scholarly journals Intensity of Oestrus Signalling Is the Most Relevant Indicator for Animal Well-Being in High-Producing Dairy Cows

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuel Garcia ◽  
Jan Hultgren ◽  
Pontus Fällman ◽  
Johanna Geust ◽  
Bo Algers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Genetic Potential ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Calving Rate ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
Rectal Palpation ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Complementary Value

Full signalling of oestrous behaviour is vital for proper timing of AI and good reproductive performance, currently jeopardized by shorter observations of oestrus behaviour. Alternative indicators including progesterone (P4) recordings on-farm are tested. Oestrous intensity of 37 heifers (H) and 30 1st-parity dairy cows (C1) either Swedish Red (32) or Swedish Holstein (35) with high genetic potential for milk production, was studied in relation to AI. P4-levels in blood or milk were monitored on-farm at 0, 7, and 20 d post-AI with a portable ELISA reader (eProCheck800). Avoidance distance and body condition were scored at day 7, and pregnancy diagnosed by P4(day 20) and trans-rectal palpation (day 50). More heifers (46%) than C1-cows (10%) showed standing oestrus (strongest intensity,P<0.05), leading to higher pregnancy rate at d50 (72% versus 37% for C1,P<0.01) and calving rate (H: 64%, C1: 33%,P<0.05). Avoidance distances were short (<1 m), reflecting good human-animal interaction. Visually-recorded standing oestrus yielded 4.8 fold higher odds of pregnancy, respectively 4.6-fold higher odds of calving. On-farm P4-recordings had complementary value yet less accuracy. Intensity of oestrus signalling relates to animal well-being, reflected in pregnancy-to-term being a good indicator for optimal welfare in high-producing dairy cattle.

scholarly journals Animals in our Lives: An Interactive Well-Being Perspective

2021 ◽  
pp. 027614672098481
Author(s):  
Nancy V. Wünderlich ◽  
Jill Mosteller ◽  
Michael B. Beverland ◽  
Hilary Downey ◽  
Karen Kraus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Societal Challenges ◽  
Considerable Research ◽  
Public Consumption ◽  
Marketing Systems ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Human Animal Interaction ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
Mental Well Being

Humans have long interacted with animals. Recently, market-based responses to societal challenges, including loneliness and mental well-being include the use of animals. Considerable research concerning consumer–animal relationships has also examined the benefits (micro, meso, and macro) of human-animal interaction and companionship. However, much of this research is fragmented and lacks a broader organizing framework. It also suffers from an anthropomorphic bias, whereby the interests of animals are excluded. To address this, we provide a macromarketing perspective on consumer–animal relations and explore the interdependencies of consumer–animal relationships on consumer, animal, and community well-being. We introduce and apply the Interactive Well-Being framework to four contexts –ranging from private to public consumption spaces– that highlight the interdependencies and systems involved in consumer–animal relationships: (1) co-habitation with animals, (2) emotional support animals, (3) working with animals, and (4) animals in commercial service contexts. We discuss the implications of our framework for the resilience of marketing systems and how the framework aligns with alternative economy development.

scholarly journals Associations between Dairy Herds’ Qualitative Behavior and Aspects of Herd Health, Stockperson and Farm Factors—A Cross-Sectional Exploration

Animals ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 182
Author(s):  
Asja Ebinghaus ◽  
Katharina Matull ◽  
Ute Knierim ◽  
Silvia Ivemeyer
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Affective State ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Qualitative Behavior ◽  
Herd Health ◽  
Farm Animal Welfare ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Human Animal

The affective state is an integrated aspect of farm animal welfare, which is understood as the animals’ perception of their living environment and of their internal biological functioning. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore animal-internal and external factors potentially influencing dairy cows’ affective state. For this purpose, qualitative behavior assessments (QBA) describing the animals’ body language were applied at herd level on 25 dairy farms. By means of principal component analysis (PCA), scores of PC1 (QBAscores) were determined for further analyses. From monthly milk recordings (MR) one year retrospectively, prevalences of udder and metabolic health impairments were calculated. Factors of housing, management, and human-animal contact were recorded via interviews and observations. A multivariable regression was calculated following a univariable preselection of factors. No associations were found between MR indicators and QBAscores. However, more positive QBAscores were associated with bedded cubicles or straw yards compared to raised cubicles, increased voluntary stockperson contact with the cows, and fixation of cows during main feeding times, the latter contributing to the explanatory model, but not being significant. These results underline the importance of lying comfort, positive human-animal relationship and reduction of competition during feeding for the well-being of dairy cows.

