Effect of body condition and suckling restriction with and without presence of the calf on cow and calf performance

2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (10) ◽  
pp. 931 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Quintans ◽  
G. Banchero ◽  
M. Carriquiry ◽  
C. López-Mazz ◽  
F. Baldi
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Follicle Diameter ◽  
Calf Performance

Nutrition and suckling are largely recognised as the most important factors affecting the postpartum period and consequently the reproductive efficiency of beef cattle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of body condition score (BCS) and suckling restriction with and without the presence of the calf on milk production, reproductive efficiency and calf performance. Sixty-three crossbred (Angus × Hereford) multiparous cows were managed to maintain different BCS at calving and thereafter (low vs moderate; L, n = 31 and M, n = 32). Within each group of BCS (L and M) at week 9 postpartum (66 ± 0.88 days postpartum) cows were assigned to three suckling treatments (ST): (i) suckling ad libitum (S, n = 20); (ii) calves fitted with nose plates during 14 days remaining with their dams (NP, n = 22); and (iii) calves were completely removed from their dams for 14 days, and thereafter returned (CR, n = 21). Milk production was assessed by milking procedure at Day 65 (the day before onset of ST) and every 20–22 days until the end of the experiment. Cows were bled via jugular venipuncture every 28 days from Day –98 (Day 0 = calving) until Day 66. From Day 66 cows were bled every 7 days until the end of the mating period (Day 128). Concentrations of progesterone, non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate acid and insulin were measured. Presence of corpus luteum (CL) was recorded and maximum follicle diameter was measured in all cows from the onset of the ST (Day 66) and during the following 4 weeks (until Day 94) in a weekly frequency. At Day 94, more cows (P < 0.001) in NP and in CR had CL compared with S cows (68, 57 and 21% for NP, CR and S, respectively). At that time, more cows in M-BCS presented CL than cows in L-BCS (77 vs 25; P < 0.0001). Within M-BCS, there were no differences in milk production between ST groups, while L-BCS cows with NP or CR produced less milk than S cows. Calf liveweight at weaning was 159.3 ± 3.1, 150.1 ± 2.9 and 147.0 ± 3.1 kg for S, NP and CR, respectively (P < 0.001). Suckling restriction with and without the presence of the calf had similar effects on reproductive performance, milk production and calf growth, while BCS interacted with ST to influence milk production. These results indicate that temporary suckling restriction could be an excellent management tool to increase reproductive performance of cows in moderate condition.

scholarly journals Influence of post-calving supplemental protein on calf performance and reproductive efficiency for beef cows fed silage

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Charmley ◽  
J. A. Small ◽  
K. B. McRae
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
Linear Effect ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Protein Milk

Protein supplementation for winter-calving beef cows between calving and turnout to pasture was studied in two trials. Changes in cow body weight (BW) and condition and calf BW gains were recorded from calving to weaning in the fall. Reproductive performance was monitored, and in trial 2, milk production was determined. In trial 1, multiparous silage-fed cows were allocated to one of five levels of corn gluten meal (CGM): 0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 g d−1. In the second trial, cows were allocated to either restricted or ad libitum silage feeding in combination with three protein supplements: no protein, 400 g d−1 CGM or 475 g d−1 soybean meal (SBM). In trial 1, cows gained weight during supplementation, but on pasture they lost weight (linear effect, P = 0.10). Calf gains and weights at turnout and weaning showed a quadratic response to protein supplementation (P < 0.05). There was a trend toward a linear decline in days to first service with increasing levels of CGM (P < 0.10). In trial 2, cows on restricted silage feeding lost weight (P < 0.05) and body condition (P < 0.10), whereas those fed ad libitum silage gained weight and condition. On pasture, this pattern of weight change was reversed (P < 0.05). Protein supplementation did not influence BW change but tended to cause a lower body condition score at turnout (P = 0.10). Restricting silage intake to the cow did not affect calf performance, but protein supplementation increased gains both during supplementation and on pasture, thus increasing weaning weights (P < 0.05). When silage was fed ad libitum, SBM was more effective than CGM for increasing calf gain. However, when silage was restricted, CGM was more effective. Restricting silage intake did not impair milk production, but feeding CGM increased milk production (P < 0.05). For ad libitum-fed cows, protein supplementation increased pregnancy rate; restricting feed had the opposite effect. Our data suggest that protein supplementation to silage-fed beef cows in good body condition can increase calf performance; however, the level of supplementation is critical, and possible adverse effects on breeding have to be taken into account, particularly with cows in negative energy balance after calving. Key words: Beef cow, protein, milk production, calf gains, silage

