Predicting the time of ovulation in dairy cows using milk progesterone kits

1989 ◽  
Vol 1989 ◽  
pp. 146-146
Author(s):  
B.J. McLeod ◽  
R.F. Weller ◽  
R.H. Phipps ◽  
J.A. Foulkes
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Practical Method ◽  
Dairy Herds ◽  
Cycle Period ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Conception Rates ◽  
Embryonic Loss ◽  
On Farm

Poor reproductive performance of dairy herds is seldom attributable to a high incidence of embryonic loss or to long periods of anoestrus, but is generally due to the failure to inseminate cows that are cycling normally.Even in the best managed herds, oestrus detection rates rarely exceed 70-80%, and often 10-20% of non-oestrous animals may be recorded as being on heat. These shortcomings in oestrus detection can be overcome by monitoring oestrous cycles in Individual animals, thus enabling the time of ovulation to be predicted. For example, when cows that failed to show oestrus, were inseminated on the basis of milk progesterone profiles, the conception rates achieved were similar to those in cows inseminated at observed oestrus (Ball and Jackson, 1979). In addition, in groups of animals inseminated at progesterone-timed rather than at observed oestrus, the number of cows served over a one-cycle period increased dramatically (98 v 71%), and days from calving to first service decreased (78 v 92 days), (Foulkes, Cookson and Sauer, 1982). In this study, the feasibility of using on-farm milk progesterone kits as a practical method of predicting ovulation, and its effects on herd reproductive performance were assessed.

Escherichia coli O157 in Cull Dairy Cows on Farm and at Slaughter

1997 ◽  
Vol 60 (11) ◽  
pp. 1386-1387 ◽  
Author(s):  
DANIEL H. RICE ◽  
ERIC D. EBEL ◽  
DALE D. HANCOCK ◽  
THOMAS E. BESSER ◽  
DONALD E. HERRIOTT ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Herds ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Cull Cows ◽  
On Farm

Cull dairy cattle both on the farm and at slaughter from herds in the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington were surveyed for Escherichia coli O157 by culturing fecal swab samples. A total of 205 cull cows from 19 dairy herds were sampled on the farm of origin; 7 (3.4%) tested positive for E. coli O157. A total of 103 cull cows from 15 dairy herds were sampled at slaughter; 4 (3.9%) were positive for E. coli O157. Eighty-nine cull cows were sampled both at the farm and at slaughter; 2 (2.2%) were positive in both locations, 3 (3.3%) only on the farm, and 2 (2.2%) only at the slaughter plant. Seven (7.9%) of the 89 cull cows tracked from farm to slaughter were positive in at least one location. This suggests a higher prevalence of E. coli O157 in cull dairy cattle than previously has been reported to occur in other ages and classes of cattle.

scholarly journals Conception Rate and Reproductive Hormone Secretion in Holstein Cows Immunized against Inhibin and Subjected to the Ovsynch Protocol

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rihong Guo ◽  
Fang Chen ◽  
Cheng Mei ◽  
Zicun Dai ◽  
Leyan Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Hormone Secretion ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Reproductive Hormone ◽  
Conception Rates

This study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of improving fertility in dairy cows via immunization against inhibin. Thirty-two cows were divided into Control (n = 11), Low-dose (n = 10) and High-dose (n = 11) groups. The High-dose and Low-dose cows were treated with 1 and 0.5 mg of the inhibin immunogen, respectively. All the cows were subjected to the Ovsynch protocol from the day of antigen administration and were artificially inseminated. Blood samples were serially collected over a 24-day period from the start of the Ovsynch protocol to 14 days after insemination. The results showed that immunization against inhibin dose-dependently increased the plasma concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and activin A, but decreased progesterone (P4) concentrations in the luteal phase. Immunization also increased the plasma interferon (IFN)-τ concentrations in pregnant cows on day 14 after initial insemination. The conception rates in High-dose (45.5%) and Low-dose (40%) cows marginally increased compared to that in Control cows (27.3%), but the increases were not significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a single immunization against inhibin has the potential to improve conception rates, despite impaired luteal development. To further improve the reproductive performance of dairy cows, additional luteal-stimulating treatments are suggested in combination with immunization against inhibin and Ovsynch techniques.

