during the transition period.
Materials and Methods
The research was carried out in a compost bedded pack barn confinement system in a commercial dairy farm in South Brazil. A total of 30 multiparous cows (18 Holstein and 12 crossbred F1 Holstein x Simmental cows) entered the study. Each cow entered the study 21 days before the expected calving day (prepartum) and stayed in the research group until day 21 after calving (postpartum).
Twice a day, the prepartum cows received a total mixed ration (TMR) based on maize silage and a commercial pre lactation concentrate. The postpartum cows received a TMR based on maize silage, ryegrass (fresh and silage), and concentrates. Cows were mechanically milked 3 times a day, and both genetic groups had an average daily milk yield of 29 kg. After each milking, the postpartum cows had access to the feed parlour.
The offered TMR and non-consumed feed of each cow were weighted to allow individual feed intake measurements. The TMR was offered ad libitum allowing 5-10% residuals. Weekly, body weights and BCS of cows were recorded. The BCS evaluation was based on a scale between 1 (extremely thin) and 5 (very fat). On the same day, blood was sampled for the immediately performed BHB measurement using an electronic handheld device (Precision Xtra meter, Abbott Diabetes Care). To obtain the daily rumination data, we used the data collected by the Heatime® (SCR/Allflex) system. The data were analyzed by the MIXED procedure of the SAS (SAS 2002) statistical package. The model was composed of the fixed effects genetic group, period (pre/post partum), and the interaction between them.
Results
Holstein and crossbred Holstein x Simmental cows have a similar DMI (Table 1). There is a difference between pre and postpartum DMI with a higher value after calving, which represents about 6-7 kg/day. Both genetic groups have similar BW, with an interaction between the genetic group and the transition period. Before calving, there was no difference for BW between both genetic groups, while the difference after calving reached 30 kg. The DMI % to body weight did not differ between Holstein and Holstein x Simmental crossbred cows. Even with similar DMI, crossbred cows have a better BCS during the transition period than the purebred Holsteins. This difference is highlighted in the postpartum period with 0.8 points advantage for the crossbred cows.
The BHB values do not differ between the genetic groups. It seems that the genetic group does not affect BHB since both genetic groups have similar milk yields and DMI. We just observed a difference for the period, with lower prepartum values.
Because of having similar DMI, there was no difference in rumination time between the genetic groups, as well as no interaction between genetic group and period.
Conclusions
Both genetic groups present a similar dry matter intake during the transition period, but the crossbred cows are more efficient by showing a better BCS before and after calving. The Holstein cows lose more BCS and body weight after calving than the crossbred cows.
Acknowledgments
To the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001.
Keywords: BHBA, BCS.
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