Rethinking transition cow management

Up to 75% of cow diseases occur within the first month post-calving — making this phase critical for long-term health and productivity. Transition management used to focus on metabolic disorders like ketosis and hypocalcemia. New research suggests a more holistic and preventive approach. It highlights inflammation as a key factor in transition disorders.

Inflammation: The missing link

Beyond metabolic issues like ketosis and hypocalcemia, inflammation is emerging as a central factor in transition cow health. Explanation.

A shift to lactating rations (higher energy and protein) during the transition period changes the microbiota balance in the rumen: there is a decrease in fibrolytic microbiota (bacteria and fungi) and an increase in rapidly fermentable carbohydrate degraders. This switch decreases rumen pH and can lead to a higher risk for subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) that damages the rumen wall epithelium.

On the other hand, tight junctions, which are a key component of the rumen epithelial barrier, are also disrupted, leading to increased permeability of the rumen epithelium. A compromised epithelial barrier, or leaky epithelium, of either the rumen or lower gut, results in bacteria translocation leading to excessive immune activation and inflammation (Figure 1).

Figure 1: The disruption of tight junctions (right) in the rumen epithelium triggers inflammation through the passage of LPS and potentially pathogen bacteria.

From calving stress to oxidative stress, many factors come together. They activate the immune system and take energy away from milk production.

The true cost of inflammation

Inflammation redirects energy from milk synthesis to immune defense — costing up to 26 kg of milk every day!

During immune activation, the intestinal barrier becomes more permeable. The metabolism involved in milk production represents 25-30% of a healthy animal’s basal metabolism. This energy is redirected to support the immune system. The immune system requires a great deal of energy. Once under pressure, this requirement increases, which consumes nutrients.

The cow will find energy sources including glucose as precursor of lactose, which are intermediaries as the cow mobilizes fat stores as a source of energy. If the inflammation becomes pathological, it reduces feed intake and may result in metabolic syndromes such as hypocalcemia.

The use of glucose by the immune system and the reduction in feed intake are responsible for the increase in NEFA (non-esterified fatty acids) and ketones, explaining a decline in overall health, production, and reproduction outcomes.

Recent studies show that the energy to fight against inflammation (modelized by LPS-induced infection) costs the equivalent of 2 kg of sugar every day and approximately 26 kg of milk loss.

Post-partum disorders: inflammation’s ripple effect

Inflammation can also cause post-partum disorders in dairy cows, such as ketosis, milk fever (hypocalcemia), reproductive tract infections such as retained foetal membranes, metritis, and endometritis. All these can negatively impact the cow’s health, fertility, and milk production.

Research shows that inflammation during the transition period negatively impacts cow reproductive performance as it decreases ovarian activity.

Figure 2: New paradigm in transition cow, placing inflammation at the center of cow disorders around transition (adapted from Horst E.A. et al., 2021)

Digestive welfare starts with microbiota management

Supporting optimal microbiota balance is essential to prevent leaky epitheliums as gut barrier disruption leads to increased permeability and inflammation. Reducing leaky rumen epithelium by maintaining a balanced microflora can be achieved by supplementing the rumen-specific yeast strain S. cerevisiae CNCM I-1077 (LEVUCELL SC).

Research has shown that LEVUCELL SC limits inflammation at the epithelium level, boosting DMI post-calving and milk production. When supplemented before calving, the live yeast strain helps the rumen wall better prepare for the stress encountered around calving by improving rumen wall integrity (tight junctions) and resistance to rumen wall inflammation through its effects on cytokines.

In a trial performed during early lactation (IRTA, Spain, 2019), LEVUCELL SC fed cows were shown to produce 6 liters of extra milk, partly explained by a higher DM. This improved DMI was equivalent to a 20% increase of non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) intake in the LEVUCELL SC group, corresponding to a higher energy supply.

Leaky epitheliums are a main cause of inflammation and immune activation during the transition period. This can affect health and productivity. Nutritional strategies that support gut integrity and reduce inflammation are essential for a smooth and successful transition period.

Want more expert tips on transition cow management? Watch Professor Mike Steele’s expert interview.