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Thanks to improvements in genetics, nutrition, and management, modern dairy cows can still produce large amounts of milk at the end of lactation, with possible negative effects on health and welfare, particularly when milking is stopped abruptly. To limit yield at dry-off, strategies involving different types of dietary restriction have been used worldwide. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of a reduced nutrient density at dry-off on milk production, metabolism, the pattern of rumen fermentation, and milk fatty acid profile around dry-off and in the ensuing periparturient period. During the last week before dry-off, 26 Holstein cows were enrolled in pairs according to the expected calving date and either fed ad libitum ryegrass hay (nutrient restricted, NR; 13 cows) or continued to receive lactation diet (control group, CTR; 13 cows). After dry-off, both groups received only grass hay for 7 d, and free access to water was always provided. Blood, milk, and rumen fluid samples were collected from 7 d before dry-off to 28 DIM. Milk production, DMI (during the periparturient period), and rumination times were recorded daily. At dry-off, NR cows had decreased milk yield (-62%) and milk lactose compared with CTR but had higher fat and protein contents. In the subsequent lactation, no significant differences were observed in milk yield and composition. The BCS did not differ between groups during the transition period, but it decreased in NR after dry-off. Before dry-off, NR had decreased glucose, urea, and insulin, but higher creatinine, BHB, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA). The day after dry-off, NEFA were lower in NR, but they were higher 7 d after calving. At dry-off, NR had higher rumen pH, lower lactate, urea, and total volatile fatty acid concentrations. Considering volatile fatty acid molar proportions, NR had increased acetate but decreased propionate and butyrate at dry-off. Rumination time dropped 6 d before dry-off in NR and after dry-off in CTR, b

Dairy cow longevity is an important economic trait for producers. In modern dairy farming, longevity of dairy cows is the result of culling decisions, which are determined by several risk factors, including diseases, and reproductive and productive performance. Previous studies have documented that seasonal changes affect health, behavior, and performance of dairy cows throughout their life cycle. Increasing cow comfort by making management adjustments to decrease exposure to high temperatures during the hot months gives farmers the opportunity to decrease culling risk factors and possibly increase cow productive life. In the present study, we obtained the records of primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows from Florida (n = 10,812) and California (n = 8,197) during a 10-yr period (2012–2022). We analyzed the relationship between birth season and longevity (i.e., cows that remained in the herd for 5 or more lactations) in Florida (n = 1,567) and in California (n = 1,669). The number of cows dead, sold, the reasons why they were sold, and their relationship with birth season were also analyzed in the Florida dataset. The hypothesis was that birth in a cool season will increase the length of herd productive life and decrease the number of cows sold or dead during all lactations. The birth seasons were cool (CL; cows born in December, January, February, or March) and hot (HS; cows born in June, July, August, or September). Results showed that in Florida, most cows that remained in the herd for more than 5 lactations (i.e., 14.5% of total cow records) were born during CL compared with cows born during HS (1,129, 72% vs. 438, 28%). The same observations were made in California, where greater longevity (i.e., 5 or more lactations, representing 20.4% of total cow records) was attributed to cows born in CL compared with HS cows (939, 56.3% vs. 730, 43.7%). In Florida, a greater number of HS were sold compared with CL cows (765, 52.6% vs. 689, 47.4%). More HS cows were sold

Dairy goat's lactation persistence forces farmers at limiting nutrient supply to reduce yield at dry-off. Omitting dry period could be a solution, but metabolic effects of this practice have never been tested. Eight Alpine (AL) and 12 Saanen (SA) goats approaching their second kidding blocked by breed and number of kids carried (single - SIN - or double - DOU) were allocated to one out of two groups (4 AL and 6 SA; 5 SIN and 5 DOU in each group). At -42 +/- 7 days from kidding (DFK), they were either dried off (DR) or milked continuously until kidding (CL). Body condition score (BCS) was assessed, and blood samples were collected at -10, -3, 5, 12, and 29 DFK to determine metabolic profile. Milk yield and composition were assessed at -56, 7, 31, 62, and 97 DFK. Compared with DR, CL had higher plasma reactive oxygen metabolites and liver enzymes. Compared with DR counterparts, AL-CL had higher nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) at -10, whereas SA-CL had lower NEFA at -3 DFK. CL goats had lower BCS, higher plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and urea before kidding, but higher glucose at -3 and 5, lower NEFA at 5 and 12, and higher BCS at 29 DFK. CL goats had lower haptoglobin and myeloperoxidase at -3 and 5 DFK, paired with higher albumin, cholesterol, and paraoxonase at 12 DFK. Omitting dry period mitigated the inflammatory condition around kidding in dairy goats, possibly accounting for an improved energy balance in early lactation, despite body reserve mobilisation prepartum was greater under continuous lactation.Omitting dry period accrued prepartum energy deficit in dairy goats but improved their postpartum energy balance.Omitting dry period mitigated acute phase response and inflammation in dairy goats during the late gestation and early lactation phases.Omitting dry period in high-yielding goats could allow for a smoother transition to the new lactation coping with the limitations hindering the dry-off procedures.

