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.

Body Condition Scoring in Dairy Cows - A Conceptual and Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhishek Paul ◽  
Santu Mondal ◽  
Suresh Kumar ◽  
Tripti Kumari
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Selection Indices ◽  
Farm Mechanization ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Score Gain ◽  
Body Condition Scoring ◽  
Good Technique ◽  
On Farm

As herd sizes have increased in the last decades due to commercialization of dairy sector, computer monitoring solutions, which provide fast and accurate evaluation of body condition score, gain more and more importance. The main reasons that discourage the use of traditional BCS estimation techniques are the lack of computerized reports, its subjectivity in the judgment, observational variations and time consuming on farm training of technicians. Moreover, measurement on a cow must be collected every 30 days interval throughout the lactation period to have valuable information for use in selection indices. However, an automated BCS largely diminishes the need for labor, time and training, be less stressful for the animals, increase accuracy and could provide large volumes of data for use in genetic evaluation. The sonography is also good technique to detect depletion of body fat reserve by measuring back fat thickness (BFT) in conjunction with BCS in dairy cattle. In India, BCS monitoring technique is not well adopted due to lack of farm mechanization, awareness and an extra labor charges, can create a burden on farm finances.

scholarly journals Association of Body Condition Score and Score Change during the Late Dry Period on Temporal Patterns of Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Concentration and Milk Yield and Composition in Early Lactation of Dairy Cows

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1054
Author(s):  
Zelmar Rodriguez ◽  
Elise Shepley ◽  
Pedro P. C. Ferro ◽  
Nilon L. Moraes ◽  
Acir M. Antunes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Fat Reserves ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Beta Hydroxybutyrate

Monitoring the body condition score (BCS) of dairy cows is a management strategy that can assist dairy producers in decision-making. The BCS and its variations reflect the level of body fat reserves and fat mobilization throughout the different stages of lactation. Cows that mobilize excessive amounts of fat reserves in response to the increased energy requirements of the transition period are more likely to have higher beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration in blood, leading to a higher incidence of hyperketonemia postpartum. In this study, our main objective was to evaluate how both BCS (at 21 d prior to the expected calving date, −21 BCS) and change in BCS during the late dry period (−21 d to calving, ∆BCS) are associated with temporal patterns of blood BHB concentrations during the first two weeks of lactation. Our secondary objective was to characterize the relationship between the change in BCS in the late dry period, and milk yield and milk composition in the first milk test postpartum. In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed BCS at 21 (±3) days before the expected calving date and within three days after calving. Blood BHB concentration was measured at days 3 (±1), 7 (±1), and 14 (±1) postpartum. Hyperketonemia (HYK) was defined as blood BHB ≥ 1.2 mmol/L. To evaluate how −21 BCS and ∆BCS during the late dry period were associated with BHB in early lactation, linear mixed-effects regression models with an unstructured covariate matrix were performed. The association between ∆BCS and incidence of postpartum HYK were determined using a multivariable log-binomial model. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the association between ∆BCS and milk yield and milk composition in the first monthly test-day. Covariates used for model adjustment include parity, season, and baseline BCS. We observed that cows with BCS ≥ 4.0 at 21 d before their expected calving date had the highest BHB concentration postpartum, but no evidence that BCS ≥ 4.0 at 21 d was associated with fluctuations of BHB over time. Cows that experienced a large BCS loss (larger than 0.5 units) during the late dry period had a 61% (95% CI: 1.04, 2.50) higher risk of developing HYK in early lactation and had higher BHB concentrations during early lactation compared with cows with no ∆BCS prepartum. These associations were observed independently of the BCS at −21 d prepartum (baseline). In addition, cows that lost more than 0.5 BCS unit in the late dry period produced 3.3 kg less milk (95% CI: −7.06, 0.45) at the first milk test compared to cows that had no ∆BCS during the late dry period. No evidence of an association between −21 BCS and ∆BCS in the late dry period and milk composition was observed in our study. These results suggest that dynamic measures of BCS during the late dry period, such as ∆BCS, are better at evaluating blood BHB patterns in early lactation than BCS measured at a single time point. Cows with larger BCS loss during the late dry period and with greater parity are more likely to have higher concentrations of blood BHB postpartum, with the highest concentrations reported at 7 d post-calving.

