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The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding increased dietary crude protein (CP) on productive performance and indicators of protein and energy metabolism during 21 d postpartum. Thirty multiparous Holstein dairy cows were balanced by previous lactation milk yield, body condition score (BCS) at calving, and parity and randomly allocated to 1 of 3 dietary treatments from calving until 21 d postpartum. Dietary treatments were 16.0% CP with 5.0% rumen undegradable protein (RUP) based on dry matter (DM) (16CP), 18.7% CP with 7.0% RUP based on DM (19CP), and 21.4% CP with 9.0% RUP based on DM (21CP). Diets were similar in net energy for lactation (approximately 1.7 Mcal/kg of DM) and CP levels were increased with corn gluten meal and fish meal. Dry matter intake (DMI) was increased by increasing dietary CP levels from 16.0 to 19.0% of DM, but dietary CP beyond 19.0% had no effect on DMI. Milk yields were 4.7 and 6.5 kg/d greater in cows fed the 19CP and 21CP diets versus those fed the 16CP diet, whereas 4% fat-corrected milk was greater for cows fed the 21CP than the 16CP diet (36.0 vs. 31.4 kg/d). Milk protein content and yield, lactose yield, and milk urea nitrogen were elevated by increased dietary CP. Milk lactose content and fat yield were not different among dietary treatments, but milk fat content tended to decline with increasing content of CP in diets. High CP levels increased milk N secretion but decreased milk N efficiency. Apparent digestibility of DM, CP, and neutral detergent fiber was greater on the 19CP and 21CP diets compared with the 16CP diet. Cows fed the 19CP and 21CP diets lost less body condition relative to those fed the 16CP diet over 21 d postpartum. Feeding higher CP levels increased the concentrations of serum albumin, albumin to globulin ratio, and urea nitrogen and decreased aspartate aminotransferase, nonesterified fatty acids, and β-hydroxybutyrate, but had no effect on globulin, glucose, cholesterol, or triacylglycerol. These findings indicated that elevating dietary CP up to 19.0% of DM using RUP supplements improved DMI, productive performance and the indicators of protein and energy metabolism from calving to 21 d postpartum.
Following calving, cows experience negative nutrient balances, especially energy and protein, because nutrient intake is less than required to support lactation. Feeding high-grain diets is one approach used to reduce negative energy balance (NEB). However, because of greater propionate production, high grain diets might decrease DMI and increase the risk of metabolic disorders (
Effect of postruminal glucose or protein supplementation on milk yield and composition in Friesian cows in early lactation and negative energy balance.
). Cows with protein deficiency will mobilize skeletal muscles and other protein sources. The mobilized protein reserves ranged from 8 to 21 kg during the first 5 to 6 wk postpartum (
Effects of peripartum propylene glycol supplementation on nitrogen metabolism, body composition, and gene expression for the major protein degradation pathways in skeletal muscle in dairy cows.
). During this time, protein mobilization is essential to supply AA and glucose for the mammary gland, but excessive mobilization results in increased incidence of metabolic disorders, immune dysfunction, and poor reproductive and lactation performance (
reported that increasing dietary CP levels from calving day to d 150 increased DMI and milk production and reduced BHB concentrations but had no effect on nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations.
Most of these studies have been conducted on early- (>21d) or mid-lactation dairy cows (
Effects of intrajugular glucose infusion on feed intake, milk yield, and metabolic responses of early postpartum cows fed diets varying in protein and starch concentration.
investigated the effects of abomasal casein infusion on the performance of transition cows from calving until d 29 of lactation. They found that additional MP supply after calving can considerably increase milk production and improve plasma protein concentrations and immune status in dairy cows.
