scholarly journals PhenoBR: a model to phenotype body condition dynamics in meat sheep

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiphaine Macé ◽  
Eliel González-García ◽  
György Kövér ◽  
Dominique Hazard ◽  
Masoomeh Taghipoor
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Accretion Rate ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Meat Sheep

AbstractIn situations of negative energy balance (NEB) due to feed scarcity or high physiological demands, body energy reserves (BR), mainly stored in adipose tissues, become the main sources of energy for ruminants. The capacity to mobilize and restore such BRs in response to different challenges is of major concern in the current context of breeding for resilience. Body condition score (BCS) is a common, practical indicator of BR variations throughout successive productive cycles, and quantitative tools for characterizing such dynamics at the individual level are still lacking. The main objective of this work was to characterize body condition dynamics in terms of BR mobilization and accretion capacities of meat sheep during their productive lifespan through a modelling approach.The animal model used in this work was the reproductive meat ewe (n = 1478) reared in extensive rangeland. Regular measurements of BCS for each productive cycle were used as the indicator of BR variations. A hybrid mathematical model and a web interface, called PhenoBR, was developed to characterize ewes’ BCS variations through four synthetic and biologically meaningful parameters for each productive cycle i: BR accretion rate , BR mobilization rate , plus the time of onset and the duration of the BR mobilization, and ΔTi, respectively.The model converged for all the ewes included in the analysis. Estimation of the parameters indicated the inter-individual variability for BR accretion and mobilization rates, and for the length of the mobilization period. Body reserve mobilization rates were closely correlated between productive cycles. Significant correlations between BR mobilization and accretion rates suggest that the two processes are biologically linked. Parameters kp and kb decreased as parity increased. BR mobilization rate and duration increased as litter size increased, while BR accretion rate decreased.Individual characterization of animals by these parameters makes it possible to rank them for their efficiency in the use of body reserves when facing NEB challenges. Such parameters could contribute to better management and decision-making by farmers and advisors, e.g. by adapting feeding systems to the individual characteristics of BR dynamics, or by geneticists as criteria to develop future animal breeding programs including BR dynamics for more robust and resilient animals.

scholarly journals The Capacity of Holstein-Friesian and Simmental Cows to Correct a Negative Energy Balance in Relation to Their Performance Parameters, Course of Lactation, and Selected Milk Components

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1674
Author(s):  
Ilona Strączek ◽  
Krzysztof Młynek ◽  
Agata Danielewicz
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Negative Energy Balance ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Peak Lactation

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.

scholarly journals Relationships between fat depots and body condition score or tail fatness in the Rasa Aragonesa breed

1989 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Teixeira ◽  
R. Delfa ◽  
F. Colomer-Rocher
Keyword(s):  
Body Fat ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Fat Depots ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Total Fat ◽  
Total Body ◽  
Fat Depot ◽  
The Individual

ABSTRACTThe relationships between body fat depots and body condition score (BCS) were determined in 52 adult Rasa Aragonesa ewes aged 10 (s.d. 2) years and ranging in BCS from 1·5 to 4·5. BCS of each ewe was assessed by three people, the repeatability within individuals being 90% and between individuals 80%. The ewes were weighed before slaughter. After slaughter the omental, mesenteric, kidney and pelvic fat were separated and weighed. The fat of the left side of the carcass was separated into subcutaneous and intermuscular depots. The relationship between live weight and BCS was semilogarithmic and those between fat depots and BCS were logarithmic. Regression analysis was also used to describe the relationships between the various fat depots and BCS or live weight. Of the variation in total fat weight, proportionately 0·90 was accounted for by variations in BCS, while 0·84 was accounted for by variations in live weight. For individual fat depots proportionately 0·86 to 0·90 of the variation was accounted for by variation in BCS and 0·69 to 0·79 by variation in live weight. BCS was a better predictor than live weight of the weight of both total body fat and the individual fat depots.A curvilinear regression between BCS and live weight showed that the increases in live weight for a unit change in BCS was 7, 10, 12 and 16 kg for each one point increase in BCS from 1 to 5 respectively.The tail fat depot (tail fatness score) was assessed in the same ewes by score on a three-point scale. Of the variation in the weight of individual fat depots, proportionately 0·79 to 0·86 was accounted for by variation in tail fatness score. Thus the tail fatness score could be used as an additional method of assessing body condition in the Aragonesa breed.

