Body condition score, some nutritional parameters in plasma, and subsequent reproductive performance of Montbéliarde cows in Algeria

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships among body condition score (BCS) and plasma metabolite concentrations, and subsequent reproductive performance of Montbéliarde cows in Algeria. The study was conducted in two commercial dairy farms in Tizi-Ouzou area. Blood samples were collected from 50 Montbéliarde dairy cows at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks postpartum to measure serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), glucose, total cholesterol, urea nitrogen, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyltransferase (γGT), calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and progesterone. Body condition score (BCS) was assessed at calving and at each time when blood samples were taken. Resumption of postpartum cyclicity was evaluated by progesterone concentrations (≥1 ng/mL) at 4, 6, and 8 weeks postpartum. Increased BHBA, NEFA and glucose concentrations were associated with a lower probability of ovarian activity resumption (ROA) and pregnancy at first insemination (P/1-AI). However, concentrations of plasma cholesterol, AST, ALT, TG and total protein were positively associated with ROA. In addition, increased BHBA and sodium were associated with increased of time to conception. Moreover, decreased Mg concentrations were associated with increasing of time from calving to first insemination. No significant effect was seen between BCS at calving and BCS loss on P/1-AI. So balanced nutrition and reproduction management can ameliorate reproductive performance.