scholarly journals Effect of Animal Welfare Quality on the Reproductive Performance of Extensive Pasture-Based Beef Cows in New Zealand

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Baby Kaurivi ◽  
Richard Laven ◽  
Tim Parkinson ◽  
Rebecca Hickson ◽  
Kevin Stafford
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Components Analysis ◽  
Welfare Measures ◽  
The Relationship

One key area where animal welfare may relate to productivity is through reproductive performance. Welfare was assessed on 25 extensively managed pastoral New Zealand beef farms and the relationship between welfare and reproductive performance was explored. Relationships between welfare measures and key reproductive performance indicators (pregnancy rate, weaning rate, mating period and bull: cow ratio) were investigated using an exploratory Principal Components Analysis and linear regression model. Seven welfare measures (thinness, poor rumen fill, dirtiness, blindness, mortality, health checks of pregnant cows and yarding frequency/year) showed potential influence on reproductive performance, and lameness was retained individually as a potential measure. Mean pregnancy rates in both 2018 (PD18) and 2017 (PD17) were ~91% and mean weaning rate was 84%. Of the welfare measures, only lameness had a direct association with pregnancy rate, as well as confounding effect on the association between mating period and pregnancy rate. The bull: cow ration (mean 1:31) and reproductive conditions (dystocia, abortion, vaginal prolapse) did not influence pregnancy and weaning rates. In the study population there was no clear association between welfare and reproductive performance, except for the confounding effects of lameness.

scholarly journals Effect of Animal Welfare on the Reproductive Performance of Extensive Pasture-Based Beef Cows in New Zealand

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 200
Author(s):  
Yolande Baby Kaurivi ◽  
Richard Laven ◽  
Tim Parkinson ◽  
Rebecca Hickson ◽  
Kevin Stafford
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Components Analysis ◽  
Welfare Measures ◽  
The Relationship

One key area where animal welfare may relate to productivity is through reproductive performance. This study assesses welfare on 25 extensively managed pastoral New Zealand beef farms, and explores the relationship between welfare and reproductive performance. Relationships between welfare measures and key reproductive performance indicators (pregnancy rate, weaning rate, mating period and bull: cow ratio) are investigated using an exploratory principal components analysis and linear regression model. Seven welfare measures (thinness, poor rumen fill, dirtiness, blindness, mortality, health checks of pregnant cows and yarding frequency/year) showed a potential influence on reproductive performance, and lameness was retained individually as a potential measure. Mean pregnancy rates, in both 2018 (PD18) and 2017 (PD17), were ~91% and mean weaning rate was 84%. Of the welfare measures, only lameness had a direct association with pregnancy rate, as well as a confounding effect on the association between mating period and pregnancy rate. The bull: cow ration (mean 1:31) and reproductive conditions (dystocia, abortion, vaginal prolapse) did not influence pregnancy and weaning rates. In the study population, there was no clear association between welfare and reproductive performance, except for the confounding effects of lameness.

scholarly journals Body condition score to predict the postpartum fertility of crossbred beef cows

2007 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 741-746 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Carlos Ferrugem Moraes ◽  
Carlos Miguel Jaume ◽  
Carlos José Hoff de Souza
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Statistical Difference ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Estradiol Benzoate ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
The Third ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between changes in body condition score (BCS) during the postpartum and fertility in beef cows suckling calves under extensive conditions were investigated. Cows were subjected to four BCS evaluations over the postpartum period, starting around one month after calving. In the second evaluation cows were treated with medroxy-progesterone acetate impregnated pessaries and received an injection of estradiol benzoate. At the third evaluation, pessaries were removed and calves were separated from the cows for 96 hours, during which time estrous was observed twice a day, and animals artificially inseminated 12 hours after detection. When calves returned to their dams, bulls were introduced until a 60-day mating period was reached. The distribution of BCS differed among calving groups and evaluations. Results indicated that only cows comprising a BCS 3 (1 to 5 scale) around the first month postpartum can be used in an artificial insemination program with possibilities of becoming pregnant. There was no statistical difference between the calving groups in pregnancy rate. The evolution of the BCS of the cows during postpartum can be used to adjust the start of the breeding season to coincide with the time of the year where herd pregnancy rates will be highest.