Efisiensi reproduksi pada sapi perah yang teridentifikasi Bakteri non spesifik dalam saluran reproduksi

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Winda Nurul Lailatil Qodri ◽  
Sri Mulyati ◽  
Sri Pantja Madyawati ◽  
Rimayanti Rimayanti ◽  
Suherni Susilowati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Direct Observation ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
Days Open ◽  
Calving Rate ◽  
Rectal Palpation

The purpose of this study was to determine the reproductive efficiency of dairy cows in the presence of non-specific bacteria in the reproductive tract. This study was a descriptive study of 20 healthy and cycling dairy cows. The identification of non-specific bacteria in the reproductive tract was conducted in the previous study. Data were collected from interview, questionaire, and direct observation at the beginning of the study. Detection of estrus was performed visually, followed by artificial insemination 12-18 hours later. Non-return to estrus was checked after 21 days. Artificial insemination was repeated up to three times on cows returning to estrous. Pregnancy was checked through rectal palpation 60 days after the last insemination. Pregnant cows were followed until calving. The results showed that the estrus rate, non-return rate (NRR), conception rate (CR), calving rate (CvR), services per conception (S/C), and days open (DO), were respectively 100%, 85%, 85%, 85%, 1.3, and 93 days. It could be concluded that the presence of non-specific bacteria in the reproductive tract of dairy cows did not affect the reproductive efficiency so that pregnancy and calving could still occur.

An evaluation of the effect of nutritional strategy in early lactation on reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows

2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 ◽  
pp. 12-12
Author(s):  
H S Gilmore ◽  
F J Young ◽  
R A Law ◽  
A R G Wylie ◽  
D C Patterson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Nutritional Strategy ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
On Farm

Poor fertility is a major problem on dairy farms. On-farm studies indicate than pregnancy rates to first service have declined from approximately 55% between 1975 and 1982 to 39% between 1995 and 1998 (Royal et al., 2000), illustrating a decline of approximately 1% per year during this period. The cause is multifactorial and influenced by many factors including genetics, management and nutrition. Previous studies have reported improved fertility through nutritional modification in early lactation (Gong et al., 2002). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional strategy in early lactation on reproductive performance.

Human-animal interactions in early life in female pigs and the effects on subsequent behaviour, physiology and reproductive performance

1995 ◽  
Vol 1995 ◽  
pp. 195-195
Author(s):  
M A Varley ◽  
R C Stedman
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Avoidance Behaviour ◽  
Basal Cortisol ◽  
Principal Source ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
And Performance

Fear inducing stimuli are common in modern intensive husbandry systems. It is probable that a principal source of fear is the humans who work with the animals and who, by necessity, have close contact with the animals when carrying out routine husbandry practices.Signals generated by the stockman, either intentionally or unintentionally, may be perceived by the pig as threatening. There is growing evidence that the complex behavioural relationships between stockmen and their charges can profoundly influence productivity. Seabrook, (1985) found that the personality of the stockman influenced the behaviour and performance of dairy cows. Similarly, Hemsworth et al., (1981) found that on those farms where sows displayed increased avoidance behaviour to the experimenter, the number of piglets born per sow was depressed. In a subsequent study it was found that those pigs which were highly fearful of humans as a result of being aversively handled, exhibited impaired reproductive performance and elevated basal Cortisol levels.

Predicting the time of ovulation in dairy cows using on-farm progesterone kits

1991 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. J. McLeod ◽  
J. A. Foulkes ◽  
M. E. Williams ◽  
R. F. Weller
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Testing Protocol ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cows ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Experimental Group

ABSTRACTA protocol of infrequent, but strategically timed milk-sampling was established for predicting the time of ovulation, and thus the optimum time for insemination, in lactating dairy cows. In the experimental group (no. = 49), the time of ovulation was predicted on the basis of a fall in milk progesterone concentrations, which was identified by the use of ‘on-farm’ progesterone assay kits. Reproductive performance in these animals was compared with that in control cows (no. = 45) that were inseminated solely on the basis of oestrous detection by stockmen. The accuracy of ovulation prediction, and of oestrous detection, was assessed from progesterone profiles based on milk samples collected three times weekly from all 94 cows. These milk samples were analysed by laboratory enzyme-immunoassay after the end of the trial.Over the period during which milk samples were monitored with ‘on-farm’ progesterone kits, a total of 88 ovulations occurred in the experimental group. The progesterone-testing protocol accurately predicted 87 (99%) of these. Over the same period, there was a total of 81 ovulations in the control group and 63 (78%) of these were associated with correct oestrous detection. Conception rates to correctly timed insemination did not differ significantly between groups, but by the end of the three-cycle experimental period, significantly more of the cows in the experimental group (21·8%) than in the control group (4·8%; P < 0·05). In contrast, the use of ‘on-farm’ progesterone results to confirm oestrus avoided any mistimed inseminations (13% of inseminations in the control group). By using the milk-sampling and ‘on-farm’ progesterone-testing protocol, only 1% of ovulations were not accompanied by a correctly timed insemination. This compared with 22% of ovulations in the control group not associated with an insemination because oestrus was not detected. By ensuring that all ovulations are associated with a correctly timed insemination, herd reproductive performance can be significantly improved.

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