The international community proclaims victory when a conflict-ridden state is able to get rid of the main cause of the conflict. However, all the problems of the state do not end with that victory. It rather triggers a whole new set of problems, which combined with the aftermath of the conflict, leads the country to a larger crisis. Afghanistan, after the fall of Taliban regime in 2001, faced various social, political and economic challenges that marked the beginning of a transition period that was much more challenging than the previous period. In this paper, I discuss the major problems of transition-period Afghanistan and how the handling of these problems has shaped the image of the government inside the country and outside. I look into various variables that have played leading roles in Afghanistan in the past ten years (legitimacy, corruption, and state capacity), analyze their interconnectedness, and examine the state‘s vulnerability, leading to a discussion of whether there is an immediate need for a changed approach by national leadership. I demonstrate the complex interaction of the variables in connection with their impact on economic development. Towards the end, I suggest the need for a balanced approach, including but not limited to the increase in sub- national capacity, which will involve strong leadership from the government to define and divide the functions of various actors involved in the stabilization of the country. We will see that Afghanistan‘s geographical location, its natural capacity and the international support it has been receiving provide it with immense prospect for stabilization and even development, providing that the variables analyzed in the paper are addressed.

O periparto é um período crítico no qual as adaptações fisiológicas e imunológicas ocorridas podem ser responsáveis pela susceptibilidade às infecções intramamárias, durante o processo de colostrogênese. Desta forma, o estudo da imunidade inata e sua resposta frente aos patógenos bacterianos são fundamentais para entendimento, diagnóstico e adoção de medidas profiláticas para a mastite bovina. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a imunidade inata no sangue e secreção mamária de vacas da raça Holandesa no período periparto e sua resposta frente à exposição natural aos patógenos bacterianos durante a colostrogênese. Para tanto, foram avaliadas amostras de sangue (n= 91) e secreção mamária (n=208) de treze fêmeas bovinas de 2° a 4° parição. As vacas foram avaliadas semanalmente nas três semanas que antecedem e sucedem a parição prevista. A avaliação da resposta imune inata e detecção do processo inflamatório da glândula mamária (GM) foram realizadas por meio do exame específico da GM, exame bacteriológico, contagem de células somáticas da secreção mamária e provas imunológicas, tais como: viabilidade das células do colostro/leite; dosagem da citocina pró-inflamatória interferon-gama (IFN-γ), imunofenotipagem e avaliação funcional de leucócitos polimorfonucleares CH138+. Com base nos resultados obtidos, pode concluir-se que: a) A parição representou o momento com maior taxa de infecção mamária, no entanto, as alterações mamárias decorrentes do processo de colostrogênese limitaram o uso de exame específico do aparelho mamário para detecção da mastite clínica; b) A função dos neutrófilos sanguíneos nos momentos M-2 e M-1 apresentou-se diminuída, este fenômeno pode ter contribuído para maiores taxas de infecção mamária e exacerbação da função dos neutrófilos sanguíneos no momento da parição; c) A resposta nos neutrófilos sanguíneos não foi exclusiva da GM e apresentaram-se intensificadas nos momentos com alta frequência de inflamações uterinas no pós-parto; d) A GM apresenta-se altamente susceptível às infecções bacterianas no pós-parto imediato, decorrente da baixa viabilidade celular, reduzida proporção e atividade funcional dos neutrófilos CH138+ residentes. A adaptação ao pós-parto e aumento da atividade funcional dos neutrófilos da secreção mamária foi observada nas semanas subsequentes ao parto, resultando em diminuição da taxa de infecção bacteriana. / Peripartum is a critical period in which physiological and immunological adaptations occurred may be responsible for susceptibility to mammary infections during colostrogenesis. Thus, the study of innate immunity and its response against bacterial pathogens are crucial for understanding, diagnosis and adoption of prophylactic measures for bovine mastitis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the innate immunity in blood and mammary secretion of lactating Holstein cows in the peripartum period and its response due to natural exposure to bacterial pathogens during colostrogenesis. For this, blood (n = 91) and mammary secretion ( n = 208 ) samples of thirteen dry cows from 2° to 4° calving were evaluated. Cows were evaluated weekly in the three weeks preceding and following the predicted birth. The evaluation of the innate immune response and detection of inflammation of the mammary gland (MG) were performed using specific examination of MG , bacteriological, somatic cell count (SCC) of mammary secretions and immunological tests, such as: cell viability of colostrum / milk; dosage of pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon -gamma (IFN - γ ), immunophenotyping and functional assessment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes CH138+. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that : a) The calving represented the moment with the highest rate of mammary infection, however, the mammary changes resulting from the colostrogenesis limited the use of specific examination of the mammary system for clinic mastitis detection; b) The function of blood neutrophils in the moments M- 2 and M- 1 showed reduced, this phenomenon may have contributed to higher rates of mammary infection and exacerbation the blood neutrophils function of at parturition moment ; c) The response in blood neutrophils was not exclusive to MG and presented intensification in moments with high frequency of uterine inflammation in postpartum; d) The MG has to be highly susceptible to bacterial infections in the immediate postpartum period, due to low cellular viability ratio and reduced functional activity of residents CH138+ neutrophils . The adaptation to postpartum and increased functional activity of neutrophils in mammary secretion was observed in the following partum weeks, resulting in decreased rate of bacterial infection.

