J. Dairy Sci.

107:4381–4393
https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2023-24047
© 2024, The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association®.
This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Association between prepartum body condition score

and prepartum and postpartum dry matter intake
and energy balance in multiparous Holstein cows
S. Casaro,1 J. Pérez-Báez,2 R. S. Bisinotto,1 R. C. Chebel,1 J. G. Prim,1 T. D. Gonzalez,1 G. Carvalho Gomes,1
S. Tao,3 I. M. Toledo,4 B. C. do Amaral,4 J. M. Bollati,4 M. G. Zenobi,4 N. Martinez,4 G. E. Dahl,4
J. E. P. Santos,4,5 and K. N. Galvão1,5*
1
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
2
Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas y Veterinarias,
Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 10904
3
Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA 31793
4
Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
5
D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610

ABSTRACT with an increase in daily milk yield of 6.0 kg and 28 d

cumulative milk of 147 kg. Increasing BCS from 3.5 to
The objectives of this retrospective observational 4.5 was associated with a decrease in daily milk yield of
study were to investigate the association between BCS at 4.4 kg and 28 d cumulative milk of 116 kg. In summary,
21 d before calving with prepartum and postpartum DMI, a moderate BCS at 21 d before calving was associated
energy balance (EB), and milk yield. Data from 427 mul- with intermediate DMI and EB pre- and postpartum but
tigravid cows from 11 different experiments conducted greater milk yield compared with thinner and fatter cows.
at the University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) were used. Our findings indicate that a moderate BCS is ideal for
Cows were classified according to their BCS at 21 d be- ensuring a successful lactation.
fore calving as fat (BCS ≥ 4.00; n = 83), moderate (BCS Key words: body condition score, overcondition,
= 3.25–3.75; n = 287), and thin (BCS ≤ 3.00; n = 57). peripartum, milk yield, dairy cows
Daily DMI from −21 to −1 and from +1 to +28 DIM was
individually recorded. Energy balance was calculated as
INTRODUCTION
the difference between net energy for lactation consumed
and required. Dry matter intake in fat cows was lower The transition into lactation is critically important
than that in moderate and thin cows both prepartum (fat = for dairy cow health, production, and farm profitability
9.97 ± 0.21, moderate = 11.15 ± 0.14, and thin = 11.92 ± given that 75% of all infectious diseases and metabolic
0.22 kg/d) and postpartum (fat = 14.35 ± 0.49, moderate disorders emerge during this time (LeBlanc et al., 2006).
= 15.47 ± 0.38, and thin = 16.09 ± 0.47 kg/d). Dry mat- Consequently, only 56% of cows remain healthy by 60
ter intake was also lower for moderate cows compared d after parturition (Santos et al., 2010). The occurrence
with thin cows prepartum, but not postpartum. Energy of health disorders in the first weeks after calving re-
balance in fat cows was lower than in moderate and thin sults in less milk production not only during the time
cows both prepartum (fat = −4.16 ± 0.61, moderate = of disease, but also during the entire lactation period
−1.20 ± 0.56, and thin = 0.88 ± 0.62 Mcal/d) and post- (Rajala-Schultz et al., 1999). Approximately 25% of
partum (fat = −12.77 ± 0.50, moderate = −10.13 ± 0.29, cullings from dairy farms occur within the first 60 d
and thin = −6.14 ± 0.51 Mcal/d). Energy balance was after parturition due to a poor transition into lactation
also lower for moderate cows compared with thin cows (Dechow and Goodling, 2008); therefore, the success of
both prepartum and postpartum. There was a quadratic the transition period effectively determines farm profit-
association between BCS at 21 d before calving and milk ability (Drackley, 1999).
yield. Increasing BCS from 2.5 to 3.5 was associated The primary challenge cows face during the transition
into lactation is a reduction in feed intake when nutri-
ent demand for the developing fetus and the impend-
Received August 3, 2023.
Accepted December 22, 2023. ing lactogenesis are increasing (Abuelo et al., 2019).
*Corresponding author: galvaok@​ufl​.edu Consequently, most cows experience negative nutrient
The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes.