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between subclinical intramammary infection (IMI) from different pathogens combined with inflammation status and a set of blood biochemical traits including energy-related metabolites, indicators of liver function or hepatic damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, innate immunity, and mineral status in 349 lactating Holstein cows. Data were analyzed with a linear model including the following fixed class effects: days in milk, parity, herd, somatic cell count (SCC), bacteriological status (positive and negative), and the SCC x bacteriological status interaction. Several metabolites had significant associations with subclinical IMI or SCC. Increased SCC was associated with a linear decrease in cholesterol concentrations which ranged from -2% for the class >= 50,000 and < 200,000 cells/mL to -11% for the SCC class >= 400,000 cells/mL compared with the SCC class < 50,000 cells/mL. A positive bacteriological result was associated with an increase in bilirubin (+24%), paraoxonase (+11%), the ratio paraoxonase/ cholesterol (+9%), and advanced oxidation protein product concentration (+23%). Increased SCC were associated with a linear decrease in ferric reducing antioxidant power concentrations ranging from -3% for the class >= 50,000 and < 200,000 cells/mL to -9% for the SCC class >= 400,000 cells/mL (respect to the SCC class < 50,000 cells/mL). A positive bacteriological result was associated with an increase in haptoglobin concentrations (+19%). Increased SCC were also associated with a linear increase in haptoglobin concentrations, which ranged from +24% for the class >= 50,000 and < 200,000 cells/mL (0.31 g/L) to +82% for the SCC class >= 400,000 cells/mL (0.45 g/L), with respect to the SCC class < 50,000 cells/mL (0.25 g/L). Increased SCC were associated with a linear increase in ceruloplasmin concentrations (+15% for SCC >= 50,000 cells/mL). The observed changes in blood b

The cessation of lactation (i.e., dry-off) in dairy cattle is an area of research that has received much focus in recent years. The dry period is necessary to optimize tissue remodeling of the mammary gland, but repre-sents a stressful event, incorporating several changes in daily routine, diet, and metabolism. Moreover, the high milk yields achieved by modern cows in late gestation exacerbate the need for relevant manipulations in the days around dry-off, as excessive accumulation of milk might jeopardize the success of the dry period, with potential negative effects on future lactation. Produc-tion levels over 15 kg/d are an additional risk factor for udder health, delay mammary involution, and worsen metabolic stress and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, the pressure to reduce antibiotic usage in farm animals has resulted in increased attention on the dry period, given that historically most dairy cattle were provided prophylactic intramammary antibiotic treatment at dry-off as a means to reduce the risk of intramammary infections in the subsequent lactation. Several strategies have been proposed over the years to cope with these challenges, aiming to gradually reduce milk yield before dry-off, promoting at the same time the start of mammary involution. Among them, the most common are based on feed or nutrient restric-tion, a decrease in milking frequency, or administration of prolactin inhibitors. These practices have differ-ent capacities to reduce milk yield through different mechanisms and entail several implications for udder health, animal welfare, behavior, endocrine status, metabolism, and inflammatory conditions. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the dry-off phase in high-yielding cows and of the impact of high milk production at dry-off, and to describe pos-sible strategies that might be implemented by farmers and veterinarians to optimize this critical phase in an integrated way.