Two experiments were carried to evaluate the effect of different nutritional plans on the DM intake, ingestive and social behavior and health status of dairy cows from different racial compositions during the transition period. In the first trial we evaluated the inclusion or not (CON) of 10 g / day of oregano (OE) extract (Origanum vulgare) or 5 g / day of green tea extract (GT) (Camellia sinensis L.) in the diet provided to 24 Jersey cows with BW of 441 ± 27 kg, 3.5 ± 0.3 points of BCS and with 2.7 ± 1.8 lactations. Cows that received OE tended to consume more than CON after calving. Before calving, cows OE tended to spend less time in decubitus and to ingest the concentrate in less time than GT. After calving, OE caused faster concentrate intake in relation to CON and GT. After calving, the number of total visits to the trough was lower when OE was used in relation to CON and GT, but cows that ingested GT visited the trough with feeding activity more often and tended to interact less in relation to cows that ingested EO. The use of the extracts did not influence the occurrence of diseases and metabolic disorders. In the second trial, 36 Holstein, Gir and Gyrolando F1 (½ Holstein and ½ Gir) nulliparous cows, with BW of 715 ± 64.5 kg, 4.2 ± 0.3 points of BCS and with 4.1 ± 0.4 years of age were distributed (6 cows from each racial composition) in two nutritionl plans with allowance of 1.89% or 1.69% of BW of feed (based on dry meter) during pre calving period. Dry matter intake was higher in pre and post calving for Holstein cows than the others, and it was higher in some days near the calving for 1.69% plan compared with 1.89% plan. Before calving, cows the 1.69% plan remained longer in the trough and tended to spend longer at the trough with feeding activity in relation to 1.89% plan. Holstein cows tended to stay longer in each visit with feeding at the trough and ingested more at each visit than the others before and after calving. The occurrence of diseases and metabolic disorders was not influenced by the nutritional plans but the Holstein cows showed more dystocia and clinical diseases compared to the others. Nutritional plans change the way the animals distributed their feed activities and influenced social behavior. The adoption of different nutritional plans during the period of transition modify aspects of dairy cow’s behavior and intake without affecting the occurrence of diseases.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of microbial feed additives Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1026, individually and combined on rumen pH,ammonia-N and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) fermentation. An in vitro batch fermentation was conducted using rumen fluid from two early lactating Holstein cow donor fed the TMR for lactating cows which was evaluated under two diets, differing in concentrate to forage ratio. The diets were high concentrate, a 60:40 concentrate to forage ratio diet (HC) and low concentrate, a 40:60 (LC) concentrate to forage ratio diet. The treatments were; Control (diet with no additives), Me (diet with M. elsdenii NCIMB 41125 10mm (108 CFU/ml)), LY (diet with live yeast, S. cerevisiae 1026), and Me+LY (diet with mixture of M. elsdenii and S. cerevisiae). The average rumen pH was 5.8 and ammonia nitrogen was not affected by Me and LY supplemented separately or in combination (Me+LY) in both low and high concentrate diets. Total VFAs were increased with the addition of LY alone and in combination Me+LY+Me) in high concentrate diet only but the addition of Me had no effect in both diets. Acetate, lactate and A: Pr were decreased (P<0.05) by all the treatments (Me and LY alone and in combination) on both diets, except in high concentrate diet where the addition of Me tended to decrease (P<0.07) acetate and had no effect on lactate. Propionate was increased by all the treatments in low concentrate diet and tended toincrease (P<0.08) by addition of Me and Me+LY in high concentrate diet. In a low concentrate diet, butyrate was increased by LY but tended to be decreased by Me, however, all the treatments lacked effects on high concentrate diet. Live yeast appears to act differently compared to Me by showing two times more effects on high than low concentrate diets.This in vitro study showed that both Me and LY had a tendency to modify rumen fermentation and that might indicate their potential to mitigate the metabolic challenges and improve energy status of Holstein dairy cows during the transition and early lactation period. However, there is a need for further research that will include in vivo study. / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M.Sc. (Agriculture)

