Plasma cholesterol levels and short‐term adaptations of metabolism and milk production during feed restriction in early lactating dairy cows on pasture

Low plasma total cholesterol (TC) concentrations are characteristic during the negative energy balance in early lactating dairy cows. The objective was to investigate short‐term effects of different TC concentrations during an aggravated energy deficiency through a 1‐week concentrate withdrawal on adaptations of metabolism and milk production. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 15) were investigated during 3 week beginning at 24 ± 7 DIM (mean ± SD). Cows were kept on pasture and received additional concentrate in experimental week 1 and 3, while in week 2, concentrate was withdrawn. Blood was sampled once and milk twice daily. Based on their average TC concentration during week 1 (prior to concentrate withdrawal), cows were retrospectively assigned into a high (H‐Chol; n = 8, TC ≥ 3.36 mmol/L) and a low TC groups (L‐Chol; n = 7, TC