Transition Period, Negative Energy Balance and Oxidative Stress

The transition period, lasting three weeks before and three weeks following parturition, is critical for high-yielding dairy cows. Hormonal and metabolic changes occur during this period. The energy requirements increase significantly with the onset of lactation. However, if dry matter intake is insufficient, the energy need cannot be met. In this case, the cow attempts to compensate for this by mobilizing its body fat reserves. This leads to the production of free radicals and oxidative stress. Nutritional diseases such as abomasum displacement, hypocalcemia, ketosis, fatty liver, mastitis, metritis, retained placenta, acidosis, and laminitis are particularly common during the transition period in high-yielding cattle. They are all interrelated, and oxidative stress often accompanies or exacerbates many of these diseases. Furthermore, the emergence of one of these diseases triggers the development of others.