Negative energy balance in periparturient Thai dairy cows raised in small-holder farms

Abstract

Negative energy balance was studied in 26 dairy cows from small-holder farms in Thailand. Blood samples were collected at 4 weeks prepartum and 0 to 3 days postpartum for evaluation of negative energy balance and to study the relationship between concentrations of serum non-esterified fatty acids, concentrations of serum glucose and body condition score. Body condition score was determined 4 weeks before calving, 1 week before to 3 days after calving and 4 weeks after calving. The results revealed that the concentration of non-esterified fatty acids was significantly higher after parturition compared with the concentration before parturition. The concentrations of serum glucose and body condition score were significantly decreased after parturition in comparison with before parturition. In conclusion, periparturient dairy cows of small-holder farms in Thailand had some degrees of negative energy balance as observed by increased serum non-esterified fatty acids concentration, decreased serum glucose concentration and decreased body condition score.