Metabolic disorders in cows and the level of immunity in calves.

Abstract

Metabolic diseases in cows have a significant influence on their health status, milk production, and the health and immune parameters of newborn calves. One of the most critical periods in the lactation cycle of dairy cows is the transition period, which covers the last three weeks before and the first three weeks after calving. It is characterized by the occurrence of metabolic and endocrine adaptations resulting from the increased demand for nutrients to support future lactation and avoid metabolic dysfunction. Metabolic stress is a hypermetabolic and catabolic response to homeostatic imbalance which affects the development and maturation of foetus. Lipid mobilization is a typical feature of a negative energy balance (NEB), whereby non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) are released into the bloodstream and used as a source of energy. The aim of this review was to present results of our research and research of other authors on the impact of metabolic disorders in dairy cows on the immune and health status of calves.