scholarly journals Relationship between energy status and fertility in Czech Fleckvieh cows

2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (6) ◽  
pp. 67-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaromír Ducháček ◽  
Mojmír Vacek ◽  
Luděk Stádník ◽  
Jan Beran ◽  
Zuzana Vodková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Energy Status ◽  
The Third ◽  
Service Period ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Negative Effect

The aim of this study was to confirm that a negative energy balance expressed by declining body condition score (BCS) can lead to the deterioration of fertility results of Czech Fleckvieh cows. The BCS of cows was evaluated before calving and during the first five weeks of lactation. The evaluation was based on 338 Czech Fleckvieh cows calved between the October 13th, 2009 and April 27th, 2010 at one dairy farm. Analysis of relationships between the energy balance results and fertility score expressed by the reproduction results (pregnancy rate after the first and all inseminations, the insemination interval, service period, insemination index, calving period) of the observed group were performed. The higher body condition score of the Czech Fleckvieh cows before calving turned out advantageously regarding the energy source during the postpartal period. No negative effect of higher BCS in cows before calving was confirmed. The best reproduction parameters were attained in the group of cows with no change or marked increase of body condition after calving recorded. However, statistically significant differences between the groups were detected only in the third week of lactation. Significant differences in the level of body condition were detected in relation to the length and type of oestrus onset.

scholarly journals Factors affecting postpartum ovarian activity of goats in tropical semi-arid region

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 330-345
Author(s):  
Thiago Nascimento ◽  
Edilson Soares Lopes Junior ◽  
Mayara De Souza Miranda ◽  
Thais Thatiane dos Santos Souza ◽  
Ana Arlete de Amorim Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Negative Energy Balance ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Semi Arid

There have been few studies on the use of diets and strategies to reduce the length of postpartum anoestrus in dairy goats, especially in tropical semi-arid regions. This review discusses the factors influencing the return of postpartum ovarian activity in goats. During the postpartum period, goats are in puerperal anoestrus and their reproductive tract is being prepared for a new conception. Anoestrus is necessary for tissue renewal in the uterus (uterine involution) associated with the return of cyclic ovarian activity, and is influenced by factors such as suckling of the offspring, social interactions, body condition score (BCS) before and after birth, intensity of negative energy balance (NEB) and stress from adverse climatic conditions. The anoestrus period can be extended by delays in the resumption of reproductive activity of females in puerperium. The duration of puerperal anoestrus in goats directly affects the productivity of the herd and is mainly influenced by nutrition, lactation period and heat stress. To minimize the negative effects of postpartum anoestrus on productivity, we recommend a mating season and a plan for the kidding period, as well as a program to monitor the body condition score during pregnancy so that the animals will have a better BCS at parturition. To minimize the effects of a negative energy balance, we suggest nutritional supplementation with levels of energy above the requirements for maintenance. Highlights The duration of postpartum anoestrus in goats is influenced by nutrition and body condition score. Heat stress can intensify the negative energy balance, consequently increased the period of anoestrus. Puerperal anoestrus occurs as a result of tissue renewal in the uterus. Suckling of the offspring associated with the period of lactation and social interactions can modified the puerperal anoestrus period. Use of diets and strategies to reduce the postpartum anoestrus in goats.

scholarly journals Effects of parity and body condition at parturition on endocrine and reproductive parameters of the cow

Reproduction ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 127 (6) ◽  
pp. 727-737 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Meikle ◽  
M Kulcsar ◽  
Y Chilliard ◽  
H Febel ◽  
C Delavaud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Early Postpartum Period ◽  
Reproductive Axis ◽  
Early Postpartum ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Ovarian Cyclicity