Positive effects have been observed as a result of Aloe arborescens supplementation in the dry-off phase in dairy cows. Metabolomic approaches can provide additional information about animal physiology. Thus, we characterized plasma metabolome around dry-off in 12 cows supplemented (AL) or not (CTR) with 10 g/d of lyophilized A. arborescens with an untargeted metabolomic approach. Overall, 1658 mass features were annotated. Regardless of treatment, multivariate statistics discriminated samples taken before and after dry-off. Overall, 490 metabolites were different between late lactation and early dry period, of which 237 were shared between AL and CTR. The most discriminant compounds (pentosidine and luteolin 7-O-glucoside) were related to the more fibrous diet. Pathway analysis indicated that pyrimidine and glycerophospholipid metabolisms were down-accumulated, suggesting reduced rumen microbial activity and liver load. Samples from AL were discriminated from CTR either the day of dry-off or 7 days after. At dry-off, aloin and emodin were the most discriminant metabolites, indicating that Aloe's bioactive compounds were absorbed. Seven days later, 534 compounds were different between groups, and emodin was among the most impacted. Pathway analysis highlighted that glycerophospholipid, pyrimidine, and folate metabolisms were affected. These results might indicate that Aloe has positive effects on liver function and a modulatory effect on rumen fermentation.

Twelve Holstein (HOL), 9 Brown Swiss (BRO), and 9 Simmental (SIM) dairy cows raised in the same barn and managed identically were enrolled to characterise the responses to the transition period. From -21 to 28 d from calving (DFC), body condition score (BCS) and milk yield were measured, and blood samples were collected to assess plasma biomarkers of metabolism, minerals, liver function, inflammation, and oxidative status. Compared with SIM, HOL and BRO had higher milk yield during the first week of lactation. HOL had the highest milk yield from the second to the fourth week and the lowest BCS at 28 DFC. SIM had the highest BCS and the highest plasma creatinine and P, reflecting a greater attitude to gain muscle mass. Compared with SIM, BRO and HOL had lower plasma fructosamine, indicating reduced glucose availability driven by lactose synthesis. SIM had the mildest acute phase response at the onset of lactation, as suggested by the lowest ceruloplasmin concentration. HOL had the highest cholesterol and paraoxonase concentrations, and the greatest interleukin-1 beta production by leukocytes following ex-vivo stimulation, suggesting that they had the quickest resolution of the acute phase response due to the fastest immune cell activation. BRO had the highest concentration of reactive oxygen metabolites, ceruloplasmin, bilirubin, glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and beta-hydroxybutyrate, and the lowest concentration of paraoxonase, reflecting the strongest activation of leukocytes and the most severe acute phase response. Together, these results highlight different metabolic and inflammatory conditions around calving in the three explored breeds.

Huge differences exist between cow yields and body sizes during their first and second lactations. The tran-sition period is the most critical and investigated phase of the lactation cycle. We compared metabolic and endocrine responses between cows at different parities during the transition period and early lactation. Eight Holstein dairy cows were monitored at their first and second calving during which they were reared under the same conditions. Milk yield, dry matter intake (DMI), and body weight (BW) were regularly measured, and energy balance, efficiency, and lactation curves were calculated. Blood samples were collected on scheduled days from -21 d relative to calving (DRC) to 120 DRC for the assessment of metabolic and hormonal profiles (biomarkers of metabolism, mineral status, inflamma-tion, and liver function). Large variations in the period in question for almost all variables investigated were observed. Compared with their first lactation, cows during their second lactation had higher DMI (+15%) and BW (+13%), their milk yield was greater (+26%), lactation peak was higher and earlier (36.6 kg/d at 48.8 DRC vs. 45.0 kg/d at 62.9 DRC), but persistency was reduced. Milk fat, protein, and lactose contents were higher during the first lactation and coagulation prop-erties were better (higher titratable acidity, faster and firmer curd formation). Postpartum negative energy balance was more severe the during the second lacta-tion (1.4-fold at 7 DRC) and plasma glucose was lower. Circulating insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 were lower in second-calving cows during the transi-tion period. At the same time, markers of body reserve mobilization (beta-hydroxybutyrate and urea) increased. Moreover, albumin, cholesterol, and gamma-glutamyl trans-ferase were higher during second lactation, whereas bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase were lower. The inflammatory response after calving was not different, as suggested by the similar haptoglobin concentrations and

