Body composition and estimated tissue energy balance in Jersey and Holstein cows during early lactation

Abstract

The rate and extent of estimated energy mobilization and the relationship between fat depth at the rib and thurl and body condition score (BCS) were investigated in Jersey and Holstein cows in early lactation. Twenty-six cows were paired by breed, parity, and calving date, and were individually fed a total mixed ration ad libitum from parturition through 120 d in milk. Feed intake and milk production were measured daily; body weight (BW), BCS, subcutaneous fat depth, milk composition, and concentration of plasma nonesterified fatty acids were measured every 2 wk. Estimated tissue energy balance (TEB) was calculated using 1989 NRC equations. Net energy intake was greater in early lactation for Holsteins compared with Jerseys, 37.8 and 28.2 Mcal/d, respectively. Milk energy was greater for Holsteins relative to Jerseys, 30.5 versus 21.2 Mcal/d. Fat depth and BCS did not differ between breeds. A positive relationship existed between fat depth and BCS for Jerseys; however, there was no significant relationship for Holsteins. The best-fit regression model for predicting TEB for Holsteins and Jerseys in early lactation included week of lactation, milk composition, and BCS. Jerseys remained in negative TEB for a shorter period of time relative to Holsteins. The TEB nadir was -6.19 and -12.9 Mcal/d, for Jerseys and Holsteins, respectively. Expressed as a proportion of metabolic BW (BW(0.75)), net energy intake did not differ between breeds, yet milk energy and estimated tissue energy loss were greater for Holsteins compared with Jerseys.