Characteristics of abnormal puerperium in dairy cattle and the rationale for common treatments

2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.A.M. Kruip ◽  
T. Wensing ◽  
P.L.A.M. Vos
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Body Weight Loss ◽  
Pulse Frequency ◽  
The Body ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Blood Concentrations

AbstractThe abnormalities of the puerperium can be arbitrarily divided into two broad categories. Those which arise following a difficult calving or retained placenta are referred to as “common”, while abnormalities such as sub- and anoestrus, irregular cycles, cystic follicles, absence of ovarian activity, repeat breeding and increased number of inseminations per pregnancy are described as “special”. Since the “common” abnormalities are well understood, this paper deals in greater detail with the “special” abnormalities of the puerperium. Based on the axiom that many facets of the “special” abnormalities can be caused by dysfunction of the liver (as in the case of fatty liver), information is presented based on experiments conducted with the over-conditioned dairy cow model (AM) which suffers from both a severe negative energy balance (NEB) and fatty liver syndrome during early lactation. This cow model guarantees a severe NEB, with body weight loss and clear changes in the body condition score (BCS), lower milk production, a higher milk fat concentration, temporary decline in blood insulin and glucose concentrations, elevated blood concentrations of non esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as well as elevated liver concentrations of tri-acyl-glycerol (TAG) during the first weeks post partum. Additionally, this model leads to a higher incidence of metabolic and infectious diseases. Particular attention was paid to LH pulse frequency and to its value in predicting the occurrence of first post partum ovulation would occur, to oestrous behaviour and to oocytes quality. Cows with fatty liver (> 50 mg TAG/g liver tissue) had longer intervals between parturition and 1st ovulation and showed fewer standing heats within the first 100 days post partum, but the proportion of detected heats, compared to endocrinological “heats” was higher in confirmed AM-cows. Moreover, when AM cows come in heat, their heats lasted longer and had a higher pregnancy rate following AI. However, the developmental capacity of oocytes in AM cows, and in particular oocytes that were destined to ovulate between 80 and 120 days pp, was adversely affected. We conclude that the fatty liver condition is a trigger for many problems, including metabolic and infectious diseases, and also of reduced fertility. Prevention of over fatness at calving (BCS>3.5) is the best guarantee for a normal puerperium.

Glucose and fatty acid metabolism in cows producing milk of low fat content

1974 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. F. Annison ◽  
R. Bickerstaffe ◽  
J. L. Linzell
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
The Body ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Acetate Production ◽  
Entry Rate ◽  
Blood Concentrations ◽  
Body Tissues ◽  
High Starch ◽  
Starch Diet

SUMMARYThe effects of changing to a high starch: low roughage diet have been studied in two Friesian and two Jersey cows, surgically prepared for the simultaneous study of udder metabolism (arteriovenous difference x udder blood flow) and whole body turnover of milk precursors (isotope dilution).In the Friesian cows milk fat concentration was lower on the high starch diet but in the Jerseys fell only slightly in one animal. In both Friesians and in the one Jersey these changes were accompanied by an increase in total rumen VFA concentration. Rumen acetate concentration did not change but propionate doubled. Thus this confirms that the usually reported fall in ‘acetate:propionate ratio’ is due to a rise in propionate production rather than due to a fall in acetate production.There were significant falls in the blood concentrations of acetate and β-hydroxy-butyrate. The rate of extraction by the udder of acetate and β-hydroxybutyrate did not change but triglyceride extraction fell. Therefore since udder blood flow did not alter the uptake of all three fat precursors fell.The entry rate of glucose into the circulation and its contribution to total body CO2 increased. The entry rate and contribution to CO2 of acetate decreased but this was probably mainly due to a fall in endogenous acetate production by the body tissues. Plasma FFA concentration showed little change but the entry rate of palmitate fell on the high starch diet. There was also an increased proportion of unsaturated and trans fatty acids in the plasma and milk triglycerides.

scholarly journals Milk yield and composition in dairy cows with post-partum disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 639-646
Author(s):  
C. Bondan ◽  
J.A. Folchini ◽  
L. Guimarães ◽  
M. Noro ◽  
R. Zanella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Rio Grande Do Sul ◽  
Clinical Disorders ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Score Evaluation