Two experiments were carried to evaluate the effect of different nutritional plans on the DM intake, ingestive and social behavior and health status of dairy cows from different racial compositions during the transition period. In the first trial we evaluated the inclusion or not (CON) of 10 g / day of oregano (OE) extract (Origanum vulgare) or 5 g / day of green tea extract (GT) (Camellia sinensis L.) in the diet provided to 24 Jersey cows with BW of 441 ± 27 kg, 3.5 ± 0.3 points of BCS and with 2.7 ± 1.8 lactations. Cows that received OE tended to consume more than CON after calving. Before calving, cows OE tended to spend less time in decubitus and to ingest the concentrate in less time than GT. After calving, OE caused faster concentrate intake in relation to CON and GT. After calving, the number of total visits to the trough was lower when OE was used in relation to CON and GT, but cows that ingested GT visited the trough with feeding activity more often and tended to interact less in relation to cows that ingested EO. The use of the extracts did not influence the occurrence of diseases and metabolic disorders. In the second trial, 36 Holstein, Gir and Gyrolando F1 (½ Holstein and ½ Gir) nulliparous cows, with BW of 715 ± 64.5 kg, 4.2 ± 0.3 points of BCS and with 4.1 ± 0.4 years of age were distributed (6 cows from each racial composition) in two nutritionl plans with allowance of 1.89% or 1.69% of BW of feed (based on dry meter) during pre calving period. Dry matter intake was higher in pre and post calving for Holstein cows than the others, and it was higher in some days near the calving for 1.69% plan compared with 1.89% plan. Before calving, cows the 1.69% plan remained longer in the trough and tended to spend longer at the trough with feeding activity in relation to 1.89% plan. Holstein cows tended to stay longer in each visit with feeding at the trough and ingested more at each visit than the others before and after calving. The occurrence of diseases and metabolic disorders was not influenced by the nutritional plans but the Holstein cows showed more dystocia and clinical diseases compared to the others. Nutritional plans change the way the animals distributed their feed activities and influenced social behavior. The adoption of different nutritional plans during the period of transition modify aspects of dairy cow’s behavior and intake without affecting the occurrence of diseases.

O periparto é um período crítico no qual as adaptações fisiológicas e imunológicas ocorridas podem ser responsáveis pela susceptibilidade às infecções intramamárias, durante o processo de colostrogênese. Desta forma, o estudo da imunidade inata e sua resposta frente aos patógenos bacterianos são fundamentais para entendimento, diagnóstico e adoção de medidas profiláticas para a mastite bovina. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a imunidade inata no sangue e secreção mamária de vacas da raça Holandesa no período periparto e sua resposta frente à exposição natural aos patógenos bacterianos durante a colostrogênese. Para tanto, foram avaliadas amostras de sangue (n= 91) e secreção mamária (n=208) de treze fêmeas bovinas de 2° a 4° parição. As vacas foram avaliadas semanalmente nas três semanas que antecedem e sucedem a parição prevista. A avaliação da resposta imune inata e detecção do processo inflamatório da glândula mamária (GM) foram realizadas por meio do exame específico da GM, exame bacteriológico, contagem de células somáticas da secreção mamária e provas imunológicas, tais como: viabilidade das células do colostro/leite; dosagem da citocina pró-inflamatória interferon-gama (IFN-&gamma;), imunofenotipagem e avaliação funcional de leucócitos polimorfonucleares CH138+. Com base nos resultados obtidos, pode concluir-se que: a) A parição representou o momento com maior taxa de infecção mamária, no entanto, as alterações mamárias decorrentes do processo de colostrogênese limitaram o uso de exame específico do aparelho mamário para detecção da mastite clínica; b) A função dos neutrófilos sanguíneos nos momentos M-2 e M-1 apresentou-se diminuída, este fenômeno pode ter contribuído para maiores taxas de infecção