Influence of feeding different types feed blocks as supplementary feed on the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes grazing cereal stubble

2005 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-151
Author(s):  
A. D. Salman
Keyword(s):  
Cottonseed Meal ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Supplementary Feed ◽  
Lambing Rate

This study was conducted to investigate the Influence of feeding different types feed blocks as supplementary feed on the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes grazing cereal stubble. These types were feed blocks enriched with cottonseed meal (CSM) or Brewers’ grain (BG) as sources undegradable protein (UDP). Ninety-six Awassi ewes (mean live weight 42.2 Kg), aged 3-4 years were allocated into three groups according to ewes live weight and body condition score.Group (C): Control (No Supplement) stubble grazing only.Group (FBC): FB enriched with CSM supplement plus stubble grazing.Group (FBB): FB enriched with BG supplement plus stubble grazing.All ewes were run as one flock during cereal stubble grazing. The feed blocks were fed to animals (supplementary groups) after their return from grazing wheat and barley stubble (28 days prior to mating and 54 days after introduction of rams). Rams run with the flock during the mating period. The results showed that feeding feed blocks enriched with CSM and BG as supplementary feed resulted considerable improvement in weight gain (P<0.05), body condition score (P<0.05), conception rate (13-16), lambing percentage (25-33%), twinning percentage (13-18%) and decreased the proportion of barren ewes (19 vs. 6 and 3%). Inclusion of small amount of high moisture brewers grain by-product (9%) as sources of undegradable protein in the feed blocks formula as replacement for costly cottonseed meal resulted a dramatic effects on the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes especially twinning rates and lambing rate.

The effect of different pasture management strategies during the weaning-to-mating period on reproductive performance of Greyface ewes

1990 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. G. Gunn ◽  
J. M. Doney ◽  
R. D. M. Agnew ◽  
W. F. Smith ◽  
D. A. Sim
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Other ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Pasture Management ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Sward Height ◽  
Condition Score

ABSTRACTThe effects on reproductive performance of different strategies of pasture management designed to conserve herbage in situ during the late growing season for use during the pre-mating and mating period were studied in three experiments over 3 years with Greyface ewes. Two experiments with 341 ewes compared set-stocking of pasture at 12 ewes per ha on two initial levels of herbage mass with a conservation strategy which left half of the area ungrazed and grazed the other half of the area at 24 ewes per ha from late August until mid October (2 weeks before the start of mating) after which the total area was grazed at 12 ewes per ha. In a third experiment with 124 ewes, the conservation strategy left a quarter of the area ungrazed and varied stocking rate to a minimum of 12 ewes per ha to maintain two initial levels of herbage mass on the other three-quarters of the area and then compared set-stocking at six ewes per ha on this area with set-stocking at 18 ewes per ha on the previously ungrazed quarter of the area during the pre-mating and mating period.Initial levels of herbage mass were within the range of 2000 to 2100 kg dry matter (DM) per ha (7 cm sward height; high) and 1500 to 1700 kg DM per ha (4 to 5 cm; low). Mean herbage accumulation rates between August and October were estimated to be 25 and 44 kg DM per ha per day in the first two experiments. Initial live weight and body condition score also varied considerably between years and subsequent response was influenced by herbage growth rate. Where mean ewe body condition was within the score 2·75 to 3·00, range over the mating period and herbage mass on set-stocked areas was not higher than 2200 kg DM per ha (8 cm sward height) in the pre-mating period or not lower than 1300 kg DM per ha (3·5 cm) at about 3 weeks after mating, the strategy of management did not influence reproductive performance in terms of the number of lambs born. Within these limits, however, reproductive performance was positively related to herbage mass in late August (low = 1·60, high = 1·94).When herbage mass fell below the 1300 kg DM per ha level before or during mating, reproductive performance was improved by a herbage-conservation strategy which maintained ewe body-condition score within the 2·75 to 3·00 range. When herbage mass and growth rate were high, reproductive performance was also improved by a herbage-conservation strategy which restricted the development of excessive body condition before mating by avoiding the increase in barrenness shown to derive from very high levels of body condition.

