Effects of periconception conditions of dairy cows on development, metabolism, and milk performance of their offspring

Extending the voluntary waiting period (VWP) for insemination in dairy cows is of interest to improve cow conditions around conception. Little is known about its effects on offspring. This study investigated the influence of maternal periconception conditions on body condition, metabolic status, and milk performance of Holstein Friesian heifer calves (N = 62) from birth until the first 100 days in milk (DIM). Dams (N = 154) were randomly assigned to a VWP of 50, 125, or 200 days, but actual calving intervals (CInt) varied due to differences in conception moment after end of the VWP. Data analysis were performed using a regression model, with repeated measurements and fixed affects for dam’s CInt, parity, offspring’s age. Each dam variable from 4 weeks before conception until calving, was included separately. From birth to weaning, calf plasma β-hydroxybutyrate was positively associated with dam milk yield and fat and protein-corrected milk (FPCM). From weaning to calving, lower heifer insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) was linked to dam higher body weight and lower IGF-1. In the first 100 DIM, heifer metabolism and milk performance were associated with dam milk performance. Heifer milk fat and plasma non-esterified fatty acids were negatively correlated with dam milk yield. In conclusion, from birth to weaning, the offspring were not largely influenced by the periconception conditions of dams. After weaning, offspring’s metabolism was related to periconception metabolic conditions like body weight and IGF-1. During lactation, offspring milk performance and metabolism were associated with periconception milk performance like milk fat, milk yield, and FPCM.