Response to selection for milk yield and metabolic challenges in primiparous dairy cows

The effect of selection for milk yield on lactation yield, net energy balance, and on plasma growth hormone, insulin, prolactin, nonesterified fatty acids and glucose was studied in two groups of primiparous Holstein cows of differing genetic merit. Net energy balance was calculated and serial blood samples were collected for a 7 hr period at 0, 45, 90 and 180 days postpartum. Growth hormone releasing factor (.2 microgram/kg BW) was administered after 2.5 hr at 0, 45 and 180 days postpartum, while epinephrine (.7 microgram/kg BW) was administered at 90 days postpartum. Milk yield was greater, net energy balance was decreased and plasma growth hormone was greater in genetically superior selection group cows compared to control cows. Growth hormone showed similar increases in both genetic groups in response to growth hormone releasing factor, while prolactin, insulin and glucose were not altered. Epinephrine stimulated an increase in plasma nonesterified fatty acids, glucose and insulin, but responses did not differ between genetic groups. Results indicate differences exist in production efficiency, net energy balance and plasma growth hormone concentration among dairy cattle as a result of selection for milk yield and suggest that selection pressure may act to alter homeorhetic control of nutrient metabolism.