Transition period is one of the most challenging stage in the production cycle of dairy cattle and their offspring. The main problem after calving in dairy cattle is the instability between the body reserves and nutrients requirements for milk production. The abruptly increased levels of metabolic rate associated with parturition, and initiation of lactation lead to a greater stress exposure which contribute to periparturient disorders in the dairy cows and even calves. This issue will focus on the physiological (endocrine), metabolic and immunological changes and their offspring that make the cows predispose to various health disorders such as mastitis, metritis, ketosis, retained placenta, infertility, etc.
Therefore, identifying the underlying metabolic, physiological and immunological mechanisms that make some animals more prone to the stress of the transition period compared to other animals will form the basis for the main goal, to increase productivity and minimize the incidence of disorders in the transition animals. All studies that give insight into the underlying mechanism that govern these processes are welcomed in this issue. Studies that deal with drug administration such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to increase milk production and improve the health status of transition dairy cattle are welcomed. Also, management, therapeutic and nutritional interventions that mitigate the metabolic stress, enhance immunity, and maximize the production and reproduction efficiency of dairy cattle such as cows and buffaloes are also welcomed.
We welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, and Mini-Review on different aspects of transition period stress including, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:
- Immune dysfunction and impairment of health during the transition period;
- Metabolic and endocrine interplay around calving and early lactation;
- Production related diseases associated with calving and early lactation;
- Effect of maternal nutrition on calves;
- Implementing management, therapeutic and nutritional strategies to optimize the performance of transition cattle and calves.
Transition period is one of the most challenging stage in the production cycle of dairy cattle and their offspring. The main problem after calving in dairy cattle is the instability between the body reserves and nutrients requirements for milk production. The abruptly increased levels of metabolic rate associated with parturition, and initiation of lactation lead to a greater stress exposure which contribute to periparturient disorders in the dairy cows and even calves. This issue will focus on the physiological (endocrine), metabolic and immunological changes and their offspring that make the cows predispose to various health disorders such as mastitis, metritis, ketosis, retained placenta, infertility, etc.
Therefore, identifying the underlying metabolic, physiological and immunological mechanisms that make some animals more prone to the stress of the transition period compared to other animals will form the basis for the main goal, to increase productivity and minimize the incidence of disorders in the transition animals. All studies that give insight into the underlying mechanism that govern these processes are welcomed in this issue. Studies that deal with drug administration such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to increase milk production and improve the health status of transition dairy cattle are welcomed. Also, management, therapeutic and nutritional interventions that mitigate the metabolic stress, enhance immunity, and maximize the production and reproduction efficiency of dairy cattle such as cows and buffaloes are also welcomed.
We welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, and Mini-Review on different aspects of transition period stress including, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:
- Immune dysfunction and impairment of health during the transition period;
- Metabolic and endocrine interplay around calving and early lactation;
- Production related diseases associated with calving and early lactation;
- Effect of maternal nutrition on calves;
- Implementing management, therapeutic and nutritional strategies to optimize the performance of transition cattle and calves.