scholarly journals Embryonic mortality in Holstein cows on one’s farm

2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 211-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Puklová ◽  
Jan Šubrt ◽  
Dušan Skrip ◽  
Radek Filipčík
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Body ◽  
Embryonic Mortality ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Positive Effect

The objective of our research was to evaluate the effect of some factors on the embryonic mortality of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows in a herd. Monitoring was conducted in the course of three years (2006–2009) at a level of (9330–8970) kg/dairy cow per lactation. We monitored the reproduction parameters of 209 dairy cows (1st to 8th lactation). Ultrasonography was used to diagnose gravidity, and/or embryonic mortality, in each cow 6 times, at regular 4-day intervals between days 22 and 42 after insemination. We analysed the effect of 3 factors on embryonic mortality: age, body condition score and season of the year at the time of insemination. Embryonic mortality relative to the age of the female was significantly the lowest (20.69 %) in cows aged 42 to 47 months (3.5–3.9 years); high embryonic mortality (45.46 %) was recorded in the youngest females of 24 to 29 months of age (2.0–2.4 years). The results indicated that the body condition score of the cow at the time of insemination had a statistically significant (P > 0.01) effect on embryonic mortality (EM). Embryonic mortality was the lowest when the body condition of the cow was “ideal”, i.e. 5 points of the BCS (at the most 9 points). The season of the year when insemination was carried out had a positive effect on embryonic mortality.

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 Interaction between the body condition score, gait, hindlimb conformation, and claw conformation in dairy cows in Aydin, Turkey

2022 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Akin ◽  
Husnu Erbay Bardakcioglu ◽  
Elvan Hayat ◽  
Yalcin Alper Ozturan ◽  
Omer Kurt
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Present Knowledge ◽  
The Body ◽  
Breeding Strategies ◽  
Abnormal Gait ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Selection Of

ABSTRACT: Breeding strategies aim to reduce lameness in dairies by using predictor traits to increase the selection of dairy cows. This study enhanced the present knowledge about association between the claw conformations (CC), hindlimb conformation (HiLC), gait, and body condition score (BCS) in dairy cows. A total of 166 lactating Holstein cows were enrolled in the study and scored for BCS, CC, HiLC, and gait. The abnormal HiLC group was statistically significant (P<0.001) to have more abnormal CC. Hock in (Hin) cows showed significance (P<0.001) with CC abnormalities. Cows with abnormal gait have less abnormal claw and limb conformation than normal cows (P=0.032). Lactation number (P=0.036) and abnormal HiLC (P<0.001) were significantly increased risk for CC. The present results might be useful for claw and hindlimb conformations, and breeding strategies of the herd.

scholarly journals Correlations between acute phase proteins and the body condition score

2017 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 339-344
Author(s):  
Mária Vargová ◽  
Rudolf Hromada ◽  
Katarína Veszelits Laktičová ◽  
Terézia Pošiváková ◽  
Juraj Benculák ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Acute Phase ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Serum Amyloid A ◽  
Acute Phase Proteins ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Body ◽  
Serum Amyloid ◽  
Amyloid A ◽  
Condition Score

The objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of the body condition score, acute phase proteins (serum amyloid A and haptoglobin) and their relationships in dairy cows of the Slovak Pied Cattle from 3 weeks before parturition to 9 weeks after parturition. Significant differences were found in the means of serum amyloid A (P < 0.01). Haptoglobin concentrations increased from 172.0 ± 0.05 µg/ml to 173.0 ± 0.13 µg/ ml at week 3 and week 1 before the parturition, respectively. The highest value of haptoglobin was recorded in cows 3 week post partum. Cows during the early postparturient period had significantly higher serum amyloid A concentrations compared to cows in the prepartal period (P < 0.01). Significantly higher body condition score values were observed in dry cows (from 4.42 ± 0.20 to 4.25 ± 0.15 points) than in cows after parturition (from 3.90 ± 0.12 to 3.25 ± 0.08 points) (P < 0.001). In the assessment of correlations between the selected acute phase proteins significant positive correlation was found (r = 0.213, P < 0.05). Moreover, negative correlations were found between the body condition score and acute phase proteins. Our results show a strong relationship between the decrease of the body condition score and the increase of acute phase proteins in dairy cows around parturition which indicates the process of a certain form of non-specific inflammation at loss of body fat.

scholarly journals Adding wheat to a pre-partum diet of Holstein cows favours post-partum protein utilization and benefits calcium status

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 588-599
Author(s):  
H.M. Alamouti ◽  
H. Amanlou ◽  
K. Rezayazdi ◽  
M. Vazirigohar ◽  
M.Z. Ihsan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
The Body ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Plasma Metabolites ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Condition Score

This study evaluated the effects of replacing corn with wheat on the lactation performance, ruminal fermentation, plasma metabolites and hormonal profiles of multiparous Holstein cows. Thirty-four multiparous cows were divided into two equal groups, based on parity, body condition score, and bodyweight. The basal diet was supplemented with 186 g/kg corn or wheat, and was offered from day -28 (±7) relative to the date of expected calving. After calving, all cows received the same diet for four weeks (day +28). The wheat diets increased (P <0.05) the body condition score in the peri-parturient period and caused greater changes in dry matter intake and bodyweight post-partum, with no differences in energy balance compared with the corn diets. Further, the wheat increased (P <0.05) the concentration of propionate in the rumen, thus reducing the ratio of acetate to propionate, and produced (P <0.05) more milk and milk protein, but had reduced levels of urea nitrogen in the milk and serum. Similarly, the wheat diets increased (P <0.05) the plasma concentrations of albumin and glucose, and reduced (P <0.05) triglycerides with no effect (P >0.10) post partum on insulin, cortisol, β-hydroxybutyric acid and aspartate aminotransferase. The replacement of corn with wheat increased (P <0.05) plasma calcium and reduced non-esterified fatty acids around calving (day 0±1) and post-partum (days 0 to +28), and reduced urinary pH during the last week relative to the date of expected calving.Keywords: calving, energy balance, grain source, peri-parturient period

