Relationships between body condition score (BCS), biochemical blood parameters and pregnancy rates in Prim'Holstein cows under subtropical conditions

2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 385-388
Author(s):  
E. Tillard ◽  
S. Nabeneza ◽  
B. Faye ◽  
P. Humblot

AbstractThe relationships between body condition score (BCS), metabolic measurements and pregnancy rates were studied from 214 cows belonging to 6 herds located in Reunion Island between January and December 1998. BCS (0 to 5 scale) and biochemical blood parameters were measured before calving, 0-30, 60-90 and 120-150 days post-partum. Pregnancy status was also checked precisely after 171 AI's (n=104 cows) by EIA progesterone determination in milk 23 to 24 days after AI and pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB) measurements 30 to 45 days after AI and was further confirmed by rectal palpation by 60 days post AI. A preliminary analysis led to determine 3 groups of herds according to their pregnancy rates (40%, 26% and 14.5% respectively for group 1, 2 and 3 cows). Significant differences between the 3 groups were found for BCS, glucose and urea (p < 0.0001) and a significant main effect of the post-partum stage was observed as well (p < 0.0001). Mean BCS were not different in the 3 groups before calving but were higher in group 1 cows than in group 2 and 3 cows at all other stages studied. A similar trend was found for urea. Glucose concentrations were severely depressed in group 3 cows when compared to group 1 and 2 cows whatever the stage studied. These results sugggest that variables illustrating negative energy balance (BCS decrease and low glucose concentrations) or deficit in nitrogen supply (urea concentrations) on a herd basis are related to poor pregnancy rates.

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 220
Author(s):  
G. A. Bo ◽  
L. C. Peres ◽  
D. Pincinato ◽  
M. de la Rey ◽  
R. Tribulo

An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of the interval between thawing to deposition of the embryo into the uterine horn on pregnancy rates of in vivo-produced frozen–thawed embryos in 1.5 M ethylene glycol (direct transfer). Data were collected from 1122 embryo transfers performed in the same farm (Estancia El Mangrullo, Lavalle, Santiago del Estero, Argentina) during the spring and summer of 2004/05 and 2005/06 (6 replicates, ambient temperature between 20 and 40�C). Recipients used in all replicates were non-lactating, cycling, multiparous Bos taurus � Bos indicus crossbred cows with body condition score between 3 and 4 (1 to 5 scale) that were synchronized using fixed-time embryo transfer protocols. Briefly, the synchronization treatments consisted of the insertion of a Crestar ear implant (Intervet, Sao Paulo, Brazil) or a progesterone-releasing device (DIB; Syntex SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina), plus 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB; Syntex) intramuscularly (IM) on Day 0, and 400 IU of eCG (Folligon 5000; Intervet, or Novormon 5000; Syntex) IM plus 150 �g d-cloprostenol IM (Preloban; Intervet, or Ciclase; Syntex) on Day 5. Progestin devices were removed on Day 8 and all cows received 1 mg of EB IM on Day 9. All cows were examined by ultrasonography on Day 16 and those with a luteal area &gt;76 mm2 (by calculating the area of the CL minus the area of the cavity) received, on Day 17, frozen–thawed embryos by nonsurgical transfer. All embryos were Grade 1, and all were frozen in 1.5 M ethylene glycol at the Embryo Plus Laboratory (Brits, South Africa). After being stored in liquid nitrogen, the embryos were plunged directly (no air thawing) in a 30�C water bath for 30 s, and then transferred to the recipient cows by either one of two technicians. Based on the interval between thawing and transfer, the transfers were classified as being in one of 3 groups: Group 1: &lt;3 min; Group 2: 3 to 6 min; and Group 3: 6 to 16 min. The main reason for delayed transfers beyond 6 min was the replacement of one recipient for another because of difficulty in threading the cervix (1% of the total transfers) or a recipient falling down into the chute or with very bad disposition and behavior. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography 28 to 35 days after fixed-time embryo transfer, and data were analyzed by logistic regression. There were no effects of replicate, technician, CL area, recipient body condition score, embryo stage, and time from thawing to transfer on pregnancy rates. Pregnancy rates in the 3 thawing to transfer intervals were: Group 1: 215/385, 55.8%; Group 2: 372/655, 56.8%; Group 3: 42/82, 51.2%; P &gt; 0.6. These results may be interpreted to suggest that there is no significant effect of time from thawing to transfer (up to 16 min) in direct transfer embryos using Bos taurus � Bos indicus recipients transferred at a fixed time.


