Can lipoproteins and metabolic profiles in the dry period assess the susceptibility of transition dairy cows to postpartum reproductive and metabolic disorders?

The aim of this study was to check whether there is a relation between energetic and lipoprotein metabolism in Italian Friesian cows during the dry-calving interval and postpartum reproductive and metabolic disorders. For this purpose, 14 Holstein Friesian cows were included; BCS and blood samples from coccygeal vein were performed at dry-off, repeated 30 days before the expected calving date and at calving. Biochemical pro- file, serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), lipoprotein electrophoresis and hematocrit were assessed. Animals were classified in 3 groups (8 healthy cows, 2 cows with left abomasal displacement (LDA), 6 cows with reproductive diseases) based on postpartum clinical features, which were checked twice weekly until 60 days in milk. Data of postpartum reproductive performance were collected from the herd management software, except for cows undergoing LDA which were early culled.