scholarly journals Body condition score at lambing and performance of Santa Inês ewes with an offspring during lactation

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 809-826
Author(s):  
Edson Luis de Azambuja Ribeiro ◽  
◽  
Filipe Alexandre Boscaro de Castro ◽  
Valter Harry Bumbieris Junior ◽  
Odimári Pricila Prado-Calixto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Metabolic Profile ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Physiological Capacity ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Santa Inês

The main objective of this research work was to evaluate the performance of Santa Inês ewes according to their body condition score (BCS) at lambing. Data from 135 adult ewes, with singletons, were used. Ewes were divided into three distinct groups: 1) Bellow average: BCS less than 2.5 points (n = 44); 2) Average: BCS between 2.5 and 3.0 (n = 53); and 3) Above average: BCS greater than 3.0 (n = 38). The scale for BCS varied from 1 (very poor) to 5 (very fat). The individual BW, BCS, metabolic profile, milk production and composition of ewes as well as their lambs’ performance until weaning were considered. Metabolic profile was monitored at -7, +7 and +60 days relative to lambing. It was observed that ewes with higher BCS were also heavier; however, there were no differences among the groups for weights of lambs at birth and weaning (70 days). As there was no difference in milk production and composition, the average daily weight gain of the lambs was also similar for the different BCS groups. The metabolic profile (glucose, ?-hydroxibutyrate, cholesterol, creatinine, urea, hemoglobin, albumin, total protein and aspartate aminotransferase - AST) was also similar among the groups. However, when the metabolic profile was compared among the different physiological stages relative to lambing, some differences were observed. For example, ?-hydroxibutyrate was greater during the peripartum period, and glucose was greater in the lactation phase. As conclusion we could say that even in a situation of poor BCS, Santa Inês ewes have the physiological capacity to adapt themselves to the negative energy balance like those of the periparturient period. It seems that irrespective of the BCS, ewes prioritized lactation and were able to produce enough milk to accordingly nurse their lambs

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.

Effect of body condition at calving and level of feeding in early lactation on milk production of dairy cows

1982 ◽  
Vol 22 (115) ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Grainger ◽  
GD Wilhelms ◽  
AA McGowan
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Input Output ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Feeding Management ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Degree Of Confidence

Two experiments were carried out to measure effects of body condition at calving and different levels of feeding after calving on milk and subsequent reproduction.In experiment 1, which was conducted in two consecutive years, 162 cows (77 in year 1 and 85 in year 2) were group feed so as to reach a target body condition (condition scores ranging from 3-6) four weeks before calving. During the last four weeks before calving, all cows were managed so as to maintain their individual condition scores. At calving, cows in similar condition of similar breed and with similar previous milk production were allocated to high and low levels of feeding at pasture for the first five weeks of lactation. Mean pasture intakes were 13.0 and 7.0kg dry matter (DM)/cow.d in year 1 and 15.0 and 8.5 kg DM/cow.d in year 2In experiment 2, 40 cows were offered pasture and hay from 20 weeks before calving to achieve a body condition score of either 4 or 6 by two weeks before calving. During the first five weeks of lactation, cows were individually fed in stalls on freshly cut pasture at one of three levels of intake, 7 or 10 kg DM/cow.d or .In both experiments cows were grazed as one group from week 6 to 20 of lactation.Improved body condition at calving resulted in an extra 4.0, 11.0 and 7.4 kg milk fat per unit condition score over 20 weeks of lactation, for year 1 and 2 of experiment 1, and experiment 2, respectively. Cows in poorer condition partitioned a higher proportion of feed energy to liveweight at the expense of milk production than did the cows in better condition. However, increasing the plane of nutrition in early lactation resulted in higher levels of milk production and reduced the need for cows to mobilize bodyreserves. Improved body condition at calving had a positive effect on milk fat percentage, particularly in early lactation, but did not affect milk protein percentage. Input-output relations calculated from the experimental data showed that the benefit sf to improve body condition before calving was less than that of additional feeding after calvin changes in the condition of the cows were taken into consideration (25.8 vs 1 4.6 kg DM to yi kilogram of milkfat). Improvements in condition and feeding in early lactation reduced the anoestrus interval after calving by 5.7 d for each additional condition score at calving and 1. d for each additional kgDM/cow.d fed over weeks 1-5 of lactation. The input-output relations resented will enable farmers to assess the likely consequenes of changes in their feeding management in the crucial peripartum period with a greater degree of confidence than in the past.

scholarly journals PSX-2 Growth and lactating performance of ewes fed with different energy levels

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 467-468
Author(s):  
Fernanda F Santos ◽  
Luciano Brochine ◽  
Vanderlei Benetel Junior ◽  
Maria Laura R Coelho ◽  
Augusto H Gameiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
The Body ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Condition Score