Anticoagulants, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), sodium citrate (Na-citrate), or heparin are normally used in hematological clinical tests to prevent coagulation. Although anticoagulants are fundamental for the correct application of clinical tests, they produce adverse effects in different fields, such as those involving specific molecular techniques; for instance, quantitative real time polymerase chain reactions (qPCR) and gene expression evaluation. For this reason, the aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of 14 genes in leukocytes that were isolated from the blood of Holstein cows, and which were collected in Li-heparin, K-EDTA, or Na-citrate tubes; then, they were analyzed using qPCR. Only the SDHA gene showed a significant dependence (p ≤ 0.05) on the anticoagulant that was used with the lowest expression; this was observed in Na-Citrate after being compared with Li-heparin and K-EDTA (p < 0.05). Although a variation in transcript abundance with the three anticoagulants was observed in almost all the investigated genes, the relative abundance levels were not statistically significant. In conclusion, the qPCR results were not influenced by the presence of the anticoagulant; thus, we had the opportunity to choose the test tube that was used in the experiment without interfering effects impacting the gene expression levels caused by the anticoagulant.

The final weeks of gestation represent a critical period for dairy cows that can determine the success of the subsequent lactation. Many physiological changes take place and additional exogenous stressors can alter the success of the transition into lactation. Moreover, this phase is pivotal for the final stage of intrauterine development of the fetus, which can have negative long-lasting postnatal effects. Heat stress is widely recognised as a threat to dairy cattle welfare, health, and productivity. Specifically, late gestation heat stress impairs the dam's productivity by undermining mammary gland remodelling during the dry period and altering metabolic and immune responses in early lactation. Heat stress also affects placental development and function, with relevant consequences on fetal development and programming. In utero heat stressed newborns have reduced birth weight, growth, and compromised passive immune transfer. Moreover, the liver and mammary DNA of in utero heat stressed calves show a clear divergence in the pattern of methylation relative to that of in utero cooled calves. These alterations in gene regulation might result in depressed immune function, as well as altered thermoregulation, hepatic metabolism, and mammary development jeopardising their survival in the herd and productivity. Furthermore, late gestation heat stress appears to exert multigenerational effects, influencing milk yield and survival up to the third generation.

Simple Summary Weaning plays a vital role in the management strategy of a dairy farms, also affecting the future animals' performances, such as growth, reproduction, and lactation. At the same time weaning strategy, as days at weaning, influences the feeding cost as milk supply during the pre-weaning period reaches 40% of the total feed costs. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of weaning age, conventional (60 days) or early (45 days) on growth performances and inflammometabolic status of ten Simmental calves. The proposed results showed how early weaning strategy seemed to not affect inflammatory status and liver functionality after weaning, highlighting the possibility to reduce rearing costs but not jeopardizing calf development, as long as calves can reach body gains as reported in the present study. At least for performance, we are aware that the low number of calves enrolled in each treatment can limit the recommendations based on our findings. Hence, this study should be considered more like an explorative investigation since no recent data are available for Simmental calves in terms of growth performance and inflammometabolic adaptation. Weaning plays a key role in health status and future performance of calves. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of weaning age (Wa), early (45 d, EW) or conventional (60 d, CW), on growth performance and metabolic profile of ten Simmental calves (5 EW and 5 CW calves). Daily intake of milk and calf starter was recorded. Blood samples and measurements of body weight (BW), heart girth (HG), and wither height (WH) were collected at -25, -15, 0, 6, and 20 days relative to weaning. Growth performances (BW, HG, WH) were affected by Wa, resulting lower in EW calves compared with CW calves (p < 0.05). Average daily gain was affected by overall Wa and Time but also by the interaction Wa x Time (p < 0.05). EW calves had lower paraoxonase and higher oxidation protein products levels, lower glucos

