The transition period, which spans the three weeks before and after calving, is one of the most critical and challenging phases for dairy cows, particularly for high-producing breeds like Holsteins. During this time, cows face immense physiological changes, moving from pregnancy to lactation. As they shift their metabolic priorities toward milk production, they are more susceptible to metabolic disorders and infections that can significantly affect productivity and health.
A key challenge during this period is the increased metabolic stress, and one of the most costly and often overlooked aspects is the burden of inflammation. This immune response can have a dramatic impact on the cow’s energy balance, diverting precious resources away from milk production and contributing to metabolic diseases.
Understanding the Cost of Inflammation
Recent research has shown that the energy cost of inflammation in dairy cows is substantial. Kvidera et al. (2017) quantified this cost, demonstrating that inflammation can consume over 35 MJ of energy per day—equivalent to 8.4 Mcal. To put this into perspective, this is nearly the same amount of energy that a cow would use to produce 5 to 6 litres of milk per day or, it is approximately half of the energy required for maintenance.
Armed with this knowledge, nutritionists are increasingly aware of the real cost of inflammation, and how this can be influenced by nutrition. Poor management of the rumen, and subsequent leaky gut, can elevate the inflammatory response, which comes with a cost. During the transition period, cows are also particularly vulnerable to infections like mastitis, metritis, and retained placenta, all of which trigger inflammation as well. Inflammation activates the immune system and requires significant amounts of energy and nutrients. This diversion of energy comes at a cost; instead of being used for milk production or tissue repair, this energy is spent fighting infection, leading to a decline in performance.
The Role of the Immune System in the Transition Period
The immune system is heavily involved in the challenges cows face during the transition period. As cows approach calving, they experience a natural suppression of immune function, driven in part by the physiological demands of calving and early lactation. This immune suppression increases the likelihood of infections and systemic inflammation.
When inflammation occurs, white blood cells (WBCs) become activated and play a central role in the immune response. These cells rely on glycolytic metabolism, which requires a significant amount of glucose to generate energy. This metabolic shift is crucial for supporting the heightened activity of WBCs, enabling them to effectively combat infections. However, this demand for glucose can further strain the cow’s energy balance, particularly during a period when the cow is already experiencing negative energy balance (NEB).
Glucose metabolism in dairy cattle is somewhat of a challenge. Glucose supply is predominantly met from production in the liver in a process called gluconeogenesis. And the rate of glucose production in the liver is central to the challenge of the transition cow. Over 90% of the glucose made in the liver has to go into milk production in early lactation cow, leaving little room for error (Bell et al 1995).
The increased energy expenditure due to the immune response means that the cow must mobilise fat and muscle tissue or consume more feed to meet her energy needs. This can exacerbate metabolic stress and lead to conditions such as fatty liver and ketosis, further complicating recovery during the transition period.
Inflammation and Metabolic Consequences
The findings from Kvidera et al. (2017) show that when cows experience systemic inflammation, their maintenance energy requirements increase significantly. This extra energy demand means cows must mobilise body reserves (fat and muscle) or consume more feed to meet their needs, both of which can exacerbate metabolic stress.
This is particularly concerning for dairy farmers because the transition period is already characterised by a negative energy balance, where cows are not able to consume enough feed to meet the energy demands of lactation. The added energy cost of inflammation makes it even harder for cows to close this gap, leading to further complications such as ketosis, fatty liver, and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases.
Gut Health and Immune Function: A Critical Relationship
Another key factor in managing inflammation is gut health. During the transition period, cows are at risk of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), which occurs when the rumen pH drops too low due to a high intake of fermentable carbohydrates. SARA not only disrupts digestion but also damages the gut lining, leading to a leaky gut. This condition allows harmful bacteria and endotoxins to escape from the gut into the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation.
How Acid Buf Can Help Mitigate the Costs of Inflammation?
Acid Buf, derived from calcareous marine algae, is a natural buffer that supports rumen health and helps reduce the metabolic burden associated with inflammation during the transition period. By stabilising rumen pH, Acid Buf helps maintain a healthy digestive environment, which is crucial for reducing the risk of SARA and improving nutrient absorption. Here’s how it helps during the critical transition phase:
- Rumen Health to reduce the risk of Inflammation: Acid Buf’s buffering capacity supports a stable rumen pH, preventing acidosis and helping to preserve gut integrity. By reducing the risk of SARA, Acid Buf lowers the likelihood of a leaky gut, which is a major contributor to systemic inflammation. A healthy gut helps protect the cow’s immune system, reducing the energy demands associated with fighting inflammation and freeing up more energy for milk production.
- Energy Efficiency: Given the energetic cost of inflammation, preventing immune challenges like infections and acidosis is critical. Acid Buf helps cows maintain better feed efficiency by supporting optimal rumen function. This allows cows to extract more nutrients from their feed and reduces the need for body fat mobilisation, thus mitigating the risk of metabolic diseases such as ketosis and fatty liver.
- Mineral Supply: The unique characteristics of Acid Buf allow it to solubilise at a rumen pH allowing for a sustained release of calcium and magnesium. Both calcium and magnesium play a key role of the mineral metabolism of the cow during the transition period. An activated immune response requires more than just energy, calcium plays a key role in fuelling the defence of the body. Acid Buf is an excellent nutritional solution to support the immune system – acting as more than a buffer.
The Financial Implications for Dairy Farmers
For dairy farmers, managing the transition period effectively is vital for reducing costly health issues and optimising milk production. Inflammation and its energy demands can lead to significant financial losses. Cows experiencing metabolic disorders or infections will often have reduced milk yields, resulting in lost revenue. Poor health outcomes during the transition period can extend recovery times, further delaying optimal milk production.
By using a feed additive like Acid Buf, which stabilises rumen health, improves calcium metabolism, and helps reduce the risk of inflammation, farmers can improve cow health, minimise energy loss, and ultimately maximise milk production during this critical period.
Conclusion: Supporting Immune Health and Energy Efficiency with Acid Buf
The transition period presents a perfect storm of metabolic and immune challenges for dairy cows, particularly Holsteins. The cost of inflammation of up to 35 MJ (8.4 Mcal) of energy per day, highlights the immense burden that can be placed on cows. By integrating Acid Buf into feed rations during the transition period, nutritionists can help mitigate the metabolic and immune challenges cows face, ensuring better health outcomes and more efficient milk production.
