Behavioural and physiological assessment of stress reactions during vaginal examination in dairy cows

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (02) ◽  
pp. 88-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Pilz ◽  
C. Fischer-Tenhagen ◽  
M. Grau ◽  
W. Heuwieser
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Epidural Anaesthesia ◽  
Stress Reactions ◽  
Vaginal Examination ◽  
Analgesic Treatment ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Physiological Assessment ◽  
Avoidance Reactions ◽  
Assessment Of Stress ◽  
Reactivity Score

Summary Objectives and aim: The objective of this study was to determine the origin of an arched back in cows during vaginal examination. Moreover, we tested whether the duration of an arched back and avoidance reactions during vaginal examination can be decreased by epidural anaesthesia or analgesic treatment. Material and methods: Behaviour during cleaning of the perivaginal region and during vaginal examination was scored using the avoidance reactivity score (ARS). Heart rate (HR) was recorded in 10 dairy cows considering four experimental phases, i.e. baseline, cleaning the perivaginal region, vaginal examination and post-examination. Each cow was examined three times and received no treatment (CON), an epidural anaesthesia (EPID) or an analgesic treatment (NSAID). The duration of an arched back during and post-examination was measured. Results: The expression of the arched back was shortest in cows of group EPID and longest in cows of group CON. Avoidance reactions did not differ between the cleaning phase and vaginal examination in cows of group EPID. Cows of group CON showed the strongest avoidance reactions during examination, whereas cows of group EPID showed least avoidance reactions. Mean HR increased during cleaning and vaginal examination and decreased post-examination. Mean HR during vaginal examination did not differ between treatment groups. Conclusion: The results show that cows express discomfort during vaginal examination with an increase in avoidance reactions and HR. Although epidural anaesthesia could reduce sensitivity in the perivaginal region, cows still felt the urge to empty the vagina from the examiner’s hand and, thus, were arching their back. Clinical relevance: In practice, routine vaginal examinations in dairy cows have not been considered as invasive examinations. Our results show that vaginal examinations indeed do cause discomfort. We do not suggest the application of any anaesthetic treatment as appropriate before routine vaginal examinations. None theless, the examiner should be aware of the stress potential of vaginal examinations and conduct such examinations most carefully.

The effect of restricted suckling and non-suckling systems on dairy cow and calf behaviour

1996 ◽  
Vol 1996 ◽  
pp. 128-128
Author(s):  
J. K. Margerison ◽  
C. J. C. Phillips ◽  
T. R. Preston
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Artificial Rearing ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Cow Calf

Artificial rearing necessitates stressful cow-calf separation (Lefcourt and Elsasser, 1995; Hopster et al, 1995) and precipitates cross-suckling (Lidfors, 1993). Thus, suckling systems may improve the welfare of cows and calves, by alleviating 'stressful' cows-calf separation and satiating suckling motivation. The aim of this experiment was to compare behaviour in cows and calves in restricted suckling and non-suckling systems.Thirty six multiparous dairy cows and calves were divided at 4 days postpartum into three groups. The treatment groups were; non-suckled (NS) cows with calves artificially reared (AR), cows suckled by their own calf (RSM) and cows suckled by a foster calf (RSF). Suckling took place for 15 minutes following mechanical milking only.

Estrous synchronization and fertility of cross-bred dairy cows using prostaglandin F2α and gonadotropin releasing hormone

2021 ◽  
pp. 171-175
Author(s):  
Abubakr O. Ismail ◽  
◽  
Erneo B. Ochi ◽  
Ambrose S. Jubara ◽  
Bakri Ahmed A/Rahim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Releasing Hormone ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Estrous Synchronization ◽  
Descriptive Statistical Analysis

A comparative hormonal study of prostaglandin, gonadotropin releasing hormone and their combination was conducted on 30 randomly selected cross-bred dairy cows of SEMEX project for artificial insemination in Hillat Kuku, Khartoum North, Sudan. The study attempts to determine the response of the animals to hormonal induction and synchronization of estrous as well as fertility following fixed time artificial insemination. Three treatment groups of 10 cows each were undertaken. Groups 1, 2 and 3 involved administration of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and a combination of PGF2α + GnRH, respectively. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. The results revealed that all the three protocols induced and synchronized estrous were almost synchronous in all the treated groups. However, protocol 3 revealed a significantly (p<0.05) better result of 70% pregnancy rate compared to other two protocols that equally provided 50% pregnancy rates. The study resolves that protocol 3 be highly recommended to change the mindset of farmers about the spread of reproductive technology in Sudan. Protocols 1 and 2 provided acceptable pregnancy rates that can be enhanced with the improvement of management.

