Accuracy of predicted calving dates in Holstein-Friesian dairy cows based on fetal ages estimated using manual rectal palpation

2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 234-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
BJ Matthews ◽  
JM Morton
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Nabila Azwani ◽  
Pudji Srianto ◽  
Sri Pantja Madyawati ◽  
Trilas Sardjito ◽  
Endang Suprihati

This case study aims to determine the effect of a combination of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) with Gonadotropin (PG-600), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the estrus and pregnancy rates in Holstein Friesian (HF) cows with persistent corpus luteum (PCL). A total of 15 Holstein Friesian (HF) dairy cows aged 3-5 years with body condition score (BCS) 5-7 (scale 1-9) diagnosed with PCL, were injected with 7.5 mg PGF2α intra-vulvar submucosa. Cows were then divided into three treatment groups. Group P0 was not given the combination treatment, while P1 group was injected with a  combination of 300 IU PG-600 and 150 IU hCG, meanwhile P2 group was was injected with a combination of 300 IU PG-600 and 300 IU hCG intra-muscularly. The PGF2α and PG-600 injections were carried out on the same day PCL was diagnosed. Meanwhile, the injection of hCG was carried out at the same time as the AI. The Pregnancy examination was performed 90 days after AI through rectal palpation. The results showed that all treated cows were estrus  observed with the fastest onset of estrus was the P2 group, that was significantly different (p <0.05) compared to the P0 and P1 groups. All treated cows were diagnosed as pregnant. It can be concluded that the administration of PGF2α or its combination with gonadotropins in HF cows with PCL could result in 100% estrus and pregnancy rates.


Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 722
Author(s):  
Bethan Cavendish ◽  
John McDonagh ◽  
Georgios Tzimiropoulos ◽  
Kimberley R. Slinger ◽  
Zoë J. Huggett ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to characterize calving behavior of dairy cows and to compare the duration and frequency of behaviors for assisted and unassisted dairy cows at calving. Behavioral data from nine hours prior to calving were collected for 35 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. Cows were continuously monitored under 24 h video surveillance. The behaviors of standing, lying, walking, shuffle, eating, drinking and contractions were recorded for each cow until birth. A generalized linear mixed model was used to assess differences in the duration and frequency of behaviors prior to calving for assisted and unassisted cows. The nine hours prior to calving was assessed in three-hour time periods. The study found that the cows spent a large proportion of their time either lying (0.49) or standing (0.35), with a higher frequency of standing (0.36) and shuffle (0.26) bouts than other behaviors during the study. There were no differences in behavior between assisted and unassisted cows. During the three-hours prior to calving, the duration and bouts of lying, including contractions, were higher than during other time periods. While changes in behavior failed to identify an association with calving assistance, the monitoring of behavioral patterns could be used as an alert to the progress of parturition.


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.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1081
Author(s):  
Leen Lietaer ◽  
Kristel Demeyere ◽  
Stijn Heirbaut ◽  
Evelyne Meyer ◽  
Geert Opsomer ◽  
...  

Postpartum dairy cows experience impaired peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) functionality, which has been associated with reproductive tract inflammatory diseases. However, it has not been elucidated yet whether endometrial PMN functionality is (equally) impaired. We developed a method for endometrial PMN isolation and flow cytometric assessment of their viability and functionality. We also evaluated PMN immunolabeling, using a specific bovine granulocyte marker, CH138A. Blood and endometrial cytobrush samples were collected in duplicate from seventeen clinically healthy Holstein-Friesian cows between 9 and 37 days in milk. The proportion of viable, apoptotic, and necrotic PMN in endometrial samples roughly ranged from 10 to 80%, indicating highly dynamic endometrial PMN populations in the postpartum uteri. Endometrial PMN functionality testing revealed that PMN immunolabeling increased the accuracy, although this protocol might influence the median fluorescence intensity of the sample. Phagocytosis seemed the most stable and reliable endometrial PMN function and could be assessed satisfactorily without prior CH138A immunolabeling. However, the interpretation of oxidative burst and intracellular proteolysis tests remains challenging. The correlation between peripheral and endometrial PMN functionality was poor. Further research is warranted to unravel the role of uterine PMN viability and functionality in bovine uterine health.


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