Influence of dry period length on reproductive performance and productivity of Lacaune dairy sheep under an intensive management system

2012 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 352-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Hernandez ◽  
Laura Elvira ◽  
Juan-Vicente Gonzalez-Martin ◽  
Susana Astiz
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Global Analysis ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Period Length ◽  
Intensive Management ◽  
Dairy Sheep ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Daily Milk Yield ◽  
Daily Milk

Intensive management is almost the only way to ensure dairy farm profitability. The dry period length (DPL) is a key factor in the productivity and health of dairy cows, but whether the same is true of dairy sheep is unclear. This study investigated the effects of DPL on the performance of Lacaune sheep under intensive management. We recorded 8136 lactations from 4220 ewes on one farm for the period 2005–2010, and data from a total of 6762 complete lactations 1–4 were included in the study. The length of the dry period following the current lactation was studied. The larger the total milk yield (MY) and daily milk yield (DMY), the shorter was the DPL before the next lactation. DPL correlated with MY (r=−0·384), DMY (r=−0·277) and the lambing-to-conception interval (LC; r=0·201, P<0·0001) in the global analysis of all lactations (lactations 1–4). The influence of previous-DPL (P-DPL), or the length of the period prior to the start of the next lactation, was studied for 4318 lactations. P-DPL was classified into five intervals: very short (P-DPL-XS), 1–30 d; short (P-DPL-S), 31–60 d; medium (P-DPL-M), 61–90 d; long (P-DPL-L), 91–120 d; and very long (P-DPL-XL), >120 d. P-DPL positively correlated with lambing-to-next conception interval (LNC; r=0·095, P<0·0001) for lactations 1–4. LNC was significantly shorter for P-DPLs that were very short, short, or long (P-PDL-XS, 144·2±67·8 d; P-PDL-S, 149·1±57·2 d; P-PDL-L, 152·0±53·7 d) than for groups with very long or medium P-PDLs (P-DPL-XL, 161·5±62·9 d; P-DPL-M, 169·0±74·8 d; P<0·0001). Moreover, P-DPLs that were very short, long, or very long were associated with the lowest milk yields (P-PDL-XS, 377±215 l; P-PDL-l, 370±168 l; P-PDL-XL, 396±196 l). These yields were significantly lower than the yields for short and medium P-DPLs (P-DPL-S, 432±187 l; P-DPL-M, 436±191 l; P<0·0001) when averages of lactations 1–4 were analysed. These results indicate that lactations with larger MY are followed by a shorter dry period, and that a dry period of 30–90 d leads to larger yields in the next lactation. The best LNC was associated with the shortest Previous-DPL. Hence, 30–60 d should be the optimal dry period length for Lacaune sheep under intensive conditions.

scholarly journals Dry Period Length as Related to Milk Yield and SCC During the First Month of Subsequent Lactation

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Sawa ◽  
Sylwia Krężel-Czopek ◽  
Mariusz Bogucki
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Somatic Cell Count ◽  
Clinical Mastitis ◽  
Period Length ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Udder Health ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Clinical Changes ◽  
Daily Milk Yield ◽  
Daily Milk

Abstract Analysis was made of the effect of dry period length in primiparous and multiparous cows on daily milk yield during the first month of subsequent lactation and on milk somatic cell count (SCC) on the basis of the information about the test-day milkings of 59 138 cows. The GLM and FREQ procedures of the SAS package were used in the statistical calculations. Dry period length in the primiparous and multiparous cows had a significant effect (P≤0.01) on daily milk yield and udder health, determined based on SCC. In terms of milk yield, the most favourable dry period would be 51-70 days for both primiparous and multiparous cows. Depending on udder health, a dry period of 51-90 days can be suggested. Shorter dry periods had more undesirable effects than longer dry periods. Excessively shortened dry period (≤10 days) caused the daily milk yield to decrease by 17% in primiparous and by 13% in multiparous cows while increasing the risk of clinical changes of the cow’s udder, regardless of age. The proportion of milk samples that showed evidence of clinical mastitis also increased when the dry period was excessively long (>90 days), especially in multiparous cows.

scholarly journals Dry period length in Montbéliarde cows and its association with selected production and functional characteristics

2013 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 555-563 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Januś ◽  
D. Borkowska
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Period Length ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Somatic Cell Counts ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Daily Milk Yield ◽  
Daily Milk

