Metabolic profile of post-calving crossbred dairy cows under different production systems in Batangas and Laguna, Philippines

A study was conducted to determine the common levels of blood metabolites of post-calving crossbred dairy cows under different production systems in Batangas and Laguna, Philippines and use the information to deduce the general health and nutritional status of animals. Thirty-six visually normal Holstein Fresian x Sahiwal post-calving cows were selected using purposive sampling from six dairy farms in Batangas and Laguna. Blood samples were collected via the coccygeal artery, 2 to 5 hours post first feeding in the morning. Serum samples were analyzed for non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), glucos, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg). Feed samples (roughage and concentrates) were collected and analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), Ca, P, K and Mg content. Mean NEFA, BHBA, cholesterol and P concentrations in the blood and NEFA-to-cholesterol ratio were within the normal range. Mean glucose and BUN concentrations, on the other hand, were higher than the maximum range while macrominerals Ca, K, and Mg were lower than the minimum normal levels. Only mean NEFA concentrations from the intensive and semi-intensive production systems were significantly different (P 0.05). Mean concentrations of BHBA, glucose, cholesterol, BUN, Ca, P, K and Mg and NEFA-to-cholesterol ratio had no significant differences among the three production systems. Nutrient intake of the dairy cows affecting their metabolic profiles were compared among the different production systems and significant differences were observed (P0.05) in dry matter intake (DMI), CP, NDF, Ca, P, K and Mg intake. Animals from the extensive and semi-intensive production systems had higher nutrient intake compared with cows from the intensive production system. Based on the results obtained, visually normal and healthy crossbred post-calving dairy cows from Batangas and Laguna do not experience negative energy balance but have macromineral (Ca, K and Mg) deficiency when compared with reference standards in temperate countries.