Relationship between plasma β-carotene concentrations during the peripartum period and ovulation in the first follicular wave postpartum in dairy cows

β-Carotene functions independently of vitamin A in the reproductive performance of dairy cows. The concentrations of β-carotene in plasma decrease during the dry period, and reach a nadir in about the first week postpartum. This coincides with a negative energy balance, which affects the onset of the first ovulation in early postpartum cows. Thus, we hypothesised that plasma β-carotene concentrations during the peripartum period may affect ovulation in the first follicular wave postpartum in dairy cows. The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in the profiles of plasma β-carotene concentrations during the peripartum period in ovulatory and anovulatory cows during the first follicular wave postpartum. We used 22 multiparous Holstein cows, which were fed a total mixed ration consisting of grass, corn silage and concentrate, and collected blood samples for β-carotene and progesterone analysis from week 3 prepartum to week 3 postpartum when the period of day 0–6 after parturition was regarded as the parturient week (week 0). The first ovulation was confirmed using the profile of plasma progesterone concentrations and colour Doppler ultrasound. Thirteen cows ovulated during the first postpartum follicular wave. Parity, the dry-off period, calving interval, mastitis episodes, and actual 305 days’ milk yield during the previous lactation, and milk composition in the last month during the previous lactation in this study did not differ between ovulatory and anovulatory cows. Differences in the plasma β-carotene profile were observed between ovulatory and anovulatory cows. Plasma β-carotene concentrations at week 3 prepartum were greater in ovulatory cows (2.97 ± 0.24 mg/L) than in anovulatory cows (1.53 ± 0.14 mg/L; P < 0.001), after that its concentrations in ovulatory cows decreased and reached the lowest level at week 1 postpartum, although its concentrations in anovulatory cows remained unchanged. No differences in plasma β-carotene concentrations between the two groups were observed postpartum. The present study indicates for the first time that the lower β-carotene concentrations in plasma during the prepartum period is associated with anovulation during the first follicular wave postpartum.