4381
 Casaro et al.: ASSOCIATION OF BCS WITH DMI AND ENERGY BALANCE 4382
balance, characterized by a sharp decrease in blood MATERIALS AND METHODS
minerals, amino acids, and glucose, leading to body
fat mobilization in the form of nonesterified fatty acids Experimental Design and Sample Size
(NEFA) and accumulation of products of incomplete
oxidation of NEFA such as BHB. Both the decrease in A retrospective longitudinal study was performed us-
calcium and glucose (Galvão et al., 2010; Martinez et ing the data from a total of 427 multigravid cows from
al., 2012), and the increase in NEFA (Ster et al., 2012; 11 different experiments conducted at the University of
Casaro et al., 2023) and BHB concentrations (Grinberg Florida Dairy Unit, located in Hague, Florida. This was a
et al., 2008) are associated with immune dysregulation convenience sample; therefore, a priori sample-size cal-
and increased risk of postpartum diseases. It is crucial, culation was not performed. A posteriori sample size was
therefore, to understand why some cows suffer from calculated using JMP Pro (Version 15; SAS Institute Inc.,
a sharper reduction in feed intake, which triggers this Cary, NC) based on prepartum DMI%BW between cows
chain of events. with BCS ≥ 4.00 and cows with a BCS < 4.00 (Hayirli et
In the periparturient period, DMI can be influenced by al., 2002). Based on an anticipated difference of 0.15%
various animal, dietary, and management factors (Hay- in DMI%BW with a pooled standard deviation of 1.07%,
irli et al., 2002; Huzzey et al., 2007; Daros et al., 2021). a total sample size of 402 cows would be sufficient for
According to Hayirli et al. (2002), cows with a high BCS achieving 80% power at an α level of 0.05. Individual
(>3.75) 21 d before calving had the most pronounced experiments were approved by the University of Florida
decrease in prepartum DMI as a proportion of their BW Animal Research Committee.
(DMI%BW) compared with cows with a BCS of 3.25 The 11 experiments originating these data were con-
to 3.75 and cows with a BCS <3.25. Daros et al. (2021) ducted between 2007 and 2017. During the study peri-
also showed that cows with a BCS >3.25 at dry-off had ods, the University of Florida Dairy Unit milked ~500
lower DMI and feeding time during the early and late Holstein cows twice daily, with average milk production
dry periods than cows with BCS ≤3.25. Previous work of 10,500 kg/cow. The freestall beds and walking alleys
had also shown that cows with BCS >3.75 at dry-off had were cleaned twice a day and sand was added on top of
more reproductive diseases and disorders such as dysto- the freestall beds twice a week to ensure they remained
cia, retained fetal membranes, metritis, and endometritis clean and dry. In addition, the barns were equipped with
(Gearhart et al., 1990). Additionally, loss of BCS during fans over the stalls and soakers over the feed line. Fans
the dry period was associated with increased incidence ran continuously and water soakers turned on automati-
of uterine disease and indigestion, as well as reduced cally for 1 min at 4-min intervals when ambient tempera-
milk yield and decreased pregnancy after first and sec- tures exceeded 18°C. Lights were on in the barns for 14
ond AI, with BCS at dry-off accounting for 94% of the h/d at an intensity of 150 lx throughout all the studies,
variation in BCS change during the prepartum period thus all cows were exposed to the same photoperiodic
(Chebel et al., 2018). These studies suggest that cows conditions. The housing facility separated primiparous
with high BCS in the early or late dry period experience and multiparous cows. Vaccinations and treatments for
a sharper reduction in DMI, resulting in lower energy common diseases or disorders were administered ac-
balance (EB) and increased risk of postpartum health cording to standard operating procedures developed in
disorders. collaboration with veterinarians from the University of
Although higher BCS during early or late prepar- Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Animal
tum has been associated with a decrease in prepartum Reproduction, and Medicine Service. The stocking
DMI%BW (Hayirli et al., 2002) and absolute DMI (Da- density (cows/stalls) was maintained between 80% and
ros et al., 2021), it is still unclear what is the ideal BCS 100%.
prepartum that optimizes DMI pre- and postpartum and All cows with a BCS measurement at 21 d before
milk yield postpartum. Furthermore, the association be- calving that had DMI data until calving or until 28 DIM
tween BCS prepartum and EB pre- and postpartum has were included in the prepartum and postpartum analyses,
not been evaluated. The hypothesis of the current study respectively, with the exception of 10 cows from Thomp-
was that overconditioned cows (BCS >3.75 at 21 d before son et al. (2014), which received an intramammary dose
calving) will have a reduced DMI both in absolute terms of Streptococcus uberis at 5 DIM, hence, their postpar-
and as a percentage of their body weight prepartum and tum data were excluded. To account for any conditional
postpartum, which will lead to a lower EB prepartum and effect of treatments, any treatment that affected DMI or
postpartum. The objectives of this observational study milk yield was added to the models. Greco (2014) evalu-
were to investigate the association between BCS at 21 ated the effects of supplementing diets containing low
d before calving and prepartum and postpartum absolute amounts of fatty acids (FA) with either SFA (n = 14) or
DMI, DMI%BW, EB, and milk yield. Ca salts containing essential fatty acids (EFA, n = 17)
Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 107 No. 7, 2024
 Casaro et al.: ASSOCIATION OF BCS WITH DMI AND ENERGY BALANCE 4383