The effect of parity (multiparous vs primiparous) and body condition score (BCS; <3.0 or ≥3.0, lean vs fat) at parturition on metabolic and endocrine profiles from 1 month before to 2 months after parturition were studied in 42 Holstein cows grazing on improved pastures. BCS and milk production were determined every 2 weeks. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxy-butyrate (BHB), insulin, IGF-I, leptin, thyroxine (T4) and 3,3′,5-tri-iodothyroinine (T3) were determined in plasma every 10 days. Progesterone was determined three times per week after parturition. Primiparous cows had a lower BCS during the early postpartum period and produced less milk than multiparous animals. Primiparous cows had higher NEFA concentrations and they presented more samples with BHB concentrations of >1 mmol/l than multiparous cows. Multiparous cows had higher T3, T4 and IGF-I concentrations, while fat cows had higher leptin and IGF-I concentrations. All hormone concentrations were diminished in the first week postpartum. Primiparous cows and fat cows presented a steeper decay of IGF-I and leptin around parturition than multiparous cows and lean cows. While thyroid hormones and IGF-I showed increasing concentrations from approximately day 30, leptin concentrations remained low until the end of the experimental period. The initiation of ovarian cyclicity was delayed in primiparous cows and especially in primiparous lean cows, consistent with longer intervals from parturition to first service and to conception. The endocrine signals most likely to inform the reproductive axis regarding a negative energy balance were IGF-I and leptin.

Relationships between body condition score (BCS), biochemical blood parameters and pregnancy rates in Prim'Holstein cows under subtropical conditions

2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 385-388
Author(s):  
E. Tillard ◽  
S. Nabeneza ◽  
B. Faye ◽  
P. Humblot
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Blood Parameters ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

AbstractThe relationships between body condition score (BCS), metabolic measurements and pregnancy rates were studied from 214 cows belonging to 6 herds located in Reunion Island between January and December 1998. BCS (0 to 5 scale) and biochemical blood parameters were measured before calving, 0-30, 60-90 and 120-150 days post-partum. Pregnancy status was also checked precisely after 171 AI's (n=104 cows) by EIA progesterone determination in milk 23 to 24 days after AI and pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB) measurements 30 to 45 days after AI and was further confirmed by rectal palpation by 60 days post AI. A preliminary analysis led to determine 3 groups of herds according to their pregnancy rates (40%, 26% and 14.5% respectively for group 1, 2 and 3 cows). Significant differences between the 3 groups were found for BCS, glucose and urea (p < 0.0001) and a significant main effect of the post-partum stage was observed as well (p < 0.0001). Mean BCS were not different in the 3 groups before calving but were higher in group 1 cows than in group 2 and 3 cows at all other stages studied. A similar trend was found for urea. Glucose concentrations were severely depressed in group 3 cows when compared to group 1 and 2 cows whatever the stage studied. These results sugggest that variables illustrating negative energy balance (BCS decrease and low glucose concentrations) or deficit in nitrogen supply (urea concentrations) on a herd basis are related to poor pregnancy rates.

The effect of dry period length reduction to 28 days on the performance of multiparous dairy cows in the subsequent lactation

2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 449-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adel Pezeshki ◽  
Jalil Mehrzad ◽  
Gholam R Ghorbani ◽  
Bart De Spiegeleer ◽  
Robert J Collier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Period Length ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Condition Score

In a controlled study, the effects of shortened and conventional dry periods (28.2 ± 4.6 vs. 48.8 ± 4 d) on performance of multiparous cow were evaluated. Seventy multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to either a 28- or a 49-d dry period length (DPL). Nine cows were removed from the study and 61 cows were used in the statistical analysis. Cows in the 28-d DPL group were moved to close-up pen and fed only close-up ration during the dry period, whereas those in the 49-d DPL group were given a far-off diet after dry-off until 28 d before expected calving, and then fed the same diet as the cows in the 28-d DPL group. Daily milk yield production was significantly reduced in the 28-d DPL group compared with the 49-d DPL group through 210 d in milk (DIM). Neither milk protein nor milk fat was changed in experimental groups. However, fat yield tended to be greater in the 49 d DPL compared with the 28 d DPL. Cows with 28 d DPL lost less body condition in peripartum and gained more body condition score (BCS) by 150 DIM. No differences were detected in health disorders, reproduction efficiency and birth weights of calves due to shortened dry period. Our data demonstrate that a shortened dry period under employed management practices is a good management tool in attenuating negative energy balance status without adversely affecting total milk production. Key words: Dry period, management, multiparous dairy cow, performance, body condition score