mamária e exacerbação da função dos neutrófilos sanguíneos no momento da parição; c) A resposta nos neutrófilos sanguíneos não foi exclusiva da GM e apresentaram-se intensificadas nos momentos com alta frequência de inflamações uterinas no pós-parto; d) A GM apresenta-se altamente susceptível às infecções bacterianas no pós-parto imediato, decorrente da baixa viabilidade celular, reduzida proporção e atividade funcional dos neutrófilos CH138+ residentes. A adaptação ao pós-parto e aumento da atividade funcional dos neutrófilos da secreção mamária foi observada nas semanas subsequentes ao parto, resultando em diminuição da taxa de infecção bacteriana. / Peripartum is a critical period in which physiological and immunological adaptations occurred may be responsible for susceptibility to mammary infections during colostrogenesis. Thus, the study of innate immunity and its response against bacterial pathogens are crucial for understanding, diagnosis and adoption of prophylactic measures for bovine mastitis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the innate immunity in blood and mammary secretion of lactating Holstein cows in the peripartum period and its response due to natural exposure to bacterial pathogens during colostrogenesis. For this, blood (n = 91) and mammary secretion ( n = 208 ) samples of thirteen dry cows from 2° to 4° calving were evaluated. Cows were evaluated weekly in the three weeks preceding and following the predicted birth. The evaluation of the innate immune response and detection of inflammation of the mammary gland (MG) were performed using specific examination of MG , bacteriological, somatic cell count (SCC) of mammary secretions and immunological tests, such as: cell viability of colostrum / milk; dosage of pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon -gamma (IFN - &gamma; ), immunophenotyping and functional assessment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes CH138+. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that : a) The calving represented the moment with the highest rate of mammary infection, however, the mammary changes resulting from the colostrogenesis limited the use of specific examination of the mammary system for clinic mastitis detection; b) The function of blood neutrophils in the moments M- 2 and M- 1 showed reduced, this phenomenon may have contributed to higher rates of mammary infection and exacerbation the blood neutrophils function of at parturition moment ; c) The response in blood neutrophils was not exclusive to MG and presented intensification in moments with high frequency of uterine inflammation in postpartum; d) The MG has to be highly susceptible to bacterial infections in the immediate postpartum period, due to low cellular viability ratio and reduced functional activity of residents CH138+ neutrophils . The adaptation to postpartum and increased functional activity of neutrophils in mammary secretion was observed in the following partum weeks, resulting in decreased rate of bacterial infection.

Two experiments were carried to evaluate the effect of different nutritional plans on the DM intake, ingestive and social behavior and health status of dairy cows from different racial compositions during the transition period. In the first trial we evaluated the inclusion or not (CON) of 10 g / day of oregano (OE) extract (Origanum vulgare) or 5 g / day of green tea extract (GT) (Camellia sinensis L.) in the diet provided to 24 Jersey cows with BW of 441 ± 27 kg, 3.5 ± 0.3 points of BCS and with 2.7 ± 1.8 lactations. Cows that received OE tended to consume more than CON after calving. Before calving, cows OE tended to spend less time in decubitus and to ingest the concentrate in less time than GT. After calving, OE caused faster concentrate intake in relation to CON and GT. After calving, the number of total visits to the trough was lower when OE was used in relation to CON and GT, but cows that ingested GT visited the trough with feeding activity more often and tended to interact less in relation to cows that ingested EO. The use of the extracts did not influence the occurrence of diseases and metabolic disorders. In the second trial, 36 Holstein, Gir and Gyrolando F1 (½ Holstein and ½ Gir) nulliparous cows, with BW of 715 ± 64.5 kg, 4.2 ± 0.3 points of BCS and with 4.1 ± 0.4 years of age were distributed (6 cows from each racial composition) in two nutritionl plans with allowance of 1.89% or 