against no fat supplementation (control, n = 21) on lacta- variable heat-stress abatement was created to account for
tion performance. Cows that were fed EFA showed lower any conditional effect of heat abatement: cool (CL; n =
DMI than control and SFA-fed cows, therefore, a variable 213), hot without evaporative cooling (HT; n = 84), and
named “FA” was created to account for the differences hot with evaporative cooling (HTEV; n = 130). The THI
in DMI because of EFA supplementation. Lopera et al. was calculated using the following formula (Dikmen and
(2018) evaluated the effects of feeding diets with 2 levels Hansen, 2009):
of negative DCAD during the last 42 or 21 d of gesta-
tion on performance. Reducing the level of DCAD from THI = 0.8° ambient temperature
−70 to −180 mEq/kg of DM decreased prepartum DMI.
+ [(relative humidity/100)
Furthermore, Martinez et al. (2018) evaluated the effects
of feeding diets with distinct DCAD levels during the × (ambient temperature – 14.3)] + 46.4.
last 21 d before calving. Feeding negative DCAD (−130
mEq/kg of DM) resulted in lower prepartum DMI than The meteorological data obtained from The Weather Un-
feeding positive DCAD (+130 mEq/kg of DM). In the derground, Inc. (2016) for the city of Hague, FL was used
remaining studies, if the DCAD was not reported, it was to calculate THI. A total of 30 cows participated in more
calculated assuming the same absorption for the strong than one study.
ions by using the following formula:
Measurement of DMI
DCAD = [(mEq of K+ + mEq of Na+)
− (mEq of Cl− + mEq of S2−)]. Daily DMI was measured with a system with indi-
vidual feeding gates (Calan Gates, American Calan Inc.,
To account for the effect of DCAD, the variable “DCAD” Northwood, NH) recording the amount of feed consumed
was created. Because the effect of DCAD on DMI is by each cow. For the current study, DMI data collected
linear, the variable included 3 levels: positive (POS = from −21 to −1 d before calving and from 1 to 28 DIM
DCAD >0 mEq/kg of DM, n = 94), partially acidified were used. Dry matter intake on the day of calving (d 0)
(PNEG = DCAD between 0 and −100 mEq/kg of DM, n was excluded due to inconsistent measurements resulting
= 229), and fully acidified (FNEG = DCAD < −100 mEq/ from parturition and pen moves. The chemical compo-
kg of DM, n = 104). Six of the studies were conducted sition of diets used in each experiment included in this
during the hot months (June to October) to investigate study can be found in Pérez-Báez et al. (2021).
the effect of evaporative cooling during the dry period on
production measures (do Amaral et al., 2009, 2011; Tao BW and BCS
et al., 2011, 2012; Gomes, 2014; Thompson et al., 2014).
For these experiments, cows were provided with shade The weight of the cows was measured daily for 232
only or with shade plus evaporative cooling with fans cows and weekly for 195 cows using a digital scale (Afi-
and soakers. The average environmental temperature Weight, S.A.E. Afikim). For cows weighed weekly, their
during the 3 wk before calving for these experiments was daily weight was estimated by interpolation. Prepartum
26.9°C ± 2.0°C and a temperature-humidity index (THI) body weight was not available for 3 cows in 12 d. The
of 77.7 ± 2.8. The categorization of heat-stress abatement daily weight measurements were used to calculate the
applied in these 6 previous experiments was maintained, DMI%BW, NEL required for maintenance (NELR), and
resulting in cows being classified as hot with evapora- EB. Body condition score was evaluated weekly prepar-
tive cooling or hot without evaporative cooling. In the tum (from −21 to −1 d before calving) and postpartum
remaining studies, cows were enrolled from December (from 0 to 28 DIM) using a 1-to-5 scale, with 1 being
to May, with an average environmental temperature of emaciated and 5 being obese, according to Ferguson et
17.6°C ± 3.4°C and a THI of 63.8 ± 8.9 (Greco, 2014; al. (1994). The cows were categorized according to their
Lopera et al., 2018; Martinez et al., 2018; Zenobi et BCS at 21 d before calving as fat (BCS ≥ 4.00; n = 83),
al., 2018; Bollatti et al., 2020). The researchers chose moderate (BCS = 3.25–3.75; n = 287), and thin (BCS ≤
a prepartum cutoff of THI ≥70 as the midpoint between 3.00; n = 57) as previously described (Gearhart et al.,
the traditional (THI ≥ 72) and revised (THI ≥ 68) cutoffs 1990; Hayirli et al., 2002). Others have used different
for lactating dairy cows (Armstrong, 1994; Zimbelman cutoffs (Daros et al., 2021); however, we opted to fol-
et al., 2009). Therefore, cows were categorized as hot low the classification by Hayirli et al. (2002) because of
with evaporative cooling when the average THI during the negative effect of BCS ≥ 4.0 on postpartum health
the last 3 wk prepartum was ≥ 70 and cool when the (Gearhart et al., 1990) and because cows with BCS be-
average THI for the last 3 wk prepartum was < 70. The tween 3.25 and 3.75 at calving had similar milk yield

Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 107 No. 7, 2024

 Casaro et al.: ASSOCIATION OF BCS WITH DMI AND ENERGY BALANCE 4384
postpartum (Roche et al., 2007). The agreement among Statistical Analysis
BCS observers was not evaluated.
All continuous data were analyzed by ANOVA with
BW Change and BCS Change linear mixed models using the MIXED procedure of SAS
version 9.4 (version 9.4; SAS/STAT, SAS Institute Inc.)
Body weight change (BWC) was calculated prepar- with estimations performed by the method of restricted
tum as the difference between BW at d −1 and BW at estimated maximum likelihood. The cow was the experi-
d −21 before calving and postpartum as the difference mental unit. After model fitting, variables were evaluated
between BW at 28 DIM and BW at 1 DIM. Prepartum for the distribution of the residuals, and all models met
body condition score change (BCSC) was calculated as ANOVA assumptions. The data were divided into 2 pe-
the difference between BCS at d −1 and BCS at d −21 riods, prepartum and postpartum, which were analyzed
before calving. Only 16, 122, and 21 cows had their BCS separately. All models included the random effect of
recorded at 28 DIM for fat, moderate, and thin, respec- study (1 to 11).
tively; therefore, BCSC postpartum was not evaluated. For prepartum and postpartum DMI, DMI%BW, NELR,
NELC, EB, BW, and daily milk yield, the full models
Energy Consumed, Energy Required, contained the fixed effects of BCS 21 d before calving
and Energy Balance (fat, moderate, thin), day (d −21 to −1 in the prepartum
and d 1 to 28 in the postpartum), heat stress (CL, HT,
All formulas were calculated using the NASEM (2021) HTEV), DCAD (POS, PNEG, FNEG), FA (control, EFA,
equations for energy requirements as follows: SFA), season (winter, spring, summer, autumn), and the
interactions between BCS 21 d before calving and day,
NEL consumed (NELC) = DMI × NEL of the diet BCS 21 d before calving and heat stress, BCS 21 d before
calving and DCAD, and BCS 21 d before calving and FA.
NELR prepartum = NEL maintenance + NEL pregnancy All postpartum models also contained the fixed effect of
morbidity (yes, no) and the interaction between BCS 21
NELR postpartum = NEL maintenance + NEL milk d before calving and morbidity. The variable morbidity
(yes, no) was created and included ketosis, milk fever,
EB prepartum = NELC − NELR prepartum retained placenta, metritis, mastitis, displaced aboma-
sum, or lameness recorded from calving to 28 DIM. A
EB postpartum = NELC − NELR postpartum, detailed description of diagnostic criteria for each health
disorder can be found in previous publications (Pérez-
where NEL maintenance, NEL pregnancy, and NEL milk Báez et al., 2019a,b, 2021). Models included the random
were calculated as follows: effect of cow nested within study. The repeated statement
consisted of time (day) with the subject being cow nested
NEL maintenance = (BW0.75 × 0.10), within study. The covariance structure with the smallest
Akaike information criterion was selected. An autore-
NEL pregnancy = {[(Calf BW × 1.825) gressive covariance structure resulted in the best fit for
× [0.0243 – (0.00000245 × day of gestation)]} all responses. The fixed effect of BCS 21 d before calv-
ing, day, their interaction, and heat stress were forced in
× 4.16, and all models. When morbidity, season, DCAD, FA, or their
respective interactions had a P > 0.10, the effect was re-
NEL milk = (9.29 × milk yield × fat percentage/100) moved from the model and the model was rerun. When a
main effect of BCS 21 d before calving was observed (P
+ (5.50 × milk yield × protein percentage/100)
≤ 0.05), post hoc comparisons with Tukey adjustments
+ (3.95 × milk yield × lactose percentage/100). were performed between the groups (fat vs. moderate, fat
vs. thin, moderate vs. thin).
Milk Yield For prepartum BCSC, prepartum and postpartum BWC,
BW at d −21, BW at calving, and BW at 28 d, the models
Cows were milked twice a day, and milk production contained the fixed effects of BCS 21 d before calving
was recorded using milk meters (AfiFlo; S.A.E. Afikim). (fat, moderate, thin), heat stress (CL, HT, HTEV), DCAD
The concentrations of milk components such as fat, true (POS, PNEG, FNEG), FA (control, EFA, SFA), season
protein, and lactose were also recorded either daily or (winter, spring, summer, autumn), and the interactions
weekly. For weekly measurements, daily milk compo- between BCS 21 d before calving and day, BCS 21 d be-
nents were calculated by interpolation. fore calving and heat stress, BCS 21 d before calving and
Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 107 No. 7, 2024
 Casaro et al.: ASSOCIATION OF BCS WITH DMI AND ENERGY BALANCE 4385

