Body condition score and reproductive performance in dairy cows in Greece

2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 ◽  
pp. 60-60
Author(s):  
G. Oikonomou ◽  
G. Arsenos ◽  
G.E. Valergakis ◽  
A. Tsiaras ◽  
G. Banos
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Reliable Estimate ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Body Condition Scoring ◽  
Body Energy ◽  
The Impact

Various studies in dairy cows have shown that their Body Condition Score (BCS) effectively reflects their nutritional status and energy content (Ferguson et al. 1994). Extremes in BCS and BCS losses have been identified as a risk factor for health problems and reduced reproductive efficiency (Markusfeld et al. 1997, Lopez-Gatius et al. 2003). Body condition scoring is easy and inexpensive to perform and gives a reliable estimate of body energy reserves. Hence, in practice, BCS can be used as a tool for ration formulation and management decisions concerning reproduction of dairy cows (Banos et al. 2004). The objective of this study was to determine and quantify the impact of BCS in the reproductive performance of primiparous Holstein cows.

scholarly journals Hormonal profile and body condition scoring in dairy cows during pre partum and post partum periods

2015 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mária Vargová ◽  
Vladimír Petrovič ◽  
Jana Konvičná ◽  
Marián Kadaši ◽  
Peter Zaleha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Hormonal Profile ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Body Condition Scoring ◽  
The Mean

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of selected indicators of energy, hormonal profile, body condition score (BCS) and their relationships in dairy cows of the Slovak Pied Cattle from 3 weeks before parturition to 9 weeks after. Significant differences were found in the mean values of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) (P < 0.001) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) (P < 0.05). According to BCS results, the dry cows were overweight (4.42 ± 0.75 points). After calving the cows lost weight significantly, as the BCS was 3.25 ± 0.30 points at 9 weeks post partum (P < 0.001). The highest concentration of leptin was recorded before calving (26.80 ± 11.47 ng/ml). The concentrations of insulin and ghrelin did not change significantly (an increase in insulin concentrations from 580.8 ± 66.30 IU/ml to 625.50 ± 174.90 IU/ml and a decrease in ghrelin concentrations from 29.25 ± 4.82 pg/ml to 26.57 ± 5.35 pg/ml were found comparing 3 weeks to 1 week before parturition, respectively). Relationships between the hormones showed positive correlation between insulin and leptin (r = 0.220, P < 0.05), BCS and leptin (r = 0.360, P < 0.001), BCS and insulin (r = 0.232, P < 0.05) and negative correlation between leptin and ghrelin (r = -0.235, P < 0.05), BCS and ghrelin (r = -0.257, P < 0.05). These data provide evidence that the variations in the concentrations of leptin, ghrelin, and insulin are related to variations in the BCS. Negative correlation between leptin and ghrelin contributes to the argument that leptin negatively regulates ghrelin.

scholarly journals BODY CONDITION SCORE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF DAIRY COWS IN EASTERN REGION OF PARAGUAY

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-21
Author(s):  
C Kawashima ◽  
K Watanabe ◽  
R Meza Fernandez ◽  
M Matsui ◽  
M Kawai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Condition Score

scholarly journals The Effect of Body Condition Score on the Biochemical Blood Indices and Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Stefańska ◽  
Włodzimierz Nowak ◽  
Ewa Pruszyńska-Oszmałek ◽  
Robert Mikuła ◽  
Daniel Stanisławski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Blood Indices ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Days Open

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of BCS (Body Condition Score) on the calving day and its decrease during early lactation on the biochemical blood indices and reproductive performance. One hundred and thirty-one Polish Holstein-Friesian cows were divided into three groups according to the North-American body condition score on the calving day (AC≤3.5 point BCS; MID 3.51-3.75 point BCS; FAT>3.75 point BCS) and according to the decrease in BCS during early lactation (HG >0.49 point BCS; WEL 0.49-0.25 point BCS, L<0.25 point BCS). In current study, significant interaction between change of BCS during early lactation and time of blood sampling on BHBA concentration was observed. In the AC group (≤3.5 BCS), the highest concentrations of glucose on 3 and 5 d of lactation compared to the MID and FAT groups and of insulin on 28 d and also IGF-I on 5 and 28 d of lactation compared to the FAT group were recorded. In the FAT group, the highest concentration of NEFA on 3 and 5 d compared to the AC group and of BHBA on 28 d of lactation compared to the MID group was recorded. The body condition score on the parturition day affected the reproductive performance; in the FAT group (>3.75 BCS) the lowest conception rate of the first insemination, insemination index and thereby the longest days open were observed. The highest decreases in BCS (HG >0.49 points) resulted in increased concentrations of NEFA on 3 d and of BHBA on 3 and 5 d. Moreover, in the HG group, the lowest concentration of T3 on 3, 5 and 28 d as compared to the WEL group was recorded. We concluded that the BCS (>3.5 points) on the calving day had a significantly negative effect on the metabolic status of dairy cows in the postpartum period estimated by the concentration of biochemical blood indices characterising carbohydrates (IGF-I, insulin) and lipid (NEFA, BHBA) metabolism and also the reproductive performance such as the conception rate of the first insemination, insemination index, days open. We suggested that the blood serum concentrations of IGF-I and NEFA were the most sensitive biochemical markers of the metabolic status of dairy cows in our study.

