In order to show the metabolic effects of a better feed distribution in the 1st month of lactation, 6 dairy cows were fed the same diet but the night interval without concentrates was 8.5 h (group 1) or 5.0 h (group 2). In the 2nd group, lower non esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and 3-OH-butyrate (BOHB) values in blood were associated with a higher feed intake. However, these observations, that could explain the observed lesser extent of body stores mobilization and that could possibly mean a lower risk of ketosis with a reduced time without feeds, need to be confirmed in larger experiments.