Excessive postpartum body condition score loss coincides with skeletal muscle proteolysis in dairy cows: molecular and biochemical evidence (opens in new tab)

The transition period (− 21 to + 21 days relative to calving) in dairy cows is characterized by profound metabolic adaptations that often result in negative energy balance (NEB) and mobilization of body reserves. This study evaluated the association of postpartum body condition score (BCS) loss on the expression of skeletal muscle genes involved in protein metabolism and related biomarkers in blood. Two hundred high-yielding multiparous Holstein cows (≥ 30 kg milk/day) without postpartum diso...