Maternal body condition during latepregnancy is associated with in utero development and neonatal growth of Holstein calves

摘要

Background:Nutritional management in the dry period can alter body condition score(BCS)in dairy cows,a subjective measure of body fat.As such,differences in BCS during late-pregnancy not only mirror nutrient utilization by fat depots,but also can play important roles on the metabolic and hormonal environment.We investigated the association between cow BCS during late-pregnancy on developmental parameters and blood variables of neonatal calves.Forty-nine multiparous Holstein cows were retrospectively divided by prepartal BCS into normal BCS≤3.25(NormBCS;3.02±0.17,n=30)or high BCS≥3.75(HighBCS;3.83±0.15,n=19)groups.Plasma samples were collected from cows at−10 d relative to parturition.Body weight,hip and wither height,hip width and body length were measured at birth and weekly through weaning(42 d of age)and until 9 weeks of age.Calf blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at birth(before receiving colostrum,0 d),24 h after first colostrum and at 7,21,42 and 50 d of age.The data were subjected to ANOVA using the mixed procedure of SAS.The statistical model included day,BCS,and their interactions.Results:Dry matter intake(kg/d or%of body weight)during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy was lower(P≤0.06)in HighBCS cows.Plasma concentrations of fatty acids,ceruloplasmin,and nitric oxide were greater overall(P0.05)in daily starter intake and average daily gain due to maternal BCS.Conclusions:Overall,results highlight an association between BCS during late-gestation on in utero calf development and postnatal growth.A high maternal BCS during late-gestation was associated with lower calf body weights,which could be due to lower maternal intakes and a state of inflammation and metabolic stress.