DCAD, and BCS 21 d before calving and FA. Postpartum A total of 280 cows contributed data for the postpartum
models also contained the fixed effect of morbidity (yes, statistical analyses (fat = 44; moderate = 192; thin = 44).
no) and the interaction between BCS 21 d before calving The distribution of BCS within categories can be found
and morbidity. When morbidity, season, DCAD, FA, or in Supplemental Figure S1 (see Notes). The full statisti-
their respective interactions had a P > 0.10, the effect cal models can be found in Supplemental Table S1 (see
was removed from the model and the model was rerun. Notes).
For milk and cumulative milk produced in the first
28 DIM, the models contained the fixed effects of BCS Dry Matter Intake and DMI%BW
21 d before calving or BCSC as linear and quadratic
covariates (BCS and BCS × BCS or BCSC and BCSC There was a main effect (P < 0.01) of BCS 21 d before
× BCSC, respectively), heat stress (CL, HT, HTEV), calving for DMI prepartum, but no interaction was ob-
morbidity (yes, no), DCAD (POS, PNEG, FNEG), FA served (P = 0.25) between BCS and day (Table 1, Figure
(control, EFA, SFA), season (winter, spring, summer, 1). The main effect showed that fat cows had less DMI
autumn), and the interactions between linear BCS 21 d than moderate (P < 0.01) and thin (P < 0.01) cows, and
before calving or BCSC and heat stress, BCS 21 d before moderate cows had less DMI than thin cows (P < 0.01).
calving or BCSC and morbidity, BCS 21 d before calving When the linear and quadratic effects of BCS 21 d before
or BCSC and DCAD, and BCS 21 d before calving or calving were tested for DMI prepartum, a quadratic ef-
BCSC and FA. When morbidity, season, DCAD, FA or fect (P = 0.04) of BCS on DMI prepartum was observed
their respective interactions had a P > 0.10, the effect (Supplemental Figure S2A; see Notes). There was a main
was removed from the model and the model was rerun. effect (P < 0.01) of BCS 21 d before calving for DMI
The formula generated by the models was used to gener- postpartum, but no interaction was observed (P = 0.34)
ate the predicted milk and cumulative milk production in between BCS and day (Table 1, Figure 1). The main ef-
28 d by increasing BCS 21 d before calving from 2.5 to fect showed that fat cows had lower DMI than moderate
4.5 or by increasing BCSC from −1.5 to 0.75. (P < 0.01) and thin (P < 0.01) cows. No difference (P =
To test if BCS 21 d before calving was linearly or 0.16) in DMI postpartum was observed between moder-
quadratically associated with prepartum and postpartum ate and thin cows. When the linear and quadratic effects
DMI, models contained the fixed effects of BCS 21 d be- of BCS 21 d before calving were tested for DMI postpar-
fore calving as linear and quadratic covariates (BCS and tum, a linear effect (P < 0.01) of BCS on DMI prepartum
BCS × BCS), heat stress (CL, HT, HTEV), DCAD (POS, was observed, but no quadratic effect (P = 0.13) was
PNEG, FNEG), FA (control, EFA, SFA), season (winter, observed (Supplemental Figure S2B).
spring, summer, autumn) and the interactions between lin- There was a main effect (P < 0.01) of BCS 21 d before
ear BCS and heat stress, linear BCS and DCAD, and linear calving for DMI%BW prepartum, but no interaction was
BCS and FA. The postpartum model also contained the observed (P = 0.57) between BCS and day (Table 1, Fig-
fixed effect of morbidity (yes, no) and the interaction be- ure 2). The main effect showed that fat cows had lower
tween linear BCS and morbidity. When morbidity, season, DMI%BW than moderate (P < 0.01) and thin (P < 0.01)
DCAD, FA or their respective interactions had a P > 0.10, cows, and moderate cows had lower DMI%BW than thin
the effect was removed from the model and the model was cows (P < 0.01). There was a main effect (P < 0.01) of
rerun. The formula generated by the models was used to BCS 21 d before calving for DMI%BW postpartum, but
generate the predicted DMI prepartum and postpartum by no interaction was observed (P = 0.55) between BCS
increasing BCS 21 d before calving from 2.5 to 4.5. and day (Table 1, Figure 2). The main effect showed that
The monotonic relationship between BCS 21 d before fat cows had lower DMI%BW than moderate (P < 0.01)
calving, BW 21 d before calving, and DMI was assessed and thin (P < 0.01) cows, and moderate cows had lower
by Spearman correlations (rho) using the stats package DMI%BW than thin cows (P < 0.01).
of R Studio (Version 2023.03.0+386; http:​/​/​www​.rstudio​
.com/​). Dry matter intake was averaged by week relative Net Energy for Lactation Required, NELC, and EB
to calving (−3, −2, −1, +1, +2, +3, +4) and by period
relative to calving (pre- or postcalving). Statistical sig- An interaction (P < 0.01) was observed between BCS
nificance was considered at P ≤ 0.05, and a tendency was 21 d before calving and day for NELR prepartum (Table
considered at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. 1, Supplemental Figure S3; see Notes). The interaction
showed that fat cows had greater NELR than moderate
RESULTS and thin cows from d −21 to d −1, and that moderate
cows had greater NELR than thin cows from d −21 to
A total of 427 cows contributed data for the prepartum d −1. There was a main effect (P < 0.01) of BCS 21 d
statistical analyses (fat = 83; moderate = 287; thin = 57). before calving for NELR postpartum, but no interaction
Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 107 No. 7, 2024
 Casaro et al.: ASSOCIATION OF BCS WITH DMI AND ENERGY BALANCE 4386
Table 1. The associations1 between BCS at 21 d before calving and prepartum and postpartum DMI, NEL consumed, NEL required, energy balance,
BW, BW change, prepartum BCS change, BCS and BW at −21 d before calving and at calving, BW at 28 DIM, and daily milk yield