recognized that there was an interaction between MP balance values and casein infusion. They indicated that casein infusion increased DMI in cows with negative MP balance but had a negative effect on DMI when cows were in positive MP balance. This may be due to increased oxidation of AA in excess of requirements, increasing hepatic oxidation of acetyl-CoA and contributing to satiety (
). Therefore, it was hypothesized that additional MP supply using RUP supplements in fresh cows can increase DMI for several weeks following parturition when cows are in negative protein balance. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of increased dietary CP levels on DMI, milk production, blood metabolites, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen utilization in fresh cows.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Cows and Experimental Design
The experiment was conducted on a commercial dairy herd in Iran from September to November 2010. Thirty multiparous Holstein dairy cows (mean parity ± SD; 3.3 ± 0.5) were used in a completely randomized design with 3 dietary treatments from calving until 21 d of lactation. Cows were assigned in a balanced manner to treatments based on previous milk yield, BCS at calving, and parity. During the close-up period, 21 ± 3 d before calving, cows were housed in a freestall barn and fed the same close-up diet (NEL = 1.6 Mcal/kg, CP = 13.0%, DM basis) for ad libitum intake twice daily at 0800 and 1700 h. As cows showed primary signs of calving, cows were moved to maternity pens, and calf weight and first-milking colostrum yield were recorded immediately postpartum by calving personnel. After calving, cows were assigned to their experimental diets and moved to individual stalls where they were housed until 21 d after calving, with free access to water. Before treatment application, cows suffering retained placenta, milk fever, mastitis, pneumonia, laminitis, dystocia, and rectal temperature (≥39.4°C) were not entered in the experiment.
Chemical composition of individual feed ingredients are listed in Table 1. The diet fed to close-up cows and experimental diets (Table 2) were formulated according to the
model. The concentrate to forage ratio (DM basis) was 55:45 for all dietary treatments. Dietary CP was increased from 16.0 to 21.0% by replacing cereal grain (barley and corn) with fish meal (FM) and corn gluten meal (CGM). Resulting dietary treatments were 16.0% CP with 5.0% RUP (16CP), 18.7% CP with 7.0% RUP (19CP), and 21.4% CP with 9.0% RUP (21CP). Protein supplies and AA balances were estimated by actual individual cow DMI, BW, BCS, milk yield, and milk composition using
Behparvaran Co. (Esfahan, Iran). Composition: NEL, 5.2 Mcal/kg; moisture 2%, calcium 9%, crude fat 85% (C16:0, 30 g/100 g of fatty acids; C18:0, 20 g/100 g of fatty acids; C18:1, 40 g/100 g of fatty acids; C18:2, 9 g/100 g of fatty acids; C18:3, <1 g/100 g of fatty acids).
Premix contained per kilogram for close-up: 8,000 IU of vitamin A, 2,500 IU of vitamin D3, and 100 IU of vitamin E; and for postpartum: 1,800,000 IU of vitamin A, 400,000 IU of vitamin D, 8,000 IU of vitamin E and 3,000 mg of antioxidant.
Availa-4 containing a combination of organic Zn, Cu, Mn, and Co (Zinpro Corp., Eden Prairie, MN).
0.0
0.06
0.06
0.06
1 Diets designated as 16CP, 19CP, and 21CP contained 16.0, 18.7, and 21.4% CP, respectively.
2 Behparvaran Co. (Esfahan, Iran). Composition: NEL, 5.2 Mcal/kg; moisture 2%, calcium 9%, crude fat 85% (C16:0, 30 g/100 g of fatty acids; C18:0, 20 g/100 g of fatty acids; C18:1, 40 g/100 g of fatty acids; C18:2, 9 g/100 g of fatty acids; C18:3, <1 g/100 g of fatty acids).
3 Premix contained per kilogram: 170 g of Ca, 100 g of Mg, 13 g of Mn, 20 g of Zn, 5 g of Cu, 0.2 g of I, 0.1 g of Se, 0.08 g of Co, and 4 g of Fe.
4 Premix contained per kilogram for close-up: 8,000 IU of vitamin A, 2,500 IU of vitamin D3, and 100 IU of vitamin E; and for postpartum: 1,800,000 IU of vitamin A, 400,000 IU of vitamin D, 8,000 IU of vitamin E and 3,000 mg of antioxidant.
5 Contained 0.04% T-Toxin binder and 0.11% Mycosorb based on DM (Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY).
6 Availa-4 containing a combination of organic Zn, Cu, Mn, and Co (Zinpro Corp., Eden Prairie, MN).
Dietary treatments were fed as TMR 3 times daily at 0800, 1600, and 2200 h for 10% orts, and orts were collected and recorded daily. Samples of TMR and orts were taken twice a week, dried at 60°C for 48 h, and then composited by week and treatment. Individual feed ingredients were also sampled weekly and frozen at −20°C for chemical composition analysis. Feed samples were ground through a 1-mm screen and analyzed in 3 replications for DM (
The cows were milked 3 times daily at 0700, 1500, and 2100 h, and milk yields were recorded at each milking. Milk samples were taken weekly from 3 consecutive milkings and composited in proportion to milk yield. Milk samples were analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, and urea by mid-infrared spectroscopic procedure using a Milkoscan (CombiFoss 78110; Foss Analytical A/S, Hillerød, Denmark). Feed efficiency was calculated by dividing 4% FCM by DMI.