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the impact of different post-partum disorders on milk yield and composition. One hundred and fifteen Holstein cows from a commercial dairy farm located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil were monitored up to 62 days post-partum. During this period, body condition score evaluation and animal clinical examination were conducted. Percentages of fat, protein, and lactose, as well as somatic cells score, were determined in milk samples. The AST activity and concentrations of NEFA, calcium, and BHBA, were analyzed in blood samples. The occurrence of clinical disorders was identified in 30 (26%) cows. Subclinical disorders were identified in 64 (56%) cows. Only 21 (18%) cows did not suffer any kind of disorder within the studied period. In this study, no significant differences were found in milk production, protein, and somatic cell count in clinical, subclinical, and healthy cows. Milk fat and the fat: protein quotient (F:P) were higher in cows with clinical disorders and the 6 to 21 days in milk, and lactose were lower in cows with clinical disorders and the 22 to 42 days in milk (P<0.05).

Post-partum blood leptin concentrations and energy balance in first calving dairy heifers

2002 ◽  
Vol 2002 ◽  
pp. 91-91
Author(s):  
A.R.G. Wylie ◽  
D.J. Devlin ◽  
T.W.J. Keady ◽  
C.S. Mayne ◽  
R.E. Agnew ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Reproductive Activity ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Energy Output ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Blood Concentrations ◽  
Dairy Heifers ◽  
Gnrh Release ◽  
Fat Stores

Blood concentrations of leptin, the first of several recently-discovered adipocyte proteins, putatively signal the extent of fat energy reserves to the hypothalamus in mammals and help regulate food intake and reproductive activity (through control of GnRH release). In early post-partum dairy cows, the rapidly increasing milk energy output and slowly increasing feed energy intake produce a negative energy balance (-ve EB) that is met by mobilisation of adipose fat stores and the severity and/or duration of the –ve EB may delay resumption of normal ovarian activity. The objective of the current study was to compare post-partum EB and serum leptin concentration profiles in Holstein-Friesian and Norwegian Red heifers, both of high genetic merit within their breed.

Effect of dietary extruded linseed, verbascoside and vitamin E supplements on yield and quality of milk in Lacaune ewes

2014 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 485-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donato Casamassima ◽  
Maria Nardoia ◽  
Marisa Palazzo ◽  
Francesco Vizzarri ◽  
Angela Gabriella D‘Alessandro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Vitamin E ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tbars Level ◽  
Homogeneous Groups ◽  
Yield And Quality

Milk yield and milk qualitative parameters were evaluated in Lacaune ewes on a diet supplemented with extruded linseed, verbascoside and vitamin E. A 98 d-trial was conducted on 44 ewes and started 40±2 d post partum. The animals were divided into four homogeneous groups of eleven animals each; one control group (CON) without extruded linseed and dietary supplements, and the diet of the other three experimental groups was enhanced with extruded linseed (L group), extruded linseed-verbascoside (LVB group), and extruded linseed-verbascoside-vitamin E (LVBE group). All animals individually received an isoenergetic diet, consisting of 700 g concentrated feed and meadow hay ad libitum. Body weight, body condition score, milk yield and milk qualitative parameters were assessed. LVB and LVBE groups resulted in a significant improvement (P<0·05) in milk yield due to the verbascoside supplementation. The extruded linseed supplementation L, LVB and LVBE groups produced a milk fat increase and a better milk fatty acid profile in terms of a higher monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content and a reduced saturated fatty acid (SFA) content, a lower n-6/n-3 ratio and atherogenic and thrombogenic index. The dietary verbascoside supplementation in the LVB and LVBE group resulted in a better milk quality due to the low cholesterol level and higher vitamin A and E contents, in addition to an increased oxidative stability highlighted by the lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level. Thus, the addition of extruded linseed and verbascoside supplements improved milk yield and quality both from a chemical and nutritive point of view.

