# Breed- and Parity-Associated Incidence and Manifestation of Metabolic Disorders in Holstein and Jersey Cows During the Postpartal Transition Period

## TL;DR

Holstein and Jersey cows show different metabolic disorder risks post-calving, with breed and parity affecting health outcomes.

## Contribution

The study reveals breed- and parity-specific differences in metabolic disorder incidence during the postpartal period in dairy cows.

## Key findings

- Jersey cows had higher odds of ketosis compared to Holsteins.
- Holsteins were more susceptible to hypomagnesemia and showed stronger parity-related trends.
- Multiparous Holsteins had higher incidences of hypophosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia compared to primiparous ones.

## Abstract

A total of 149 Holstein and 25 Jersey cows were monitored, and blood samples were collected from calving to 21 days after parturition at 3-day intervals. β-hydroxybutyrate, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium concentrations were measured to evaluate the metabolic disorders during the postpartal period. The incidence of metabolic disorders and the concentrations of metabolites were compared by breed and parity. Jerseys were more prone to ketosis, whereas Holsteins were more susceptible to hypomagnesemia and showed stronger parity-related trends. These findings highlight the importance of breed- and parity-specific health management strategies in dairy cattle farms.

Dairy cows commonly experience negative energy balance during the periparturient period, predisposing them to metabolic disorders such as ketosis (KET), hypophosphatemia (HP), hypocalcemia (HC), and hypomagnesemia (HM). However, comparative data on breed- and parity-related differences remain limited. Therefore, these differences were evaluated in this study during the postpartal transition period. A total of 174 cows (149 Holstein, 25 Jersey) were monitored, and blood samples were collected from calving to 21 days postpartum at 3-day intervals to measure β-hydroxybutyrate, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium concentrations. Metabolic disorders were defined using established thresholds. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test, the Mann–Whitney U test, and generalized estimating equations. HP was the most prevalent disorder in both breeds. Jerseys had 2.83 times higher odds of KET, whereas Holsteins had 4.98 times higher odds and an earlier onset of HM. Multiparous Holsteins showed higher incidences of HP, HC, and HM compared to primiparous ones, while parity effects were minimal in Jerseys. Breed and parity significantly influenced both the incidence and onset timing of postpartal metabolic disorders. These findings highlight the importance of breed- and parity-specific health management strategies in dairy cattle farms.