Cows were weighed weekly before the morning feeding, and weekly weights were used to calculate NEL and MP balance using the
; scale: 1 to 5) for body condition by 2 trained investigators at calving and at 21 DIM.
Blood samples were taken 4 h after morning feeding from the coccygeal vein using an evacuated tube without anticoagulant on d 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21 relative to parturition. Serum samples were collected following centrifugation at 2,500 × g for 10 min and stored at –20°C for later analysis. Serum samples were analyzed for concentrations of albumin (bromocresol green method at acidic pH, kit no. 1500001;
International federation of clinical chemistry (IFCC) scientific committee analytical section: Approved recommendation on IFCC method for measurement of catalytic concentration of enzyme, part 2: IFCC method for aspartate aminotransferase.
J. Clin. Chem. Clin. Biochem.1986; 24 (3734712): 497-510
) using commercial kits (Pars Azmoon Laboratory, Tehran, Iran). Light absorbance was measured using a spectrophotometer (UNICCO, 2100, Zistchemi Co., Tehran, Iran) for all of the serum metabolites. Serum concentrations of NEFA (colorimetric method, kit no. FA 115;
) were also measured using commercial kits (Randox Laboratories Ltd., Crumlin, UK), using a serum spectrophotometer (UNICCO, 2100, Zistchemi Co.). Globulin concentration was obtained as the difference between TP and albumin. At the time of blood sampling, whole blood glucose was measured by glucometer (Glucotrend, Roche, Welwyn Garden City, UK).
Fecal samples were taken from the rectum (approximately 400 g) of all cows for 3 consecutive days every 8 h (3 times/d at 0700, 1500, 2300 h) from d 19 to 21 DIM, and dried at 65°C for 48 h. Fecal samples were ground through a 1-mm screen, pooled by cow and sampling day, and analyzed for DM, CP, and NDF. To determine the apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients, acid insoluble ash was considered as an internal digestibility marker (
model, and milk N efficiency was calculated by dividing milk N by N intake. Health events were recorded daily over the experiment.
Statistical Analysis
The data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS (version 9.3; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Dry matter intake, milk yield, feed efficiency, blood metabolites, and milk composition data were analyzed as repeated measures with the most suitable structure based on the lowest Akaike information criterion, corrected Akaike information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion values for each analysis (
). Time (DIM and week) was entered in the model as a repeated variable. The following model was used:
where Yijk is the dependent variable, μ is the overall mean, Ti is the fixed effect of treatment, Timej is the fixed effect of sampling time, (T × Time)ij is fixed interaction between treatment and sampling time, C(i)k is random effect of cow nested within treatment, and eijk is the error term. The SLICE option of the LSMEANS statement from the MIXED procedure of SAS was used to determine difference among dietary treatments at every time point. Previous lactation yield, BCS and BW at calving, and the concentrations of serum metabolites obtained at calving day were used as the covariates and they were removed from model if P > 0.2. Body condition score, BW, and their changes were analyzed with the same model without sampling time and treatment × sampling time. Data are reported as LSM and statistical significances were declared at P ≤ 0.05 and 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10 as trends toward significance using the Tukey's multiple comparison test.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Cows assigned to dietary treatments did not differ in BW (mean ± SE; 749 ± 10.3 kg), BCS (3.25 ± 0.06), calf BW (43.1 ± 0.53 kg), close-up period length (21 ± 0.6 d), parity (3.3 ± 0.09), previous lactation milk yield (11,000 ± 267 kg), or first-milking colostrum yield (5.9 ± 0.4 kg). In the present experiment, dietary treatments (Table 2) were formulated to contain 1.70 Mcal/kg of NEL (DM basis; Table 3). The diets varied in NFC content from 41.0% for the 16CP diet to 37.5% for the 21CP diet because CGM and FM (as RUP sources) were substituted for barley and corn to reach increased amounts of dietary protein (Table 2). The estimated supplies of MP-bacterial as predicted by
were 883, 957, and 948 g/d for the 16CP, 19CP, and 21CP diets, respectively; and its supply increased ∼8% in the 19CP and 21CP diets relative to the 16CP diet (Table 3). However, the estimated supplies of MP-RUP were 617, 1,005, and 1,301 g/d for the 16CP, 19CP, and 21CP diets, respectively; and their supplies increased 63 and 110% in 19CP and 21CP relative to 16CP (Table 3).