On-farm phosphorus budget: Model to predict yearly phosphorus contents in manure of dairy herds

2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 407-411
Author(s):  
Isabelle Chaperon, Cynthia Ouellet ◽  
Vincent Girard ◽  
Younes Chorfi
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Soil Phosphorus ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
Dairy Herds ◽  
Cow Manure ◽  
Phosphorus Budget ◽  
Budget Model ◽  
Dairy Animals ◽  
On Farm ◽  
The Relationship

In order to reduce soil phosphorus (P) saturation, it is essential to assess the amount of manure P on cultivated soil. The purpose of this study was to estimate yearly herd manure P outputs from production and feeding records with a model based on replacement and dairy animals. The model predicts manure P based on P ingested by dairy cows (kg yr-1), P secreted in milk (kg yr-1), P in calf at birth (kg yr-1), and the number of first-lactation cows. The relationship between first-lactation cows and heifers was established; there were 1.3 ± 0.05 heifers for each first-lactation cow. Manure P from heifers was then obtained by fitting the model to manure P accumulated in concrete pits of 12 farms, measured over two 6-mo periods at 1 yr intervals. The model added 10.6 ± 4.6 kg of P for each first-lactation cow to predict the yearly P output of 1.3 heifers. Ratios between P harvested as feed and P predicted in manure were calculated in 1133 herds. High ratios were obtained in herds with less customized concentrate (P < 0.001), more harvested grain and silage (P < 0.001) on farm and larger size of herd (P < 0.001) with more milk (P < 0.001) and lower calf production (P < 0.001). Decreasing purchased customized concentrates and increasing the amount of silage fed to animals are valid options to reduce non-point-source P pollution. Key words: Dairy herds, manure, phosphorus, model, reproductive efficiency

An evaluation of the effect of nutritional strategy in early lactation on reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows

2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 ◽  
pp. 12-12
Author(s):  
H S Gilmore ◽  
F J Young ◽  
R A Law ◽  
A R G Wylie ◽  
D C Patterson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Nutritional Strategy ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
On Farm

Poor fertility is a major problem on dairy farms. On-farm studies indicate than pregnancy rates to first service have declined from approximately 55% between 1975 and 1982 to 39% between 1995 and 1998 (Royal et al., 2000), illustrating a decline of approximately 1% per year during this period. The cause is multifactorial and influenced by many factors including genetics, management and nutrition. Previous studies have reported improved fertility through nutritional modification in early lactation (Gong et al., 2002). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional strategy in early lactation on reproductive performance.

scholarly journals The reproductive performance of dairy cows with anovulatory anoestrus that were injected with either gonadotrophin-releasing hormone or oestradiol benzoate as part of a re-treatment process after insemination

2007 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
B.V.E. Segwagwe ◽  
J. Malmo ◽  
K.L. Macmillan ◽  
P.D. Mansell
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Releasing Hormone ◽  
Start Date ◽  
Oestradiol Benzoate ◽  
Conception Rates ◽  
Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone

This experiment compared the reproductive performance of synchronised anoestrous dairy cows that were treated initially with a combination of progesterone and oestradiol benzoate and then with either gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or oestradiol benzoate to resynchronise returns to service. It was hypothesised that injecting anoestrous dairy cows with GnRH 12-15 days after insemination and coinciding with the time of insertion of a controlled intravaginal progesterone-releasing (CIDR) device would increase conception rates to the preceding 1st insemination compared with oestradiol benzoate treated cows; both GnRH and oestradiol benzoate would resynchronising the returns to service of those cows that did not conceive to the preceding insemination. Groups of cows in 11 herds were presented for a veterinary examination after they had not been seen in oestrus postpartum. Those cows diagnosed with anovulatory anoestrus (n = 1112) by manual rectal palpation and / or ultrasonography were enrolled in the trial. Each enrolled cow was injected with 2mg oestradiol benzoate i.m. on Day -10, (where Day 0 was the 1st day of the planned insemination) concurrently with vaginal insertion of a CIDR device. The device inserted was withdrawn on Day -2 and then each cow injected i.m. with 1 mg of oestradiol benzoate on Day -1 unless it was in oestrus. Observation for oestrus preceded each insemination. Every cow that had been inseminated on Days -1,0,1 or 2 was presented for treatment for resynchrony on Day 14 (n=891). They were divided into 2 groups; those with an even number were each injected i.m. with 250 µg of a GnRH agonist (Treatment group n = 477); each of the cows with an odd number injected i.m. with 1mg of oestradiol benzoate (control group, n = 414). Each GnRH or oestradiol benzoate injection preceded reinsertion of a CIDR device previously inserted from Days -10 to -2. It was withdrawn on Day 22, 24 hours before injecting 1mg oestradiol benzoate. Cows observed in oestrus were submitted for a 2nd insemination. Every enrolled cow still present in the herd was pregnancy tested by palpation of uterine contents per rectum about 6 weeks later and again at the end of a herd's seasonal breeding programme. The alternative use of GnRH instead of oestradiol benzoate did not affect the percentage of cows conceiving within 3 days of the mating start date (MSD) (35.6 %vs 35.3 %, P=0.90), resubmission rates for a 2nd insemination among cows not pregnant to the 1st insemination (81.6 % vs 83.5 %, P=0.41), 6-week pregnancy rate (59.3 % vs 60.6 %, P=0.65), 21-week pregnancy rate (86.6 vs 85.0, P=0.36), mean interval from MSD to conception (32.5 + 1.8 days vs 29.9 + 1.8 days, P = 0.26) or conception rate of cows reinseminated by Day 28 (43.3 % vs 38.8 %, P=0.39). When GnRH conception rate of cows reinseminated by Day 28 (43.3% vs was compared with oestradiol benzoate, it did not increase conception rates to the 1st service; it was as effective as oestradiol benzoate in synchronising returns to service in previously treated anoestrous cows that did not conceive to the 1st service. Its use affected neither conception rates to the preceding 1st inseminations nor to the following 2nd inseminations.

