Fig. 2

Concentrations of NEFA (a), BHB (b), insulin (c), IGF-I (d), leptin (e), and adiponectin (f) during peripartum and early lactation period (from −40 to 55 days relative to parturition) in pluriparous dairy cows assigned to three different feeding strategies during the postpartum. From calving (day 0) to 60 days postpartum: G0 DM offered as 100 % total mixed ration (TMR; n = 9; solid line), G1 DM offered as 50 % pasture in one (am) grazing session (6 h) plus 50 % TMR (n = 9; dash line), and G2 DM offered as 50 % pasture in two (am/pm) grazing sessions (9 h) + 50 % TMR (n = 7; dotted line). Differences between cow groups are indicated with * when P ≤ 0.05. T treatment, Days day of lactation