All components were estimated using NRC (2001) model based on actual individual cow DMI, BW, BCS, milk yield, and milk composition in dietary treatments.
All components were estimated using NRC (2001) model based on actual individual cow DMI, BW, BCS, milk yield, and milk composition in dietary treatments.
All components were estimated using NRC (2001) model based on actual individual cow DMI, BW, BCS, milk yield, and milk composition in dietary treatments.
All components were estimated using NRC (2001) model based on actual individual cow DMI, BW, BCS, milk yield, and milk composition in dietary treatments.
According to CNCPS (version 6.5), the predicted supplies of Met, Lys, and Leu were 84, 84, and 76% of requirements, respectively, for cows fed 16CP; 92, 87, and 88%, respectively, for cows fed 19CP; and 95, 85, and 94%, respectively, for cows fed 21CP (Table 3). The 19CP and 21CP diets met the His requirement, whereas the 16CP diet was 7% deficient in His.
Health Disorders
The incidence of postpartum disorders was recorded daily and reported as the number of incidents observed. The incidences of subclinical ketosis (BHB ≥1.2 mM) were 4 (1 on d 3 and 3 cases on d 7 postpartum), 1 (on d 7 postpartum), and 2 (on d 7 postpartum) events for diets 16CP, 19CP, and 21CP, respectively. No clinical cases of ketosis, milk fever, or displaced abomasum were observed during the experiment. Lameness incidences were 1, 2, and 2 cases for 16CP, 19CP, and 21CP, respectively. Three cows were diagnosed with mastitis (2 and 1 cases for 16CP and 21CP, respectively), and 8 cows experienced uterine disorders (3 each on diets 16CP and 19CP and 2 on the 21CP diet). Overall, 10 out of 30 cows in the 3 treatments were diagnosed with postpartum disorders (n = 4, 3, and 3 cows in 16CP, 19CP, and 21CP diets, respectively). These data should be interpreted with caution because of the small number of cows used in the present study.
Dry Matter and Nutrient Intakes
Increasing dietary CP using RUP supplements from 16.0 to 19.0% of DM increased intakes of DM, NEL, and CP (P < 0.01). However, dietary CP beyond 19.0% did not affect DM and NEL intakes (Table 4). Intakes of NDF and ADF were similar among different CP levels (P > 0.1; Table 4). We detected an effect of time (P < 0.01) on all nutrient intakes but no time by treatment interaction (P > 0.05; Table 4) on intakes.
Table 4Effects of increasing dietary CP and RUP supply on nutrient intake, milk yield, milk composition, energy balance, MP balance, feed efficiency, and milk nitrogen efficiency in fresh dairy cows
Effects of rumen protected methionine in a low protein ration on metabolic traits and performance of early lactating cows as opposed to rations with elevated crude protein content.
J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. (Berl.).2000; 84: 148-164
). These diverse results could be due to differences in sources and levels of protein, lactation stage of animals, and supplementation of protein in excess of cow requirements.
Feed intake is likely controlled predominantly by the hepatic oxidation of fuels (e.g., NEFA, propionate, glucogenic AA) during the transition period, so increased supply of propionate and NEFA to the liver likely decreases DMI due to increased oxidation of acetyl CoA (
). Therefore, decreased NEFA concentrations in cows fed high CP diets compared with cows fed the 16CP diet may have contributed to increased DMI. Additional AA supply could differently influence the mechanisms of feed intake control dependent on MP balance status (
). In positive MP balance status, the oxidation of AA in tricarboxylic acid cycle is increased, elevating energy charge in liver, and inducing satiety (
, indicating a positive association between DMI and postruminal infusion of protein for cows in negative MP balance. Also, in the current study, increasing dietary CP levels by RUP supplements has likely increased duodenal EAA supply, especially His, resulting in increased DMI in high CP diets as shown by other research (
Increasing dietary CP levels using RUP supplements from 16.0 to 19.0% of DM increased milk yield (P < 0.01). However, milk yield did not differ (P > 0.05) between cows fed 19CP and 21CP diets (37.4 and 39.2 kg/d, respectively; Table 4). Yield of 4% FCM was increased (P = 0.05) by the 21CP diet compared with the 16CP diet, but was similar between 16CP and 19CP, and between 19CP and 21CP diets. Neither energy balance nor feed efficiency was affected by dietary CP levels (P > 0.1; Table 4).
