Postpartum biochemical differences in metabolic adaptation between Holstein-Friesian and Simmental cows related to negative energy balance and subclinical ketosis

Janevski, Dejan and Gacovski, Zivko and Gichova, Tijana and Krivokapic, Jovana and Petrovska, Biljana and Petrovska, Natasa and Radinovic, Miodrag and Stanojevic, Jovan and Dodovski, Petar and Zdraveski, Igor and Dameski, Pance and Dzunkovska, Magdalena (2026) Postpartum biochemical differences in metabolic adaptation between Holstein-Friesian and Simmental cows related to negative energy balance and subclinical ketosis. Bulgarian Journal of Veterinary Medicine. pp. 1-10. ISSN 1311-1477

Text Postpartum biochemical differences in metabolic adaptation between Holstein-Friesian and Simmental cows related to negative energy balance and subclinical ketosis.pdf - Published Version Download (671kB)

Abstract

Subclinical ketosis is a prevalent metabolic disorder in high-producing dairy cows, characterised by
negative energy balance, excessive lipolysis, and altered hepatic metabolism. We hypothesised that
Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows exhibit more pronounced hepatic lipid accumulation and metabolic
stress than Simmental (SIM) cows during the transition period (TP). To test this, 240 postpartum
cows were assigned to either ketosis (KET) or control (CON) groups in relation to the breed: HF�KET, HF-CON, SIM-KET, and SIM-CON groups (n = 60 each). Blood samples collected within the
first 21 days postpartum were analysed for BHB, NEFA, TG, AST, ALT, glucose, and NEFA/BHB
ratio. HF-KET cows displayed the highest BHB (2.35±0.41 mmol/L) and NEFA (0.92±0.18 mmol/L),
elevated TG and hepatic enzyme activities, reduced glucose, and a low NEFA/BHB ratio, indicating
intense ketogenesis and hepatic metabolic stress. SIM-KET cows showed moderate changes, reflect�ing partial metabolic compensation. Strong positive correlations between BHB and NEFA, TG, AST,
and negative correlation with glucose in HF-KET cows confirmed the direct link between ketonaemia
and hepatic lipid overload. These findings demonstrate clear breed-specific differences in hepatic
metabolic adaptation to TP. Early detection and monitoring of high-risk HF cows are essential for
preventing hepatic dysfunction and optimising postpartum energy requirements during the TP.

Key words: dairy breed comparison, hepatic lipid metabolism, metabolic disease, transition
period physiology

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Scientific Fields (Frascati) > Agricultural Sciences > Veterinary science
Divisions:	Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Depositing User:	Mrs Natasha Petrovska
Date Deposited:	15 May 2026 10:10
Last Modified:	15 May 2026 10:10
URI:	https://eprints.uklo.edu.mk/id/eprint/11553

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