Investigation of the Changes in NEFA during the Transition Period and its Relationship with Reproductive Performance in Holstein Dairy Cows

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Veterinary, Shk.C., Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran

2 Department of Veterinary, Ker.C., Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran

10.22103/VCBR.2026.25868.1091

Abstract

This study investigate the changes in serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) during the transition period and to evaluate their relationship with the reproductive performance of Holstein dairy cows. Thirty multiparous Holstein cows (parities 2–5) from a large industrial dairy herd in Shahrekord were enrolled during the last week of the dry period. Blood samples were collected at 10 and 30 days after calving. Samples were centrifuged at 1700 × g for 15 minutes, and serum was separated and stored at -20°C until analysis. Serum NEFA concentrations were determined using commercial Randox kits (UK). Reproductive data, including calving date, date of first insemination, number of inseminations, and pregnancy outcomes, were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (version 19). Serum NEFA concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.05) after calving compared with the prepartum period, reaching the highest value at 10 days post-calving and declining thereafter. Mean NEFA levels at one month postpartum were significantly higher in cows that failed to conceive after the first insemination compared to cows that became pregnant (P < 0.05). At 10 days postpartum, NEFA concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in cows that received their first insemination before 75 days compared to those inseminated later, suggesting that elevated NEFA was associated with a prolonged calving-to-first-insemination interval. When cows were categorized by calving-to-conception interval (<80 days, 80–150 days, >150 days), the lowest NEFA concentrations were observed in the <80-day group, although differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Similarly, cows conceiving with fewer than three inseminations generally exhibited lower NEFA values. The findings confirm that dairy cows experience negative energy balance during the transition period, reflected by elevated NEFA concentrations. Monitoring NEFA dynamics during this period provides a useful indicator for predicting and improving reproductive performance in dairy herds.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Veterinary and Comparative Biomedical Research
Volume 3, Issue 1
March 2026
Pages 57-65

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