Abstract. The study evaluated the effects of selected factors (dry period number, milk yield in standard lactation and length of full lactation) on the length of dry periods. The effect of dry period length on milk yield and composition, the frequency of milk samples with different somatic cell counts (SCC) and the course of lactation were also analysed. The study included 491 cycles (dry period and lactation) and 4 998 results of test-day milking conducted in a herd of 230 Montbéliarde cows. The cows were kept in a free-stall barn and fed total mixed rations (TMR). The average length of the dry period was found to be 85 days. The first dry period was 34-45 days longer than subsequent ones, which may have been due to the cows becoming acclimated after having been brought to the farm as in calf heifers. Increasing milk yield in standard lactation was accompanied by significantly shorter dry periods. The most beneficial dry periods in terms of milk yield were those lasting 22-41 days. The lowest yield was noted in lactations preceded by a dry period reduced to 0-21 days. However, this milk contained the most fat, protein and dry matter and the SCC did not exceed 400 000 cells/ml in 73.3 % of cases. The decrease in daily milk yield from its peak in the 2nd month to the 10th month after calving was smallest in cows with dry periods of 57-84 days, which may suggest that lactations in these cows were the most persistent.

Effects of intramammary antibiotic therapy during the dry period on the performance of Lacaune dairy sheep under intensive management

2014 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-101
Author(s):  
Fernando Hernandez ◽  
Laura Elvira ◽  
Beatriz Fernández ◽  
Marta Egea ◽  
Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Milk Quality ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Intensive Management ◽  
Dairy Sheep ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Antibiotic Group ◽  
Daily Milk Yield

Often the only way to ensure profitability of Lacaune dairy sheep is intensive management, which requires appropriate dry-period treatment to ensure animal productivity and health. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of intramammary antibiotic dry therapy on the performance and health of Lacaune sheep under intensive management. We recorded data for 5981 complete lactation periods that followed a dry period. A total of 2402 lactation periods were preceded by a dry period involving intramammary administration of 300 mg of cephapirin benzathine (antibiotic group) and 3579 lactation periods were preceded by dry periods with no treatment (control group). The following on-farm yield data were collected for individual lactation periods: length of the subsequent lactation period; total milk yield per lactation period; daily milk yield and length of the subsequent dry period. Data on confounding factors that might affect productivity were also recorded, including the individual ewe, number of lactation periods and length of the previous dry period. Milk quality was assessed using data on somatic cell count (SCC) and content of protein and fat taken from the Spanish National Official Milk Yield Recording System. Antibiotic dry therapy significantly improved total yield per lactation period, which was 429±151·1 l in the antibiotic group and 412±165·5 l in the control group, as well as the daily milk yield, which was 1986±497·0 and 1851±543·2 ml/d, respectively (both P<0·0001). The initial dry period was significantly longer in the antibiotic group than in the control group, and dry period length correlated inversely with yield variables such us total yield per lactation period (r=−0·055; P<0·0001) and yield per day in milk (r=−0·039; P<0·0001). As a result, milk yield records systematically underestimated the positive effects of antibiotic dry therapy. Antibiotic dry therapy also significantly improved milk quality. Milk from the antibiotic group showed 50% lower SCC (573±1326 vs. 1022±2126 cells/ml; P<0·0001) and slightly higher content in fat (7·33±0·91 vs. 7·15±0·87%) and protein (5·63±0·44 vs. 5·44±0·4%). The results of this study suggest that cephalosporin dry therapy of Lacaune dairy sheep increases milk production and improves milk quality during subsequent lactation periods.

scholarly journals Is rumenocentesis a safe technique to collect rumen fluid in dairy cows?

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 1135 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. PANOUSIS ◽  
G. KITKAS ◽  
G. E. VALERGAKIS
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Safe Technique ◽  
Daily Milk Yield ◽  
Daily Milk

Subacute ruminal acidosis is a major issue in dairy cattle and a definite diagnosis is only established by measuring the rumen fluid pH, most credibly collected by rumenocentesis. However, due to its invasive nature, there is still some debate whether it is a safe method or poses risks for cows’ health and welfare. The aim of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety of rumenocentesis as a technique to obtain rumen fluid in dairy cows. Results were derived from 2 studies. In study 1, rumenocentesis was performed in 153 Holstein cows from 12 herds, once, between 10 and 90 days in milk (DIM). In study 2, 83 Holstein cows from a dairy farm were repeatedly subjected to rumenocentesisat 30, 90 and 150 DIM. From the 83 cows that were initially enrolled, 8 were culled before the end of the study for reasons irrelative to rumenocentesis; therefore, 236 rumenocenteses were actually performed in study 2 (3 times in 75 cows, twice in 3 cows and once in 5 cows). All cows were monitored for 10 days after rumenocentesis for presence of complications. In addition, daily milk yield was automatically recorded for each cow in study 2 to detect any possiblepost-rumenocentesis short-term reduction of milk yield. Minor only complications were recorded in 7 cases: in 4/153 (2.61%) and 3/236 (1.27%) rumenocenteses in studies 1 and 2, respectively. Small diameter abscesses in 6 cows (3 in study 1 and 3 in study 2) and a larger one in 1 cow in study 1 were observed. The 3 small abscesses in study 2 were all recorded after the 1st rumenocentesis, at DIM 30. All 7 cases were resolved spontaneously within two weeks. Moreover, short-term daily milk yield of study 2 cows was not affected by rumenocentesis. The conclusion is that rumenocentesis is a safe technique to collect small volume of rumen fluid for SARA diagnosis, which does not compromise cows’ health and welfare when appropriately performed.