An unsupervised machine learning approach (ML) of rumination time (RT) data was used to evaluate metabolic and lactation performance in a cohort of Simmental dairy cows (29) around parturition. The k-means clustering (unsupervised ML) was used to generate clusters based on RT (Hr-Tags; SCR by Allflex) over 24 h from 1 to 7-d post-calving. Two large clusters were obtained: high (High-RT, n = 13) and low (Low-RT, n = 12). Milk production was recorded until 42 d in lactation and milk samples collected weekly. Blood samples were collected from −21 to +28 d relative to calving. Data were subjected to PROC MIXED of SAS. Compared with Low-RT, High-RT cows had lower plasma BHB (3, 7, and 14 d), haptoglobin (3 and 7 d), and non-esterified fatty acids (1 and 3 d). High-RT cows had greater tocopherol from 3 to 28 d, fructosamine and albumin at 7 d, and retinol at 3 and 7 d after calving than Low-RT cows. Compared with multiparous Low-RT, milk production was greater in multiparous High-RT cows, but no differences were detected for primiparous. Only for multiparous, High-RT cows displayed a greater LFI than Low-Rt cows. The close relationship between RT and the physiological state at the onset of lactation supports the use of RT as an indicator of metabolic and inflammatory adaptations to the negative energy balance of cows after parturition. At the farm level, these outcomes provide information to farmers that can be helpful in management decisions for cow health, complementing traditional methods.HIGHLIGHTS The unsupervised ML applied was able to group cows with different RT increase rates after calving based on differences in plasma biomarkers of energy metabolism, inflammatory response, and liver functionality, particularly in multiparous cows. A quicker increase in RT after calving was associated with a lower inflammatory response, lower lipid mobilisation, and greater milk production. At the farm level, the fine-tuning of specific algorithm in the actual sensors considerin

Recent research on the transition period (TP) of dairy cows has highlighted the pivotal role of immune function in affecting the severity of metabolic challenges the animals face when approaching calving. This suggests that the immune system may play a role in the etiology of metabolic diseases occurring in early lactation. Several studies have indicated that the roots of immune dysfunctions could sink way before the “classical” TP (e.g., 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after calving), extending the time frame deemed as “risky” for the development of early lactation disorders at the period around the dry-off. Several distressing events occurring during the TP (i.e., dietary changes, heat stress) can boost the severity of pre-existing immune dysfunctions and metabolic changes that physiologically affect this phase of the lactation cycle, further increasing the likelihood of developing diseases. Based on this background, several operational and nutritional strategies could be adopted to minimize the detrimental effects of immune dysfunctions on the adaptation of dairy cows to the new lactation. A suitable environment (i.e., optimal welfare) and a balanced diet (which guarantees optimal nutrient partitioning to improve immune functions in cow and calf) are key aspects to consider when aiming to minimize TP challenges at the herd level. Furthermore, several prognostic behavioral and physiological indicators could help in identifying subjects that are more likely to undergo a “bad transition”, allowing prompt intervention through specific modulatory treatments. Recent genomic advances in understanding the linkage between metabolic disorders and the genotype of dairy cows suggest that genetic breeding programs aimed at improving dairy cows’ adaptation to the new lactation challenges (i.e., through increasing immune system efficiency or resilience against metabolic disorders) could be expected in the future. Despite these encouraging steps forward in understanding the physiolog

The dry-off of dairy cows represents an important phase of the lactation cycle, influencing the outcome of the next lactation. Among the physiological changes, the severity of the inflammatory response can vary after the dry-off, and this response might have consequences on cow adaptation in the transition period. The plasma protein profile is a diagnostic tool widely used in humans and animals to assess the inflammatory status and predict the outcome of severe diseases. The albumin-to-globulin ratio (AG) can represent a simple and useful proxy for the inflammatory condition. In this study, we investigated the relationship between AG before dry-off and inflammation, metabolic profile, and performance of 75 Holstein dairy cows. Blood samples were collected from −62 (7 d before dry-off) to 28 d relative to calving (DFC) to measure metabolic profile biomarkers, inflammatory variables, and liver function. Daily milk yield in the first month of lactation was recorded. Milk composition, body condition score, fertility, and health status were also assessed. The AG calculated 1 wk before dry-off (−62 DFC) was used to retrospectively group cows into tertiles (1.06 ± 0.09 for HI, 0.88 ± 0.04 for IN, and 0.72 ± 0.08 for LO). Data were subjected to ANOVA using the PROC MIXED program in SAS software. Differences among groups observed at −62 DFC were almost maintained throughout the period of interest, but AG peaked before calving. According to the level of acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, cholesterol, retinol-binding protein), bilirubin, and paraoxonase, a generally overall lower inflammatory condition was found in HI and IN than in the LO group immediately after the dry-off but also after calving. The HI cows had greater milk yield than LO cows, but no differences were observed in milk composition. The somatic cell count reflected the AG ratio trend, with higher values in LO than IN and HI either before dry-off or after calving. Fertility was better in