scholarly journals An Improved Approach to Automated Measurement of Body Condition Score in Dairy Cows Using a Three-Dimensional Camera System

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Rodrigo I. Albornoz ◽  
Khageswor Giri ◽  
Murray C. Hannah ◽  
William J. Wales
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Camera System ◽  
Visual Method ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Body Condition Scoring ◽  
Over Time

Body condition scoring is a valuable tool used to assess the changes in subcutaneous tissue reserves of dairy cows throughout the lactation resulting from changes to management or nutritional interventions. A subjective visual method is typically used to assign a body condition score (BCS) to a cow following a standardized scale, but this method is subject to operator bias and is labor intensive, limiting the number of animals that can be scored and frequency of measurement. An automated three-dimensional body condition scoring camera system is commercially available (DeLaval Body Condition Scoring, BCS DeLaval International AB, Tumba, Sweden), but the reliability of the BCS data for research applications is still unknown, as the system’s sensitivity to change in BCS over time within cows has yet to be investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of an automated body condition scoring system for dairy cows for research applications as an alternative to visual body condition scoring. Thirty-two multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows (9 ± 6.8 days in milk) were body condition scored visually by three trained staff weekly and automatically twice each day by the camera for at least 7 consecutive weeks. Measurements were performed in early lactation, when the greatest differences in BCS of a cow over the lactation are normally present, and changes in BCS occur rapidly compared with later stages, allowing for detectable changes in a short timeframe by each method. Two data sets were obtained from the automatic body condition scoring camera: (1) raw daily BCS camera values and (2) a refined data set obtained from the raw daily BCS camera data by fitting a robust smooth loess function to identify and remove outliers. Agreement, precision, and sensitivity properties of the three data sets (visual, raw, and refined camera BCS) were compared in terms of the weekly average for each cow. Sensitivity was estimated as the ratio of response to precision, providing an objective performance criterion for independent comparison of methods. The camera body condition scoring method, using raw or refined camera data, performed better on this criterion compared with the visual method. Sensitivities of the raw BCS camera method, the refined BCS camera method, and the visual BCS method for changes in weekly mean score were 3.6, 6.2, and 1.7, respectively. To detect a change in BCS of an animal, assuming a decline of about 0.2 BCS (1–8 scale) per month, as was observed on average in this experiment, it would take around 44 days with the visual method, 21 days with the raw camera method, or 12 days with the refined camera method. This represents an increased capacity of both camera methods to detect changes in BCS over time compared with the visual method, which improved further when raw camera data were refined as per our proposed method. We recommend the use of the proposed refinement of the camera’s daily BCS data for research applications.

scholarly journals Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows in Relation to Genotype, Age, Parity, Body Weight and Body Condition Score at Rajshahi District of Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 481-495
Author(s):  
Rashida Khaton
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Heat Period

The present study was carried out from selected areas at Rajshahi district to evaluate the reproductive performance of dairy cows in relation to breed/genotype, age, parity, body weight and body condition. A total of 500 cows selected and data were collected directly from the dairy farms owner by using pre-tested questionnaires during the period from September 2013 to December 2014. The average reproductive performance (RP) were recorded as age at puberty (AP) 26.42±0.22 m, age at first calving (AFC) 35.48±0.22 m, post-partum heat period (PPHP) 121.85±3.48 days, service per conception (S/C) 1.93±0.04, days open (DO) 136.80±3.57 days and calving interval (CI) 401.04±3.94 days. Genotype had significant effect (P<0.05) on all the reproductive traits except on S/C. Local (L) × Holstein Friesian (HF) genotype showed earlier AP and AFC than L× Sahiwal (SL) and L. Age group had significant (P<0.05) effect on AP, AFC and other parameters were not significant (P>0.05). Middle age groups of cows had shown better RP than others groups. Parities of cows had significant effect (P<0.05) on PPHP, S/C, DO except on AP, AFC and CI. Third parity had better RP than others. The best RP was found in >300 kg BW groups. Body condition score had significant effect (P<0.05) on all RP. Good body condition score (BCS) had excellent RP. Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(3): 481-495,  December 2020

scholarly journals Relationship between body condition score, blood metabolites and oxidative stress in transition period and reproductive performance of dairy cows

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 2041
Author(s):  
H. E. ÇOLAKOĞLU ◽  
M. O. YAZLIK ◽  
U. KAYA ◽  
S. KURT ◽  
R. BAYRAMOĞLU ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Blood Metabolites ◽  
Reproductive Parameters ◽  
Oxidative Balance ◽  
Condition Score