BCS2 P-value3

Response4 Fat Moderate Thin BCS Day BCS × day

Prepartum
DMI, kg/d 9.97 ± 0.21a 11.15 ± 0.14b 11.92 ± 0.22c <0.01 <0.01 0.25
DMI, %BW 1.25 ± 0.03a 1.54 ± 0.02b 1.78 ± 0.03c <0.01 <0.01 0.57
NELC, Mcal/d 15.17 ± 0.59a 17.04 ± 0.55b 18.21 ± 0.60c <0.01 <0.01 0.30
NELR, Mcal/d 19.40 ± 0.20a 18.23 ± 0.14b 17.34 ± 0.22c <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
EB, Mcal/d −4.16 ± 0.61a −1.20 ± 0.56b 0.88 ± 0.62c <0.01 <0.01 0.40
BCS prepartum 4.18 ± 0.03a 3.54 ± 0.02b 2.88 ± 0.03c <0.01 — —
BCS at calving 3.86 ± 0.05a 3.46 ± 0.04b 3.02 ± 0.06c <0.01 — —
BCSC −0.30 ± 0.05a −0.08 ± 0.04b 0.14 ± 0.05c <0.01 — —
BW prepartum, kg 816.02 ± 9.44a 734.14 ± 6.86b 676.80 ± 10.42c <0.01 — —
BW at calving, kg 778.09 ± 14.69a 712.68 ± 13.18b 658.73 ± 15.41c <0.01 — —
BWC, kg −30.79 ± 7.40a −14.86 ± 6.95b −12.57 ± 7.51b <0.01 — —
Postpartum
DMI, kg/d 14.35 ± 0.49a 15.47 ± 0.38b 16.09 ± 0.47b <0.01 <0.01 0.34
DMI, %BW 2.08 ± 0.14a 2.48 ± 0.13b 2.75 ± 0.14c <0.01 <0.01 0.55
NELC, Mcal/d 25.53 ± 0.83a 27.63 ± 0.62b 28.16 ± 0.80b <0.01 <0.01 0.55
NELR, Mcal/d 38.38 ± 0.68a 37.60 ± 0.38a 35.51 ± 0.67b <0.01 <0.01 0.21
EB, Mcal/d −12.77 ± 0.50a −10.13 ± 0.29b −6.14 ± 0.51c <0.01 <0.01 0.29
BW d 28, kg 692.22 ± 15.59a 638.08 ± 12.28b 587.10 ± 15.59c <0.01 — —
BWC, kg −58.63 ± 12.16A −45.74 ± 10.88AB −40.67 ± 12.12B 0.07 — —
Milk yield, kg/d 33.27 ± 1.51ab 34.07 ± 1.40a 31.59 ± 1.51b <0.01 <0.01 0.30
a–c
Within response, columns with different superscripts differ (P ≤ 0.05).
A,B
Within response, columns with different superscripts tended to differ (0.05 < P ≤ 0.10).
1
LSM ± SEM.
2
Cows were categorized according to their BCS at 21 d before calving as fat (BCS ≥ 4.00; n = 83), moderate (BCS 3.25 to 3.75; n = 287), or thin
(BCS ≤ 3.00; n = 57).
3
Full models contained the fixed effects of BCS (fat, moderate, thin), day (−21 to −1 in the prepartum and 1 to 28 in the postpartum), heat stress (cool,
hot without evaporative cooling, hot with evaporative cooling), DCAD (positive, partially acidified, fully acidified), fatty acids (control, EFA, SFA),
season (winter, spring, summer, autumn), and the interactions between BCS and day, BCS and heat stress, BCS and DCAD, and BCS and fatty acids.
Postpartum models also contained the fixed effect of morbidity (yes, no) and the interaction between BCS and morbidity. Post hoc P-values were
adjusted for multiple comparisons.
4
Prepartum (d −21 to d −1) and postpartum (d 1–28) periods were analyzed separately.

