J. Dairy Sci. 88:2010–2016 American Dairy Science Association, 2005. Lymphocyte Functions in Overconditioned Cows Around Parturition*

The objective of the study was to evaluate the relation-ships between body condition and lymphocyte functions in periparturient dairy cows. Thirty days before expected calving, 21 Holstein cows were categorized as thin (n = 6), medium (n = 8), or overconditioned (n = 7) based on body condition score (BCS). Blood sampleswere collected on 21, 14, 7, and 3 d before calving and on d 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 after parturition. An aliquot of blood was used to determine plasma nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and glucose. At 14 and 7 d before, and 14 and 35 d after calving, a second aliquot of blood was used to assess peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) func-tions: DNA synthesis, immunoglobulin (Ig)M, and inter-feron-gamma (IFN-γ) secretion after mitogen stimula