EN
The investigations were performed on 12 Holstein cows at the age of 3-5 years. The blood samples were taken at the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 8th months of lactation. Plasma leptin levels was low during the early period of lactation and remained low until the 7th month and increased significantly (P<0.05) in the dry period. Plasma insulin levels were low at the 2nd and 3rd months and increased significantly (P<0.05) at the 5th month of lactation and remained high in the 7th and 8th months. Plasma glucose concentration was the highest at the 2nd month, whereas it was the lowest at the 8th month. Plasma urea concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) higher at the 3rd month and lower at the 8th month than that at other months of lactation. In conclusion, the plasma leptin, insulin, urea, and glucose concentrations were altered during the lactation period due to changes in the energy requirements of dairy cows.