scholarly journals Changes in body condition of high-yielding dairy cows

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Novakovic ◽  
Lj. Sretenovic ◽  
D. Ostojic-Andric ◽  
M.M. Petrovic ◽  
S. Aleksic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Level Structure ◽  
The Body ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Target Values ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Body Condition Scores

Objective of the research was to investigate the level, structure and variability of realized differences between average values of body condition scores in high-yielding cows during most critical phases of production cycle. Realized differences were used as criterion for assessment of changes occuring in the cows? energy status through the level of increase or decrease of body condition. Realized average values of body condition scores, for individual and all body regions, within all studied phases of production cycle, deviated statistically very significantly (p?0,01) from target values. Differences between average values of body condition scores according to phases of production cycle, for individual and all body regions, were statistically very significant (p?0,01). Optimum body condition in dry period was realized by 48,76% cows, at calving 53,61%, in the lactation peak 24,41% and in mid lactation 21,12%. Average value of body condition scores at calving was higher by 0,18 (-0,01 to 0,72) units compared to beginning of dry period, whereas at the lactation peak it was by -1,26 (-2,75 to - 0,41) units lower compared to calving, and in mid lactation compared to lactation peak it was higher by 0,18 (-0,94 to 0,85) units. Within the distribution of achieved differences in body condition scores in the time from the beginning of dry period to calving in 346 cows or 96,11% of total number of animals (n=360) increase of body condition score was realized ranging from ? 0,25 units. Distribution of differences in body condition scores between calving and lactation peak showed that 243 cows or 71,48% of total 340 cows realized loss of body condition score of >1,00 units. Within distribution of differences in body condition scores between the lactation peak and mid lactation, 261 cows or 81,06% of total number of scored animals (n=322) increased the body condition score in value of ? 0,25 units. Study showed that, except in the dry period, changes of the body condition during other phases of production cycle weren?t within the limits of optimum values. Realized results clearly showed the possibility of incidence of various production disorders, health issues and reproduction problems. Consequences are reflected also on longevity, life production and genetic progress. Realzied differences in average values of body condition scoreswere important basis for anticipation of potential problems. In that regard, there are significant reserves in improvement of efficiency of management of body energy reserves in high yielding cows.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the body condition of high yielding cows

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 81-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Grubic ◽  
Z. Novakovic ◽  
S. Aleksic ◽  
Lj. Sretenovic ◽  
V. Pantelic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Evaluation System ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Body ◽  
Nutrition Status ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Efficient Production ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Production Practice ◽  
Condition Score

Problems which relate to production, health and reproduction in herds of high yielding cows very often occur due to insufficient knowledge and monitoring of energy reserves in cow organisms. Many researches and practical experiences in this field indicate significant relation between body condition and achieved results in production. Body condition of heads of cattle in certain stages of production cycle is important parameter of applied nutrition, but also entire technological procedure. In countries with developed cattle production, evaluation of body condition has for several years been main component of production practice on farms. It is considered that condition is very reliable indicator of the nutrition status and energy balance in the organism. Body condition score is subjective and practical method which enables precise assessment of deposited fat in the cow organism by observing and touching previously determined body regions and fields. There is considerable variability of the condition of cows in different stages of production cycle. Body condition of high yielding cows often comes out of the frame of optimal values for certain stage of production cycle. Decrease of production, disorders in health condition and fertility of cows indicate the nature of relation between inadequate body condition and stated problems. Shape and strength of the relation between production results and body condition score confirms its reliability. This is all indication of the need for wider application of this evaluation system. Based on body condition score, beside other important factors in the production cycle, there is realistic possibility to achieve more efficient production of milk from the aspect of energy. Main purpose of this paper was to present how the application of methods for body condition score and its significance for production practice can be functional.

scholarly journals Body condition of cows in production cycle

2010 ◽  
Vol 26 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 309-318
Author(s):  
Z. Novakovic ◽  
Lj. Sretenovic ◽  
S. Aleksic ◽  
M.M. Petrovic ◽  
V. Pantelic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Fat Body ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
The Body ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Target Values

