Four, ruminally cannulated, Hereford ×
Angus cows were used to study factors associated
with feed intake patterns around
parturition. Feed intake during the final
trimester of gestation was relatively stable, in
spite of a noticeable decrease in ruminal
capacity. Postpartum feed intake appeared to
increase, as did ruminal capacity. Blood
progesterone fell after parturition, whereas
estradiol did not change except for a large rise
around parturition. Some plasma metabolites
measured differed before and after calving;
however, magnitude and patterns of change do
not suggest a direct relationship with intake.