Effects of body condition, food intake and temporary calf separation on the duration of the post-partum anoestrous period and associated LH, FSH and prolactin concentrations in beef cows

1987 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 395-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. A. Wright ◽  
S. M. Rhind ◽  
A. J. F. Russel ◽  
T. K. Whyte ◽  
Alison J. McBean ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Pulse Frequency ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Barley Straw ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Feeding Level ◽  
Condition Score

ABSTRACTAn experiment was conducted to examine factors affecting the length of the post-partum anoestrous period and associated effects on LH, FSH and prolactin. Forty-six cows (24 Hereford × Friesian and 22 Blue-Grey) ranging in body condition score at calving from 1·50 to 2·75 were used. They were individually fed chopped barley straw and concentrate at either 50 (low) or 91 (high) MJ metabolizable energy per day from calving. At 34 days post partum half the cows were separated from their calves for 48 h. The duration of the post-partum anoestrous period was estimated from progesterone concentrations in thrice weekly blood samples. Blood samples were collected every 20 min for 10 h periods immediately prior to calf separation, during the last 10 h of calf separation and 1 week later. All samples were analysed for LH, and every third sample was analysed for FSH and prolactin.There were no significant effects of genotype, feeding level or calf separation on the length of the post-partum anoestrous period. There was a negative association between body condition score at calving and the length of the anoestrous period, with each unit increase in body condition score reducing the anoestrous period by 43 (s.e. 20) days. There was some evidence that feeding level affected the number of thin cows (body condition score ≤2·25 at calving) which were still acyclic at the end of the experiment, but not the number of fat cows (body condition score ≥2·5 at calving).FSH levels were not affected by any of the factors examined. Prolactin concentrations were higher in fatter cows, in cows on the higher level of feeding and in Blue-Grey cows. Prolactin concentrations decreased during the period of calf separation. Genotype and feeding level had no effect on LH concentration or LH pulse frequency. LH pulse frequency was increased (P < 0·05) during the period of calf separation, but there was no effect 1 week later. There was a significant positive relationship between LH puise frequency and body condition score at calving in two of the three sampling periods.It is suggested that the effect of body condition on the duration of the post-partum anoestrous period i s mediated through effects on LH pulse frequency.

Energy balance in transition cows and its association with health, reproduction and milk production

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (06) ◽  
pp. 341-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Nakao ◽  
M. Hoedemaker ◽  
C. Furken
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Loose Body ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Subclinical Ketosis ◽  
Time Periods

SummaryObjective: It was the purpose of this study to determine the effects of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations at different time periods of the transition period as well as lactation number on metabolism, health, reproduction and milk production in dairy cows. Material and methods: This trial was conducted in a single dairy herd located in Northern Germany. Of the herd, which comprised 330 lactating Holstein cows housed in a free stall barn and fed a total mixed ration (TMR), 83 primiparous and multiparous cows were randomly selected. Animals were checked for body condition score (BCS), locomo tion score, calving data, quality of colostrum, reproductive measures, daily rectal temperature of the first 10 days post-partum (p. p.), health data and culling rates up to 200 days in milk (DIM) as well as milk production until 305 DIM. Three different time periods were considered: 3 and 1 week ante partum (a. p.); partus and 1 week p. p.; 3 weeks p. p. Results: Animals with NEFA concentrations 0.4 mmol/l ante partum had a higher risk of no ovarian activity in week 5 p. p. and of subclinical ketosis post partum than cows with lower NEFA concentrations (p < 0.05). Cows with NEFA concentrations 1.1 mmol/l in week 1 p. p., in comparison to those with lower NEFA concentrations, showed a higher prevalence of clinical ketosis (24.1% vs. 5.9%), subclinical ketosis (62.1% vs. 34.0%) and culling rate within 200 DIM (34.5% vs. 14.0%) (p < 0.05). Cows with NEFA concentrations 0.3 mmol/l at week 3 p. p. had higher 100- and 305-day milk yields than cows with lower NEFA concentrations (p < 0.05). First lactating heifers were at higher risk to loose body condition ante partum, of dystocia, fever within the first 10 DIM, metritis, clinical and subclinical ketosis as well as to develop a disease within the first 30 DIM (p < 0.05). Multipara were more likely to loose body condition after calving, to a prolonged calving to first service interval and to higher milk yields (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion increased NEFA concentrations during the transition period as well as parity can have an influence on health, production and reproduction of dairy cows.