scholarly journals Molecular detection of Bluetongue Virus (BTV) and Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) in uterine biopsies of dairy cows with or without reproductive problems

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 3125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Marques Bicalho ◽  
Antônio Augusto Fonseca Júnior ◽  
Cairo Henrique Sousa de Oliveira ◽  
Cláudia Fideles Resende ◽  
Telissa Da Cunha Kassar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Bovine Leukemia Virus ◽  
Bluetongue Virus ◽  
Molecular Detection ◽  
Leukemia Virus ◽  
Dairy Herds ◽  
Direct Impact ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
Proviral Dna

Reproductive performance of dairy cows has a direct impact on herd productivity. Infectious agents, such as Bluetongue Virus (BTV) and Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV), are associated with reproductive failure. However, it remains unknown if these viruses are present in the uterus and cause gestational loss. This study used molecular methods to assess if BTV and BLV can be detected in the uterus of serologically positive dairy cows with a record of abortions, stillbirths and repeat breeding (n=23) and without a record of reproductive problems (n =23). The cows came from three dairy herds of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. BTV was not detected in any of the uterine biopsies. Proviral DNA of BLV was detected in 54.5 % of the seropositive cows, but positivity for BLV in the uterus was not associated with the existence of reproductive problems. In conclusion, this study shows that BLV, but not BTV, is present in the uterus of seropositive cows, regardless of reproductive performance.

Predicting the time of ovulation in dairy cows using on-farm progesterone kits

1991 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. J. McLeod ◽  
J. A. Foulkes ◽  
M. E. Williams ◽  
R. F. Weller
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Testing Protocol ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cows ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Experimental Group

ABSTRACTA protocol of infrequent, but strategically timed milk-sampling was established for predicting the time of ovulation, and thus the optimum time for insemination, in lactating dairy cows. In the experimental group (no. = 49), the time of ovulation was predicted on the basis of a fall in milk progesterone concentrations, which was identified by the use of ‘on-farm’ progesterone assay kits. Reproductive performance in these animals was compared with that in control cows (no. = 45) that were inseminated solely on the basis of oestrous detection by stockmen. The accuracy of ovulation prediction, and of oestrous detection, was assessed from progesterone profiles based on milk samples collected three times weekly from all 94 cows. These milk samples were analysed by laboratory enzyme-immunoassay after the end of the trial.Over the period during which milk samples were monitored with ‘on-farm’ progesterone kits, a total of 88 ovulations occurred in the experimental group. The progesterone-testing protocol accurately predicted 87 (99%) of these. Over the same period, there was a total of 81 ovulations in the control group and 63 (78%) of these were associated with correct oestrous detection. Conception rates to correctly timed insemination did not differ significantly between groups, but by the end of the three-cycle experimental period, significantly more of the cows in the experimental group (21·8%) than in the control group (4·8%; P < 0·05). In contrast, the use of ‘on-farm’ progesterone results to confirm oestrus avoided any mistimed inseminations (13% of inseminations in the control group). By using the milk-sampling and ‘on-farm’ progesterone-testing protocol, only 1% of ovulations were not accompanied by a correctly timed insemination. This compared with 22% of ovulations in the control group not associated with an insemination because oestrus was not detected. By ensuring that all ovulations are associated with a correctly timed insemination, herd reproductive performance can be significantly improved.

