Background and Aim: Data about dynamics of serum biochemical parameters and negative energy balance (NEB) related conditions differ among geographical areas or farm types. It should be cautious about applying those data to justify control and prevention strategies of NEB problems. Therefore, dynamics of blood biochemical parameters related to NEB condition of peripartum dairy cows raised in either smallholder (SH) or semi-commercial (SC) farms were studied.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-two healthy pregnant dry cows were selected from five dairy farms in Western part of Thailand, including 15 and 17 cows from three SH and two SC farms, respectively. Blood samples were collected at 2 weeks before the expected calving date, and 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks postpartum to determine concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA). Body condition scores (BCSs) and milk yields were also recorded.

Results: Dairy cows in both farm types suffered from NEB by elevation of serum NEFA and BHBA, and loss of BCS postpartum. Degrees of elevation in serum NEFA and BHBA were different between farm types. The SC cows showed more BCS loss postpartum, but lower serum NEFA. In the SH cows, even with less BCS loss, the cows showed high serum NEFA concentrations.

Conclusion: Dairy cows in our study entered NEB condition even with low milk yields. Moreover, elevation of serum NEFA and BHBA postpartum was higher in our studied cows as compared with other studies in high producing cows of commercial dairy farms in temperate areas.

Keywords: β-hydroxybutyrate, negative energy balance, non-esterified fatty acid, smallholder dairy farm, tropical area.