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the milk production, body weight, and body condition score (BCS) of ewes fed with different energy levels. Seventy-one ewes were used and distributed in three treatments according to the metabolizable energy (ME, Mcal/kg) levels in the diet: CTL = according to the NRC (2007) recommendation for each stage (gestation and lactation); PLUS = CTL plus 10% of ME per kilogram of dry matter; LESS = CTL less 10% ME per kilogram of dry matter. Body weight and body condition score were evaluated a week before the expected date of parturition, a week after giving birth, and at weaning (60 days). Dairy production was evaluated at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days after giving birth by the indirect method of the two weighing. The experimental design was analyzed as randomized complete blocks. There were no differences on milk production during almost all the lactation curve. Only on day 50 (P = 0.051), CTL was still at peak, while LESS and PLUS had already decreased their production. However, at 60 days, all treatments were already with low production, justifying weaning in this period. Results of weight and BCS showed a significant difference in all periods evaluates. Ewes in the PLUS diet had greater BW and BCS. The BCS before giving birth is expected to be over 3.5 and treatment LESS was the only one that did not achieve this score (2.66, 3.37, 3.83 for LESS, CTL, and PLUS, respectively). At weaning, ewes fed PLUS and CTL had BCS of 3.51 and 2.92, respectively, but treatment LESS had only 1.82. That is prejudicial for the next mating seasonal and this animal. We concluded that LESS diet interfered with the body reserves of sheep.

Effects of body condition and dry cow feeding on disease incidences in the first 100 days of lactation in Holstein-Friesian cows

2002 ◽  
Vol 2002 ◽  
pp. 201-201
Author(s):  
R. J. Dewhurst ◽  
J. M. Moorby ◽  
D. W. R. Davies ◽  
W. J. Fisher ◽  
N. C. Friggens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Body Reserves ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
As Effects

Genetic potential for milk production has increased rapidly in the Holstein-Friesian breed and there is concern that this might be causing an increased incidence of health problems. We have recently (Ingvartsen et al., 2002) reviewed the inter-relationships between lactation performance and health, demonstrating the importance of considering effects on/of body reserves as well as effects on/of milk production. Whilst we identified mechanisms whereby body reserves can have a direct effect on susceptibility to disease, disease also affects body reserves making it difficult to study their inter-relationships. The dry period is a particularly interesting period in this regard, because additional nutrients are directed towards reserves, whilst it is followed by a period (early lactation) of high disease incidence. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of body condition score (BCS) at calving, as well as the effects of dry period diets designed to alter BCS, on disease incidences in the first 100 days of lactation.

scholarly journals Influence of post-calving supplemental protein on calf performance and reproductive efficiency for beef cows fed silage

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Charmley ◽  
J. A. Small ◽  
K. B. McRae
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
Linear Effect ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Protein Milk

Protein supplementation for winter-calving beef cows between calving and turnout to pasture was studied in two trials. Changes in cow body weight (BW) and condition and calf BW gains were recorded from calving to weaning in the fall. Reproductive performance was monitored, and in trial 2, milk production was determined. In trial 1, multiparous silage-fed cows were allocated to one of five levels of corn gluten meal (CGM): 0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 g d−1. In the second trial, cows were allocated to either restricted or ad libitum silage feeding in combination with three protein supplements: no protein, 400 g d−1 CGM or 475 g d−1 soybean meal (SBM). In trial 1, cows gained weight during supplementation, but on pasture they lost weight (linear effect, P = 0.10). Calf gains and weights at turnout and weaning showed a quadratic response to protein supplementation (P < 0.05). There was a trend toward a linear decline in days to first service with increasing levels of CGM (P < 0.10). In trial 2, cows on restricted silage feeding lost weight (P < 0.05) and body condition (P < 0.10), whereas those fed ad libitum silage gained weight and condition. On pasture, this pattern of weight change was reversed (P < 0.05). Protein supplementation did not influence BW change but tended to cause a lower body condition score at turnout (P = 0.10). Restricting silage intake to the cow did not affect calf performance, but protein supplementation increased gains both during supplementation and on pasture, thus increasing weaning weights (P < 0.05). When silage was fed ad libitum, SBM was more effective than CGM for increasing calf gain. However, when silage was restricted, CGM was more effective. Restricting silage intake did not impair milk production, but feeding CGM increased milk production (P < 0.05). For ad libitum-fed cows, protein supplementation increased pregnancy rate; restricting feed had the opposite effect. Our data suggest that protein supplementation to silage-fed beef cows in good body condition can increase calf performance; however, the level of supplementation is critical, and possible adverse effects on breeding have to be taken into account, particularly with cows in negative energy balance after calving. Key words: Beef cow, protein, milk production, calf gains, silage

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