2019 Volume 90 Issue 4 Pages 295-305
The present study investigated the relationship between changes in rumen fill score (RFS) during the dry period and peripartum metabolic status, postpartum disease, and recovery of reproductive function in dairy cows. Based on the RFS at 3-4 weeks before calving, 35 multiparous Holstein cows were classified into 4 groups as follows : high (≥3.5, H) or low (≤3.0, L), and maintained (M) or changed (C) RFS (HM, n＝6 ; HC, n＝9 ; LM, n＝5 ; and LC, n＝15). The LM group had lower glucose (P＝0.05) and higher β-hydroxybutyrate acid (P<0.05) levels than the HM group, and two LM cows did not ovulate during the experimental period. The HC group had lower albumin levels (P<0.05) than HM. In the LC group, a greater number of cows developed postpartum disease than the LM group (LM, n＝2 ; LC, n＝10), and overall there was a lower milk yield (P<0.1) in LC than LM. Taken together, dairy cows with low and/or changing RFS during the dry period have lower energy status, higher disease risk, lower milk yield, and delayed resumption of ovarian activity after calving than groups with high and/or unchanging RFS.
