Effect of Body Condition Score at Parturition on Post-partum Productive and Reproductive Performance in Crossbred  
Dairy Cows

The present study was carried out from selected areas at Rajshahi district to evaluate the reproductive performance of dairy cows in relation to breed/genotype, age, parity, body weight and body condition. A total of 500 cows selected and data were collected directly from the dairy farms owner by using pre-tested questionnaires during the period from September 2013 to December 2014. The average reproductive performance (RP) were recorded as age at puberty (AP) 26.42±0.22 m, age at first calving (AFC) 35.48±0.22 m, post-partum heat period (PPHP) 121.85±3.48 days, service per conception (S/C) 1.93±0.04, days open (DO) 136.80±3.57 days and calving interval (CI) 401.04±3.94 days. Genotype had significant effect (P<0.05) on all the reproductive traits except on S/C. Local (L) × Holstein Friesian (HF) genotype showed earlier AP and AFC than L× Sahiwal (SL) and L. Age group had significant (P<0.05) effect on AP, AFC and other parameters were not significant (P>0.05). Middle age groups of cows had shown better RP than others groups. Parities of cows had significant effect (P<0.05) on PPHP, S/C, DO except on AP, AFC and CI. Third parity had better RP than others. The best RP was found in >300 kg BW groups. Body condition score had significant effect (P<0.05) on all RP. Good body condition score (BCS) had excellent RP. Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(3): 481-495, December 2020

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Effect of dietary-induced increases in circulating insulin concentrations during the early postpartum period on reproductive function in dairy cows

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/rep.0.1230419 ◽

2002 ◽

pp. 419-427 ◽

Cited By ~ 138

Author(s):

JG Gong ◽

WJ Lee ◽

PC Garnsworthy ◽

R Webb

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Milk Yield ◽

Body Condition ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Post Partum ◽

Dietary Treatment ◽

Genetic Merit ◽

Selection For

Although it has become increasingly clear that fertility in modern dairy cattle is declining in association with increased milk yields, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. The first ovulation post partum is delayed in dairy cows undergoing selection for genetic merit for milk yield in association with lower circulating insulin concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate whether feeding a diet to increase circulating insulin concentrations can overcome this delay in the first ovulation post partum. The experiment was a 2 x 2 factorial design (n = 10 per group) involving diet and genetic merit for milk yield. The dietary treatment started on the day of calving and lasted for 50 days. Plasma samples were collected each day and ovarian ultra-sonography was performed three times a week during the experimental feeding period. Milk yield was recorded each day, and body weight and body condition score were determined each week. Milk samples were collected three times a week from day 50 to day 105 post partum, and reproductive performance data were recorded for all the cows as part of the routine farm practice. The dietary treatment induced significant differences in plasma insulin concentrations in both high and low genetic merit cows. Although high genetic merit cows produced more milk, lost more body weight and had lower body condition scores during the experiment, no significant effect of diet was observed on these measurements. The high insulin inducing diet increased the proportion of cows ovulating within 50 days of calving and reduced the intervals from calving to first ovulation, and tended to reduce the intervals from calving to first service and to conception. These fertility parameters were also more favourable in low than in high genetic merit cows, but no interaction between diet and genetic merit was observed for any of these parameters. Genetic merit, but not diet, also affected the number of services required per conception and the conception rate. In conclusion, these results have confirmed that genetic selection for high milk yield is associated with a decrease in reproductive performance in dairy cows. More importantly, this study has demonstrated that it is possible to alleviate this problem by nutritional manipulation.

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13 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EARLIER POSTPARTUM CYCLICITY AND SUBSEQUENT REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE IN DAIRY COWS: A FIELD TRIAL

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv23n1ab13 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

pp. 113

Author(s):

I. H. Kim ◽

H. C. Lee ◽

H. G. Kang

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Body Condition ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Post Partum ◽