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Renée Cristine Carvalho Barbosa ◽  
Camila Flávia Magalhães Botelho ◽  
Raquel Sampaio Alves ◽  
Heloisa Justen Moreira de Souza

Background: Today, obesity is a condition commonly seen in small animal internal medicine. This condition is defined as excess of body fat resulting from increased energy absorption or reduced energy expenditure, and it is classified as a nutritional and metabolic disorder.  Obesity results from excessive formation of adipose tissue, and can pose severe consequences to the animal's health. It can also become an aggravating factor for several diseases, frequently exerting direct effects on morbidity and mortality.  This study aimed to evaluate feline body mass index (FBMI), and associate this parameter with body condition score (BCS) and leptin hormone serum levels.Materials, Methods & Results: This study was conducted in a private Veterinary Clinic exclusively dedicated to feline care in the neighborhood of Botafogo, city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ninety-six feline patients (Felis catus) were randomly selected independent of their gender (male or female - intact or not), breed, or age from cats that were submitted for surgical interventions. The population was then divided into two groups according to FBMI: group 1, with non-obese animals (FBMI < 30%), totaling 53 animals; and group 2, with obese animals (FBMI ≥ 30%), totaling 43 animals. Physical examination was conducted on all animals. During this procedure, the weight of the animals was recorded; obesity was determined subjectively using the BCS, and objectively using plasma leptin concentration as assessed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Leptin concentration in the plasma of the 96 animals included in this study was 13.81 ± 13.06 ng/mL HE. The average for group 1 was 3.85 ± 3.08 ng/mL HE, while the average for group 2 was 26.08 ± 9.61 ng/mL HE. The average leptin concentration in animals with body condition scores 1 and 2 (lean) was 2.53 ± 1.22 ng/mL HE; the average leptin concentration in animals with a BCS of 3 (ideal) was 4.23 ± 3.67 ng/mL HE; the average leptin concentration in animals with body condition scores 4 and 5 (above the ideal weight) was 21.29 ± 12.47 ng/mL HE. Animals with scores 1, 2, and 3 were present only in group 1, with averages of 2.53 ± 1.22 ng/mL HE for animals with scores 1 and 2, and 4.23 ± 3.73 ng/mL HE for animals with a score of 3. Animals with scores 4 and 5 in group 1 had an average leptin concentration of 5.24 ± 4.41 ng/mL HE, and animals with scores 4 and 5 in group 2 had an average leptin concentration of 26.08 ± 9.61 ng/mL HE. In cats, plasma leptin has been determined in experimental studies under controlled conditions, but not in clinical studies. It is possible that this is the first study in which this parameter has been assessed under heterogeneous conditions; therefore, caution should be taken if this technique is used in the clinical routine for determination of obesity in domestic cats.Discussion: Plasma leptin concentration may be a quantitative parameter for evaluation of obesity in dogs, humans, and rodents. Assessment of plasma leptin concentration could be included in obesity monitoring programs for cats and, additionally, constitute a helpful parameter in scientific studies on obesity in this species. In addition to providing descriptive data on obesity in cats in Rio de Janeiro, the results reported in this study may help veterinarians to predict which cats are prone to becoming obese. Prevention of feline obesity can be as or more important than curing it.


2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 347-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Grimard ◽  
G. Laumonnier ◽  
C. Ponsart ◽  
H. Fauxpoint ◽  
E. Barassin ◽  
...  