It has been well documented that dietary CP content affects the productivity of dairy cows. In some studies (
), milk production was not affected by dietary protein levels, in which diet CP ranged from 13.2 to 15.1% of DM compared with 16 to 18% of DM. The increased milk yield with 19CP and 21CP diets compared with 16CP diet is in accordance with previous studies (
). Increase in DMI with the high CP diets was responsible for increased milk yield in the present study because DMI is one of the most important determinants for milk yield (
). Moreover, improved supply of MP and digestible AA (particularly Met, Lys, Leu, and His) may account, in part, for the increase in milk yield, as was reported by other studies (
Effects of metabolizable protein supply and amino acid supplementation on nitrogen utilization, milk production, and ammonia emissions from manure in dairy cows.
) reported that MP-deficient diets decreased milk yield compared with MP-adequate diets, despite diets being balanced for absorbable AA. In some cases, however, supplementation of MP-deficient diets with rumen-protected AA successfully maintained milk and component yields (
), supporting the hypothesis that cows in the earliest stages of lactation show the greatest responses to improved AA supply where the balance for absorbed AA is most negative (
In the current study, cows fed the 19CP and 21CP diets produced more milk than cows fed the 16CP diet: 4.7 ± 1.5 kg/d and 6.5 ± 2.5 kg/d, respectively. This increase began on d 4 of lactation and and was sustained until d 21 of lactation (Figure 1). Although apoptosis of alveolar cells in early lactation might be reduced by additional supply of protein (
), the extent to which protein supply was used for cell proliferation or milk synthesis (lactogenesis) is unclear.
Figure 1Effects of increasing dietary CP and RUP supply on milk yield in fresh cows. Diets designated as 16CP, 19CP, and 21CP contained 16.0, 18.7, and 21.4% CP, respectively. Data are presented as least squares means and SEM. For each time point, asterisks indicate differences among dietary treatments: *P ≤ 0.05.
Milk protein content and yield increased (P < 0.05; Table 4) with increasing dietary CP from 16.0 to 21.0% of DM using RUP supplements. In the current study, increasing dietary CP levels with FM and CGM provided an improved supply of AA to the duodenum (Table 3). The increased milk protein content and yield might be due to improved supply of Met, Lys, Leu, and His. These findings are in line with some previous studies that have showed positive responses in milk protein content to supplementation of Met (
Enteral leucine supplementation increases protein synthesis in skeletal and cardiac muscles and visceral tissues of neonatal pigs through mTORC 1-dependent pathways.
Milk fat content tended to decrease (P = 0.10; Table 4) with increasing content of CP in diets, but milk fat yield was not affected by dietary treatments (P = 0.15; Table 4). Similar results have been reported by some (
). The decreased milk fat content with increasing dietary CP levels in the present study can be due to a dilution effect caused by an increase in milk yield.
Although the content of lactose was similar (P = 0.32; Table 4) among diets, high CP diets increased milk lactose yield (P < 0.01; Table 4), which is in agreement with increased milk yields. These observations agree with other studies (
Cows fed 19CP and 21CP had higher milk N secretion and lower milk N efficiency compared with cows fed 16CP (P < 0.01; Table 4). These observed effects appear to be due to higher DM and protein intakes with high CP diets relative to 16CP diet. Moreover, the increase in N intake with increasing dietary CP was greater than increase in milk N secretion, so the efficiency of milk N decreased as CP levels increased from 16 to 21% of DM in diets. These results are consistent with others (
Effects of intrajugular glucose infusion on feed intake, milk yield, and metabolic responses of early postpartum cows fed diets varying in protein and starch concentration.
). The interaction of diet by time indicated that cows in 21CP diet had higher MUN concentrations than 16CP and 19CP diets during the first 3 wk after calving. Although cows in 16CP and 19CP had similar MUN at wk 1 relative to calving, MUN level was higher for 19CP diet than for 16CP diet at wk 2 and 3 relative to calving (Figure 2).
