CRITICAL POINTS IN THE FEEDING OF HIGH YIELDING DAIRY COWS IN ASSOCIATION WITH BCS AND METABOLIC PROFILE TEST

The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between the body condition and the results of metabolic profile tests done in the milk (DIM) of dairy cows in different days. Moreover, critical points in the early pre- and postpartum period were also analysed. In the experiment, blood and urine samples were taken from 1984 clinically healthy cows (from 49 large scale dairy farms in Hungary), selected randomly from various groups of cows with different physiological stage of lactation and gestation, 3-5 hours after the morning feeding. During the experiment body condition scoring (BCS) was measured on 1-5 scale, as well. It was concluded, that the BCS (body condition score) decreased from the 1st day of lactation (3.48) onwards till the 44th day (2.65) and slightly increased till the day 218 (2.89). The haemoglobin value and the glucose concentration in blood samples were ranging within the physiological range and followed the tendency of BCS and the relationship between them and DIM was (P<0.001). There was a close negative correlation between the NEFA (non-esterified-fatty-acid) concentration in blood samples and BCS change and it was found that these values were significantly different (P<0.01) compared to the DIM. The aceto-acetic acid concentration exceeded the upper limit of the physiological range indicating hyperketonaemia at DIM 18. The AST (aspartate aminotransferase, liver-enzyme) activity value exceeded the upper limit of physiological range and followed the tendency of BCS change . The urea concentration in the blood exceeded the upper limit of the physiological range in all cows. The NABE (net acid-base empty) value in the urine samples indicated acid load in the first two groups) of samples (pre-, and post calving. During factor analysis I could differentiate three group factors and one individual. The most important factor is the acid-based factor (with urine pH and NEBA). The results of the present study also confirm that the body condition scoring is a reliable tool for revealing the risk of metabolic disorders caused by malnutrition.