Provision of shelter during the prepartum period: Effects on behavior, blood analytes, and health status in dairy cows in winter

This study aimed to assess the effect of shelter provision during prepartum period on lying, ruminating, and feeding behavior in outdoor-housed dairy cows exposed winter weather conditions a temperate climate. We also determine whether influenced blood analytes related energy metabolism, body cleanliness, health status. In this study, 2 cohorts 12 multiparous Holstein were tested winter. Twenty-five days before their expected calving date, each cohort paired randomly assigned an open paddock without or one with access artificial until calving. Shelter use, lying time, number bouts, duration rumination time continuously recorded 3 wk Cows assessed weekly for cleanliness throughout 3-wk period. A sample was taken from coccygeal vein cow at −3, −2, −1, 1, 2, relative assayed nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate, haptoglobin concentrations. Cases clinical disorders after recorded. The spent 60% daily shelters, 75% that they down. lay down around 3.2 h/d more than −3 −2 less morning (wk −3: 29.7 min; −2: 12.1 −1: 17.3 min) afternoon 18.2 21.9 access. As well, showed higher score (∼92 vs. ∼48%) lower NEFA concentrations 0.27 0.44 mmol/L; 0.46 0.64 mmol/L) precalving period, first week postpartum (0.34 0.79 mg/mL) observed no treatment differences β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, disorders. Despite small used these findings suggest having increases improves reduces adipose mobilization. Therefore, it is important provide protected area welfare climate conditions.