Prediction of Energy Balance Based on Milk Parameters Across Different Lactation Stages

Following the changes observed in milk parameters throughout the lactation period will offer an easy and practical method for the evaluation of the feeding programs of animals as well as presenting opportunities to improve the quality of milk. For this purpose, the milk samples collected from 1390 Holstein cows Bursa Province in Turkey on the test day of the month (at an interval of 30 days) were examined and their fat, protein, dry matter and lactose contents were measured. The cows with boundary values for the fat/ protein accepted for the metabolic states of the cows in the study are considered to be at risk of acidosis if they are lower than 1.2, to be healthy if they are between 1.2 and 1.4 and to have a ketosis risk if the values are over 1.4. The results of the study have shown that the risk for acidosis among the animals are 39.5%, 32.4% and 33.9% respectively during the lactation periods 1, 2 and 3. The percentage of animals at risk of ketosis was determined to be 30.2%, 37.9%, 36.6% respectively. Energy balance is defined as the difference between energy intake from feed and energy required for animal performance. It is an important concept in cattle management and nutrition because it directly impacts the health, productivity, and reproductive success of cows, particularly during lactation. The percentages of the animals at the positive energy balance are 30.3, 29.7 and 29.6 respectively. Estimates for early, mid and late lactation show that in early lactation 31% of cows have acidosis, 37% have ketosis and 32% have positive energy balance, in mid lactation 31% have acidosis, 28% have ketosis and 32% have positive energy balance, while in late lactation 34% have acidosis, 34% have ketosis and 32% have positive energy balance.