scholarly journals Intra-flock variability in the body reserve dynamics of meat sheep by analyzing BW and body condition score variations over multiple production cycles

animal ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1986-1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Macé ◽  
E. González-García ◽  
F. Carrière ◽  
S. Douls ◽  
D. Foulquié ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Body ◽  
Multiple Production ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Production Cycles ◽  
Meat Sheep

scholarly journals Reproductive Diseases in Farmed Rabbit Does

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1873
Author(s):  
Joan Maria Rosell ◽  
Luis Fernando de la Fuente ◽  
María Teresa Carbajo ◽  
Xosé María Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Fetal Death ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Body ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Individual ◽  
A Prospective Study

In this study, we determined the occurrence of reproductive diseases in does on 1373 visited farms in Spain and Portugal, between 1994 and 2019. The retrospective information obtained was entered in a database classified as follows: apparent infertility (≤70% pregnancy rate), abortions (≥2% of serviced does), high fetal death risk at parturition (≥10%) or dystocia, amongst others. Infertility was the reason for 181 visits. The median of prevalence of apparent infertility in these cases was 35% (minimum to maximum: 25–90%) and the mean, 37.4%. We performed a prospective study to determine risk factors at the individual and farm level, with a second database corresponding to 2014–2019. We carried out pregnancy checks, assessed sanitary status and body condition, and recorded the age of 17,297 rebred lactating does on 142 farms. The median size of the farms was 800 does, and the examined cohorts, 350 does. Predisposing risk factors for infertility were observed: e.g., mastitis had an effect. During the 5-year study, we made a third database with the results from 190,508 does palpated by producers in a subset of 134 farms. In this case, the median of the prevalence of apparent infertility was 14.5% (minimum to maximum: 4.1–50%), which could be considered baseline occurrence when monitoring the theriogenology of rabbit doe farms. Reproductive rhythm was an enabling risk factor: does serviced ≤25 d postpartum were less fertile than at ≥32 d. We made a database with the body condition score (BCS) on a linear scale from 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese). The pregnancy rate (PR) of underweight and borderline does (4/9) was 73.1%. The PR of overweight and borderline does (6/9) was 82.6% and those classified with a mean BCS (5/9): PR = 79.3%. We may infer that the optimum BCS for reproduction is 6/9, rather than 5/9. Some changes in female rabbit health and husbandry to improve reproductive performance and welfare are highlighted.

scholarly journals Comparison of Gut Microbiota of 96 Healthy Dogs by Individual Traits: Breed, Age, and Body Condition Score

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2432
Author(s):  
Inh Wan You ◽  
Min Jung Kim
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Healthy Dogs ◽  
Microbial Environment

Since dogs are part of many peoples’ lives, research and industry related to their health and longevity are becoming a rising topic. Although gut microbiota (GM) is a key contributor to host health, limited information is available for canines. Therefore, this study characterized GM according to individual signatures (e.g., breed, age, and body condition score—BCS) of dogs living in the same environment. Fresh fecal samples from 96 healthy dogs were analyzed by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The major microbial phyla were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. In the comparison by breeds, relative abundance of Fusobacterium was significantly differed. Interestingly, Fusobacterium perfoetens abundance was positively correlated with age (p = 0.018), being significantly more enriched in the 6–10-year-old group (14.3%) than in the 0.5–1-year-old group (7.2%). Moreover, despite the healthy appearance of dogs in all age (0.5–10 years) and BCS (3–6) groups, the gut microbial environment may be disadvantageous in older dogs or in dogs with an abnormal BCS. These findings broaden our understanding of gut microbial ecology according to individual characteristics of dogs and may be used as a reference for providing customized-care to companion animals.

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