Condition of animals is manifested through level of achieved nourishment. Body condition score (BCS) is a precise method of determination of reserves of deposited energy in form of subcutaneous fat tissue. Adequate body reserves are necessary requirement for maximal increase of milk production in the period of early lactation. Based on BCS we can precisely determine the number of cows which are bellow weight (excessively thin) or over weight (excessively fat). Body condition changes during lactation. Cows in early lactation are in the negative energy balance (NEB). Changes of the body condition should be over at the end of lactation. Objective is to have cows in optimal body condition during all production phases. Object of research was body condition of high yielding cows during production cycle. Realized sample size was 363 cows of Holstein-Friesian breed. Average BCS value of cows in dry period was 3.39 (2.37-4.41), at calving 3.56 (2.55-4.63), at lactation peak 2.30 (1.35-3.16) and in the mid lactation 2.50 (1.35-3.43). In dry period, most of cows (n=100 or 27.55%) ranged in BCS from 3.26 to 3.50. During dry period increase of body condition scores of cows occurred. At calving, most of heads (n=99 or 27.50%) ranged in their BCS from 3.51 to 3.75. During period of early lactation there was a significant decrease of the body condition of cows. At the peak of lactation a slight increase of body condition was recorded. At the peak of lactation, most cows (n=125 or 36.76%) ranged in BCS from 2.26 to 2.50. In the mid-lactation period, slight increase of body condition of cows occurred. During this period, most cows (n=88 or 27.32%) ranged in their BCS from 2.51 to 2.75. In general, realized average BCS results according to production phases deviated statistically significantly from target values.

scholarly journals Predicting Ewe Body Condition Score Using Lifetime Liveweight and Liveweight Change, and Previous Body Condition Score Record

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1182
Author(s):  
Jimmy Semakula ◽  
Rene Anne Corner-Thomas ◽  
Stephen Todd Morris ◽  
Hugh Thomas Blair ◽  
Paul Richard Kenyon
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Annual Cycle ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Body ◽  
Ovis Aries ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Combined Models ◽  
Body Condition Scores

The body condition score (BCS) in sheep (Ovis aries) is a widely used subjective measure of body condition. Body condition score and liveweight have been reported to be statistically and often linearly related in ewes. Therefore, it was hypothesized that current BCS could be accurately and indirectly predicted using a ewe’s lifetime liveweight, liveweight change, and previous BCS record. Ewes born between 2011 and 2012 (n = 11,798) were followed from 8 months to approximately 67 months of age in New Zealand. Individual ewe data was collected on liveweight and body condition scores at each stage of the annual cycle (pre-breeding, pregnancy diagnosis, pre-lambing, and weaning). Linear regression models were fitted to predict BCS at a given ewe age and stage of the annual cycle using a ewe’s lifetime liveweight records (liveweight alone models). Further, linear models were then fitted using previous BCS and changes in liveweight, in addition to the lifetime liveweight records (combined models). Using the combined models improved (p < 0.01) the R2 value by 39.8% (from 0.32 to 0.45) and lowered the average prediction error by 10% to 12% (from 0.29 to 0.26 body condition scores). However, a significant portion of the variability in BCS remained unaccounted for (39% to 89%) even in the combined models. The procedures found in this study, therefore, may overestimate or underestimate measures by 0.23 to 0.32 BCS, which could substantially change the status of the ewe, leading to incorrect management decisions. However, the findings do still suggest that there is potential for predicting ewe BCS from liveweight using linear regression if the key variables affecting the relationship between BCS and liveweight are accounted for.

scholarly journals Influence of body condition on incidence and degree of hepatic lipidosis in cows

2008 ◽  
Vol 62 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 3-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Horea Samanc ◽  
Velibor Stojic ◽  
Danijela Kirovski ◽  
Milijan Jovanovic ◽  
Horia Cernescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Hepatic Lipidosis ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Average Body ◽  
Body Condition Scores

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of energy status of cows, estimated by body condition score, on the incidence and the degree of hepatic lipidosis during the early stage of lactation. Cows were divided into four groups: dry, early puerperal, early lactation and late lactation period. Each group consisted of 60 cows. Body condition was scored by the method established in Elaco Animal Health Buletin Al 8478. According to this method, body condition score is represented numerically from 1 to 5 points. Liver samples for pathohistological analyses were taken by biopsy from early lactation cows (60. day of lactation). Fat content in hepatocytes was determined morphometrically and results were compared with criteria based on total lipid and triglyceride content in liver tissue. On farm A, average body condition scores were in a range from 3.31, at sixty days of lactation, to 3.86 points in the dry period. Nevertheless, the range was wider on farm B, and was from 2.18 points at sixty days of lactation to 4.15 points at the dry period. Besides, differences in average body condition scores were higher than 1 point, and in some cases (between late lactation or dry period to sixty days of lactation) were almost 2 points. The incidence and the degree of hepatic lipidosis strongly differ between the two examined farms. On farm A the incidence of hepatic lipidosis was 18.33 percent, while on farm B that percent was much higher (43.32). A significant difference was established in the degree of hepatic lipidosis between those two farms. On farm A diffuse hepatic lipidosis was determined in 5.0 percent of cows, while on farm B that percent was 18.33. According to these results, most of the cows on farm B had uncontrolled lipomobilisation and severe fatty liver during the early lactation period, probably due to the obesity of these cows in late lactation and the dry period.