Management Program ◽

Breeding Period ◽

Chi Square ◽

Logistic Analysis ◽

The Relationship

Earlier postpartum cyclicity based on hormonal analysis was related to the subsequent fertility, although it has not been clarified under field conditions. This field study examined the relationship between the detection of corpus luteum (CL) at the first post partum month and subsequent reproductive performance in dairy cows. Holstein dairy cows underwent ultrasonography (Sonoace 600 with 7.5 MHz linear-array transducer; Medison Co. Ltd., Korea) at 30 (±7) days postpartum to determine the existence of CL in ovaries and then divided into 2 groups based on the existence of CL; the CL group (n = 156) or the non-CL group (n = 281). At the same time of ultrasonography, all cows were scored for body condition. Cows received the normal herd reproductive management program including oestrous detection or synchronization, or synchronization of ovulation in the breeding period. Pregnancy was determined per rectum 60 days after artificial insemination by both ultrasonography and palpation. Reproductive performance data were collected for a minimum of 210 days postpartum. Reproduction data between the CL and non-CL groups were evaluated by t-test, chi-square test, or logistic regression using an SAS program (Version 9.1: SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC, USA). The proportion of cows with CL in ovaries at 30 (±7) days postpartum was 35.7% of all cows. The number of days to first insemination after calving was more delayed (P < 0.0001) in the non-CL group (100.1 ± 2.7 days) than in the CL group (80.9 ± 2.9 days), while the pregnancy rate to first insemination did not differ (P > 0.05) between the CL group (44.2%) and the non-CL group (45.9%). The CL group had higher pregnancy proportions (PP) within 60 (odds ratio, OR = 2.3; P = 0.0063), 90 (OR = 1.6; P = 0.04), and 120 days (OR = 1.5; P = 0.05) postpartum than the non-CL group; however, the PP within 150 or 210 days postpartum did not differ between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Besides, logistic analysis revealed that cows with body condition score (BCS) ≥3.00 were more likely to have CL (OR = 1.8; P = 0.015) compared with cows with BCS ≤ 2.75, while primiparous cows were less likely to have CL (OR = 0.6; P = 0.0085) compared with multiparous cows. In addition, cows that underwent ultrasonography later than 30 days postpartum were more likely to have CL (OR = 1.6; P = 0.0192) compared with cows that underwent ultrasonography earlier. In conclusion, the earlier cyclicity based on the detection of CL using ultrasonography at the first postpartum month, which might be in part due to a higher BCS, predicts an enhanced reproductive performance in dairy cows, particularly during the early and early-mid lactations. This work was supported by the research grant of the Chungbuk National University in 2010.

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Effect of Body Condition Score Variation on Milk Yield and Fertility in Post-partum Dairy Cows

Veterinary Research Communications ◽

10.1023/b:verc.0000014238.09424.ee ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 27 ◽

pp. 647-649 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

A. Formigoni ◽

P. Pezzi ◽

A. Gramenzi ◽

G. Martino ◽

E. Neri

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Milk Yield ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Post Partum ◽

Condition Score

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Hormonal profile and body condition scoring in dairy cows during pre partum and post partum periods

Acta Veterinaria Brno ◽

10.2754/avb201584020141 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 84 (2) ◽

pp. 141-151 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Mária Vargová ◽

Vladimír Petrovič ◽

Jana Konvičná ◽

Marián Kadaši ◽

Peter Zaleha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Body Condition ◽

Negative Correlation ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Post Partum ◽

Mean Values ◽

Hormonal Profile ◽

Condition Score ◽

Body Condition Scoring ◽

The Mean

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of selected indicators of energy, hormonal profile, body condition score (BCS) and their relationships in dairy cows of the Slovak Pied Cattle from 3 weeks before parturition to 9 weeks after. Significant differences were found in the mean values of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) (P < 0.001) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) (P < 0.05). According to BCS results, the dry cows were overweight (4.42 ± 0.75 points). After calving the cows lost weight significantly, as the BCS was 3.25 ± 0.30 points at 9 weeks post partum (P < 0.001). The highest concentration of leptin was recorded before calving (26.80 ± 11.47 ng/ml). The concentrations of insulin and ghrelin did not change significantly (an increase in insulin concentrations from 580.8 ± 66.30 IU/ml to 625.50 ± 174.90 IU/ml and a decrease in ghrelin concentrations from 29.25 ± 4.82 pg/ml to 26.57 ± 5.35 pg/ml were found comparing 3 weeks to 1 week before parturition, respectively). Relationships between the hormones showed positive correlation between insulin and leptin (r = 0.220, P < 0.05), BCS and leptin (r = 0.360, P < 0.001), BCS and insulin (r = 0.232, P < 0.05) and negative correlation between leptin and ghrelin (r = -0.235, P < 0.05), BCS and ghrelin (r = -0.257, P < 0.05). These data provide evidence that the variations in the concentrations of leptin, ghrelin, and insulin are related to variations in the BCS. Negative correlation between leptin and ghrelin contributes to the argument that leptin negatively regulates ghrelin.

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BODY CONDITION SCORE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF DAIRY COWS IN EASTERN REGION OF PARAGUAY

Compendio de Ciencias Veterinarias ◽

10.18004/compend.cienc.vet.2018.08.01.16-21 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 16-21

Author(s):

C Kawashima ◽

K Watanabe ◽

R Meza Fernandez ◽

M Matsui ◽

M Kawai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Body Condition ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Eastern Region ◽

Condition Score

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Body condition score and reproductive performance in dairy cows in Greece

Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s1752756200019633 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 2007 ◽

pp. 60-60

Author(s):

G. Oikonomou ◽

G. Arsenos ◽

G.E. Valergakis ◽

A. Tsiaras ◽

G. Banos

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Body Condition ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Energy Content ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Reliable Estimate ◽

Condition Score ◽

Body Condition Scoring ◽

Body Energy ◽

The Impact

Various studies in dairy cows have shown that their Body Condition Score (BCS) effectively reflects their nutritional status and energy content (Ferguson et al. 1994). Extremes in BCS and BCS losses have been identified as a risk factor for health problems and reduced reproductive efficiency (Markusfeld et al. 1997, Lopez-Gatius et al. 2003). Body condition scoring is easy and inexpensive to perform and gives a reliable estimate of body energy reserves. Hence, in practice, BCS can be used as a tool for ration formulation and management decisions concerning reproduction of dairy cows (Banos et al. 2004). The objective of this study was to determine and quantify the impact of BCS in the reproductive performance of primiparous Holstein cows.