Figure 2Effects of increasing dietary CP and RUP supply on MUN concentrations in fresh cows. Diets designated as 16CP, 19CP, and 21CP contained 16.0, 18.7, and 21.4% CP, respectively. Data are presented as least squares means and SEM. For each time point, asterisks indicate differences among dietary treatments: **P < 0.01.
). Because cows in this experiment consumed different amounts of RDP and RUP, the increased MUN concentrations in cows fed the 19CP and 21CP diets could be due to ruminal metabolism of protein and hepatic oxidation of AA absorbed in excess of requirements for glucose production, or both. A similar response was observed for the concentrations of MUN in the first week after calving between 16CP and 19CP. This could reflect greater body protein mobilization for cows in the 16CP diet during the negative protein balance period that is in agreement with reports of other researchers (
There was difference in total-tract apparent digestibility of DM, CP, and NDF with increasing dietary CP levels (P < 0.01; Table 5), as cows fed 19CP and 21CP diets had higher nutrient digestibility than cows fed the 16CP diet. Similar results are reported by
Effects of metabolizable protein supply and amino acid supplementation on nitrogen utilization, milk production, and ammonia emissions from manure in dairy cows.
. Fiber digestibility was decreased by 16CP diet in the current study, which might be due to RDP deficiency. Another factor that could have contributed to decreased nutrient digestibility in 16CP diet was lower DMI because fermentable energy stimulates microbial fermentation (
Effects of metabolizable protein supply and amino acid supplementation on nitrogen utilization, milk production, and ammonia emissions from manure in dairy cows.
, different CP levels (P > 0.05; Table 5) had no effect on live BW change, but body condition change was affected by treatments (P < 0.01; Table 5), as cows fed the 19CP and 21CP diets had smaller body condition losses compared with cows fed the 16CP diet. This result is supported by decreased NEFA (Table 6) for cows fed 19CP and 21CP relative to 16CP that indicate an improvement in the indicators of metabolic status in cows fed high CP diets.
Table 6Effects of increasing dietary CP and RUP supply on blood metabolites in fresh dairy cows
The effects of different levels of dietary CP on blood metabolites are presented in Table 6. Serum TP, albumin, albumin to globulin ratio, and BUN concentrations were evaluated as biomarkers of protein metabolism, and their concentrations reflect protein status. Serum concentration of TP tended to be greater in cows fed 19CP and 21CP diets relative to 16CP treatment (P = 0.1; 7.1 and 7.1 vs. 6.8 g/dL). Increasing dietary CP increased serum albumin (P = 0.02), albumin to globulin ratio (P = 0.04), and BUN (P < 0.01) concentrations, but had no effect on globulin (P = 0.9). These results are in agreement with some studies conducted during early lactation (
reported that hepatic ureagenesis was decreased 40% through exposure of bovine hepatocytes to NEFA, and the toxic levels of ammonia have been known to inhibit the gluconeogenesis process (
). Thus, decreased NEFA and increased BUN concentrations for cows fed the 19CP and 21CP diets imply a possible improvement in hepatic NEFA metabolism and urea synthesis during the fresh period.
Cows fed the 19CP and 21CP diets had lower serum concentrations of AST than cows fed the 16CP diet (P < 0.01; Table 6). These results are in accordance with decreased NEFA for cows fed high CP diets, as a positive correlation between plasma NEFA concentration and AST activity was reported by
Serum NEFA and BHB concentrations were affected by dietary treatments and time (P < 0.01) but not by their interactions (P > 0.1; Table 6). Cows fed the 19CP and 21CP diets had lower serum NEFA and BHB than cows fed the 16CP diet, whereas these were similar between the 19CP and 21CP diets. Although there was no significant effect of treatment by time interaction on serum concentrations of NEFA and BHB in the current study, some least squares means combinations of treatment by time interaction were significant (Figure 3). In agreement with our results,
reported that increasing dietary CP from 11.4 to 17.3% of DM decreased plasma BHB from 0.55 to 0.47 mM during early and mid lactation (1 to 150 DIM).
Figure 3Effects of increasing dietary CP and RUP supply on (A) serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and (B) serum BHB concentrations of dairy cows during the fresh period. Diets designated as 16CP, 19CP, and 21CP contained 16.0, 18.7, and 21.4% CP, respectively. Data are presented as least squares means and SEM. For each time point, asterisks indicate differences among dietary treatments: *P ≤ 0.05 or **P < 0.01.