scholarly journals The analysis of the milk production and the body condition on two Saanen goat-farms

2009 ◽  
pp. 53-59
Author(s):  
Myrtill Kocsisné Gráff ◽  
András Jávor ◽  
Sándor Kukovics
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Body ◽  
The Other ◽  
Saanen Goat ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Two Parameters ◽  
Production Change ◽  
Body Condition Scores

The authors carried out an examination on two Saanen goat farms during four months from May to August 2008. The body condition score and milk production of the goats were measured. In data processing analysis of variance was used to compare the data of the studied farms. They tried to find the answer for the question how the body condition scores and milk production change in each month. The changes observed in each farm were examined separately then they compared the values of the two farms.. On one of the farms the nutrition was proper therefore with an ideal, intermediate body condition (average 2.73) the goats produced a good amount of milk (2.5 milk-kg/mother/day). On the other farm the nutrition was not proper, therefore the body condition of the goats was weak (average 1.88). Their milk production decreased significantly from month to month (average 2.35 milk-kg/mother/day). The authors could conclude considering both farms that the more milk the goats produced, the lower their body condition score became. The two parameters showed negative correlation.

scholarly journals Effect of administering energy supplement in feed on body condition and performance of high-yield dairy cows

2010 ◽  
Vol 64 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 197-206
Author(s):  
Horea Samanc ◽  
Danijela Kirovski ◽  
Milan Adamovic ◽  
Ivan Vujanac ◽  
Radisa Prodanovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Body ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Energy Supplement ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Experimental Group

The objective of the investigations presented in this work was to establish the effects of a glycerol-based energy supplement in the diet of high-yield dairy cows on their body condition and production results during the early stage of lactation. Forty-seven cows were selected before calving, and they were divided into two groups: controls (n=26) and experimental (n=21). Cows of the experimental group were administered the preparation 'Energy Top' (Biochem GMBH, Germany), in a quantity of 250 ml daily during the final two weeks of the dry period and until the 60th day of lactation. The body condition score (BCS) of all cows was determined 10 days before calving, and on days 15 and 60 after calving. Blood samples were taken 10 days before and 15 days after calving, and concentrations of glucose and beta hydroxi-butyric acid (BHBA) were determined in all samples. Average daily milk production of all cows was measured on days 30 and 60 of lactation. The results showed that the differences in BCS between the dry period and puerperium, or the dry period and the 60th day of lactation, were within physiological values in the experimental group of cows, and higher than physiological values in the control group. Glucose concentration was statistically significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group of cows 10 days before calving (p<0.05) and 15 days after calving (p<0.01). Fifteen days after calving, the BHBA concentration in the control group of cows was significantly higher (p<0.01) than in the experimental group. On days 30 and 60 of lactation, the milk yield of experimental cows was higher than of those in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. The obtained results indicate that energy supplements should be used as an integral part of the feed ration during the peripartal period in order to prevent changes in the body condition score of cows by more than 0.7 points, and also that, in cows with a daily milk production of up to 30 l, an energy supplement has a stimulatory effect on milk production until the establishing of an energy balance, in this case, until around the 30th day following calving. .

scholarly journals Relationship between the pre- and postpartum body condition scores and periparturient indices and fertility in high-yielding dairy cows

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Stefańska ◽  
Agnieszka Poźniak ◽  
Włodzimierz Nowak
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Considerable Effect ◽  
The Body ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Days Open

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between body condition score (BCS) determined on the dry-off day, calving day, and in the first month of lactation, its changes during the dry period and early lactation, and periparturient indices and fertility in high-producing dairy cows. Material and Methods: The experiment was conducted in two herds: A and B, located in Western Poland. The studies were conducted on 116 and 108 Polish Holstein-Friesian dairy cows respectively, with an average milk yield of >10 000 kg/305-day lactation. The experiment included the dry period (-56 d to the calving day), the calving day, and early lactation (from +1 to +56 d). The experimental factor was BCS (0 to 5-point scale). The BCS was performed by one person on day -56, on parturition day (in the first 12 h after calving) and on day 30 of lactation. Results: A decrease in BCS (≥-0.25) in herd A during the dry period accelerated the planned calving period by 7.3 d. In the group of cows with BCS <3.25 on the dry-off day, the lowest artificial insemination index (1.80), the shortest period of insemination services (25 d), and days open (87 d) were recorded. Moreover, cows with BCS < 3.25 at calving had the shortest days open (91 d). BCS >3.50 in the first month of lactation (30 d) resulted in the extension of uterine involution period (56 d). Improvement of BCS during the dry period shortened the anoestrus (60 d) in herd A and the period of insemination service (60 d) in herd B. However, in this group (IM BCS ≥ 0.25) of cows the day of the highest artificial insemination index (2.50) in herd B was analysed. Conclusion: The body condition on the dry-off day and at calving, as well as its deterioration in the first month of lactation, have a considerable effect on fertility indices in dairy cows, thus confirming the advisability of its regular monitoring during routine operations connected with the management of a dairy cattle herd.

