Behavior, feed intake and health status in Holstein, Gyr and Girolando-F1 cows during the transition period: Behavior and health of dairy cows in the transition period

Abstract This trial aimed to evaluate the ingestive behavior, feed intake (DMI) and its relationship with health in Holstein, Gyr and Girolando-F1 (½ Holstein ½ Gyr) cows during the transition period. For that purpose, 34 cows were distributed in three groups according to their breed compositions. Behavior, DMI and health conditions were monitored daily during transition. Feed intake and ingestive behavior were distinct for Holstein, Gyr and Girolando-F1 animals. Holstein cows had higher feed intake than Gyr and Girolando-F1 cows during the whole transition period. Before calving, Girolando-F1 cows had higher intake rate, while Holstein cows ingested more feed per visit at the trough. After calving, Gyr and Girolando-F1 cows visited more often the feed trough, but remained less time and ingested less feed per visit than Holstein cows. Regarding health status, Holstein cows presented higher dystocia risk than Gyr and Girolando-F1 cows. The occurrence of subclinical ketosis and mastitis affected DMI during the transition period. The behavior of visits to the feeder, time spent at the feed trough and DMI per visit to the feed trough were modified by the occurrence of dystocia, retained placenta, subclinical hypocalcaemia, clinical and subclinical ketosis.The intake rate was lower in animals affected by subclinical ketosis four days before the disease onset. Likewise, the occurrence of subclinical hypocalcaemia reduced the total time spend at the feed trough and duration per active visit to the feed trough one day before its occurrence, as well as the intake rate four days before its occurrence. Feed intake and ingestive behavior are different for Holstein, Gyr and Girolando-F1 cows. Subclinical ketosis and mastitis affect DMI of cows during the transition period and the behaviors related to the visits to the feed trough are the most affected by the occurrence of diseases in the transition period.