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A Prospective Cohort Study on the Periparturient Muscle Tissue Mobilisation in High Producing Dairy Cows
Cara Hatfield1, William Tulley1, Rachel Hall1
1Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston CH647TE, UK.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|July 27, 2022
Summary
Dairy cows lose muscle thickness around calving, especially those with lower body condition scores. Increased muscle loss is linked to longer times to first service, impacting cattle fertility.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Periparturient fat mobilization is well-studied in dairy cows, but muscle mobilization is less understood.
- Understanding muscle changes is crucial for dairy cattle health and reproductive performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in longissimus dorsi muscle thickness in high-producing dairy cows during the periparturient period.
- To identify factors associated with muscle thickness changes.
- To explore the association between muscle mobilization and reproductive performance in cattle.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasonography was used to measure muscle thickness (MT) and back fat thickness (BFT) in 455 cows across three UK farms.
- Body condition score (BCS) and non-esterified fatty acids were measured, alongside farm fertility records and genomic data.
- Multivariable regression and Cox proportional hazard analysis were employed to analyze associations.
Main Results:
- Muscle thickness significantly decreased from pre- to post-calving, with variations between farms.
- Lower pre-calving BCS was associated with greater MT loss; significant fat mobilization occurred post-calving.
- Muscle thickness changes and fat mobilization were not directly associated; increased muscle mobilization correlated with longer time to first service.
Conclusions:
- Periparturient muscle tissue mobilization occurs in high-producing dairy cows.
- Muscle mobilization, distinct from fat mobilization, is associated with reduced reproductive efficiency.
- Further research into muscle dynamics can improve dairy cattle management and fertility outcomes.
