Effect of Parity on Dry Matter Intake at Parturition in Dairy Cattle

Abstract

Ten first and second parity (young) and ten third parity or more (aged) animals were fed wilted alfalfa-brome silage free choice plus 1.8 kg grain daily for at least 3 wk prepartum and to 6.4 kg grain by day 7 postpartum. Average daily dry matter (kg), calcium (g), and phosphorus (g) intakes for young, nonparetic aged, and paretic aged cows on day 14 prepartum were 7.45, 8.71, 9.37; 61, 72, 78; and 28, 33, 35. Depression of dry matter intake on day 1 prepartum and calving day versus day 14 prepartum for young, nonparetic aged, and paretic aged cows averaged 24.5, 25, and 52%. Incidence of parturient paresis in the young and aged cows was 0 (0/10) and 30% (3/10). Aged paretic cows consumed less dry matter on calving day than aged nonparetic cows. Aged cows had lower plasma concentration of calcium (days 0, 1, 2) and phosphorus (days −1, 0, 2, 3), higher free fatty acids in plasma (days 1, 3, 7), and higher magnesium in plasma than young cows. Paretic aged cows had a lower rate of rumen contractions (days 0, 1, 2, 3, 7) than nonparetic aged and young cows. Thus, the importance of keeping cows on feed immediately pre- and postpartum must continue to be stressed. © 1977, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.