Effect of temperament and behavioural reactions to the presence of a human during the pre-mating period on reproductive performance in farmed mink (Mustela vison)

2002 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. T. Korhonen ◽  
L. Jauhiainen ◽  
T. Rekil&auml
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Mustela Vison ◽  
Gestation Period ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Walking Test ◽  
Pooled Data ◽  
Walking Tests ◽  
The Relationship

The present study sought to evaluate the relationship between temperament, pre-mating behaviour and reproductive performance in farmed female mink (Mustela vison). Temperament was measured by using a stick test and behavioural reactions to the presence of a human during pre-mating period by a walking test. The experimental animals comprised 100 confident and 100 fearful scanblack female mink. In each temperament group, 58% of female mink were primiparous and 42% were multiparous. The length and timing of mating periods and the length of the gestation period were similar in all groups. Pooled data showed that the length of the gestation period correlated negatively with litter size (r = -0.17, P = 0.03). The whelping proportions for confident and fearful primiparous female mink were 81% and 74% (P = 0.37), respectively, and for multiparous females 83% and 81% (P = 0.78), respectively. The number of kits per mated and whelped female at parturition (P < 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively) and at weaning (P < 0.01 and P = 0.07, respectively) was significantly higher in confident than in fearful females. A significant correlation between kit losses and litter size was found only in primiparous and multiparous confident females (r = 0.35, P = 0.02; r = 0.32, P = 0.07). Postnatal kit mortality was higher in primiparous confident females than fearful females. During walking tests, fearful animals, irrespective of age, remained in side the nest box more frequently than did confident ones. Stationary behaviour outside the cage (lying, sitting, standing, etc.) was more common in confident than in fearful animals (P < 0.001). Significant differences in locomotor activity or stereotypies were not found between the groups. In multiparous fearful females, the whelping result declined significantly with the increasing incidence of stereotypies (r = -0.37, P = 0.04). In primiparous fearful female mink, the relationship was the reverse (r = 0.37; P = 0.01). We conclude that the significant temperament dichotomy (confident vs. fearful) found in farmed mink stock has a marked effect on the reproductive performance of this species. Key words: Farm-bred mink, personality trait, temperament, reproductive performance, domestication

scholarly journals 215 Supplementation with beta-carotene and vitamins improves pregnancy rate after timed-AI in beef Nellore cows grazed in pasture systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 154-154
Author(s):  
Luana Factor ◽  
Guilherme S Vasconcellos ◽  
Tiago S Acedo ◽  
Victor V Valério de Carvalho ◽  
Bruna L Catussi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Beta Carotene ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Brachiaria Brizantha ◽  
Mineral Supplement ◽  
Mineral Supplements ◽  
Mineral Supplementation ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Completely Randomized Design

Abstract The aim was to evaluate the effects of beta-carotene and vitamins (A, D3, E and biotin) on reproductive performance of grazing Nellore cows calving in different moments. A total of 497 multiparous cows (5.68 ± 0.11 parities) were homogeneously divided in 4 paddocks (Brachiaria brizantha spp.) according to BCS (2.8 ± 0.27), following a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, being the factors: calving moment [CM = early October (EO; 1st-15th) or late October (LO; 16th-31st)]; and supplementation (SUP): control [(mineral supplementation, Fosbovi® Reprodução; n = 251) or vitamins (control + beta-carotene (150 mg), vitamins A (40.000IU), D3 (5.000IU), E (300 mg) and biotin (20 mg)/cow/day; n = 246)]. Mineral supplement and vitamins were daily offered for 60 days (30d before to 30d after 1st FTAI), and provided by DSM Produtos Nutricionais Brasil S.A. Cows were synchronized (1st FTAI) with a P4/E2-based FTAI protocol, and open cows were resynchronized (2nd FTAI) 30 days after the first insemination. The 1st FTAI conception rate (CR) tended to be greater for vitamins group, compared to control [64.2%(158/246) vs. 56.6%(142/251); P = 0.08], regardless of CM. The CM*SUP interaction was significant for CR at 2nd FTAI, with vitamins presenting higher CR over control in LO moment [52.1% (38/73) vs. 41.4% (24/58), P = 0.0053]. Greater cumulative CR (1st + 2nd FTAI) was observed for vitamins over control [83% (204/246) vs. 79% (198/251); P = 0,058], and for LO compared to EO [86% (157/183) vs. 78% (245/314); P = 0.01], without CM*SUP significance. The BCS was higher for the vitamins group, compared to control, at AI moment (3.00 vs. 2.81, P &lt; 0.0001) and 30 days after AI (3.11 vs. 3.03, P &lt; 0.0001), regardless of CM. The inclusion of beta-carotene and vitamins A, D3, E and biotin in mineral supplements is a tool to optimize reproductive performance and BCS of grazing Nellore beef cows during breeding season.

