Influence of different levels of dietary protein on serum biochemical parameters of dairy cows during the transition period

A study was carried out to find the influence of different dietary protein levels on serum biochemical parameters of dairy cows during the transition period. Twenty cross bred cows, three weeks prior to their expected date of calving were selected from University Livestock Farm and Fodder Research and Development Scheme (ULF&FRDS), College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy as experimental animals. The cows were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments – T1 (12 per cent CP (crude protein) TMR (Total Mixed Ration)) and T2 (14 per cent CP TMR). After calving, half of the animals in T1 were allotted to T3 (16 per cent CP TMR) and remaining half to T4 (18 per cent CP TMR). Similarly half of the animals in T2 were allotted to T3 and remaining half to T4. All these rations were iso-caloric. The feeding trial was carried out for a period of 3 weeks prepartum and 45 days postpartum. The serum biochemical parameters such as serum glucose levels were significantly higher (p