scholarly journals Covariance components by a repeatability model in Slovenian dairy sheep using test-day records

2009 ◽  
Vol 54 (No. 9) ◽  
pp. 426-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Komprej ◽  
G. Gorjanc ◽  
D. Kon ◽  
M. Kovač
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Dairy Sheep ◽  
Milk Traits ◽  
Environment Effect ◽  
Covariance Components ◽  
Daily Milk Yield ◽  
Daily Milk

The estimation of covariance components for daily milk yield, fat and protein content was performed in three Slovenian dairy sheep breeds (Bovec, Improved Bovec, and Istrian Pramenka). In the period 1994–2002, 38 983 test-day records of 3 068 ewes were collected according to ICAR regulations (method A4). All the available relationships between animals were considered. For that reason, information on 3 534 animals was included. Test-day records were analysed by a multiple-trait repeatability animal model. In its fixed part, the model contained breed and season of lambing as classes. Days after lambing, parity, and litter size were treated as covariates. Days after lambing were modelled with modified Ali-Schaeffer’s lactation curve, parity with quadratic, and litter size with linear regression. The random part of the model consisted of flock-test month effect, additive genetic effect, permanent environment effect over lactations, and permanent environment effect within lactation. Covariance components were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood method (REML). The estimated heritabilities were 0.11 for daily milk yield, 0.08 for fat content, and 0.10 for protein content. A relatively high variance ratio for all milk traits was explained by the flock-test month effect (from 0.27 for daily milk yield to 0.57 for protein content), while ratios explained by both permanent environment effects were lower (up to 0.13). Additive genetic correlations between daily milk yield and fat content, and daily milk yield and protein content were negative and similar (–0.36 and –0.37). A high and positive (0.67) additive genetic correlation between fat and protein content was found. Correlations for environmental effects showed a pattern similar to additive genetic correlations. Genetic parameters estimated in Slovenian dairy sheep showed that genetic progress in milk traits could be achieved using test-day milk records.

Lactational characteristics of imported British Friesian cattle in Western Nigeria

1978 ◽  
Vol 91 (3) ◽  
pp. 645-651 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Adeneye ◽  
Adetowun K. Adebanjo
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Stage Of Lactation ◽  
Small Peak ◽  
Lactation Length ◽  
Lifetime Number ◽  
Daily Milk Yield ◽  
Friesian Cattle ◽  
Daily Milk

SummaryDuring the period 1962–73, the majority of the 92 lactations of imported British Friesian animals were initiated during the dry season (October–March). The following average values were obtained: lifetime number of lactations, 4·5; lifetime milk production, 9392 kg; age at producing first live calf, 39·6 months; milk yield of nine lactations, 2159 kg; lactation length, 336·5 days; daily milk yield, 6·3 kg; 305-day milk yield, 2012 kg; dry period, 173 days.Milk production was highest in the fourth lactation when the animals averaged 7 years old. Differences in milk yield among lactations were small. Peak daily milk yield was greatest in the third lactation and was reached within the first 21 days of each of the first four lactations. A second but lower peak with the highest milk production persistencies at a later stage of lactation apparently depended on feed availability. The 305-day milk yield was reasonably predicted from the 100- and 200-day yields.Lactations subsequent to abortions and stillbirths were slightly longer, gave less milk (P > 0·05) and were followed by longer dry periods than those initiated by normal births.

scholarly journals Influence of microclimatic conditions on the daily production of dairy cows

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Kucevic ◽  
M. Plavsic ◽  
S. Trivunovic ◽  
M. Radinovic ◽  
V. Bogdanovic
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Daily Production ◽  
Microclimatic Conditions ◽  
Daily Milk Yield ◽  
Daily Milk

The aim of this paper was to determine the microclimatic conditions (ambient temperature and relative humidity) in dairy farm, as well as to evaluate the effect and significance of temperature - humidity index (THI) values on the daily milk yield. The observation of microclimatic parameters was conducted in the period from 9.03.2012 to 6.05.2012. The study included 136 Holstein Friesian cows. The estimation of the effect of THI on daily production of dairy cows was defined by applying fixed-effect statistical model. Average ambient temperature during measuring months amounted to 15.6?C (ranging from 7.2? C to 24.6?C), while the average value of relative humidity was 56.33% (ranging from 40.30% to 81.80%). During the study, the mean value of THI was 58.93 (ranging from 47.08 to 70.13) and didn?t exceed the critical comfort level of 72. All tested fixed-factors were statistically affected the daily milk yield (p <0.01). For each unit of increase in the value of the THI, the amount of milk decreased by 0.05344 kg. This confirmed the importance of regular recording of THI values and microclimatic conditions as a unique indicator of thermal stress in dairy farm.

