Abstract #82
Section: Physiology and Endocrinology (orals)
Session: Physiology and Endocrinology I
Format: Oral
Day/Time: Monday 10:30 AM–10:45 AM
Location: Ballroom B
Session: Physiology and Endocrinology I
Format: Oral
Day/Time: Monday 10:30 AM–10:45 AM
Location: Ballroom B
# 82
Reducing milking frequency from three to twice a day during the first month of lactation improves energy balance and metabolic status of cows with minor effects on yields.
Uzi Moallem*1, Hadar Kamer1,2, Ayelet Hod1,2, Lilya Livshits1, Gitit Kra1, Shamay Jacoby1, Yuri Portnick1, Maya Zachut1, 1Department of Ruminants Science, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel, 2Department of Animal Science, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
Key Words: milking frequency, energy balance, metabolic status
Reducing milking frequency from three to twice a day during the first month of lactation improves energy balance and metabolic status of cows with minor effects on yields.
Uzi Moallem*1, Hadar Kamer1,2, Ayelet Hod1,2, Lilya Livshits1, Gitit Kra1, Shamay Jacoby1, Yuri Portnick1, Maya Zachut1, 1Department of Ruminants Science, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel, 2Department of Animal Science, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
Reducing the milk production during early lactation might be of interest to improve the energy balance (EB) of high yielding dairy cows; therefore, the objectives were to test the effects of reducing the milking frequency from 3 to twice a day during the first 30 DIM, on yields, intake, efficiency, and the metabolic status. Forty-two multiparous cows were divided into 2 groups according to previous lactation performance, parity, and body weight. The control cows were milked 3 times a day (3ML), and the treatment cows were milked twice a day until 30 DIM (2ML), and then 3 times a day. Both groups were followed until 100 DIM. Milk samples were taken twice a week from 3 or 2 consecutive milkings until 45 DIM for milk solids analysis. Individual DMI, milk yields, and BW were recorded daily. Blood samples were taken 3 times weekly from 14 d prepartum until 45 DIM. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED model of SAS for the first 30 DIM, and then from 31-to 100 DIM for carry-over effects. Milk yields during the first 30 DIM were 9.4% higher (44.3 and 40.5 kg/d, respectively; P < 0.01), milk-fat percentage was lower (4.21 and 4.57%, respectively; P < 0.001), and yields of all milk solids were higher in the 3ML cows than in the 2ML cows. DMI and FCM (4%) were similar between groups and the EB during the first 30 DIM was better in the 2ML than in the 3ML cows (1.28 and −1.74, respectively; P < 0.007); milk/DMI, but not FCM/DMI, was higher in the 3ML cows. From 31 to 100 DIM, no differences were observed in milk yield (56.9 kg/d for both groups), milk solids yields, DMI or milk/DMI; however, fat percentage was higher in the 2ML and the EB was better in the 3ML cows. Blood glucose concentrations between 0 and 30 DIM were higher (P < 0.0003), β-hydroxybutyrate were lower (P < 0.02), NEFA were higher (P < 0.002), and insulin were lower (P < 0.08) in the 2ML than in the 3ML cows. In conclusion, reducing the milking frequency to twice a day during the first 30 DIM improved the EB and the metabolic status, with minor effects on production.
Key Words: milking frequency, energy balance, metabolic status
