Periparturient changes in intake, rumen capacity, and selected blood metabolites in beef cows

Authors

T.A. Stanley
R.C. Cochran
D.L. Harmon
E.S. Vanzant

Keywords

Cattlemen's Day, 1991; Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 91-355-S; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 623; Beef; Feed intake; Ruminal capacity; Gestation

Abstract

Four, ruminally cannulated, Hereford x Angus cows were used to study factors associated with feed intake patterns around parturition. Feed intake during the final trimester of gestation was relatively stable, in spite of a noticeable decrease in ruminal capacity. Postpartum feed intake appeared to increase, as did ruminal capacity. Blood progesterone fell after parturition, whereas estradiol did not change except for a large rise around parturition. Some plasma metabolites measured differed before and after calving; however, magnitude and patterns of change do not suggest a direct relationship with intake.

Recommended Citation

Stanley, T.A.; Cochran, R.C.; Harmon, D.L.; and Vanzant, E.S. (1991) "Periparturient changes in intake, rumen capacity, and selected blood metabolites in beef cows," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.2214