Relationships between luteal activity, fertility, blood metabolites and body condition score in multiparous Estonian Holstein dairy cows under different management

2008 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 485-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaak Samarütel ◽  
Andres Waldmann ◽  
Katri Ling ◽  
Hanno Jaakson ◽  
Tanel Kaart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Ovarian Function ◽  
Ketone Bodies ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Blood Metabolites ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
On Farm

The objective was to compare the relationships between luteal activity and fertility, and relate these parameters to metabolic indices and body condition changes in multiparous Estonian Holstein cows on two commercial dairy farms under different management and levels of production and nutrition (higher, H, n=54 (71 lactations) and lower, L, n=39 (39 lactations)). For statistical analysis cows were categorized according to their milk progesterone (P4) profiles as follows: normal ovarian function; delayed start of cyclicity (DC) (interval from calving to first luteal response (P4⩾5 ng/ml up to and more than 50 d respectively, followed by regular cyclicity); cessation of luteal activity (prolonged interluteal interval, P4<5 ng/ml, with a duration of ⩾14 d between two adjacent luteal phases); prolonged luteal activity (P4 levels ⩾5 ng/ml for ⩾20 d without preceding insemination). The Mixed procedure of the SAS system was used to compare milk production traits, blood metabolites (ketone bodies, non-esterified fatty acids, total cholesterol) and aspartate aminotransferase, body condition scores (BCS) and fertility parameters between the two farms, and also fertility parameters between the farms within P4 categories. Differences in milk fat/protein ratio, ketone body levels and BCS indicated a deeper negative energy balance (NEB) during the first month after calving on farm L. On both farms nearly 50% of the recently calved dairy cows suffered from ovarian dysfunction during the post-partum period. Delayed start of cyclicity was the most prevalent abnormal P4 profile, 25% and 28% on farms H and L, respectively. Prolonged luteal activity accounted for one-third of atypical ovarian patterns on farm H, and cessation of luteal activity on farm L. On farm L, DC cows had lower BCS values from day 10 to day 90 after calving compared with normal cows (P<0·01) and cows lost more BCS (1·2 units) during the 40 d after calving than normal resumption cows (0·75 units; P<0·05). On farm H with moderate NEB the delayed start of ovulation post partum did not impair subsequent reproductive performance.

Risk assessment of postpartum uterine disease and consequences of puerperal metritis for subsequent metabolic status, reproduction and milk yield in dairy cows

2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
László Könyves ◽  
Ottó Szenci ◽  
Viktor Jurkovich ◽  
Lászlóné Tegzes ◽  
Attila Tirián ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Metabolic Status ◽  
Nonesterified Fatty Acid ◽  
Uterine Disease ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Uterine Diseases

The objective of this study was to determine some metabolic and other factors predicting the risk of postpartum uterine disease (PUD), and the effects of puerperal metritis (PM) on metabolic status, reproduction and milk yield were analysed. A total of 105 Holstein-Friesian cows were included, and sampled on day < −14 prepartum and days 4, 10–14, 28–35 and 56–63 postpartum for metabolic tests. From day 4 the development of PUD, and from days 28–35 the ovarian activity was monitored. When grade ≥ 1 + ketonuria was present on day 4 postpartum, this indicated a higher probability of PUD [odds ratio (OR) 2.64; P < 0.05] including PM occurring on days 10–14 (OR: 2.65; P < 0.05). Plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations > 0.200 mmol/l on days < −14 prepartum indicated a higher risk of uterine diseases (OR: 3.44; P < 0.05). The odds of PUD increased, depending on whether a body condition score (BCS) loss of ≥ 1.0 occurred between days < −14 and 28–35 (OR: 2.82; P < 0.05), between days < −14 and 10–14 (OR: 4.79; P < 0.01) or between days 10–14 and 28–35 (OR: 10.81; P < 0.01). PM was more probable (OR: 27.3; P < 0.001) in cows with retained placenta. The risk of uterine diseases was lower in multiparous than in primiparous cows (OR: 0.29; P < 0.01). PM increased the risk of ovarian inactivity between days 28 and 35 (OR: 2.83; P < 0.05). Cows affected with PM (PM+ cows) showed lower milk production on day 4 (kg; P < 0.05) and lower milk production (P < 0.05), milk fat and milk protein production (kg; P < 0.01; P < 0.01) in the first 100 days of lactation than did PM− cows.

