Fig. 1

The variation of serum ANGPTL4, FGF21, NEFA and BHBA concentrations in perparturient dairy cows (n = 219). Serum NEFA (a), ANGPTL4 (b) and FGF21 (c) concentrations peaked on the day of parturition and were significantly higher during parturition than in late pregnancy (2 to 4 wk antepartum) and early lactation (2 to 4 wk postpartum). Serum BHBA (d) concentration was significantly higher at 1 wk postpartum than during late pregnancy (1 to 4 wk antepartum) and early lactation (2 to 4 wk postpartum). Results are presented as means ± SE and were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni’s multiple comparison test. The neighboring lowercase letters show significant differences at P < 0.05, while the divided lowercase letters show very significant differences at P < 0.01. The same lowercase letters show no significant differences at P > 0.05