Table 1_Prepartum biochemical, ruminal, and behavioral indicators associated with postpartum fat-to-protein ratio in dairy cows.docx

Before calving, ALT activity was 22% higher (p < 0.001), serum iron concentration was 24% higher (p = 0.007), and creatinine concentration was 9% lower (p = 0.042) in Group 1. Behavioral and ruminal measurements also differed between groups. Group 1 cows spent 11% more time ruminating (p = 0.006) and had 3% higher rumen pH values (p = 0.002), whereas Group 2 cows demonstrated 30% greater activity (p < 0.001) and 14% greater water intake (p = 0.035).

Logistic regression identified creatinine, glucose, activity, water intake, and rumen pH as significant variables associated with postpartum F/P ratio classification. Among individual predictors, activity demonstrated the highest discriminatory ability (AUC = 0.689; p = 0.007).</p>Discussion<p>Significant differences in biochemical, ruminal, and behavioral characteristics were detectable before calving in cows subsequently classified according to postpartum F/P ratio.

These findings indicate that sensor-derived and biochemical indicators may provide useful information for characterizing metabolic adaptation during the transition period and support their potential application in precision dairy herd management.</p>