Associations of periparturient β-hydroxybutyric acid and non-esterified fatty acids blood serum concentrations with milk yield, milk composition and milk somatic cells count of intensively managed Chios dairy ewes

This Research Paper addresses the hypothesis whether in dairy ewes: periparturient β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations are associated with milk yield, composition and udder halves with increased somatic cell counts (SCC ≥ 0.5 × 106 cells/mL). A total of 186 Chios ewes reared under intensive system were used for this research. Serum BHBA and NEFA concentrations were measured before lambing (-30d, -15d), and BHBA concentrations after lambing (+7d, +15d, +30d, +45d). Milk samples were collected at 15, 30 and 45days in milk (DIM). Total milk yield (MY) of the first 30, 60 and 90 DIM and total fortnightly milk yield (FMY) produced from 15 to 59 DIM were recorded. Positive associations between BHBA at +7d and MY of the first 30, 60 and 90 DIM were revealed (P < 0.001). For every increased unit of BHBA at +15d, +30d and +45d, FMY was decreased (DIM: 15 – 29 and 30 – 44) (P = 0.001 and P = 0.015, respectively) or increased (DIM: 45 – 59) (P < 0.001). BHBA before lambing (-30d, -15d) affected the number of halves presented SCC ≥ 0.5 × 106 cells/mL at 15 and 30 DIM (P = 0.011, P = 0.014, P = 0.009, P = 0.096, respectively). Finally, for every increased unit of BHBA during lactation (+15d, +30d, +45d) a decrease in the concentration of milk in proteins, solids not fat and lactose was noted (P < 0.001). This work demonstrates the associations of periparturient blood biochemical parameters (BHBA, NEFA) with milk yield and specific milk production characteristics