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Effect of feeding pattern and behaviour on hormonal changes and milk composition
1Istituto di Zootecnica, Facoltà di Agraria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|August 26, 2000
Summary
Meal timing significantly impacts dairy cow metabolism, creating distinct anabolic and catabolic phases. This influences milk composition, with morning milk having lower fat and afternoon milk having higher fat content.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Nutritional Physiology
- Dairy Science
Background:
- Feeding and nutrient availability are known to alter metabolism via hormonal pathways.
- The specific influence of meal distribution patterns throughout the day on metabolic status requires further definition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic and milk composition changes resulting from concentrated feed intake during daylight hours in dairy cows.
- To understand the hormonal shifts (insulin, urea) associated with diurnal feeding patterns.
Main Methods:
- Observational study analyzing metabolic indicators (insulin, urea) and milk composition (fat content) in relation to feeding schedules.
- Comparison of metabolic and compositional differences between morning and afternoon/night periods.
Main Results:
- Concentrated daytime feeding induces an anabolic phase in the afternoon/night (high insulin, low urea) and a catabolic phase in the morning (low insulin, high urea).
- Milk fat content is lower in the morning and higher in the afternoon, correlating with metabolic phases.
- Factors such as meal size, time of day, lactation stage, and genetics may influence these daily variations.
Conclusions:
- Diurnal feeding patterns significantly influence the metabolic status and milk fat production in dairy cows.
- Understanding these diurnal metabolic shifts is crucial for interpreting blood parameters and managing feeding strategies for optimal milk composition.