scholarly journals The assessment of stress reactions of patients with implanted defibrillators

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 54-57
Author(s):  
Daria Schneider-Matyka ◽  
Aneta Jacewicz ◽  
Aleksandra Brodowska ◽  
Dorota Pilch ◽  
Małgorzata Zimny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Reactions ◽  
Assessment Of Stress

Supplementary feeding of dairy cows on continuously stocked pasture

1984 ◽  
Vol 103 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. G. Jennings ◽  
W. Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Total Output ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Stocking Rates

SummaryTwo experiments were conducted with milking cows on continuously stocked perennial ryegrass pastures. In each a control group, T0, received 1 kg/day of a concentrate supplement and treatment groups T1 and T2 received 4 kg (Expt 1) or 5 kg/day (Expt 2) of a low quality T1 or a high quality T2 concentrate. In Expt 1 treatments were applied continuously for 14 weeks to a total of 30 cows. In Expt 2 a Latin square design for 9 weeks was conducted with 18 cows. The stocking rate of the pasture declined from 9·6 to 5·1 cows per ha (mean 6·7 cows/ha) from May to August (Expt 1) and was maintained at 3 cows/ha in August-October (Expt 2).Supplements increased total intakes by 0·92 and 0·77 kg organic matter (OM)/kg OM supplied in the concentrates respectively for Expts 1 and 2. Milk yields increased by 0·6 and 0·5 kg/kg concentrate supplied and supplemented cows showed small increases in live weight. Differences in lactation milk yield just approached significance. Grazing times were only slightly reduced by supplements and bite sizes were lower than normal. There was no important difference in animal performance between the two concentrates. The total output from the pasture was 19·6t milk and 115 GJ of utilized metabolizable energy per hectare.Reasons for the high supplementary effect of the concentrates and its implications for stocking rates are discussed.

Behavioural reactions before and during vaginal examination in dairy cows

2012 ◽  
Vol 138 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 18-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madlen Pilz ◽  
Carola Fischer-Tenhagen ◽  
Gerhard Thiele ◽  
Harm Tinge ◽  
Fabian Lotz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Vaginal Examination

The effect of delaying the introduction of concentrates on the summer milk production of hay-fed dairy cows

1969 ◽  
Vol 9 (36) ◽  
pp. 66
Author(s):  
JC Radcliffe
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Percentage Composition ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Basal Ration ◽  
Friesian Cows

From November 23, 1965, concentrates were introduced successively at two-week intervals to five treatment groups of grade Friesian cows that were being fed a basal ration of cereal hay in the paddock. The yield of milk, butterfat, solids-not-fat, and protein rose significantly as the supplements were introduced but almost no significant effect of concentrate feeding was observed on the weekly percentage composition tests of the milk. A comparison of the total covariance corrected yield results for the experimental period from November 23, 1965, to March 15, 1966, showed that the group of cows receiving concentrates throughout produced 30 per cent more milk, and 29 per cent more solids-not-fat, but only 24 per cent more protein and butterfat than the group receiving concentrates from January 18, 1966. However, the additional milk production would be uneconomic where milk is purchased on a butterfat basis.

160 CONCEPTION RATES FOLLOWING TREATMENT OF LACTATING HOLSTEIN RECIPIENTS WITH A GONADOTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE (GnRH) ANALOGUE AT THE TIME OF TRANSFER OF OVUM PICK-UP/IVF-DERIVED EMBRYOS

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 228
Author(s):  
T. L. C. Pinto ◽  
J. N. S. Sales ◽  
R. R. Carvalho ◽  
T. M. França ◽  
J. C. Souza
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Gnrh Analogue ◽  
Gnrh Analogues ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cows ◽  
Conception Rates ◽  
Day Of Embryo Transfer

