Physiological changes at parturition and their relationship to metabolic disorders

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Ruminant Nutrition

Background:

• Metabolic and infectious diseases in dairy cows are prevalent within the first two weeks of lactation.
• Conditions such as milk fever, ketosis, retained placenta, and mastitis frequently manifest during this critical period.
• The roots of some diseases, like laminitis, can be traced to early lactation challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the etiological role of key physiological functions in the development of periparturient diseases in dairy cows.
• To highlight the importance of maintaining specific physiological functions to prevent disease.
• To provide insights into the causes of common dairy cow diseases during the periparturient period.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on dairy cow physiology and disease etiology.
• Discussion of the impact of impaired physiological functions on disease incidence.
• Analysis of the relationship between early lactation challenges and subsequent health issues.

Main Results:

• Impairment of rumen adaptation to high-energy diets, normocalcemia, and immune function significantly increases disease risk.
• Failure to adapt the rumen, maintain calcium levels, or support immunity leads to increased metabolic and infectious diseases.
• Early lactation is a critical period where physiological disruptions have profound impacts on dairy cow health.

Conclusions:

• Successful adaptation of the rumen, maintenance of normocalcemia, and a robust immune system are essential for preventing periparturient diseases in dairy cows.
• Addressing physiological challenges during early lactation is key to reducing the incidence of metabolic and infectious diseases.
• Understanding the etiological factors influencing these diseases is vital for dairy herd health management.