scholarly journals Evaluation of reproductive and animal welfare parameters of swine females of different genetic lines submitted to different reproductive management and housing systems during pregnancy

2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 1675-1682
Author(s):  
D. Bampi ◽  
K.K. Borstnez ◽  
C.P. Dias ◽  
O.A.D. Costa ◽  
F. Moreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Welfare Indicators ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Reproductive Management ◽  
Farrowing Rate

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate swine females of different genetic lines submitted to different reproductive management and housing systems during pregnancy on reproductive performance and animal welfare parameters. After artificial insemination protocol, 524 females were divided into two gestation housing systems: PEN1=animals housed in individual stalls during the breeding and after group-housed; PEN32=animals housed in individual stalls from breeding until 32 days of pregnancy and after group-housed. The number of piglets born, and the pregnancy and farrowing rates were evaluated. Welfare parameters related to the pregnancy phase were used. Females who weaned more piglets in the previous farrowing had a higher number of piglets born at the next farrowing. The pregnancy rate was affected by the number of semen doses. The farrowing rate was not influenced by the evaluated parameters, with average value of 91.36%. There was no effect of the gestation housing system and the genetic lines on pregnancy and farrowing rates, with values above 90.0%. The animal welfare indicators showed more compromised parameters in PEN1 system. PEN1 system did not impair the reproductive performance although it presented more compromised animal welfare parameters.

scholarly journals Effects of the weaning age of calves on somatic development and on reproductive performance of beef cows

2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 1058-1067 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Zambarda Vaz ◽  
José Fernando Piva Lobato
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Calving Interval ◽  
Early Weaning ◽  
Weaning Age

This study evaluated body development and reproductive performance of beef cows whose calves were submitted to early weaning (76 days of age), or conventional weaning (148 days of age). It was used 141 Braford cows that calved in 2004, 2005, and 2006 to evaluate weight at calving at 76 days, weight at calving at 148 days, weight at the beginning and end of the breeding season, variation of the average daily weight, body condition, pregnancy rate, and calving interval. Dams of calves weaned at 148 days of age showed daily weight gain higher body weight and better body condition at 148 days of age. The weights at the end of breeding season and average weight gain during the breeding season were higher in early weaning cows than in conventional cows. Pregnancy rate of early weaning cows (86.34%) was higher than those submitted to weaning at conventional age (55.45%). Pasture interval was similar among early weaning cows and conventional weaning cows. The best benefit on reducing weaning age in pregnancy rate was in primiparous cows. There was significant interaction between weaning age and the year for calving interval and milk production. The early weaning of calves carried out at 76 days of age allows cows to better weight recovery in the post-weaning and breeding periods, improving their body condition and consequently increasing pregnancy rate regarding to cows whose calves suckled until 148 days of age.

Reproductive performance in Holstein-Friesian cows in relation to genetic merit and level of feeding when grazing pasture

2001 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 397-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. J. Fulkerson ◽  
J. Wilkins ◽  
R. C. Dobos ◽  
G. M. Hough ◽  
M. E. Goddard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
The Other ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Genetic Merit ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Friesian Cows

AbstractOne hundred and eight Holstein-Friesian cows in six herds were run on six separate farmlets over a 5-year period from 1995 to 1999 at Wollongbar Agricultural Institute, on the subtropical north coast of New South Wales, Australia. Three of the herds comprised high genetic merit (HGM) cows — Australian breeding value (ABV) of +49·1 kg for milk fat (F) plus protein (Pr) and three herds comprised low genetic merit (LGM) cows-ABV of 2·3 kg. Within genetic merit groupings, one herd was given 0·34 t (l), one herd was given 0·84 t (m) and one herd 1·71 t (h), of concentrate per cow per lactation. Within each genetic merit group, cows were matched for milk yield and live weight, and over all groups for time of calving and age at the commencement of the study. The 30 paddocks within each farmlet were matched between farmlets for pasture type and pasture growth rate and soil fertility. Half the cows within each herd calved over a 3-month period in spring and the other half in autumn. Strict management criteria ensured that there was no bias towards particular treatment groups.HGM cows were ‘open’ (days from calving to conception) for 8 days longer than the LGM cows (99 v. 91 days). The lHGM cows took 11 days longer to commence luteal phase activity and 21 days longer to first observed oestrus post calving than hLGM cows (P < 0·001), with the other groups being intermediate.After 24 days of mating, 22% of lHGM cows were pregnant, and this was less than half of the rate of the best herd-mLGM. After 9 weeks of mating, the chances of an LGM cow being pregnant was 87% greater than an HGM cow. After 12 weeks of mating, 70% of lHGM cows were pregnant compared with a mean pregnancy rate of 87% for the LGM cows.The number of cows treated for abnormal ovarian activity (anoestrus, cystic) was highest (P < 0·001) in the HGM herds given ‘l’ and ‘m’ levels of concentrate compared with the remaining herds (0·24 v. 0·12 treatments per cow mated, respectively).There was a significant positive relationship between live-weight change from 4 weeks before, to the start of, the mating period and the chances of a cow being pregnant at 24 days (P < 0·05) and at 6 and 9 weeks after the commencement of mating.There was a significant negative relationship (P < 0·001) between the change in daily F plus Pr yield, from the start to 4 weeks after mating began, and pregnancy rate at 9 weeks. The change in F plus Pr yield was +63 g/day for cows pregnant at nine weeks as opposed to +154 g/day for cows not pregnant.The results of the present study indicate that the reproductive performance of HGM cows, with a mean of 61% North American (NA) genes, is lower than LGM cows (22% NA genes) under a predominantly pasture-based system of farming. The influence on reproduction was possibly due to genes favouring partitioning of energy to milk yield rather than body-condition maintenance in the HGM cows and when food intake was inadequate, then being more willing to use body reserves.These reproductive problems may be reduced by more intensive reproductive management. However, such practices are costly and time consuming. Another approach may be to ensure that live-weight loss over the mating period is minimized by strategic supplementary feeding.