scholarly journals Evaluation of offspring of dairy sheep given water supplemented with crude glycerin during pregnancy and lactation

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (4Supl1) ◽  
pp. 2567
Author(s):  
Hemilly Cristina Menezes Sá ◽  
Iran Borges ◽  
Gilberto De Lima Macedo Junior ◽  
Felipe Santiago Santos ◽  
Luigi Francis Lima Cavalcanti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
The Body ◽  
Crude Glycerin ◽  
Body Measurements ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation ◽  
Body Condition Scores

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of crude glycerin (CG) supplementation of dairy ewes during pregnancy and early lactation on the body weight and measurements of offspring from birth to weaning. Twenty-four lambs from 24 Lacaune x East Friesian genotype ewes were evaluated. The sheep were distributed in four treatments that differed in crude glycerin supplementation of 0%, 1.5%, 3.0%, and 4.5%, as well as the concomitant adjustment of dry matter and water intake. Body measurements of lambs were recorded every two weeks from birth until weaning. Body weight was recorded daily. Multiple regression analysis revealed that supplementation with CG explained 5.2% of the variation in the weight of lambs at birth (LW), accompanied by the body condition score of the ewe (12.3%), sex of lamb (19.2%), and live weight of the ewes (26.5%); r2 was 63%. According to the predictions of the model adjusted for simulated scenarios, the leanest lambs were derived from ewes weighing between 40 and 50 kg, with body condition scores from 4 to 5, and that did not receive CG at intermediate levels. Heavier lambs, with LW above 5.5 kg, were derived from ewes that weighed between 80 to 90 kg with low body condition scores of 3, and that received 1.5% CG. Supplementation with CG between 2% and 4% improves the weight of the lambs at birth. Body measurements of lambs were not influenced by dietary supplementation of ewes with CG.

scholarly journals Relation of Automated Body Condition Scoring System and Inline Biomarkers (Milk Yield, β-Hydroxybutyrate, Lactate Dehydrogenase and Progesterone in Milk) with Cow’s Pregnancy Success

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1414
Author(s):  
Ramūnas Antanaitis ◽  
Vida Juozaitienė ◽  
Dovilė Malašauskienė ◽  
Mindaugas Televičius ◽  
Mingaudas Urbutis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lactate Dehydrogenase ◽  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Body ◽  
Time Analyzer ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Pregnancy Status ◽  
Body Condition Scoring

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the relation of automatically determined body condition score (BCS) and inline biomarkers such as β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), milk yield (MY), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and progesterone (mP4) with the pregnancy success of cows. The cows (n = 281) had 2.1 ± 0.1. lactations on average, were 151.6 ± 0.06 days postpartum, and were once tested with “Easy scan” ultrasound (IMV imaging, Scotland) at 30–35 d post-insemination. According to their reproductive status, cows were grouped into two groups: non-pregnant (n = 194 or 69.0% of cows) and pregnant (n = 87 or 31.0% of cows). Data concerning their BCS, mP4, MY, BHB, and LDH were collected each day from the day of insemination for 7 days. The BCS was collected with body condition score camera (DeLaval Inc., Tumba, Sweden); mP4, MY, BHB, and LDH were collected with the fully automated real-time analyzer Herd Navigator™ (Lattec I/S, Hillerød, Denmark) in combination with a DeLaval milking robot (DeLaval Inc., Tumba, Sweden). Of all the biomarkers, three differences between groups were significant. The body condition score (BCS) of the pregnant cows was higher (+0.49 score), the milk yield (MY) was lower (−4.36 kg), and milk progesterone in pregnant cows was (+6.11 ng/mL) higher compared to the group of non-pregnant cows (p < 0.001). The pregnancy status of the cows was associated with their BCS assessment (p < 0.001). We estimated that cows with BCS > 3.2 were 22 times more likely to have reproductive success than cows with BCS ≤ 3.2.

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