In the current study, the reduction in serum NEFA for cows fed high CP diets may be attributed to the increase in DMI, decreasing the cow's need to depend on mobilized lipid to meet energy demands, which was also reflected in the smaller body condition losses. Moreover, a better duodenal balance of AA (i.e., Met and Lys) may partly contribute to the reduction of NEFA concentrations (
). Some studies reported a decrease in concentrations of plasma NEFA when intestinal supply of Met was linearly increased in cows with DIM less than 50 (
). The higher BHB in cows fed the 16CP diet compared with high CP diets could be explained by NEFA flow into the liver and the limited oxidation capacity of hepatocytes (
), resulting in the release of ketone bodies as energetic sources for milk fat synthesis. This result is in agreement with milk fat content findings (Table 4).
The concentrations of serum glucose were not affected by dietary CP levels (P > 0.05; Table 6), as has been reported by other authors (
). There was a effect of time on serum glucose (P < 0.01). In this study, serum glucose peaked at calving (5.05 mM) and reached its nadir at 3 DIM (2.49 mM). This is probably related to calving physiological changes that increase gluconeogenesis to supply greater glucose to meet the mammary gland demands for milk yield (
Concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids and glucose in blood of periparturient dairy cows are indicative of pregnancy success at first insemination.
Serum cholesterol and TAG concentrations were not affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05), but there was a effect of time on serum cholesterol and TAG (P < 0.01; Table 6). Serum cholesterol levels in all dietary treatments followed a similar pattern, and increased from calving to 21 DIM, from 2.21 to 3.78 mM. Serum TAG concentrations had a peak at calving (0.51 mM) and reached its nadir levels at 21 DIM (0.21 mM). In agreement with our findings,
Effects of decreasing metabolizable protein and rumen-undegradable protein on milk production and composition and blood metabolites of Holstein dairy cows in early lactation.
observed similar TAG concentrations independent of the dietary CP levels.
CONCLUSIONS
Increasing dietary CP levels up to 19% of DM increased DMI, milk yield, and the yields of milk protein and lactose. High CP diets increased MUN, N intake and milk N secretion, but decreased milk N efficiency. Apparent digestibility of DM, CP, and NDF was greater in the 19CP and 21CP diets than in the 16CP diet. Feeding high CP diets increased the concentrations of serum albumin, albumin to globulin ratio, and BUN, decreased NEFA and BHB, but had no effect on globulin, glucose, cholesterol, or triacylglycerol. The responses observed in the present study indicate that increasing protein supply using RUP supplements immediately after calving can have beneficial effects on productive performance and indicators of protein and energy status in fresh cows. Due to the potential to decrease NEFA and BHB concentrations, the effects of additional protein supply on liver health and ketosis incidence in peripartum cows warrant further investigations.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors thank Roger Martineau (Dairy Production Centre; Sherbrooke, QC, Canada) for his scientific assistance during the preparation of this manuscript. We also thank James Drackley (Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana) for his invaluable comments on this paper.
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Effects of decreasing metabolizable protein and rumen-undegradable protein on milk production and composition and blood metabolites of Holstein dairy cows in early lactation.
International federation of clinical chemistry (IFCC) scientific committee analytical section: Approved recommendation on IFCC method for measurement of catalytic concentration of enzyme, part 2: IFCC method for aspartate aminotransferase.
J. Clin. Chem. Clin. Biochem.1986; 24 (3734712): 497-510
Effects of intrajugular glucose infusion on feed intake, milk yield, and metabolic responses of early postpartum cows fed diets varying in protein and starch concentration.
Effects of peripartum propylene glycol supplementation on nitrogen metabolism, body composition, and gene expression for the major protein degradation pathways in skeletal muscle in dairy cows.
Concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids and glucose in blood of periparturient dairy cows are indicative of pregnancy success at first insemination.
Effects of rumen protected methionine in a low protein ration on metabolic traits and performance of early lactating cows as opposed to rations with elevated crude protein content.
J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. (Berl.).2000; 84: 148-164
Effects of metabolizable protein supply and amino acid supplementation on nitrogen utilization, milk production, and ammonia emissions from manure in dairy cows.
Effect of postruminal glucose or protein supplementation on milk yield and composition in Friesian cows in early lactation and negative energy balance.
Enteral leucine supplementation increases protein synthesis in skeletal and cardiac muscles and visceral tissues of neonatal pigs through mTORC 1-dependent pathways.
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