scholarly journals Effect of a Trace Mineral Injection on Performance and Trace Mineral Status of Beef Cows and Calves

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2331
Author(s):  
Carmen J. Willmore ◽  
John B. Hall ◽  
Mary E. Drewnoski
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Trace Mineral ◽  
Mineral Status ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Cu And Zn

The objective was to determine the effects of an injectable trace mineral (TMI; Multimin 90) containing copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) on trace mineral status and the resulting impacts on reproduction of beef cows and the growth of their calves. Beef cows (n = 200) were assigned to receive TMI or no injection (CON) prior to calving and breeding over two consecutive years. Calves born to cows receiving TMI also received TMI at birth in both years and at 49 ± 1.3 days of age in year 1. The TMI increased (p = 0.01) liver Zn and tended (p = 0.06) to increase liver Cu concentrations. Short-lived effects of TMI on Se were observed. Liver Cu and Zn would have been considered adequate and Se marginal in the CON. Pregnancy due to artificial insemination and overall pregnancy rate did not differ (p ≥ 0.36) between treatments. Use of TMI did not increase calf pre-weaning gain. These data indicate that TMI does not improve the reproductive performance of beef cows with adequate trace mineral status or the pre-weaning performance of their calves.

Sealing animal welfare into the GATT exceptions: the international dimension of animal welfare in WTO disputes

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 471-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
KATIE SYKES
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
International Law ◽  
The Other ◽  
Legal Norms ◽  
International Dimension ◽  
Trade Law ◽  
International Trade Law ◽  
Welfare Measures ◽  
The One ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractEC–Seal Products has been characterized as a contest between local moral preferences about animal welfare, on the one hand, and global commitments to trade disciplines on the other. But that description fails to take into account the development of international legal norms concerning animal welfare and their relevance to this case, as well as to other potential disputes involving animal welfare measures that affect trade. The international dimension of animal welfare implicates two ongoing debates in international trade law: what the relationship should be between WTO law and general international law, and the extent to which ‘public morals’ under Article XX(a) of GATT can be locally defined or need to be internationally shared. This Article examines the argument that there is a general principle of international law concerning animal welfare, and analyzes the role that international norms regarding animal welfare should play in EC–Seal Products.

Visual Evoked-Response Correlates of Speechreading Performance in Normal-Hearing Adults

1983 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent J. Samar ◽  
Donald G. Sims
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Evoked Response ◽  
Multiple Correlation ◽  
Potential Significance ◽  
Visual Evoked Response ◽  
Latency Measure ◽  
Two Measures ◽  
Components Analysis ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Visual Evoked

The relationship between the latency of the negative peak occurring at approximately 130 msec in the visual evoked-response (VER) and speechreading scores was investigated. A significant product-moment correlation of -.58 was obtained between the two measures, which confirmed the fundamental effect but was significantly weaker than that previously reported in the literature (-.90). Principal components analysis of the visual evoked-response waveforms revealed a previously undiscovered early VER component, statistically independent of the latency measure, which in combination with two other components predicted speechreading with a multiple correlation coefficient of S4. The potential significance of this new component for the study of individual differences in speechreading ability is discussed.

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