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Physiological and behavioural responses of grazing dairy cows to an acute metabolic challenge
- Source :
- Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 102 (5), Müller, Esther; Münger, Andreas; Mandel, Roi; Eggerschwiler, Lukas; Schwinn, Ann-Catherine; Gross, Josef Johann; Bruckmaier, Rupert M; Hess, H Dieter; Dohme-Meier, Frigga (2018). Physiological and behavioural responses of grazing dairy cows to an acute metabolic challenge. Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition, 102(5), pp. 1120-1130. Blackwell Science 10.1111/jpn.12931
- Publication Year :
- 2018
- Publisher :
- Wiley, 2018.
-
Abstract
- Due to seasonal changes in the quality and quantity of herbage, the nutrient supply to grazing dairy cows is not always sufficient, which may increase their metabolic load. To investigate the temporal pattern of behavioural changes in relation to concomitant metabolic alterations, we subjected 15 multiparous early lactating Holstein dairy cows (24 (SD 7.4) days in milk) to a short‐term metabolic challenge, which we provoked by abruptly withdrawing concentrate for 1 week. Cows grazed full‐time and were supplemented with concentrate in experimental week (EW) 1 and EW 3, whereas concentrate was withdrawn in EW 2. We analysed milk and blood samples to characterise the metabolic changes and found that the total yield of milk and protein decreased (p < 0.05) and fat yield, fat‐to‐protein ratio and acetone content increased (p < 0.05) from EW 1 to EW 2. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were lower (p < 0.05), and concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids and beta‐hydroxybutyrate were higher (p < 0.05) in EW 2 compared with EW 1. Apart from ingestive and rumination behaviour and activity, we also monitored the use of an automated brush on pasture. While time spent eating and ruminating increased (p < 0.05) in EW 2 compared with EW 1, time spent idling decreased (p < 0.05). Concomitantly, while time standing and moving increased (p < 0.05) from EW 1 to EW 2, walking time decreased (p < 0.05). The daily proportion of cows using the automated brush decreased (p < 0.05) in EW 2 compared with EW 1, as did the duration of brushing per day. In conclusion, grazing cows experiencing a metabolic challenge try to compensate for the nutrient deficiency by increasing eating time, a behavioural element important for short‐term survival. Due to the strong impact of weather conditions, we cannot currently recommend observation of outdoor brushing activity to address short‐term alterations in the metabolic state of grazing cows.<br />Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 102 (5)<br />ISSN:0931-2439<br />ISSN:1439-0396
- Subjects :
- 0301 basic medicine
Metabolic state
Metabolic load
medicine.medical_treatment
Well-being
Biology
Poaceae
automated brush
Dairy cow
Grazing
Ingestive behaviour
Pasture
Eating
03 medical and health sciences
Animal science
Nutrient
Food Animals
medicine
Animals
Lactation
Animal Husbandry
geography
geography.geographical_feature_category
Insulin
0402 animal and dairy science
food and beverages
Feeding Behavior
04 agricultural and veterinary sciences
040201 dairy & animal science
Diet
Walking time
Milk
030104 developmental biology
Dietary Supplements
Rumination
570 Life sciences
biology
590 Animals (Zoology)
Cattle
Female
Animal Science and Zoology
Seasons
medicine.symptom
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 09312439 and 14390396
- Volume :
- 102
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....82f7327b2749eb025cc95b81dbdc5779