The relationship of glucose, insulin, NEFA and index of insulin resistance with the metabolic adaptation of cows in the period before and after calving

Abstract

Metabolic indicators of poor energy status of cows are: decreased glucose and insulin concentration and increased NEFA concentration with increased insulin resistance. This metabolic profile is characteristic of the peripartum period in cows and is caused by reduced food intake and increased glucose directing towards the mammary gland and the pregnant uterus. The aim of this research is to examine the differences in insulin resistance in cows in dry and early lactation and examine the relationship between indicators of insulin resistance and metabolic profile parameters in early lactation. A statistically significant correlation was obtained between metabolic parameters and indicators of insulin resistance, and these relationships are most pronounced in the postpartum period. The RQUICKI index has a very weak predictive value for metabolic parameters, while the values of insulin, glucose and NEFA have a significant predictive value for a large number of parameters. The values of NEFA and insulin in the antepartum period correlate with certain metabolic parameters, but the number of statistically significant correlations is significantly lower. The individual values of insulin, glucose and NEFA have a much more significant association with metabolic parameters compared to the RQUICKI index of insulin resistance, which is calculated from the three parameters.