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Effects of prepartal body condition score and peripartal energy supply of dairy cows on postpartal lipolysis, energy balance and ketogenesis: an animal model to investigate subclinical ketosis

Journal of Dairy Research ◽

10.1017/s0022029914000107 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 81 (3) ◽

pp. 257-266 ◽

Cited By ~ 47

Author(s):

Kirsten Schulz ◽

Jana Frahm ◽

Ulrich Meyer ◽

Susanne Kersten ◽

Dania Reiche ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Body Condition ◽

Energy Supply ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Post Partum ◽

High Energy ◽

Subclinical Ketosis ◽

Energy Group ◽

Condition Score

Subclinical ketosis is a metabolic disorder which often goes undiagnosed and leads to constricted performance and an impairment of general condition. In the current study subclinical ketosis was characterised by a β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration of >1·2 mmol/l in blood serum. To generate this metabolic situation, an animal model was created. The model, based on group-specific interaction of dietary energy supply and body condition, is appropriate for testing the medical effectiveness of treating this kind of ketosis and its concomitants. During the trial, 18 dairy cows (primiparous and pluriparous) were assigned, according to their body condition score (BCS) 6 weeks before expected parturition, to a normal [6·78 MJ net energy for lactation (NEL)/kg dry matter; 20% concentrate] or to a high-energy feeding group (7·71 MJ NEL/kg dry matter; 60% concentrate). Therefore cows with the highest BCS were allocated to the high-energy group to enhance the contrast with the control group. Statistical analysis was done using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Effects were declared significant when P-values were ⩽0·05. Owing to the higher energy concentration and dry matter intake, the energy intake and balance was significantly higher in the high-energy feeding group, with strong effects on lipid metabolism and health in blood and liver post partum. Within the first 2 weeks after calving, 8 out of 9 cows (89%) of the high-energy group had BHB values indicative of subclinical ketosis. These cows also had significantly higher values of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), aspartate transaminase (AST) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) post partum, as well as a raised total lipid content of the liver. RQUICKI, a calculated parameter which is based on serum concentrations of glucose, insulin and NEFA to assess the insulin sensitivity, was not affected by treatment. Therefore, RQUICKI does not seem to be the right parameter for diagnosing decreased insulin sensitivity in cows affected by subclinical ketosis. The milk fat and the fat:protein ratio of the high-energy group was also higher, even though there was no decrease in milk yield for cows with subclinical BHB values.

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The Effect of Body Condition Score on the Biochemical Blood Indices and Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows

Annals of Animal Science ◽

10.1515/aoas-2015-0064 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 129-143 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Barbara Stefańska ◽

Włodzimierz Nowak ◽

Ewa Pruszyńska-Oszmałek ◽

Robert Mikuła ◽

Daniel Stanisławski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Body Condition ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Conception Rate ◽

Early Lactation ◽

Blood Indices ◽

Igf I ◽

Condition Score ◽

Days Open

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of BCS (Body Condition Score) on the calving day and its decrease during early lactation on the biochemical blood indices and reproductive performance. One hundred and thirty-one Polish Holstein-Friesian cows were divided into three groups according to the North-American body condition score on the calving day (AC≤3.5 point BCS; MID 3.51-3.75 point BCS; FAT>3.75 point BCS) and according to the decrease in BCS during early lactation (HG >0.49 point BCS; WEL 0.49-0.25 point BCS, L<0.25 point BCS). In current study, significant interaction between change of BCS during early lactation and time of blood sampling on BHBA concentration was observed. In the AC group (≤3.5 BCS), the highest concentrations of glucose on 3 and 5 d of lactation compared to the MID and FAT groups and of insulin on 28 d and also IGF-I on 5 and 28 d of lactation compared to the FAT group were recorded. In the FAT group, the highest concentration of NEFA on 3 and 5 d compared to the AC group and of BHBA on 28 d of lactation compared to the MID group was recorded. The body condition score on the parturition day affected the reproductive performance; in the FAT group (>3.75 BCS) the lowest conception rate of the first insemination, insemination index and thereby the longest days open were observed. The highest decreases in BCS (HG >0.49 points) resulted in increased concentrations of NEFA on 3 d and of BHBA on 3 and 5 d. Moreover, in the HG group, the lowest concentration of T3 on 3, 5 and 28 d as compared to the WEL group was recorded. We concluded that the BCS (>3.5 points) on the calving day had a significantly negative effect on the metabolic status of dairy cows in the postpartum period estimated by the concentration of biochemical blood indices characterising carbohydrates (IGF-I, insulin) and lipid (NEFA, BHBA) metabolism and also the reproductive performance such as the conception rate of the first insemination, insemination index, days open. We suggested that the blood serum concentrations of IGF-I and NEFA were the most sensitive biochemical markers of the metabolic status of dairy cows in our study.

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