scholarly journals Ovarian activity in Fleckvieh, Brown Swiss and two strains of Holstein-Friesian cows in pasture-based, seasonal calving dairy systems

2011 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 464-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valérie Piccand ◽  
Susanne Meier ◽  
Erwan Cutullic ◽  
Sara Weilenmann ◽  
Peter Thomet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
The Other ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Brown Swiss ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Condition Score

The objectives of the study were to compare the ovarian activity of Holstein-Friesian (CH HF), Fleckvieh (CH FV) and Brown Swiss (CH BS) dairy cows of Swiss origin with that of Holstein-Friesian (NZ HF) dairy cows of New Zealand origin, the latter being used as a reference for reproductive performance in pasture-based seasonal calving systems. Fifty, second-lactation NZ HF cows were each paired with a second-lactation Swiss cow (17, 15 and 18 CH HF, CH FV and CH BS respectively) in 13 pasture-based, seasonal-calving commercial dairy farms in Switzerland. Ovarian activity was monitored by progesterone profiling from calving to first breeding service. CH BS cows produced less energy-corrected milk (mean 22·8 kg/d) than the other breeds (26·0–26·5 kg/d) during the first 100 d of lactation. CH HF cows had the lowest body condition score (BCS) at calving and the greatest BCS loss from calving to 30 d post partum. Commencement of luteal activity (CLA) was later for NZ HF than for CH FV (51·5 v. 29·2 d; P <0·01), with CH HF and CH BS intermediate (43 d). On average, NZ HF and CH HF cows had one oestrous cycle before the onset of the seasonal breeding period; this was less (P<0·01) than either CH FV (1·7) or CH BS (1·6). There was a low prevalence of luteal persistency (3%) among the studied cows. First and second oestrous cycle inter-ovulatory intervals did not differ between breeds (20·5–22·6 d). The luteal phase length of CH BS during the second cycle was shorter (10·6 d) than that of the other breeds (13·8–16·0 d), but the inter-luteal interval was longer (9·8 d v. 7·0–8·0 d). The results suggest that the Swiss breeds investigated have a shorter interval from calving to CLA than NZ HF cows.

scholarly journals Adding wheat to a pre-partum diet of Holstein cows favours post-partum protein utilization and benefits calcium status

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 588-599
Author(s):  
H.M. Alamouti ◽  
H. Amanlou ◽  
K. Rezayazdi ◽  
M. Vazirigohar ◽  
M.Z. Ihsan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
The Body ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Plasma Metabolites ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Condition Score

This study evaluated the effects of replacing corn with wheat on the lactation performance, ruminal fermentation, plasma metabolites and hormonal profiles of multiparous Holstein cows. Thirty-four multiparous cows were divided into two equal groups, based on parity, body condition score, and bodyweight. The basal diet was supplemented with 186 g/kg corn or wheat, and was offered from day -28 (±7) relative to the date of expected calving. After calving, all cows received the same diet for four weeks (day +28). The wheat diets increased (P <0.05) the body condition score in the peri-parturient period and caused greater changes in dry matter intake and bodyweight post-partum, with no differences in energy balance compared with the corn diets. Further, the wheat increased (P <0.05) the concentration of propionate in the rumen, thus reducing the ratio of acetate to propionate, and produced (P <0.05) more milk and milk protein, but had reduced levels of urea nitrogen in the milk and serum. Similarly, the wheat diets increased (P <0.05) the plasma concentrations of albumin and glucose, and reduced (P <0.05) triglycerides with no effect (P >0.10) post partum on insulin, cortisol, β-hydroxybutyric acid and aspartate aminotransferase. The replacement of corn with wheat increased (P <0.05) plasma calcium and reduced non-esterified fatty acids around calving (day 0±1) and post-partum (days 0 to +28), and reduced urinary pH during the last week relative to the date of expected calving.Keywords: calving, energy balance, grain source, peri-parturient period

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