Some Metabolic Characteristics of Dairy Cows with Different Post Partum Ovarian Function

Abstract

Summary The metabolic characteristics of cows with different post partum ovarian functions were investigated in 66 third‐fifth calving animals. For monitoring the metabolic status blood samples were taken in 1st, 3rd, 5th and 8 —10th post partum week. The glutamatc‐oxalacetate transaminase (GOT) activity, blood glucose level as well as the albumin, acetoacetic acid + acetone (ketone), non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA), total cholesterol (TCH) and total carotene values in serum/plasma were determined. Milk samples were collected twice a week for 80—90 days after calving for progesterone analysis. In the same period rectal palpation was carried out every 7—14 days. The cows with delayed onset of cyclicity, secondary acyclicity or irregular cyclicity showed considerably higher ketone and NEFA and obviously lower TCH and carotene levels than their mates with normal ovarian functions. The duration rather than the momentary degree of energy imbalance could influence the occurrence of these ovarian disorders. In case of cystic ovaries only slight metabolic differences were observed.