scholarly journals MODERN FEEDING ASPECTS OF DAIRY COWS

2021 ◽  
Vol 212 ◽  
pp. 164-169
Author(s):  
I.V. Voronova ◽  
◽  
N.L. Ignatieva ◽  
E.Yu. Nemtseva ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Physiological State ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Milk Productivity ◽  
Chuvash Republic ◽  
Daily Milk Yield ◽  
Two Stages ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Daily Milk

Research on the study of differentiated feeding of cows was carried out in the conditions of OOO “Krasnoe Sormovo” of Krasnoarmeyskiy district of Chuvash Republic. For the experiment, one control and experimental groups of cows were formed, each containing 150 heads. The control animals remained on the farm ration. The cows of the experimental group were fed with differentiated diets according to their productivity and physiological state. The first experimental group consisted of cows with a daily milk yield of 25 kg and more, the second - from 18 to 25 kg, the third - below 18 kg. The diets of dry cows were also revised: we proposed dividing the drying-off period into two stages: far-off dry period (from 8 to 3 weeks before calving) and close up dry period (from 3 weeks before calving). The principal feature of feeding in the experimental groups was that the rations were balanced directly in terms of crude protein and energy. The share of basic or bulk feed was 50% in the structure of the ration. The amount of concentrated feed was calculated taking into account the eatability of the main feed. Maintaining of balanced feeding was achieved through constant monitoring of the diet for quality parametres of milk, body condition and feces consistency. The research focused on a comparative assessment of milk productivity of cows in the control and experimental groups. Analysis of productive parametres of the cows showed a significant increase of milk yield of experimental animals for 305 days by 472 kg, an increase of daily milk yield by 1.8 kg per head. The results obtained indicate that the application of differentiated feeding of cows is advisable, as it contributes to an increase of their milk productivity. Therefore, we recommend using this strategy in feeding of dairy cows.

The effect of lactation number and lactation stage on milk yield, on the composition and on the microbiological properties of raw cow milk in a Hungarian dairy farm

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 3431-3440
Author(s):  
Flóra Mária Petróczki ◽  
Béla Béri ◽  
Ferenc Peles
Keyword(s):  
Somatic Cell ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Somatic Cell Count ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Daily Milk Yield ◽  
Daily Milk ◽  
Microbiological Properties

Changes in the composition and hygienic properties of milk affect producer price, so it is essential for the responsible dairy farmer to collect information on changes in these parameters due to various factors. In their study, the authors seek to answer the question whether there is a fluctuation in the daily milk yield of cows and in the composition (fat and protein content) and microbiological properties (somatic cell count, total plate count, coliform and S. aureus count) of raw cow’s milk in primiparous and multiparous cows or at different stages of their lactation. Based on the data of a Hungarian large-scale dairy farm, it was found that there was no difference in the fat and protein content of the milk, but the daily milk yield was higher in the case of multiparous cows and, compared to the milk of primiparous cows, their milk had a higher somatic cell count and larger amounts of coliform bacteria. The daily milk yield decreased in the successive stages of lactation, but the fat and protein content of the milk increased, which is presumably due to the concentrating effect of the decreasing milk yield. No significant change was observed in the colony count of microorganisms at the different stages of lactation.

626. Udder infections in the ‘dry period’: IV. The relationship between the new infection rate in the early dry period and the daily milk yield at drying-off when lactation was ended by either intermittent or abrupt cessation of milking

1956 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Oliver ◽  
F. H. Dodd ◽  
F. K. Neave
Keyword(s):  
Infection Rate ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Age Differences ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Abrupt Cessation ◽  
Daily Milk Yield ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Daily Milk

1. Records were collected from a herd where many cows were producing relatively high daily yields of milk at the time of drying-off. Animals giving 7 lb. of milk or less daily were dried off by intermittent milking, and those giving over 7 lb. daily were dried off by ‘stop’ milking. The data from 113 dry periods were analysed so that a comparison could be made of the new infection rate in the early dry period according to level of production at drying-off.2. The new dry-period infection rate was found to increase with yield at drying-off. This was not due to age differences between the groups of cows.3. The rise in total infection rate with yield was due mainly to an increase in Str. agalactiae infections.4. A high proportion of clinical quarters were detected in the dry period by the cowmen.5. The yield in the lactation following the dry period studied was not related to yield at drying-off.6. New dry-period infections were significantly (P <0·01) more numerous in quarters of cows that had been hand-stripped during lactation compared with quarters of machinestripped cows.

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