Some effects of post-oestrous hormonal therapies on conception rates and resubmission rates in lactating dairy cows

2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 195-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. L. Macmillan ◽  
V.K. Taufa ◽  
A.M. Day ◽  
V.M. Eagles
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Ovarian Follicle ◽  
Follicle Development ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Ovarian Follicle Development ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cows ◽  
Conception Rates ◽  
Hormonal Therapies ◽  
The Impact

AbstractA range of hormonal therapies has been evaluated to potentially improve the reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows. Early lactation treatments with gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) or prostaglandin F2∝(PGF) may reduce the interval to first insemination or increase the conception rate to first insemination, but mainly in cows which have had a difficult pueperium or which are in herds with low conception rates. These two hormones, as well as progesterone and oestradiol benzoate (ODB) are commonly used either singly, or in combination (GnRH + PGF; progesterone + ODB + PGF) to synchronise the oestrus preceding first inseminations. None of these synchrony treatments is associated with increased conception rates. Extensive series of trials have been completed to identify post-oestrous or post-insemination hormonal therapies which could increase conception rates to the preceding insemination. The wide variation in results has precluded any being commonly regarded as sufficiently reliable for routine use. Nonetheless, meta-analyses have shown that GnRH treatment at insemination or in late dioestrus (11 to 13 day post-first insemination) can significantly increase “the risk of pregnancy”. Insemination treatments have been most effective with repeat breeders (+22.5%), whereas late dioestrous treatments (10%) may be dose and analogue specific (10 μg buserelin). Although metoestrous supplementation with progesterone can stimulate early embryonic development, the associated reduction in oestrous cycle length also reduces conception rates in heifers. Late dioestrous use of GnRH can prevent both of these negative effects. Early dioestrous supplementation with progesterone may enhance production of interferon tau, but this potentially beneficial effect has not been able to be reliably translated into increased conception rates. Many of these hormonal therapies are associated with altered patterns of ovarian follicle development which are similar to those in some synchrony treatments preceding first insemination. Recent studies have indicated that OBD and progesterone can be used to synchronise returns to service and increase the submission rate for second inseminations made about 3 weeks after first inseminations. This can make the non-return rate a more accurate measure of the response to a hormonal treatment and potentially overcome confusing impressions created when oestrous detection rates may be around 50%. Even if effective hormonal therapies are successfully developed, the results may be compromised by environmental factors such as heat stress, energy balance or energy partitioning for lactation. These factors may reduce oocyte quality, fertilization rates or normal uterine secretion patterns. Reduced conception rates associated with high daily milk yields in early lactation may not be able to be remedied simply with hormonal supplementation or by altering patterns of ovarian follicle development. Under these circumstances, controlling the inter-service interval could reduce the impact of the lowered conception rates.

scholarly journals Intensity of Oestrus Signalling Is the Most Relevant Indicator for Animal Well-Being in High-Producing Dairy Cows

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuel Garcia ◽  
Jan Hultgren ◽  
Pontus Fällman ◽  
Johanna Geust ◽  
Bo Algers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Genetic Potential ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Calving Rate ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
Rectal Palpation ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Complementary Value

Full signalling of oestrous behaviour is vital for proper timing of AI and good reproductive performance, currently jeopardized by shorter observations of oestrus behaviour. Alternative indicators including progesterone (P4) recordings on-farm are tested. Oestrous intensity of 37 heifers (H) and 30 1st-parity dairy cows (C1) either Swedish Red (32) or Swedish Holstein (35) with high genetic potential for milk production, was studied in relation to AI. P4-levels in blood or milk were monitored on-farm at 0, 7, and 20 d post-AI with a portable ELISA reader (eProCheck800). Avoidance distance and body condition were scored at day 7, and pregnancy diagnosed by P4(day 20) and trans-rectal palpation (day 50). More heifers (46%) than C1-cows (10%) showed standing oestrus (strongest intensity,P<0.05), leading to higher pregnancy rate at d50 (72% versus 37% for C1,P<0.01) and calving rate (H: 64%, C1: 33%,P<0.05). Avoidance distances were short (<1 m), reflecting good human-animal interaction. Visually-recorded standing oestrus yielded 4.8 fold higher odds of pregnancy, respectively 4.6-fold higher odds of calving. On-farm P4-recordings had complementary value yet less accuracy. Intensity of oestrus signalling relates to animal well-being, reflected in pregnancy-to-term being a good indicator for optimal welfare in high-producing dairy cattle.

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