AbstractTwo studies (expt. 1, 185 cows in 1996/97; expt. 2, 168 cows in 1997/98) were conducted with Prim ‘Holstein dairy cows in the Mayenne region (France) to investigate suboestrus. Cows which had not been observed in oestrus since calving were allocated alternately to treatment groups between 60 and 90 days post partum. Expt. 1. Group 1: GnRH (Day 0, 100 μg im), PGF2α (Day 7, 25 mg im), GnRH (Day 9, 100 μg im) with artificial insemination (AI) Day 10. Group 2 : PGF2α (Day 0, 25 mg im), AI at oestrus or if oestrus not observed a second PGF2α injection was given (Day 13) with AI on Day 16 and Day 17. Expt. 2. Group 1 : GnRH (Day 0, 100 /μg im), PGF2α (Day 7, 25 mg im), GnRH (Day 9, 100 μg im) with AI at observed oestrus after Day 0 or at Day 10 if oestrus not observed. Group 2 : PGF2α (Day 0, 25 mg im), AI at oestrus, or if oestrus was not observed a second PGF2α injection was given (Day 13) and AI at observed oestrus. Progesterone was measured in serum at Day 0 and in milk at AI. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by measuring bovine Pregnancy Specific Protein B (bPSPB) (Day 50 + 3) and confirmed by ultrasonography when the result was doubtful.In expt. 1, farmers observed 47/101 (46.9 %) of group 1 cows in oestrus, 33/91 on Day 10 and 10 before Day 10. The progesterone concentrations were compatible with oestrus in 69/86 (80%) of cows on Day 10. In group 2, 36/83 (43.4 %) of cows were inseminated after the first PGF2α injection. After the second PGF2 α, only 29/43 (67 %) of cows had a low progesterone concentration at AI. The pregnancy rates were 36.1% and 32.5 % for groups 1 and 2, respectively. In expt. 2, oestrus was observed in 31/93 (33.7 %) of group 1 cows. In group 2, 51/75 (66 %) of cows were inseminated after the first injection of PGF2α, 13/75 (17.3 %) after the second and 11/75 (14.7 %) were not seen in oestrus. Pregnancy rates were 53.7% and 53.3% in groups 1 and 2, respectively. In conclusion, it is recommended that suboestrus be treated with PGF2α followed by AI at observed oestrus when oestrus detection is good while, the use of GnRH + PGF2α + GnRH is recommended when oestrus detection is poor.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 899-904
Author(s):  
P.M. Gamit ◽  
Rana Ranjeet Singh ◽  
Amit Kumar ◽  
V.B. Kharadi ◽  
N.B. Patel

The aim of the present investigation was to find out the relationship among postpartum interval to estrus, body condition score, milk yield and blood biochemical parameters of Surti buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). The study was conducted on sixteen clinically healthy Surti buffaloes (parity 1-7) with normal parturition. These animals were divided into two groups on the basis of their postpartum interval to estrus (PPIE). Group 1 animals had PPIE ≤ 50 days whereas group 2 had PPIE > 50 days. Body condition score (BCS), milk yield and Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture on days starting from 6th day after calving thereafter at fortnight interval till 90th day postpartum. Blood serum parameters such as glucose, total protein, blood urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, progesterone and estrogen were measured. Perusal of data revealed that animals having higher BCS on the day of estrus had significantly (P≤0.05) shorter PPIE. There was non-significant effect of daily and cumulative 100 days milk yield on PPIE. Serum concentration of glucose and creatinine was significantly (P≤0.05) higher for group 1 animals at most of the stages. There was non-significant difference between serum concentration of total protein, blood urea nitrogen and cholesterol between both the groups. Progesterone and Estradiol-17 β concentrations were significantly (P≤0.05) higher in group 1 animals than group 2 animals at different stages of this study.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1674
Author(s):  
Ilona Strączek ◽  
Krzysztof Młynek ◽  
Agata Danielewicz