was observed (P = 0.21) between BCS and day (Table 1, served (P = 0.40) between BCS and day (Table 1, Figure
Supplemental Figure S3). The main effect showed that 3). The main effect showed that fat cows had lower EB
fat and moderate cows had greater NELR than thin cows than moderate and thin cows (P < 0.01), and moderate
(P < 0.01), but no difference (P = 0.48) in NELR was cows had lower EB than thin cows (P < 0.01). There
observed between fat and moderate cows. was a main effect (P < 0.01) of BCS 21 d before calv-
There was a main effect (P < 0.01) of BCS 21 d be- ing for EB postpartum, but no interaction was observed
fore calving for NELC prepartum, but no interaction (P = 0.29) between BCS and day (Table 1, Figure 3).
was observed (P = 0.30) between BCS and day (Table The main effect showed that fat cows had lower EB than
1, Supplemental Figure S3). The main effect showed moderate and thin (P < 0.01) cows, and moderate cows
that fat cows had lower NELC than moderate (P < 0.01) had lower EB than thin cows (P < 0.01).
and thin (P < 0.01) cows, and moderate cows had lower
NELC than thin cows (P < 0.01). Body Weight, BWC, and BCSC
There was a main effect (P < 0.01) of BCS 21 d before
calving for NELC postpartum, but no interaction was There was a main effect (P < 0.01) of BCS 21 d be-
observed (P = 0.55) between BCS and day (Table 1, Sup- fore calving for BW at d-21 (Table 1). The main effect
plemental Figure S3). The main effect showed that fat showed that fat cows had greater BW than moderate (P <
cows had lower NELC than moderate (P < 0.01) and thin 0.01) and thin (P < 0.01) cows, and moderate cows had
(P < 0.01) cows. No difference in NELC postpartum was greater BW than thin cows (P < 0.01). An interaction (P
observed between moderate and thin cows (P = 0.66). < 0.01) was observed between BCS 21 d before calving
There was a main effect (P < 0.01) of BCS 21 d before and day for BW prepartum (Supplemental Figure S4; see
calving for EB prepartum, but no interaction was ob- Notes). The interaction showed that fat cows had greater

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 Casaro et al.: ASSOCIATION OF BCS WITH DMI AND ENERGY BALANCE 4387

Figure 1. Pre- and postpartum DMI (kg/d) according to BCS in multiparous cows. Cows were categorized according to their BCS at 21 d before
calving as fat (circles; BCS ≥ 4.00; n = 83), moderate (MOD; squares; BCS 3.25–3.75; n = 287), or thin (hexagons; BCS ≤ 3.00; n = 57). Prepartum
(d −21 to −1 relative to calving) and postpartum (d 1–28 relative to calving) periods were analyzed separately. For prepartum DMI, the effect of BCS
(P < 0.01), day (P < 0.01), and interaction between BCS and day (P = 0.25) are shown. For postpartum DMI, the effects of BCS (P < 0.01), day (P <
0.01), and interaction between BCS and day (P = 0.34) are shown. Both models were adjusted for the effects of heat stress; DCAD; FA; season; and
the interactions between BCS and heat stress, BCS and DCAD, and BCS and FA. Postpartum models were also adjusted for the effect of morbidity
(yes, no) and the interaction between BCS and morbidity. Error bars represent SEM. Symbols next to “Pre” or “Post” represent differences (P ≤ 0.05)
between groups in the post hoc comparisons, + represents the difference (P ≤ 0.05) between thin and MOD, * represents the difference (P ≤ 0.05)
between thin and fat, and × represents the difference (P ≤ 0.05) between MOD and fat. P-values were adjusted for multiple comparisons. Figure
created using GraphPad Prism version 8.4.3 for Windows, GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA.

BW than moderate and thin cows from d-21 to d-1, and ure S5; see Notes). The main effect showed that fat cows
moderate cows had greater BW than thin cows from d-21 had greater BW loss than moderate (P < 0.01) and thin
to d-1. There was a main effect (P < 0.01) of BCS 21 d (P < 0.01) cows. No difference in BWC prepartum was
before calving for BW at calving (Table 1). The main observed between moderate and thin cows (P = 0.80).
effect showed that fat cows had greater BW than moder- There was a tendency for a main effect (P = 0.07) of
ate (P < 0.01) and thin (P < 0.01) cows, and moderate BCS 21 d before calving for BWC postpartum (Table
cows had greater BW than thin cows (P < 0.01). There 1, Supplemental Figure S5). The tendency for the main
was a main effect (P < 0.01) of BCS 21 d before calv- effect showed that fat cows tended to lose more BW
ing for BW postpartum, but no interaction was observed postpartum than thin cows (P = 0.08). No difference in
(P = 0.23) between BCS and day (Supplemental Figure BWC postpartum was observed either between fat and
S4). The main effect showed that fat cows had greater moderate (P = 0.13) or between moderate and thin (P =
BW than moderate (P < 0.01) and thin (P < 0.01) cows, 0.71) cows.
and moderate cows had greater BW than thin cows (P < There was a main effect (P < 0.01) of BCS 21 d before
0.01). There was a main effect (P < 0.01) of BCS 21 d calving for BCSC prepartum (Table 1). The main effect
before calving for BW at d 28 (Table 1). The main effect showed that fat cows had greater BCS loss than moder-
showed that fat cows had greater BW than moderate (P < ate (P < 0.01) and thin (P < 0.01) cows, and moderate
0.01) and thin (P < 0.01) cows, and moderate cows had cows had greater BCS loss than thin cows (P < 0.01). A
greater BW than thin cows (P < 0.01). Sankey diagram of the differences in BCSC between fat,
There was a main effect (P < 0.01) of BCS 21 d before moderate, and thin can be found in Supplemental Figure
calving for BWC prepartum (Table 1, Supplemental Fig- S6 (see Notes).