scholarly journals Determining the factors affecting the gestational length in sheep

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-89
Author(s):  
Hilal Tozlu Celik ◽  
Fatih Ahmet Aslan ◽  
Yeliz Kasko Arıcı ◽  
Metehan Eser Kahveci ◽  
İbrahim Kiper
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Measurements ◽  
Gestational Length ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Birth Type

Abstract. This research aimed to determine the effects of body weight, the body condition score (BCS), body measurements, birth type (single offspring or twin birth), birth weight and sex on the gestational length in sheep (n=111). Karayaka sheep raised on a private farm were used in the study. Progeny yield characteristics in sheep were also determined (n=139). Estrus was monitored daily using teaser rams from August to September 2016. According to our findings, the pregnancy rate, infertility rate, fecundity, and twin and single birth rates were 93.52 %, 6.48 %, 93.52 %, 14.62 % and 85.38 % respectively. The effect of age on the BCS in sheep at mating was found to be significant (P<0.05): BCS decreased as age increased. It was determined that there was a positive association between the BCS and live weight during the mating period (P<0.001). The chest circumference, front shin circumference and body length were found to be higher in sheep with a BCS ≥ 4.5 at mating time (P<0.01). The middle rump width was significantly affected by the BCS (P<0.001). In this study, the lowest and highest gestational lengths were found to be 148.90 and 151.41 d respectively. The gestational length in sheep was not found to be affected by age, the BCS, body measurements, sex or birth type (P>0.05); however, it was observed that the gestational lengths for male offspring and single offspring (non-multiple births) were longer. In addition, it was detected that the gestational length was different in sheep with a BCS ≥ 4.5. The time spent in the womb is important with respect to obtaining a healthy lamb. For profitable production, a BCS of between 2.5 and 4 is recommended in sheep. It is thought that the use of body condition scoring, which is easy information for the breeder to utilize, will have a positive effect on determining the bodily reserves of sheep and the reproductive efficiency as well as on obtaining a healthy lamb. More studies on the gestational length in sheep are required.

Relationship between genetic merit, milk production, body condition, blood parameters and reproductive performance of dairy cows

2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 499-502
Author(s):  
S.E.M. Snijders ◽  
P.G. Dillon ◽  
K.J. O'Farrell ◽  
M. Diskin ◽  
D. O'Callaghan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Genetic Merit ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Production Body

AbstractBased on their pedigree indices for milk production traits, 48 high (HM) and 48 medium (MM) genetic merit cows were studied in each of two years to determine the possible relationships between genetic merit, milk production, body condition, metabolite and hormone concentrations, feed intake and reproductive performance. The high genetic merit cows had higher milk production, greater body condition loss between calving and first service, lower plasma glucose and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and lower first and second service conception rates than the medium genetic merit cows. Furthermore, more high genetic merit cows were not pregnant at the end of the breeding period compared with medium genetic merit cows. Cows that did not conceive to first service were retrospectively compared to those that conceived to first service within each genetic merit category. Within the high and medium genetic merit category there were no significant differences between the cows that did not conceive and those that conceived to first service in terms of milk production, or plasma concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Although medium genetic merit cows that did not conceive to first service lost more body condition score between calving and first service than those that conceived to first service, there was no difference in body condition score (BCS) change between calving and first service between high genetic merit cows that did not conceive and those that conceived to first service. In the present study, high genetic merit cows had higher milk production and reduced reproductive performance in comparison with medium genetic merit cows. However, reproductive performance was not associated with milk production, energy balance or plasma concentrations of glucose, NEFA or IGF-1 between calving and insemination

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