1.69% of BW of feed (based on dry meter) during pre calving period. Dry matter intake was higher in pre and post calving for Holstein cows than the others, and it was higher in some days near the calving for 1.69% plan compared with 1.89% plan. Before calving, cows the 1.69% plan remained longer in the trough and tended to spend longer at the trough with feeding activity in relation to 1.89% plan. Holstein cows tended to stay longer in each visit with feeding at the trough and ingested more at each visit than the others before and after calving. The occurrence of diseases and metabolic disorders was not influenced by the nutritional plans but the Holstein cows showed more dystocia and clinical diseases compared to the others. Nutritional plans change the way the animals distributed their feed activities and influenced social behavior. The adoption of different nutritional plans during the period of transition modify aspects of dairy cow’s behavior and intake without affecting the occurrence of diseases.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:07:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao de mestrado Gustavo Feliciano.pdf: 265513 bytes, checksum: fb176c72883386b514a490c2fa638f58 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-11-13 / This study was designed to evaluate the changes of some blood biochemical variables during the transition period as an indicative of metabolic diseases and to correlate them with the calving-first estrus interval, calving- conception interval, conception rate per service and parity in dairy crossbred cows raised in pasture based system. Sixty-three cows were evaluated during 12 months. Serum sodium, potassium, calcium (ion selective), glucose, triglycerides and betahyidroyibutyrate (BHB) were measurement in serum samples obtained at different times during the three weeks before and three weeks after calving. No significant differences were observed for the values of sodium, potassium, calcium, glucose and BHB between the pre-and postpartum, but triglyceride concentrations differed (p <0.05), with lower values in the postpartum. Regarding parity, significant differences (p <0.05) between the concentrations of sodium, potassium and calcium were present. For calcium during the prepartum period, lower concentrations were found in animals calving. Interval from calving to first estrus variable (PSPI), differences were observed (p <0.05), with higher calcium concentrations for animals with IPPE up to 45 days and from 45 to 85 days for animals with IPPE above 85 days. For the interval delivery design changes observed for the variable triglycerides (p> 0.05). The data showed that, under the conditions present in this study metabolic changes indicative of metabolic diseases, even subclinical are not present. / Esse trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar as alterações de algumas variáveis bioquimicas sanguineas no período de transição como indicativas de doenças metabolicas e correlaciona-las com os intervalos parto primeiro estro, parto concepção, taxa de concepção por serviço e paridade em vacas leiteiras mestiças criadas a pasto. Foram avaliadas 63 vacas que pariram durante o período de 12 meses. Foram realizadas dosagens de sódio, potássio, cálcio (íons seletivo), glicose , triglicérides e betahidróxibutirato (BHB) em amostras de soro sanguineo obtidas em diferentes momentos durante as 3 semanas anteriores e as tres semanas posteriores ao parto. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas para os valores de sódio, potássio, cálcio, glicose e BHB entre os períodos pré e pós parto, mas as concentrações de triglicérides apresentaram diferença (p<0,05), com valores inferiores no pós parto. Em relação a paridade, houve diferença (p<0,05) entre as concentrações de sódio, potássio e cálcio. Para o cálcio durante o período pré-parto, concentrações menores foram verificadas nos animais de primeiro parto. Para a variável intervalo parto primeiro estro (IPPE), observou-se diferença (p<0,05), com maiores concentrações de cálcio para os animais com IPPE até 45 dias e de 45 a 85 dias em relação aos animais com IPPE acima de 85 dias. Para o intervalo parto concepção observou-se alterações para a variável triglicérides (p>0.05). Os dados obitdos permitiram concluir que, nas condições presentes nesse estudo alterações metabolicas indicativas de doenças metabólicas, mesmo que subclínicas não estiveram presentes.

