title: The impact of body condition after calving on metabolism and milk progesterone profiles in two breeds of dairy cows.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Optimal body condition in early lactation is generally accepted as a prerequisite for good reproductive performance. Examination of milk progesterone profiles offers an objective method for characterization of postpartum ovarian activity in dairy cows. The present study investigated the relationship between body condition after calving, some metabolic parameters in blood plasma, and fertility, as reflected by milk progesterone profiles in the two dairy breeds Swedish Red (SR) and Swedish Holstein (SH).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Multiparous dairy cows (n = 73) of SR and SH breeds were selected and divided into three groups based on their body condition score (BCS) after parturition. Selected plasma metabolites were determined, milk progesterone profiles were identified and body condition was scored. Over-conditioned cows and atypical progesterone profiles were more common among SR cows. Insulin sensitivity was lower and IGF 1 higher among SR cows. Insulin was positively related to body condition, but not related to breed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Atypical progesterone profiles were more common and insulin sensitivity lower in SR than in SH cows, but the SR breed had a higher proportion of over-conditioned SR cows. It is reasonable to assume that breed differences in body condition contributed to these results.
authors: Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7045, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
authors: Lisa A
authors: LA
authors: O'Hara
authors: Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
authors: Renée
authors: R
authors: Båge
authors: Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7045, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden. kjell.holtenius@slu.se.
authors: Kjell
authors: K
authors: Holtenius
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D001824:Body Constitution / Q000502:physiology*; D001947:Breeding; D002417:Cattle / Q000378:metabolism*; D003612:Dairying; D005260:Female; D008892:Milk / Q000737:chemistry*; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011374:Progesterone / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D013548:Sweden
chemical_list: D011374:Progesterone
keywords: Body condition; Dairy breed; Progesterone