The Association between Blood ?-Hydroxybutyric Acid Concentration in the Second Week of Lactation and Reproduction Performance of Lithuanian Black and White Cows

Abstract

Simple Summary Determination of BHB concentration in the second week of lactation (WK 2) may allow us to predict the fertility properties of cows and help better manage farms. BHB concentration can be considered as a predictor trait of reproduction success. High BHB concentration requires a higher amount of insemination. The season in which the cows calve and the parity must be considered in the assessment as these factors affect BHB concentration in WK 2. Hyperketonemia is a very common metabolic state in dairy cows, which result in lower milk production, impaired fertility, and increased frequency of other diseases. In this study, we aimed to determine the influence of season, parity, and milk yield of cows on beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration in the second week of lactation (WK 2) and establish the relationship between BHB concentration in WK 2 and reproduction performance traits such as insemination rate and first insemination day of Lithuanian Black and White dairy cows. The study included clinically healthy Lithuanian Black and White cows (n = 692). Blood BHB concentration was measured using capillary blood samples collected after morning milking when cows were 7-10 DIM. The impact of WK 2 blood BHB concentration on the insemination rate and first insemination day were investigated. The effect of BHB was evaluated according to the season, parity, and milk yield per lactation (305 DIM). Significant differences were observed in BHB concentration in WK 2 due to season and parity, but no statistically significant differences were observed for milk yields (305 d). Increased blood BHB concentration in WK 2 negatively affected insemination rate (p < 0.001) and first insemination day (p < 0.001). The study findings indicate that BHB concentration in WK 2 depends on season and parity, while the milk yield is not associated with BHB concentration. High BHB concentration in WK 2 increases insemination rate and delays the first insemination day for high milk-yielding Lithuanian Black and White dairy cows.