The Influence of Body and Metabolic Parameters in the Period Before Sexual Maturation in Heifers on the Lameness Score During the First Lactation.

The aim of this research was to examine the relation between body and metabolic parameters in 105 young Holstein-Friesian cows in the period before puberty and locomotion score (LS) in the first lactation. During the examination of heifers (6-12 months of age) body condition score (BCS), body measurements and growth rate were determined. The blood to determine metabolic and hematology profile. The LS was evaluated monthly during the first five months after calving. Multivariate analysis and principal component analysis stated that selected body conformation parameters, blood parameters and LS were interrelated. Simple linear trends and/or complex LS prediction models indicated a positive correlation between values of LS and BCS, body growth, bilirubin, aspartate-aminotransferase, glucose, calcium, nonesterified fatty acid, leukocytes, granulocytes and negative correlation with albumin and cholesterol (P<0.01). A positive correlation existed between LS in different months of the study (P<0.001). Prediction of LS was significantly better (P<0.0001) using complex models (r=0.736-0.905) that include body measures, blood parameters, and LS in the first month compared to models with individual parameters (r=0.547-0.757). Predetermination of cows that will develop lameness problems such as LS>2 or LS>2 using two consecutive measurements are possible based on metabolic parameters. LS and lameness occurrence in the first lactation could be predicted in heifers very early, even before reaching sexual maturity, using blood parameters and body measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]