Transition dairy cow health is associated with first postpartum ovulation risk, metabolic status, milk production, rumination, and physical activity.

Our objective was to determine the association of health status during the first 60 d in milk (DIM) and first postpartum ovulation risk, physical activities recorded by an activity monitor, and metabolic and milk measures in Holstein cows. Late-gestation heifers and close-up dry cows in 1 herd fitted with CowManager SensOors (Agis, Harmelen, the Netherlands) were enrolled in the study 3 wk before expected parturition to assess ear skin temperature and daily rumination, eating, inactivity, and activity times. Blood samples were collected at calving (d 0), and on d 3, 7, and 14 to assess concentrations of free fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), calcium, glucose, and haptoglobin.