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 Casaro et al.: ASSOCIATION OF BCS WITH DMI AND ENERGY BALANCE 4388

Figure 2. Pre- and postpartum DMI%BW according to BCS in multiparous cows. Cows were categorized according to their BCS at 21 d before
calving as fat (circles; BCS ≥ 4.00; n = 83), moderate (MOD; squares; BCS 3.25–3.75; n = 287), or thin (hexagons; BCS ≤ 3.00; n = 57). Prepartum
(d −21 to −1 relative to calving) and postpartum (d 1–28 relative to calving) periods were analyzed separately. For prepartum DMI%BW, the effect of
BCS (P < 0.01), day (P < 0.01), and interaction between BCS and day (P = 0.57) are shown. For postpartum DMI%BW, the effect of BCS (P < 0.01),
day (P < 0.01), and interaction between BCS and day (P = 0.55) are shown. Both models were adjusted for the effects of heat stress; DCAD; dietary
FA; season; and the interactions between BCS and heat stress, BCS and DCAD, and BCS and FA. Postpartum models were also adjusted for the
effect of morbidity (yes, no) and the interaction between BCS and morbidity. Error bars represent SEM. Symbols next to “Pre” or “Post”’ represent
differences (P ≤ 0.05) between groups in the post hoc comparisons, + represents the difference (P ≤ 0.05) between thin and MOD, * represents the
difference (P ≤ 0.05) between thin and fat, and × represents the difference (P ≤ 0.05) between MOD and fat. P-values were adjusted for multiple
comparisons. Figure created using GraphPad Prism version 8.4.3 for Windows, GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA.

Milk Yield A quadratic effect (P = 0.01) of prepartum BCSC on

daily milk yield was observed (Supplemental Figure
There was a main effect (P < 0.01) of BCS 21 d before S7A; see Notes). Increasing prepartum BCSC from −1.5
calving for milk yield, but no interaction was observed to 0 was associated with a predicted increase in daily
(P = 0.30) between BCS and day (Table 1). The main milk yield of 26 kg. In contrast, increasing BCSC from 0
effect showed that moderate cows produced more milk to 0.75 was associated with a predicted decrease in daily
than thin cows (P < 0.01). No difference in milk yield milk yield of 6 kg. A quadratic effect (P = 0.04) of pre-
was observed either between fat and moderate (P = 0.55) partum BCSC on cumulative milk in 28 d was observed
or between fat and thin (P = 0.18) cows. A quadratic ef- (Supplemental Figure S7B). Increasing BCSC from −1.5
fect (P = 0.02) of BCS at 21 d before calving on daily to 0 was associated with a predicted increase of 551 kg
milk yield was observed (Figure 4A). Increasing BCS cumulative milk in 28d. However, increasing BCSC from
from 2.5 to 3.5 was associated with a predicted increase 0 to 0.75 was associated with a predicted decrease of 109
in daily milk yield of 6 kg. In contrast, increasing BCS kg cumulative milk in 28 d.
from 3.5 to 4.5 was associated with a predicted decrease
in daily milk yield of 4.4 kg. A quadratic effect (P = 0.03) Spearman Rank Correlations
of BCS at 21 d before calving on cumulative milk in 28d
was observed (Figure 4B). Increasing BCS from 2.5 to A positive correlation was observed between BCS
3.5 was associated with a predicted increase of 146 kg and BW at 21 d before calving (rho 0.57; P < 0.01). A
cumulative milk in 28 d. In contrast, increasing BCS negative correlation was observed between BCS at 21 d
from 3.5 to 4.5 was associated with a predicted decrease before calving and DMI prepartum (rho −0.25; P < 0.01)
of 116 kg cumulative milk in 28d. and postpartum (rho −0.26; P < 0.01). By assessing the
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 Casaro et al.: ASSOCIATION OF BCS WITH DMI AND ENERGY BALANCE 4389

Figure 3. Pre- and postpartum EB (Mcal/d) according to BCS in multiparous cows. Cows were categorized according to their BCS at 21 d before
calving as fat (circles; BCS ≥ 4.00; n = 83), MOD (squares; BCS 3.25–3.75; n = 287), or thin (hexagons; BCS ≤ 3.00; n = 57). Prepartum (d −21 to
d −1 relative to calving) and postpartum (d 1 to d 28 relative to calving) periods were analyzed separately. For prepartum EB, the effect of BCS (P <
0.01), day (P < 0.01), and interaction between BCS and day (P = 0.40) are shown. For postpartum EB, the effect of BCS (P < 0.01), day (P < 0.01),
and interaction between BCS and day (P = 0.29) are shown. Both models were adjusted for the effects of heat stress; DCAD; dietary FA; season; and
the interactions between BCS and heat stress, BCS and DCAD, and BCS and FA. Postpartum models were also adjusted for the effect of morbidity
(yes, no) and the interaction between BCS and morbidity. Error bars represent SEM. Symbols next to “Pre” or “Post” represent differences (P ≤ 0.05)
between groups in the post hoc comparisons, + represents the difference (P ≤ 0.05) between thin and MOD, * represents the difference (P ≤ 0.05)
between thin and fat, and × represents the difference (P ≤ 0.05) between MOD and fat. P-values were adjusted for multiple comparisons. Figure
created using GraphPad Prism version 8.4.3 for Windows, GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA.

