Insulin-like growth factor-I in dairy cows: relationships among energy balance, body condition, ovarian activity, and estrous behavior.

The objective was to determine relationships among concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I in serum, energy balance, body condition, and ovarian activity during early lactation. From 0 to 12 wk postpartum, 11 pluriparous Holstein cows were individually fed a total mixed diet and bled twice weekly for quantification of insulin-like growth factor-I and progesterone. Estrous behavior was monitored twice daily and body condition scores were recorded weekly. Individual feed intake and milk production were recorded daily and milk composition and BW were measured weekly. Cows with positive (3.43 Mcal/d; n = 5) energy balance during the first 12 wk postpartum had greater concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I in serum and greater luteal-phase progesterone secretion than in cows with negative (-1.69 Mcal/d; n = 6) energy balance. Interval to first ovulation or first estrus did not differ between cows with positive versus negative energy balance. Correlation coefficients among weekly averages revealed positive correlations between energy balance and serum progesterone, and energy balance and serum insulin-like growth factor-I. Body condition scores were not correlated with energy balance or serum insulin-like growth factor-I. We conclude that reduced luteal activity that accompanies negative energy balance may be associated with reduced concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I in serum.