Dairy cows at dry-off undergo several management and physiological changes, resulting in alterations in plasma biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system. High milk yield at the end of lactation exacerbates these responses. The underlying mechanism of these changes has yet to be elucidated. We hypothesized altered leukocyte gene expression after dry-off and different responses in cows with different milk yield. Thirteen Holstein dairy cows were sampled at the turn of dry-off to investigated whole blood leukocyte gene expression and were grouped according to the average milk yield during the last week of lactation: low (< 15 kg/d) and high milk yield (> 15 kg/d). Blood samples were collected in PAXgene tubes (Preanalytix, Hombrechtikon, Switzerland) at -7, 7, and 34 days from dry-off (DFD) to measure mRNA abundance of 37 genes. Normalized gene abundance data were subjected to MIXED model ANOVA (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Compared with -7 DFD, at 7 DFD RNA abundance of lipoxygenase genes (ALOX5, ALOX15) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) increased, and that of the antioxidant gene (SOD2) decreased. Meanwhile, genes related to recognition and immune mediation (CD16, MYD88, TLR2), migration and cell adhesion (CX3CR1, ITGAL, ITGB2, TLN1), and the antimicrobial gene MMP9 were downregulated at 7 or 34 DFD, whereas the antimicrobial IDO1 gene was upregulated. Compared with low-producing cows, cows with high milk yield at dry-off cows had upregulated expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL8 and IL18 and a greater reduction in transcript abundance of the toll-like receptor (TLR) recognition-related gene TLR2. Overall, the dry-off confirmed to be a phase of intense changes, triggering an inflammatory response and somewhat suppressing leukocyte immune function. In cows with high milk yield during the week before dry-off, the inflammatory response was exacerbated.

Pressure aimed at reducing the use of antibiotics in livestock is steadily increasing. In 2022, the prophylactic use of antibiotics for preventive purposes will be banned in the European Union (EU), including blanket therapy at dry-off. The objective of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of selectively treating cows with low somatic cell count (SCC) at dry-off using internal teat sealant with or without antibiotic therapy on udder health, milk production, metabolic, and inflammatory conditions through the next lactation. Fifteen Holstein dairy cows without intramammary infections and with SCC less than 200×103 cells/mL at dry-off were enrolled in the study. Cows were abruptly dried off and treated either with antibiotic plus teat sealant (AB) or with teat sealant only (TS). Milk and blood samples were collected on scheduled days from 10 days before dry-off to 28 days after calving. Milk composition and both inflammatory and metabolic profiles were assessed. Fertility and milk production were recorded during the previous and subsequent lactation. Rumination time was monitored from three weeks before dry-off to four weeks after calving. Data were analyzed with PROC MIXED and PROC GLM of SAS software. Total milk production, reproductive performance, rumination time, and mastitis incidence did not differ between groups. Milk yield during the first 120 days after calving was not affected by treatment. Milk composition and SCC were not affected during the first month. Compared with AB, TS had lower plasma calcium at -47 days from calving, gamma-glutamyl transferase at –50, –47, and –42, tocopherol at –65, –50, and –47, and alkaline phosphatase at 3 days from calving. Overall, both metabolic and inflammatory statuses were similar between AB and TS cows with only small transient differences. With the perspective of reducing antibiotic usage in dairy farms, internal teat sealant could be used alone in healthy cows with low SCC with no relevant effect