Free movement of persons is one of four basic freedoms of internal market EU. Graduation theses reports history and basic documents, rights and obligations of citizens of EU, limitation of free movement and social security. The thesis accentuates eastern enlargement in 2004 and transition period on free movement of workers. In terms of statistics dates and documents is striked a balance on impact of movement of workers from eastern countries on labour markets in EU. The thesis targets the austrian labour market in consequence of eastern enlargement.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da suplementação prolongada de grão de soja cru e integral (GSI) como fonte de ácido graxo &#937;6 sobre o desempenho produtivo, perfil metabólico, qualidade oocitária e embrionária e função imune de vacas leiteiras no período de transição e início de lactação. Foram selecionadas 44 vacas da raça Holandesa, multíparas e gestantes, com parto previsto para 90 dias após o início da avaliação e fornecimento das dietas experimentais, porém em razão da ocorrência de enfermidades metabólicas ou infecciosas (3 abortos; 3 deslocamentos de abomaso; 3 enfermidades podais; 4 distocias) 13 animais foram retirados do experimento. As vacas foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em quatro grupos experimentais diferindo entre eles o início do fornecimento de grão de soja cru e integral (GSI) durante o pré-parto. A dieta era baseada na inclusão de 12% de GSI %MS, com aproximadamente 5,1% de extrato etéreo (EE) o início de seu fornecimento foi conforme descrito a seguir: Grupo 0: Animais não receberam dieta contendo GSI no pré-parto; Grupo 30: Início do fornecimento de dieta com GSI nos 30 dias finais da gestação; Grupo 60: Início do fornecimento de dieta com GSI nos 60 dias finais da gestação; Grupo 90: Início do fornecimento de dieta com GSI nos 90 dias finais da gestação. Após o parto, todas as vacas receberam dieta única com 5,1% de EE, baseada na inclusão de 12% de GSI %MS até 90 dias de lactação. Os animais foram arraçoados de acordo com o consumo de matéria seca no dia anterior, de forma a ser mantido porcentual de sobras das dietas, diariamente, entre 5 e 10%. As amostras dos alimentos e sobras foram coletadas diariamente e armazenadas a -20ºC. Semanalmente as amostras coletadas diariamente foram misturadas e foi retirada uma amostra composta referente a um período de uma semana, a fim de mensurar o consumo de matéria seca e nutrientes. Amostras de fezes foram coletadas nos dias -56, -21, 21, 56 e 84 dias em relação ao parto, com o propósito de mensurar a digestibilidade da matéria seca e nutrientes. A produção de leite foi mensurada diariamente e para a composição dos teores de gordura, proteína, lactose e perfil de ácidos graxos amostras foram coletadas semanalmente. As amostras de sangue para análise dos metabólitos sanguíneos foram coletadas semanalmente. Amostras de sangue para mensurar a atividade do sistema imune foram coletadas na semanas -8, -4, -2, -1 em relação ao parto, parto, +1, +2, +4 e +8 semanas no período pós-parto. Nos dias 21, 42, 63 e 84 do período pós-parto foram realizadas aspirações foliculares, com posterior fertilização in vitro dos oócitos. Todas as variáveis mensuradas foram analisadas pelo procedimento PROC MIXED do SAS 9.4 através de regressão polinomial, utilizando efeito fixo de tratamento, semana, interação tratamento*semana e efeito de animal dentro de tratamento como aleatório. Utilizou nível de 5% de significância. Foi observado efeito (P<0,05) linear crescente para CEE no pré-parto. Não foi observado diferenças no CMS e nutrientes no pós-parto. Não houve alteração da digestibilidade nos períodos pré e pós-parto. Não houve alteração no balanço de energia e nitrogênio nos periodos pré e pós-parto. Não foi observado diferença na produção, composição e teor dos componentes totais do leite. No perfil de ácidos graxos do leite houve efeito (P<0,05) linear descrescente para as concentrações de C16:1cis, C18:1 cis, total de C:18 insaturado, total de AG monoinsaturados, insaturados e a relação do total de AGS:AGI. Foi observado efeito linear (P<0,05) crescente para o total de AG aturado e efeito (P<0,05) quadrático para C18:2, CLAcis9-trans11, e total de AGPI. Foi observado efeito linear crescente (P<0,05) para colesterol total, LDL no préparto e linear decrescente (P<0,05) para GGT nos períodos pré e pós-parto. Foi observado efeito quadrático (P<0,05) para HDL no pré-parto e AST no pós-parto. Em relação a atividade do sistema imune foi observado efeito linear (P<0,05) crescente para o percentual de CD3+ ativos no pós-parto, para o percentual de monócitos que produziram espécie reativa de oxigênio (ERO) no pós-parto quando foram estimulados por S.aureus e E.coli e para a intensidade de imunofluorescência de ERO para ganulócitos no pós-parto quando estimulados por S.aureus. Foi observado efeito (P<0,05) quadrático