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 Validation of body condition score system in Holstein x Zebu cows via ultrasound method during the transition period and early lactation

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 3797
Author(s):  
Narjara Rodrigues Gentil ◽  
Anselmo Domingos Ferreira Santos ◽  
Mikaele Alexandre Pereira ◽  
Mariana Santos Lima ◽  
José Cláudio Torres Guimarães ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Body ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Visual Evaluation ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Zebu Cows

This study aims to validate, by means of subcutaneous rump fat thickness (RFT), the suitability of the visual evaluation of body condition score (BCS) to indicate the body condition of crossbred dairy cows (Holstein x Zebu) during the transition period and early lactation. Animals were selected according to lactation period and distributed into three groups: PP (0 to 4 weeks antepartum; n = 30), L4 (0 to 4 weeks postpartum; n = 15), and L + 5 (5 to 14 weeks postpartum; n = 63). The relationship among RFT, BCS, and body weight (BW) was investigated using correlation and regression analyses. The variables BCS, RFT, and BW were different among the three groups (P < 0.05). The correlations between BCS and RFT were higher in groups PP and L + 5 (r = 0.78 and r = 0.71 respectively). However, the L4 group showed a weak correlation (r = -0.04). The regression models were able to explain how much RFT varies because of changes in BCS, with coefficients of determination equal to 0.61 for PP and 0.51 for L + 5 group. In conclusion, BCS can be considered a good predictor of RFT for crossbred Holstein x Zebu cows in antepartum and postpartum for over 5 weeks of lactation.

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.

Palmitic acid-enriched fat supplementation alleviates negative production responses during early lactation of Holstein dairy cows

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (13) ◽  
pp. 1598
Author(s):  
Hani M. El-Zaiat ◽  
Dyaaeldin Mohamed ◽  
Sobhy M. Sallam
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Palmitic Acid ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Condition Score

Effects of rumen-protected fat (RPF) on suppressing the negative performance responses in early lactation period of Holstein dairy cows were investigated. Three hundred multiparous Holstein cows (647 ± 16 kg bodyweight and 90 days in milk (DIM)) were randomly housed into three free-stall barns (100 cows per barn) and assigned to the treatments for 90 days, as follows: (1) control (CTL) diet without RPF; (2) calcium salt of palm fatty acids (CaFA) 30 g/kg DM, and (3) fractionated fatty acids of palm oil (FFA) 25 g/kg DM. Cows were fed total mixed ration containing 580 g of concentrate and 420 g of roughage per kilogram DM. Cows fed FFA exhibited a higher (P &lt; 0.05) DM intake and body condition score than did those fed CaFA or CTL diets respectively. Moreover, cows fed the FFA diet showed decreased (P &lt; 0.05) changes to bodyweight at 30 DIM and to body condition score at 60 DIM and increased digestibility of ether extract and neutral detergent fibre. Blood concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose were higher (P &lt; 0.05) for cows fed FFA diet than for those fed the other diets, between 4 and 30 DIM, whereas concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyric acid and urine ketones were lower for cows fed RPF sources (P &lt; 0.05). Relative to CTL diet, CaFA and FFA diets increased (P &lt; 0.05) milk yield and milk fat content at 4–30 DIM. Feeding FFA improved feed efficiency by 8.9% (P = 0.006), between 31 and 60 DIM, compared with CaFA. Inclusion of a palmitic acid-enriched fat supplement in Holstein cow diet increased milk yield and fat content and mitigated the deleterious effects of metabolic disorders during the early lactation period.

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.

Effects of level of feeding of concentrates during early lactation on the yield and composition of milk from grazing dairy cows with varying body condition score at calving

2004 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Stockdale
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Grazed Pasture ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Grazing Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition Scores

An experiment was undertaken to establish the influence of body condition at calving on milk production and composition using diets typical of those currently used in Victoria. Seventy-two cows were fed differently from April 2001 to achieve target body condition scores (BCS) by 1 month before calving of about 4�(3.5–4.5), 5 (4.5–5.5) or 6 (5.5–6.5) units on an 8-point scale. The actual mean BCS at calving for the 3 treatments were 3.8, 5.2 and 5.7 units (P<0.05). After calving, cows grazed at pasture allowances of about 35 kg DM/cow.day and received 1 of 2 levels of supplementation (1 or 6 kg DM of pelleted concentrates per day) for about the first 10�weeks of lactation. The low BCS cows lost less body condition (0.35 v. 1.27 units; P<0.05) for a shorter period (4.8 v. 7.9 weeks; P<0.05) than did the medium and high BCS cows. The low BCS cows also ate more pasture than the other 2 BCS groups, but only when expressed as a percentage of liveweight (2.91 v. 2.73%; P<0.05). Improvements in BCS at calving resulted in higher milk fat percentages in early lactation (3.31% for low BCS cows v. 3.60% for the 2 higher BCS groups; P<0.05), while milk protein and lactose were not affected (P>0.05). At the lower level of feeding in early lactation, milk production increased (P<0.05) linearly as BCS at calving increased, by 1.0 kg milk per unit of body condition per day. However, when energy intake was increased by feeding 6 kg of concentrates, milk production increased as body condition increased (P<0.05) from the low to medium BCS, but there was no significant benefit beyond the medium BCS. Therefore, the hypothesis, that providing that cows are fed well with grazed pasture supplemented with high-energy concentrates in early lactation, BCS at calving will have no effect on subsequent milk production, was at least partially disproved, and it may be that it is never possible for cows at pasture to be sufficiently well fed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document