The use of lactating dairy cows as ovum pick-up (OPU)/IVF-derived embryo recipients in large-scale embryo transfer programs may be limited by the effects of low progesterone concentrations on the uterine environment and subsequent embryo development. It was hypothesized that the injection of a GnRH analogue on the day of embryo transfer would induce ovulation and formation of an accessory corpus luteum, increasing progesterone concentrations and, as a result, conception rates. An experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of two different GnRH analogues injected IM on the day of embryo transfer on conception rates of lactating Holstein recipients. Oestrus was not synchronized and was detected continuously by multiple observers during the day and in the evening until midnight. Recipient days in milk varied from 45 to 150, daily milk production ranged from 20 to 45 kg, body condition scores and age ranged from 2.5 to 4.5 and 2.5 to 5.5 years, respectively. Herd pregnancy rates after the first artificial insemination ranged from 15% to 70%, considering the period the experiment was conducted. Embryos were produced by standard in vitro techniques following OPU on Holstein donors. Lactating Holstein recipients (n = 224) were allocated randomly to one of three treatment groups 7 days after detected oestrus: Control (n = 77) = vehicle; Buserelin (Sincroforte®, Ouro Fino, Sao Paulo, Brazil; n = 75) = 10 µg; and Deslorelin (Sincrorrelin®, Ouro Fino; n = 72) = 750 µg. Embryos were transferred nonsurgically 6 to 8 days after observed oestrus. Pregnancy was detected by ultrasonography between 62 and 72 days after embryo transfer. Percent pregnant data were analyzed as a binomial distribution under the GENMOD procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Conception rates were similar (P = 0.13) between Control (28%, 22/77), Buserelin (24%, 18/75), and Deslorelin (38%, 28/72) treatment groups. These data demonstrate that conception rates from in vitro produced embryos transferred to lactating dairy cows are not improved by treatment with a GnRH analogue on the day of transfer. Although not critically tested, results indicate that adequate conception rates may be obtained in commercial dairy operations from OPU/IVF-derived embryos, adding an important management tool for reproduction and animal breeding enhancement.

Effects of calcium salts of medium-chain fatty acids on plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations in early lactating dairy cows

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (10) ◽  
pp. 1699
Author(s):  
T. Sugino ◽  
A. Tateno ◽  
G. Ueno ◽  
K. Kawashima ◽  
T. Okimura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Calcium Salts ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Medium Chain ◽  
Medium Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cows ◽  
Plasma Metabolite ◽  
Chain Fatty Acids

To elucidate the effects of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) on milk production and plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations in early lactating dairy cows, 10 multiparous Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to two dietary treatment groups after parturition. One group was fed a diet supplemented with calcium salts of MCFA (MCFA-Ca) for 8 weeks after parturition, while the other group was fed the same diet without the supplement (control). MCFA-Ca, containing 60% caprylic acid and 40% capric acid, was added to a total mixed ration (TMR) at 1.5% of the dietary dry matter (DM). Cows were offered the TMR ad libitum. DM intake, daily gain in bodyweight, milk yield, milk fat content and milk protein content did not differ between the two treatment groups. The MCFA-Ca diet decreased plasma glucose and triglyceride concentrations (P < 0.05), while plasma concentrations of total and free cholesterols tended to increase (P < 0.10). Plasma ghrelin was maintained at a higher concentration (P < 0.05) in cows fed the MCFA-Ca diet than in the control group. Relative to the control diet, the MCFA-Ca diet decreased plasma insulin concentration (P < 0.05) and numerically increased plasma glucagon concentration, resulting in a lower insulin : glucagon ratio (P < 0.05). In conclusion, plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations were affected by the MCFA-Ca diet, suggesting that MCFA-Ca supplementation may change endocrine functions and nutrient metabolism in early lactating cows, ultimately resulting in an enhanced catabolic state.

Abnormal patterns of ovarian activity in dairy cows and their relationships with reproductive performance

1980 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Claire Bulman ◽  
P. D. P. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Luteinizing Hormone ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Single Injection ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Intravaginal Device ◽  
Ovarian Cycles

ABSTRACTProgesterone profiles were obtained from 533 dairy cows during the interval from calving to the re-establishment of pregnancy by twiceweekly radioimmunoassay of milk progesterone. The importance of abnormal patterns of ovarian activity on herd fertility was determined. Animals were divided into five categories based on profile analysis: A, normal; B, delayed start to ovarian cycles; C, cessation of cycles; D, prolonged luteal activity; and E, silent oestrus. Animals in categories B to E were subdivided into treatment groups: categories B and C either (i) untreated controls, (ii) single injection 0·5 mg luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (Hoechst) or (iii) progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (Abbott Laboratories Ltd) inserted for 14 days; categories D and E either (i) untreated controls or (ii) single injection 0-5 mg cloprostenol (Imperial Chemical Industries).The proportion of cows in each category was: A 77·5%; B 4·9%; C 5·1%; D 1·9%; and E 10·7%. The incidence of ‘normal’ cows was 75% (first lactation), 80% (2nd to 5th lactations) and 69% (5th to 11th lactations). For normal cows (no. = 413) the interval to the start of cyclicity varied significantly with season but was not correlated with either the intervals to first insemination or to conception. In categories B to E the open period, the number of services per conception, and the days from first insemination to conception were greater than in category A, but only in category C were any differences significant. None of the treatments reduced calving-toconception intervals.

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