A significant factor in improving the performance of dairy cows is their physiological ability to correct a negative energy balance (NEB). This study, using Simmental (SIM) and Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows, aimed to assess changes in NEB (non-esterified fatty acid; body condition score; and C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1) and its effect on the metabolic efficiency of the liver (β-hydroxybutyrate and urea). The effects of NEB on daily yield, production at peak lactation and its duration, and changes in selected milk components were assessed during complete lactation. Up to peak lactation, the loss of the body condition score was similar in both breeds. Subsequently, SIM cows more efficiently restored their BCS. HF cows reached peak lactation faster and with a higher milk yield, but they were less able to correct NEB. During lactation, their non-esterified fatty acid, β-hydroxybutyrate, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, and urea levels were persistently higher, which may indicate less efficient liver function during NEB. The dynamics of NEB were linked to levels of leptin, which has anorectic effects. Its content was usually higher in HF cows and during intensive lactogenesis. An effective response to NEB may be exploited to improve the production and nutritional properties of milk. In the long term, it may extend dairy cows’ productive life and increase lifetime yield.


Author(s):  
M. G. Diskin ◽  
M. Grealy ◽  
J. M. Sreenan

The interval from calving to first oestrus (post-partum interval) is an important determinant of reproductive efficiency in suckler cows. While this interval is influenced by a range of factors including cow age, breed, presence of bull, cow-calf interactions and disease, the most important factors are suckling (frequency / number of calves) and nutrition (pre- and post-partum nutrient intake, body condition at calving and during early lactation). The mechanisms by which these factors, either independently or interactively, affect the length of the anoestrous period are unclear. Similarly, the time post-partum at which suckling exerts its effect on resumption of cyclicity is unknown. The effects of body condition score at calving and of changing the frequency of suckling on the length of the post-partum interval were determined. Preliminary results are presented.


2003 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 647-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Formigoni ◽  
P. Pezzi ◽  
A. Gramenzi ◽  
G. Martino ◽  
E. Neri

1994 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. D. Sinclair ◽  
P. J. Broadbent ◽  
J. S. M. Hutchinson

AbstractChanges in live weight, body condition, milk production and composition were monitored for single- and twinsuckling cows in two experiments. In experiment 1, all cows were managed for 3 months before calving to achieve condition scores at calving 2·1 (low) and 3·1 (moderate). Subsequently, these animals were placed on a fixed level of energy intake (80 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) per day) for 16 weeks. Post-partum diets contained differing amounts of digestible undegradable protein (DUP), but similar amounts of effective rumen degradable protein (ERDP). In experiment 2, single- and twin-suckling cows were fed to achieve a condition score at calving of around 2·75. These animals were subsequently placed on two levels of energy intake (80 MJ and 130 MJ ME per day) during the first 16 weeks of lactation. The diets providing these energy intakes also contained differing amounts of DUP. Neither the level of DUP in the diet nor the level of feeding significantly altered the digestibility of the dry matter or organic matter in the dry matter of the experimental diets.Body condition at calving had little effect on daily milk yield (9·5 kg) and composition (33·5 g/kg fat; 30-0 g/kg protein) in experiment 1. Cows with higher body condition scores at calving lost 13·5 kg more live weight and 0·26 units more body condition (P < 0·05) during the 1st month post partum but remained in better condition throughout the trial period than cows with lower body condition scores. Cows on 130 MJ ME per day produced higher (P < 0·001) daily yields of milk, milk fat and protein (+2·0 kg; +151 g; +85 g) and lost 57 kg less live weight and 0·52 units less body condition (P < 0·001) than cows on 80 MJ ME per day. Elevated dietary levels of DUP promoted (P < 0·05) daily milk yields (by 1·25 kg) and reduced live-weight and body condition-score loss during the 1st month post partum in both experiments. Twin-suckling cows produced the highest average daily yields of milk throughout the 16-week trial period in both experiments but yields were not significantly higher after early lactation in experiment 1. Cow body condition score at calving and the level of DUP in the post-partum diet of cows had no effect on the post-partum performance of calves. Twin calves had slower growth rates (P < 0·001) than single calves (0·65 and 1·07 kg/day respectively) in experiment 1. However, twin calves sucking cows on 130 MJ ME per day in experiment 2 grew similarly to single sucking calves from week 8 of lactation (0·8 kg/day).


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document