NON-CONTACT BODY CONDITION SCORE OF DAIRY COWS BASED ON TOF-TECHNOLOGY

2021 ◽  
pp. 39-44
Author(s):  
DMITRY YU. PAVKIN ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Point Cloud ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Body ◽  
Digital Data ◽  
Expert Assessment ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Tof Camera ◽  
Ischial Tuberosities

The paper presents the results of applying the body condition score (BCS) least squares algorithm used to assess the body condition of dairy cows with a 3D ToF camera. The authors propose a method for collecting field data on the body condition of dairy cows in industrial milk production using a 3D ToF camera. The camera was installed at a height of 2200 mm from the floor at an angle of 5° towards the sacrum. Four areas of the body of 34 dairy cows were examined: the ischial tuberosities, the roundness of the maclugs, the sacral ligament, and the caudal ligament. Data were collected during milking. 136 images were processed. Digital data were processed in three types of images: in the RGB-D color spectrum, Point Cloud and binary. The assessment took into account five groups of fatness: 1 - lean; 2 - thin; 3 - well-fed; 4 - very well-fed; 5 - obese dairy cow. The resulting images were analyzed using software developed in the Matlab environment. The results of the algorithm were compared with the expert assessment of four specialists. According to the results of the BCS assessment of the algorithm, the fatness scores of groups 1 and 5 coincided with the opinion of experts with a probability of 73 and 67%, in groups 2, 3, 4 the coincidence was 61, 52 and 55%, respectively. The authors suppose that the inaccuracy in determining the fatness of groups 2, 3 and 4 is associated with their implicit differences. It is concluded that of all the BCS groups, the system more accurately determines the fatness of cows of groups 1 and 5, as well as from three image options (Point cloud 3D, RGB-D, binary) RGB-D most accurately determined the fatness of cows.

scholarly journals Serum metabolites and body condition score associated with metritis, endometritis, ketosis, and mastitis in Holstein cows

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edir Torres ◽  
Miguel Mellado ◽  
Carlos Leyva ◽  
José Eduardo García ◽  
Francisco Gerardo Véliz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Serum Glucose ◽  
The Body ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Serum Metabolites ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Condition Score

Abstract: The objective of this work was to identify the serum metabolites and the body condition score (BCS) of Holstein cows associated with the occurrence of periparturient diseases, when under heat stress. Blood samples were collected from 181 cows one week after calving, and the BCS was recorded at calving. Cows with β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration ≥ 0.8 mmol L-1 were 2.2 times more likely to develop metritis and 4.4 times more likely to develop clinical endometritis (CE). Cows with serum creatinine levels ≥ 2.0 mg dL-1 showed 2.2 and 4.5 greater risk (p ≤ 0.05) of suffering from metritis and CE, respectively, during the current lactation. The odds of metritis and CE occurrence were 2.7 and 4.6 times greater (p < 0.01) in cows with serum total protein (TP) ≥ 5.0 mg dL-1. Cows with serum glucose levels ≤ 70 mg dL-1 and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) ≥ 0.5 had 9.4 and 8.8 times greater odds of developing clinical ketosis, respectively, than cows with lower glucose and NEFA blood levels. The strategic use of metabolic tests to monitor transition Holstein cows, aiming to prevent some postpartum diseases due to heat stress, should focus on blood BHBA, NEFAs, glucose, creatinine, and TP. Additionally, the BCS ≤ 3.2 should be avoided to prevent endometritis.

scholarly journals Periparturient Period in Terms of Body Condition Score and Selected Parameters of Hormonal Profiles

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-69
Author(s):  
M. Vargová ◽  
G. Kováč
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Body ◽  
Transitional Period ◽  
Periparturient Period ◽  
Hormonal Profiles ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
All Diseases ◽  
Opposite Tendency

Abstract The majority of all diseases in dairy cows occur during the period from three weeks before parturition to three weeks after parturition, in the periparturient or transitional period. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of selected parameters of: the hormonal profiles, the body condition score (BCS) and their interrelationships. The study was carried out on 15 dairy cows of the Slovak Pied Cattle, from three weeks before to nine weeks after parturition, which were divided into six groups. The concentrations of leptin during ante partum increased from 23.08 ± 10.58 ng.ml−1 to 26.80 ± 11.47 ng.ml−1, then gradually decreased (P > 0.05), and conversely, the concentrations of ghrelin before parturition were found to be decreasing and during the postpartal period, the concentrations increased, with the highest value of 35.94 ± 16.85 pg.ml−1. In the case of insulin, we found the opposite tendency of ghrelin. We observed significantly higher values of BCS in dry cows than in cows after parturition (P < 0.001). Comparing the BCS and the parameter of the hormonal profiles, we found both positive and negative correlations: leptin and ghrelin (r = −0.235, P < 0.05), and BCS and insulin (r = 0.232, P < 0.05), and BCS and leptin (r = 0.360, P < 0.001). The interrelationships between the hormones and the body condition score, provided evidence that the variations in concentrations of leptin, ghrelin and insulin were related to variations in the BCS.

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