The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between prepartum body condition score (BCS), blood metabolites (Glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate; BHB), oxidative stress (Malondialdehyde; MDA, Glutathione peroxidase; GSH-Px) in transition period and some reproductive parameters in Holstein dairy cows. Fifty cows were divided into two groups [low-BCS = 2.75-3.0 (n=25); adequate-BCS = 3.25-3.75 (n=25)] according to BCS on the 21st day before expected calving. BCS was also recorded at 0 and +21 days after calving. Blood samples collected at -21, 0 and +21 days from calving for MDA and GSH-Px analysis as well as at -21, +14 and +21 days of postpartum for glucose and BHB. Data on reproductive parameters obtained from farm records were also collected. MDA concentrations were higher in group of low-BCS compared to group of adequate-BCS at -21 and 0 d related to calving (p<0.05). GSH-Px activity was lower in group of low-BCS than adequate one during the transition period (p<0.05). Low-BCS group also showed higher concentrations of BHB at +14 and +21 days after calving. During the transition period, low-BCS group had lower glucose concentrations compared to adequate one (p<0.05). Adequate-BCS group of cows showed shorter intervals of calving to first estrus (p<0.01) and calving to conception (p<0.01). In conclusion, cows with lower BCS at the prepartum period had worse metabolic and oxidative balance during the transition period. This situation also was associated with worse reproductive performance in cows.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Different Drenching Regimens of Gluconeogenic Precursors during Transition Period on Body Condition Score, Production, Reproductive Performance, Subclinical Ketosis and Economics of Dairy Cows

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 937
Author(s):  
Nagwa I. El-Kasrawy ◽  
Ayman A. Swelum ◽  
Mervat A. Abdel-Latif ◽  
Abd El-Wahab A. Alsenosy ◽  
Noha A. Beder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Subclinical Ketosis ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Feed Costs

A total of 108 Holstein cows were used to evaluate the effect of drenching propylene glycol (PG) either individually or in combination with glycerol (G) on body condition score (BCS), production, reproductive performance, protection against subclinical ketosis and economic benefit of dairy cows during the transition period. The six groups (n = 18/group) were; Control group, cows received no treatment; PG300, cows were drenched 300 mL PG for 7 days pre-expected day of calving and 21 days post-calving; PG400, cows were drenched 400 mL PG for 7 days pre-and 7 days post-calving; PG500, cows were drenched 500 mL PG for 10 days pre-and 10 days post-calving; GPG150, cows were drenched a mixture of 150 mL G and 150 mL PG for 21 days pre-and 21 days post-calving; GPG250, cows were drenched a mixture of 250 mL G and 250 mL PG for 21 days pre-and 21 days post-calving. BCS at 30 days in milk (DIM) was significantly higher in all treated groups in comparison to the control one and the best values were observed in GPG250, GPG150 and PG500 groups. Lactation length (LL) was significantly (p < 0.001) shorter in GPG250, GPG150 and PG500 groups than control group. There was a significant increment in 305 milk yield (p < 0.001) and average daily milk yield (p < 0.001) in GPG250 and PG500 groups than other groups except for PG300 with the lowest values for control and PG400. Cows in all treatment groups were observed in heat and conceived earlier as well as had shorter open days and calving interval durations (p < 0.001) and low number of services per conception (p = 0.004) compared to control group with better results for PG500 and GPG250 groups. BHB level and percentage of cows suffered from subclinical ketosis at 7 DIM was significantly lower in GPG250, GPG150 and PG500 groups than control group. Cows in treatment groups had a significantly higher glucose level (p = 0.006) compared to control group. Regarding to economics, the control group showed the highest feed costs, insemination costs and total costs per animal. Additionally, control and PG400 groups had the highest cost per kilogram of milk from total and feed costs compared to other cows. PG300, PG500 and GPG250 groups recorded a greater net return and income over feed cost (IOFC). In conclusion, the continuous drenching of propylene glycol either individually or in combination with glycerol regimens for long duration (PG300, PG500, GPG150, GPG250) during the transition period of dairy cows may reduce the incidence of subclinical ketosis and consequently improve milk production, reproduction and economics compared to drenching for short duration (PG400).

scholarly journals Dairy Cows' Body Condition Score. Effects on reproduction, health and milk production. Use in farm management

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 320
Author(s):  
G. OIKONOMOU (Γ. ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΥ) ◽  
Z. BAZDAGIANNI (Ζ. ΜΠΑΣΔΑΓΙΑΝΝΗ) ◽  
G. E. VALERGAKIS (Γ. Ε. ΒΑΛΕΡΓΑΚΗΣ)
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Fatty Tissue ◽  
Special Equipment ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Body Condition Scoring

Body Condition Scoring (BCS) is an assessment of dairy cows' subcutaneous fatty tissue that can provide useful information on their body energy reserves. It is a quick and easy to perform method that does not require special equipment and can be easily used at farm level. A body condition scoring method based on visual observation of specific body regions has been described. A 5 point scale (1 = emaciated, 5 = obese) is used. Low BCS and high BCS losses were found to have adverse effects on cows' reproductive performance. Low or high BCS and high BCS losses were also found to have adverse effects on cows' health, while they were also found to significantly affect milk production. Body condition score has medium-high heritability and significant genetic correlation with reproduction. Body condition score levels should be 3-3.25 at calving, not higher than 3.25 at drying off and at least 2.5 60-80 days post calving. Farmers and their consultants should try to achieve these goals through proper management. Body condition scoring can be performed at calving, 30 days post calving, at first artificial insemination, at mid-lactation and at drying off.

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