Abstract

HERNANDEZ, Robier  and  PONCE, Pastor. Effect of three diet types on the appearance of metabolic dysfunctions and their relationship with alterations in milk composition of Holstein Friesian cows. Zootecnia Trop. [online]. 2005, vol.23, n.3, pp.295-310. ISSN 0798-7269.

The nutrition of the dairy cow is considered as a success factor in the cattle exploitations if it is correctly managed or as a risk factor if it presents an inadequate manipulation, which alters the physiologic balance, including the mechanisms involved in the synthesis and secretion of the milk. To demonstrate the possible relationship among the lack of nutrients in the diet, the presence of some metabolic dysfunctions and the alterations in the composition and physic-chemical characteristics of the milk, an experiment was carried out under controlled conditions on a 30 Holstein Friesian dairy herd of medium potential. There were randomly conformed three experimental groups of 10 animals each one. During 120 days three diet types were applied, one diet to each group, two of them with protein deficit. The milk production and composition was studied and also some hematological variables. It was corroborated that the groups with nutritional unbalance in the diet showed a depression in the milk production and solids, mainly in protein, lactose and non fatty solids, reaching values of 2.80; 4.53, and 8.03%, respectively, which caused a decrease in the buffering capacity, thermal stability and in the mineral balance. The deterioration of the body condition of the animals and the occurrence of metabolic dysfunctions, associated to a nutrition and feed quality, jeopardize the functions of the mammary gland and finally the quality of the milk.

Keywords : Dairy cow; abnormal milk syndrome; metabolic disorders; nutrition.