The dry-off of dairy cows represents an important phase of the lactation cycle, influencing the outcome of the next lactation. Among the physiological changes, the severity of the inflammatory response can vary after the dry-off, and this response might have consequences on cow adaptation in the transition period. The plasma protein profile is a diagnostic tool widely used in humans and animals to assess the inflammatory status and predict the outcome of severe diseases. The albumin-to-globulin ratio (AG) can represent a simple and useful proxy for the inflammatory condition. In this study, we investigated the relationship between AG before dry-off and inflammation, metabolic profile, and performance of 75 Holstein dairy cows. Blood samples were collected from −62 (7 d before dry-off) to 28 d relative to calving (DFC) to measure metabolic profile biomarkers, inflammatory variables, and liver function. Daily milk yield in the first month of lactation was recorded. Milk composition, body condition score, fertility, and health status were also assessed. The AG calculated 1 wk before dry-off (−62 DFC) was used to retrospectively group cows into tertiles (1.06 ± 0.09 for HI, 0.88 ± 0.04 for IN, and 0.72 ± 0.08 for LO). Data were subjected to ANOVA using the PROC MIXED program in SAS software. Differences among groups observed at −62 DFC were almost maintained throughout the period of interest, but AG peaked before calving. According to the level of acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, cholesterol, retinol-binding protein), bilirubin, and paraoxonase, a generally overall lower inflammatory condition was found in HI and IN than in the LO group immediately after the dry-off but also after calving. The HI cows had greater milk yield than LO cows, but no differences were observed in milk composition. The somatic cell count reflected the AG ratio trend, with higher values in LO than IN and HI either before dry-off or after calving. Fertility was better in

The objective of this study was to assess how uterine disorders alter the lying behaviour and plasma biomarkers in dairy cows. 34 multiparous cows were retrospectively classified into three groups according to the first uterine disorder that cows were diagnosed with: retained placenta (RP), metritis (MET), or healthy (H; cows without any clinical disease). Lying time (LT) and duration of lying bouts (LB) were monitored between 6 weeks prior to and 8 weeks after calving via the AfiAct II pedometer. Blood samples were collected routinely between 14 days before and 28 days after calving. Data was analysed using Proc MIXED of SAS ver. 9.4. Regardless of grouping, both LT and LB were longer (P < 0.01) in the prepartum period (774 ± 16.6 min/day and 89.9 ± 2.1 min/bout) than in the first 28 days after calving (DFC; 653 ± 16.7 min/day and 63.7 ± 2.1 min/bout). Cows with RP had longer LT than healthy cows during the last 3 weeks before calving (837 ± 30.9 vs. 735 ± 27.1 min/day; P < 0.05). LT in cows with MET and healthy cows were not significantly different. The LB was similar among groups, averaging 76.1 ± 3.4 min/bout in healthy cows, 73.2 ± 3.8 min/bout in cows with RP, and 75.2 ± 3.7 min/bout in cows with MET (P > 0.05). Compared with healthy cows, cows with RP laid down longer and stood up for shorter times (P < 0.05), particularly before calving. In addition, cows with RP had increased mobilization of body stores and more pronounced inflammatory status, as demonstrated by plasma haptoglobin (P = 0.04) and albumin (P < 0.01) concentrations. Our data suggest that automatic monitoring of lying behaviour could help identify cows at increased risk of developing certain disorders, such as RP.

The transition period of dairy cattle is characterized by a number of metabolic, endocrine, physiologic, and immune adaptations, including the occurrence of negative energy balance, hypocalcemia, liver dysfunction, overt systemic inflammatory response, and oxidative stress status. The degree and length of time during which these systems remain out of balance could render cows more susceptible to disease, poor reproductive outcomes, and less efficient for milk production and quality. Studies on both monogastrics and ruminants have reported the health benefits of nutraceuticals (e.g. probiotics, prebiotics, dietary lipids, functional peptides, phytoextracts) beyond nutritional value, interacting at different levels of the animal's physiology. From a physiological standpoint, it seems unrealistic to disregard any systemic inflammatory processes. However, an alternate approach is to modulate the inflammatory process per se and to resolve the systemic response as quickly as possible. To this aim, a growing body of literature underscores the efficacy of nutraceuticals (active compounds) during the critical phase of the transition period. Supplementation of essential fatty acids throughout a 2-month period (i.e. a month before and a month after calving) successfully attenuates the inflammatory status with a quicker resolution of phenomenon. In this context, the inflammatory and immune response scenario has been recognized to be targeted by the beneficial effect of methyl donors, such as methionine and choline, directly and indirectly modulating such response with the increase of antioxidants GSH and taurine. Indirectly by the establishment of a healthy gastrointestinal tract, yeast and yeast-based products showed to modulate the immune response, mitigating negative effects associated with parturition stress and consequent disorders. The use of phytoproducts has garnered high interest because of their wide range of actions on multiple tissue targets encompassing a series of