correlations by week relative to calving, a negative cor- partum DMI, EB, and milk yield. We observed that the
relation was observed between BCS 21 d before calving higher the BCS at 21 d before calving, the lower DMI
and DMI at wk −3 (rho −0.19; P < 0.01), wk −2 (rho and EB prepartum and postpartum. A quadratic associa-
−0.22; P < 0.01), wk −1 (rho −0.31; P < 0.01), wk +1 tion between BCS at 21 d before calving and milk yield
(rho −0.24; P < 0.01), wk +2 (rho −0.27; P < 0.01), wk showed that milk yield increased as BCS increased from
+3 (rho −0.25; P < 0.01), and wk +4 (rho −0.18; P < 2.5 to 3.5 and decreased as BCS increased from 3.5 to
0.01). A negative correlation was observed between BW 4.5.
at 21 d before calving and DMI postpartum (rho −0.18; The current study demonstrated that although all cows
P < 0.01). By assessing the correlations by week relative experienced a decline in prepartum DMI, fat cows had
to calving, a negative correlation was observed between the lowest prepartum DMI. It is not clear why fatter cows
BW at 21 d before calving and DMI at wk −1 (rho −0.18; ate less than their herdmates. Factors such as reduced
P < 0.01), wk +1 (rho −0.24; P < 0.01), wk +2 (rho −0.19; rumen capacity because of excessive abdominal fat ac-
P < 0.01), and wk +3 (rho −0.14; P < 0.01). The correla- cumulation (Szura et al., 2020), adipose tissue control of
tion coefficients between all variables are presented in satiety through leptin signaling (Schwartz et al., 1996;
Supplemental Figure S8 (see Notes). Bradford et al., 2006; Riosa et al., 2022), and satiety
induced by persistent low-grade inflammation caused by
DISCUSSION excessive adiposity (Contreras et al., 2015; Kuroda and
Sakaue, 2017; Kuhla, 2020) could have contributed to
The objective of this study was to investigate the as- the observed reduction in DMI. Independent of the cause,
sociation between BCS at 21 d before calving and peri- the marked reduction in DMI was sufficient to result in a

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 Casaro et al.: ASSOCIATION OF BCS WITH DMI AND ENERGY BALANCE 4390

Figure 4. Daily milk yield (A) and cumulative milk in the 28 d postpartum (B) according to BCS 21 d before calving. Panel A: BCS as linear
covariate (P = 0.02) and as quadratic covariate (P = 0.02). Panel B: BCS as linear covariate (P = 0.03) and as quadratic covariate (P = 0.03). The
association between BCS and milk yield was analyzed by fitting models with BCS as linear and quadratic covariates and controlling for the effects
of heat stress; DCAD; dietary FA; season; morbidity; and the interactions between BCS and heat stress, BCS and DCAD, BCS and FA, and BCS and
morbidity. Statistical significance was considered at P ≤ 0.05. Figure created using GraphPad Prism version 8.4.3 for Windows, GraphPad Software,
San Diego, CA.

more pronounced negative EB. Indeed, fat cows not only inflammation is characterized by greater peripheral
had the lowest EB but also were in negative EB since −21 blood pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, which,
d before calving. These results were further supported by as previously mentioned, can exacerbate the depression
the changes in BCS and BW, where fat cows lost 0.30 in feed intake (Kuhla, 2020). Therefore, it is possible that
units of BCS and 31 kg of BW during the prepartum pe- the more pronounced negative EB observed in fat cows
riod, indicating that fat cows were in a more pronounced during the prepartum period led to persistent systemic
negative EB and were mobilizing more adipose tissue inflammation, triggering a vicious cycle of DMI depres-
than their herdmates. sion, lipid mobilization, and inflammation, which could
The lower DMI and EB observed in fat cows prepar- help explain the reduced DMI and lower EB observed in
tum was maintained during postpartum. Furthermore, fat cows postpartum.
although fat cows lost more BCS and BW than their In addition to elucidating if overconditioned cows
herdmates during prepartum, they still had a higher experienced a decrease in peripartum DMI and EB, the
BCS and were heavier at calving. Therefore, it is pos- present study aimed to determine what was the ideal pre-
sible that the adipose-related metabolic or inflammatory partum BCS to maximize milk production. We observed a
regulation of feed intake may contribute to the decrease quadratic association between BCS at 21 d before calving
in postpartum DMI. Additionally, regardless of what led and milk yield, which showed that milk yield increased
to the reduction in prepartum DMI, it is possible that the as BCS increased from 2.5 to 3.5 and decreased as BCS
inflammatory state prepartum was sustained postpartum, increased from 3.5 to 4.5. The lower milk yield in thinner
leading to a reduction in DMI postpartum. Exacerbated cows indicates that these cows may not have had enough
mobilization of adipose tissue is associated with greater body energy reserves to maximize milk production. In
cellular death (Scalia et al., 2006; Casaro et al., 2023), addition to supplying long-chain FA for the production
which triggers systemic inflammation (Roh and Sohn, of milk fat, released NEFA from adipose tissue during
2018; Gong et al., 2020) and has been proposed as the early lactation offers an energy source for nonmammary
link between lipid mobilization and systemic inflamma- tissues, thereby preserving glucose for mammary lactose
tion in periparturient dairy cows (Casaro et al., 2023). synthesis and enhancing milk production (Bauman and
Recently, we showed that heavier cows lost more weight Currie, 1980). Roche et al. (2007) also reported a qua-
prepartum and had higher blood FA, and that blood FA dratic association between BCS and milk yield, indicat-
were positively correlated with cell death and IL-1β ing that as BCS increased from 2.5 to 3.5 60 d cumulative
concentration at calving (Casaro et al., 2023). Systemic milk yield increased by 264 kg. It seems that despite thin

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 Casaro et al.: ASSOCIATION OF BCS WITH DMI AND ENERGY BALANCE 4391

cows having the greatest DMI and EB, their undercondi- FNEG = fully acidified DCAD; HT = hot environmental
tioned state may be limiting lactation performance. The temperature without evaporative cooling; HTEV = hot
lower milk yield in fatter cows may be simply due to a environmental temperature with evaporative cooling;
reduction in nutrient availability to the mammary gland MOD = moderate; NEFA = nonesterified fatty acids;
due to the lower DMI (Hristov et al., 2005). These find- NELC = NEL consumed; NELR = NEL required for main-
ings indicate that a prepartum BCS ranging from 3.25 to tenance; PNEG = partially acidified DCAD; POS = posi-
3.75 is optimal for maximizing milk production. tive DCAD (>0); SFA = saturated free fatty acids; THI =
The main limitation of the current study is the lack temperature-humidity index.
of information about reproductive performance. Fur-
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