para o percentual de granulócitos, mononucleares, CD8+ ativos no pós-parto e para o percentual de granulócitos que produziram ERO no pós-parto quando estimulados por E.coli. A suplementação prolongada com GSI no pré-parto melhora a atividade do sistema imune, não melhora a qualidade oocitária e embrionária bem como não influencia negativamente os parametros produtivos de vacas leiteiras no período de transição e início de lactação / The objective was to evaluate the effect of prolonged supplementation with whole soybean grain (WSG) as a source of &#937;6 fatty acid on the productive performance, metabolic profile, oocyte and embryo quality, and immune function of dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation. Forty-four multiparous, pregnant Holstein cows, with calving predicted to 90 days after the beginning of the evaluation and supply of the experimental diets were selected. However, due to the occurrence of metabolic or infectious disorders (3 abortions, 3 displaced abomasums, 3 foot disorders, 4 dystocias), 13 animals were removed from the experiment. Cows were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups, which differed in period of supply of whole soybean grains during the prepartum. The diet was based on 12% of WSG (%DM) and had approximately 5.1% of ether extract (EE). Diet supply was as follows: Group 0) control diet not containing WSG; Group 30) WSG supply starting 30 days before predicted calving date; Group 60) WSG supply starting 60 days before predicted calving; Group 90) WSG supply starting 90 days before predicted calving date. After calving, all cows received a single diet with 5.1% EE, based on inclusion of 12% WSG (%DM) until 90 days of lactation. Animals were fed ad libitum to ensure between 5 and 10% orts daily. Dry matter and nutrients intake were evaluated. Samples of feeds and orts were collected daily and stored at -20°C. Samples were composited weekly and analyzed for chemical and bromatological characteristics. Feces samples were collected on days -56, -21, 21, 56, 84 (related to the predicted calving), in order to measure the digestibility of dry matter and nutrients. Milk yield was measured daily and milk samples were collected weekly for evaluation of fat, protein and lactose percentages, and fatty acids profile. Blood samples were taken weekly for analysis of blood metabolites. To measure the activity of the immune system, blood samples were collected at weeks -8, -4, -2, -1 prepartum, at calving, and at weeks +1, +2, +4, +8 postpartum. On days 21, 42, 63 and 84 postpartum, follicular aspirations were performed, with subsequent in-vitro fertilization of the oocytes. All measured variables were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS 9.4 through polynomial regression, considering as fixed effects the dietary treatment, week and interaction treatment*week, and animal as random effect. The 5% level of significance was considered. A crescent linear effect was observed (P <0.05) for prepartum ether extract intake. There was no difference in dry matter and nutrients intake during the postpartum period. There were no differences in digestibility pre and postpartum. No difference in energy and nitrogen balance during pre and postpartum periods was observed. Milk production and composition did not differ among dietary treatments. When evaluating the milk fatty acids profile, a decreasing linear effect was noted (P<0.05) for the concentrations of C16:1 cis, C18:1 cis, total unsaturated C18, total monounsaturated fatty acids, total unsaturated fatty acids and total SFA:UFA ratio. There was an increasing linear effect (P<0.05) for the total of saturated fatty acids and a quadratic effect (P<0.05) for C18:2, CLAcis9-trans11, and total PUFA. It was observed increasing linear effect (P<0.05) for total cholesterol and LDL in the prepartum period, and decreasing linear effect (P<0.05) for GGT in the pre and postpartum. We observed a quadratic effect (P<0.05) for HDL in prepartum and for AST during the postpartum. Regarding the activity of the immune system, there was a crescent linear effect (P<0.05) for the percentage of active CD3+ in the postpartum period, for the percentage of monocytes producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) during postpartum period when stimulated by S. aureus and E. coli, and for granulocytes ROS immunofluorescence intensity during postpartum when stimulated by S. aureus. Quadratic effect was observed (P<0.05) for the percentage of granulocytes, mononuclear cells, active CD8+ in the postpartum period and the percentage of granulocytes that produced ROS when stimulated by E. coli. Prolonged supplementation with RWS in the prepartum improves the activity of the immune system, however it does not improve oocyte and embryo quality and does not adversely affect the production performance of dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation