Reproductive performances of dairy cows in smallholder production system in Selalle, Central Ethiopia

A study was conducted to assess the reproductive performance and factors that influence reproductive efficiency of cows in smallholder dairy farms in Selalle, Central Ethiopia. Three hundred dairy farms (average herd size = 8) were visited and data on reproductive, breeding and management histories were collected and analysed. The overall geometric means for calving to conception interval (n = 382) and duration after last calving (n = 422) were 187 and 201 days in pregnant and non-pregnant cows, respectively. The least-squares mean calving to conception interval was higher (p < 0.05) in mixed crop–livestock production (MCLP) than in small urban dairy production (SUDP) systems and was lower (p < 0.01) in non-suckling than in suckling cows. District significantly influenced (p < 0.01) the least-squares mean duration after last calving and, among the districts, non-pregnant cows in Wuchale-Jida had the highest values, whereas cows in Sululta and Mulo had the lowest values. The overall average number of services per conception (±SD) and the first service conception rate were 1.6 ± 1.0 (n = 382) and 56% (n = 456), respectively. The prevalences of abortion, dystocia (assisted parturition), retained fetal membrane, vulval discharge/endometritis and pre-weaning calf mortality were 1.4%, 1.3%, 5.4%, 2.8% and 17.4%, respectively. The present estimates of extended calving to conception interval and duration after last calving indicate poor reproductive performances of cows in Selalle smallholder dairy farms. The pre-weaning calf mortality rate is highly significant. Accordingly, a further detailed investigation is necessary to identify and quantify the specific reproductive disorders and associated interacting factors attributing to such poor performance and to determine the causes and predisposing factors behind such high calf mortality.     

Reproductive Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cows in Different Production Systems in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

The study was conducted to examine the fertility status of crossbred dairy cows in mixed crop-livestock production (MCLP), market-oriented specialized dairy production (MSDP) and urban dairy production (UDP) systems, including the Holetta Agricultural Research Center (HARC). Data on general farm management variables and reproductive histories were collected from study farms by questionnaire and from individual cow records. Age at first service and age at first calving were 29.58 months (n = 424) and 40.6 months (n = 348), respectively. Cows managed under UDP were younger at first service and at first calving (p<0.05). The mean intervals from calving to first service and to conception were 141.98 days (n = 284) and 185.02 days (n = 219), respectively. The mean calving interval for cows was 551.82 days (n = 258). Cows in MCLP had longer intervals from calving to first service and to conception and longer calving intervals than those managed under MSDP, UDP and HARC. First service conception rate (43.42%), number of services per conception (1.75) and pregnancy rate (79.29%) did not differ significantly between production systems. Reproductive performance was best in UDP followed by HARC and MSDP. The difference between MCLP and the rest points to particular difficulties in that system. To improve reproductive performance and economic benefit, there should be conservative stocking rate, sensible year-round feeding, a herd health plan, and sustainable extension service.     

Some Factors Affecting Reproductive Success in Crossbred Dairy Cows on Smallholder Farms in Coastal North-East Tanzania

A 2-year longitudinal survey was carried out to investigate factors affecting reproduction in crossbred cows on smallholder farms in and around an urban centre. Sixty farms were visited at approximately 2-week intervals and details of reproductive traits and body condition score (BCS) were collected. Fifteen farms were within the town (U), 23 farms were approximately 5 km from town (SU), and 22 farms approximately 10 km from town (PU). Sources of variation in reproductive traits were investigated using a general linear model (GLM) by a stepwise forward selection and backward elimination approach to judge important independent variables. Factors considered for the first step of formulation of the model included location (PU, SU and U), type of insemination, calving season, BCS at calving, at 3 months postpartum and at 6 months postpartum, calving year, herd size category, source of labour (hired and family labour), calf rearing method (bucket and partial suckling) and parity number of the cow. The effects of the independent variables identified were then investigated using a non-parametric survival technique. The number of days to first oestrus was increased on the U site (p = 0.045) and when family labour was used (p = 0.02). The non-parametric test confirmed the effect of site (p = 0.059), but effect of labour was not significant. The number of days from calving to conception was reduced by hiring labour (p = 0.003) and using natural service (p = 0.028). The non-parametric test confirmed the effects of type of insemination (p = 0.0001) while also identifying extended calving intervals on U and SU sites (p = 0.014). Labour source was again non-significant. Calving interval was prolonged on U and SU sites (p = 0.021), by the use of AI (p = 0.031) and by the use of family labour (p = 0.001). The non-parametric test confirmed the effect of site (p = 0.008) and insemination type (p > 0.0001) but not of labour source. It was concluded that under favourable conditions (PU site, hired labour and natural service) calving intervals of around 440 days could be achieved.     

Reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows following oestrus synchronisation with progesterone, oestradiol and prostaglandin

The ability to synchronise onset of oestrus, and hence the time of breeding and calving, offers potential economic and management benefits to dairy farmers, especially in herds with seasonally concentrated calving patterns. A trial involving 2681 cows in 11 seasonal herds was conducted to evaluate the reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows following oestrus synchronisation with a combination of progesterone, oestradiol and prostaglandin. Cows were randomly assigned within herds to synchronised and control groups, balanced for age, date of calving, body condition and breed. Cows in the synchronised group were treated with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device containing 1.9 g of progesterone and a gelatin capsule containing 10 mg of oestradiol benzoate 10 days prior to the planned start of the breeding season (Day 0). The device was removed 8 days later on Day -2 and a luteolytic dose of prostaglandin F2alpha was administered 2 days prior to removal of the progesterone-releasing device. Returns to service for cows in the synchronised group were synchronised by inserting a previously used intravaginal device during Days 16-21 after the start of the breeding season. Cows in the control group were left untreated. The percentage of cows being inseminated during the first 5 days was 89.0% for the synchronised group compared to 29.7% for the control group. Compared to cows in the control group, those in the synchronised group had a lower conception rate to the first insemination (52.9% v. 64.3%, p<0.001), a lower conception rate to the second insemination (51.8% v. 62.5%, p<0.001), a higher percentage of empty cows at the end of the breeding season (7.3% v. 5.1%, p<0.05), and more insemination services per pregnancy to artificial insemination (2.0 v. 1.6, p<0.001). There was no difference between the synchronised and control groups in the percentage of cows pregnant to artificial insemination (81.8% v. 85.5%, p>0.10). The mean day of conception from the start of the breeding season was advanced (p>0.0 1) by 1.3 days in synchronised cows (19.9 +/- 0.7 days; mean +/- SEM) compared to control cows (21.2 +/- 0.5 days). It is concluded that the oestrus synchronisation regime used in the present study caused a reduction in fertility, which reduced the potential gains from using such a programme to increase reproductive efficiency in dairy cows.     

Effect of preventive intrauterine ozone application on reproductive efficiency in Holstein cows

The aim of the research was to determine the influence of preventive application of two different ozone preparations on reproductive efficiency in dairy cows with physiological puerperium. The research was conducted on 404 Holstein cows aged 2–8 years, divided into three groups. The first group consisted of cows treated using 6 intrauterine ozone pearls (RIPROMED OVULI O₃^®, Novagen, Italy) at once. The second group consisted of cows treated with ozone foam spray (RIGER SPRAY^®, Novagen, Italy) application in the body of uterus for 5 s, and the third group was the control group. Cows from the first two groups were observed and treated during early puerperium, 24–48 h after parturition. To assess the reproductive performance of Holstein cows, interval from calving to first insemination (days open to first service, DOFS), interval from calving to pregnancy (days open to pregnancy, DOP), relative pregnancy rate (%), first service conception rate (FSCR, %) and all service conception rate (ASCR, %) were measured. The estimate of hazard ratio (HR) for group B relative to group C for DOFS was 0.62 (p = 0.0002), implying that the relative rate of first service decreased in the control group by 38%. The estimate of HR for group B relative to group C for DOP was 0.65 (p = 0.0006), implying that the relative rate of pregnancy decreased in group C by 35%. Cows treated with Riger spray (group B) became pregnant earlier and had better FSCR and ASCR. It is supposed that the form of ozone preparations and the amount of active substance were decisive. A conclusion may be made that preventive ozone intrauterine application during early puerperal period, especially the foaming form of ozone preparations (spray), improved the reproductive efficacy in dairy cows.     

Longitudinal observation on reproductive and lactation performances of smallholder crossbred dairy cattle in Fitche,Oromia region,central Ethiopia

A two-year longitudinal study was conducted to assess the reproductive and lactation performances of smallholder crossbred dairy cattle in Fitche, central Ethiopia. Twenty-four smallholder dairy farms were monitored and data on reproductive, breeding, lactation and management aspects of crossbred dairy cows (n = 69) were collected and analysed. Moreover, milk samples were collected and analysed for progesterone. The overall Least-squares means for calving interval (CI), calving to conception interval (CCI) and first observed oestrus after calving were 516, 253 and 141 days, respectively. Suckling significantly prolonged these intervals. The mean first onset of luteal activity (OLA) after calving was 52 days, while 67.4% (n = 43) had a delayed (>55 days) return to cyclicity after calving. Suckling and parity number significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the OLA. The mean lactation length was 54.4 weeks. The overall daily mean milk yield for the first 43 weeks of lactation after calving was 11.7 L/day. The estimated daily milk yield increased slowly and reached peak (13.8 L/day) around the 11th week post partum and declined gradually and steadily. Suckling status, season of calving and parity number significantly influenced the estimated daily milk yield. In conclusion, the present study indicated that the smallholder crossbred dairy cows in the study area had prolonged intervals to first oestrus after calving, to conception and to the next calving, and thus their reproductive performance is unsatisfactory. Delayed first onset of luteal activity (postpartum anoestrus) contributed to these extended intervals. Further detailed investigation is suggested to examine the effects of other relevant factors on the reproductive and lactation performances of smallholder crossbred dairy cows for appropriate intervention.     

Lack of effects of an equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) administration between days 9 and 15 postpartum on reproductive performance in a Holstein dairy herd

Recently, it has been demonstrated that administration of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) in the postpartum period in dairy cows can enhance follicle growth, reduce the interval from calving to first ovulation and increase plasma estradiol concentrations, and, thus, could enhance reproductive performance in a dairy herd when administered on day 6 postpartum. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a single dose of eCG between days 9 and 15 postpartum on parameters of reproductive performance in dairy cows. German Holstein cows (n = 1937; primiparous cows: n = 748; pluriparous cows: n = 1189) in a commercial dairy farm were randomly assigned to three experimental groups. Animals within the group eCG received a single dose of 600 IU eCG intramuscularly (i.m.) between days 9 and 15 postpartum followed by an i.m. administration of 500 μg cloprostenol after 14 days. Those of treatment group PG received cloprostenol only between days 23 and 29 postpartum. Cows of the control group remained untreated. Starting on day 49 postpartum, cows were subjected to a Presynch‐Ovsynch protocol and inseminated artificially. The impact of application time (days postpartum) of eCG on the intervals calving to first service and calving to conception was statistically not significant. Outcomes of reproductive performance (i.e. first service conception rate, proportion of pregnant cows until 100 and 150 days in milk [DIM], number of inseminations until 150 DIM, calving to first service interval and calving to conception interval) did not differ significantly between treatment group eCG and group PG compared to control group. Regarding postpartum eCG administration, significant interactions between treatment and parity, season, milk yield, and early puerperal disorders, respectively, could not be shown. In conclusion, an eCG treatment of dairy cows between days 9 and 15 postpartum to increase reproductive performance cannot be recommended under the given circumstances.     

Reproductive performance of Holstein dairy cows in Iran

The objectives of the present study were to describe the current reproductive parameters of Holstein dairy cows in Iran and to determine factors which have a significant effect on reproductive performance with emphasis on high-producing dairy cows. Five large Holstein dairy herds from the major milk production areas of Iran were selected for this study. Reproduction data including parity of dam, calving date, days to first service, days open, number of services, dry period, and occurrence of diseases for cows that calved from 2004 to 2007 were collected from the herds' databases. To determine the effects of year and season of calving, disease status, level of milk production, and parity of dam on reproductive parameters, the proc-mixed procedure in SAS software was used. Overall, data about 8,204 lactation were collected for the study. Results showed that mean (±SD) days open, calving interval, and days to first service for study herds were 134 (±89), 403 (±86), and 67 (±38) days, respectively. Conception rates at the first service and the overall service-conception rate were 41.6% and 41%, respectively. The level of milk production and diseases had significant negative effects on days open and service per conception (P < 0.05); statistical analysis showed that for every 100-kg increase in milk yield, days open will increase by about 0.3 days. However, no significant effect of level of productivity was observed on days to first service. The results of this study indicate that high milk production is a risk factor for decreasing fertility in Iran, like many other parts of the world.     

Epidemiological Description of Cystic Ovarian Disease in Argentine Dairy Herds: Risk Factors and Effects on the Reproductive Performance of Lactating Cows

To describe the epidemiology of cystic ovarian disease (COD), to find possible risk factors associated with the incidence of cysts and to analyse the impact of COD on the reproductive performance of dairy cows, databases from 22 dairy herds from the main dairy region in Argentina were retrospectively evaluated throughout a 3‐year period (2009–2011). A total of 248 COD cases over 9156 parturitions were recorded, resulting in a cumulative incidence rate of 2.7%. Cystic ovarian disease incidence density was lower during the first 100 days post‐partum (DPP) than during later stages of lactation. Seasonality had a significant influence on the disease presentation with higher incidence rates during winter and spring. Cows with a previous diagnosis of clinical mastitis showed 2.72 times more chances of developing ovarian cysts. Cystic cows had longer calving to first service and calving to conception intervals and lower conception rate than controls.     

Reproductive performance in the subsequent lactation of dairy cows previously treated for failure to be detected in oestrus

AIM: To describe the effect of treatment of cows not detected in oestrus (NDO) with progesterone (P4) and oestradiol benzoate (ODB) in one lactation, on the reproductive and productive performance in the subsequent lactation. METHODS: Cows (n=770 from nine herds) which were NDO 10 days before the planned start of the seasonal breeding programme (PSM) were blocked by herd, age (2 or >2 years old) and ovarian status (i.e. with or without a palpable corpus luteum; CL), and treated either with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device and ODB and resynchrony, or were left as untreated controls. In the following lactation, data were collected on the occurrence of endometritis, NDO, breeding dates, pregnancy test results and milk production. The effect of treatment and ovarian status in the previous lactation on the incidence of disease, and the proportions submitted for service, conceived and pregnant in the subsequent lactation were analysed. Calving dates and intervals from start of breeding to first insemination and conception were analysed using Kaplan Meier survival analysis. Additional multivariate analyses were undertaken to include known confounders such as age, breed, herd, calving date and milk production, as well as the cyclic status (i.e. previously cycling, NDO, or "late-calving") in the previous lactation, to examine the potential "carryover" effects of previous status on the reproductive performance in the subsequent lactation. RESULTS: Treatment of NDO cows resulted in an earlier calving date (Julian calving date 214, 95% CI=207-221, vs 224, 95% CI=220-228; p=0.005), more female calves reared (31.4% vs 23.3%; p=0.01), and reduced risk of being NDO (33.9% vs 46.1%; p=0.002) in the subsequent lactation compared with controls. There were no differences in the incidence of peripartum disease, or the proportion of cows submitted, conceived or pregnant between the Treatment and Control groups in the subsequent lactation (p>0.2). Previously CL-positive (+ve) NDO cows were less likely to produce a female calf that was reared (19.0% vs 29.9%; p=0.005), more likely to be treated as NDO (26.4% vs 18.6%; p=0.02), less likely to conceive by the end of the subsequent lactation's breeding programme (82.2% vs 87.8%; p=0.09), and took longer to conceive (41 vs 33 days from the PSM to conception) than cows that were NDO-CL-negative (-ve) in the previous lactation. There was no interaction between ovarian status and treatment for any of the outcome variables (p>0.05). Cows that were NDO or late-calving in the previous lactation were more likely to be NDO (p<0.005), treated as NDO (p<0.005), and have longer PSM to conception intervals (p<0.005) in the subsequent lactation than cycling herdmates, despite inclusion of factors known to confound reproductive performance in analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of NDO cows resulted in more female calves reared, earlier calving and a reduced risk of being NDO in the subsequent lactation. Status (i.e. NDO-CL+ve or NDO-CL-ve) affected some reproductive measures in the subsequent lactation, and the effect of treatment in the subsequent lactation differed between the two groups for some measures. Reproductive performance in the subsequent lactation was not improved despite the earlier calving date and longer calving to PSM intervals. Additionally, the previous season's status was still important in the subsequent season's reproductive performance, despite adjusting for known confounders of fertility. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The economic benefits from treatment of NDO cows are likely limited to effects of an earlier calving date and potential for longer lactation and increased milk yield, increased number of calves derived from artificial insemination and from a reduced number of NDO cows in the subsequent lactation. Effects of improved reproductive performance in the subsequent lactation were not demonstrated and hence should not be included in any economic analysis of therapy of NDO cows.     

Reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows reared under traditional low input production system in the eastern Himalayas

Reproductive performance of crossbred cows reared under traditional low input production system was assessed. A total number of 160 farmers were surveyed and traditional fodders were evaluated for proximate composition. Total protein, albumin and cholesterol concentrations in blood serum were analyzed. The age at first service, age at first calving, calving interval, calving to first service and calving to conception interval were calculated from records of 261 crossbred dairy cows. The crude protein, crude fiber, nitrogen free extract, ether extract and total ash content varied from 7.2 to 13.9, 18.2 to 34.4, 39.1 to 59.2, 2.1 to 4.1 and 7.2 to 17.9%, respectively. The total protein and albumin concentrations in blood serum were 7.6 ± 0.3 and 4.3 ± 0.3 g/dl, respectively. The cholesterol concentration was 221.1 ± 8.2mg/dl. The mean age at first service and age at first calving was 28.6 ± 1.0 and 40.7 ± 1.1months, respectively. The mean values for calving to first service and calving to conception intervals were 182 ± 14.5 and 224 ± 9.0days, respectively. The conception rate was significantly high among the cows that showed typical fern pattern of cervical mucus (56.6%). The conception rate based on 1^st insemination was 44.4%. The incidence of repeat breeders and anestrus among the crossbred cows were 12.8 and 14.1%, respectively.     

Effect of mastitis during the first lactation on production and reproduction performance of Holstein cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of postpartum mastitis between first calving and subsequent conception on production and reproduction performance as well as culling of Holstein cows. A data set of 9,183 first lactation cows was used. Results showed that the first cumulative 100?days' milk production and the milk yield standardized to 305?days were affected by the interval from calving to first mastitis (P??0.05). Calving year, calving difficulty score, and cumulative first 60?days milk production had significant impacts on mastitis risk (P?相似文献   

Metabolic and luteal function in winter‐calving Spanish beef cows as affected by calf management and breed

This experiment aimed at evaluating the effect of calf management and breed on the metabolic and luteal function of post‐partum beef cows fed at maintenance. Fifty multiparous cows, 22 Parda de Montaña (PA) and 28 Pirenaica (PI), were assigned to either suckling once‐daily for 30 min (RESTR) or ad libitum (ADLIB) from the day after calving. Blood samples were collected to analyse metabolites [non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β‐hydroxybutyrate, total protein and urea)], insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) and progesterone (P4) at different intervals. Cows from RESTR maintained their live‐weight (LW) over the first 3 months post‐partum, whereas ADLIB cows lost nearly 4% LW. Both genotypes showed similar LW gains during this period (p > 0.10). Calf daily gains were lower in RESTR than in ADLIB treatment (p < 0.05), but similar across breeds (p > 0.10). Milk and lactose production were lower in RESTR cows than in ADLIB (p < 0.05). Milk and protein yield were greater in PA than in PI breed (p < 0.05). Serum NEFA, total protein and urea were higher in PI cows suckling ADLIB than in the rest (p < 0.05). Cows from PI breed had greater NEFA values than PA ones on the first week post‐partum (p < 0.001). Circulating IGF‐I was not affected by suckling frequency, breed nor their interaction (p > 0.10). Suckling frequency, but not breed, affected the interval from calving to first ovulation (p < 0.001), being shorter in RESTR than in ADLIB cows. In conclusion, the ad libitum suckling practice improved cow milk yield and offspring gain compared to once‐daily suckling for 30 min from the day after calving, at the expense of impairing the onset of cyclicity. The effect of calf management was confounded with breed on the studied blood biochemical constituents, but any of these metabolites influenced the role of endocrine IGF‐I in these genotypes.     

Reproductive Parameters and Efficiency of Inseminators in Dairy Farms in Portugal

This study was carried out to determine the reproductive efficiency indices of one of the largest dairy co-operatives of northern Portugal, using data from 1980 to 1998. Records were made available by the computerized National Recording System. Age at first calving was 32.0 ± 6.0 months. Mean calving to first AI interval was 95.4 ± 30.0 days, and calving to conception intervals decreased (p < 0.05) from 176.9 ± 4.5 to 148.1 ± 5.6 days from the first to the fourth/fifth parturitions, respectively. Calving intervals decreased (p < 0.05) from 418.1 ± 3.4 to 392.5 ± 7.0 days from the first to fourth/fifth parturitions, respectively. Mean non-return rates at 90 days for first inseminations was 71.7 ± 6.5% and mean calving rates at first insemination was 51.4 ± 8.1%. There were significant differences (p < 0.001) in the inseminators' efficiency, measured by both non-return and calving rates at first AI, with differences between the best and worst results of 13.3 and 16.1% for non-return and calving rates, respectively. The ranking of the inseminators did not coincide when their efficiency was measured by either non-return or calving rates. The mean number of inseminations per pregnancy (pregnant cows only) was 1.4 ± 0.7 with significant (p < 0.001) differences among herds. The mean heat detection rate was 38.1 ± 16.9%, with highly significant (p < 0.001) differences among farms (ranging from 14.2 to 60.8%). Negative (p < 0.001) correlations were found between heat detection rate and calving to first AI, calving to conception and calving intervals. The meaning of these indexes for assessment of reproductive efficiency in the studied system, is discussed.     

产后20天应用氯前列烯醇对分娩期和产后期异常奶牛繁殖指标的影响

本试验选用276头高产中国荷斯坦牛为研究对象,其中120头初产奶牛和156头经产奶牛均表现为分娩期异常或产后期异常,如难产、胎衣不下、双胎难产、早产或子宫感染。试验牛被分为处理组与对照组。处理组在产后20d间隔811连续两次皮下注射氯前列烯醇（0.4mg/次）,对照组注射4．0mL灭菌生理盐水。然后观察其首次发情的时间、适合第一次人工授精的时间、首次授精妊娠率、150d妊娠率、产后的空怀天数、重复配种奶牛的比例和每头牛的授精次数。结果表明,产后应用前列腺素对产后首次发情的时间和产后首次人工授精的时间没有影响,但处理组奶牛首次人工授精的妊娠率明显升高,这在头胎牛更为明显;产后应用氯前列烯醇可明显减少平均授精次数、缩短产后空怀时间、增加产后150d泌乳奶牛的妊娠率、降低产犊后重复配种率。     

Risk factors for and reproductive outcomes of phantom cows on New Zealand dairy farms

AIMS: To determine some of the risk factors for cows not observed in oestrus within 35–42 days of an unsuccessful artificial insemination (AI; phantom cows), and the reproductive outcomes and effect of treatment of phantom cows.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over 2 years, in dairy herds from the Waikato (n=10) and Canterbury (n=4) regions of New Zealand, pregnancy diagnosis was carried out 35–42 days after AI on cows that had been inseminated in the first 3 weeks after the start of mating (PSM) but had not been seen returning to oestrus. Risk factors for phantom cows were analysed using a generalised linear mixed effect model.

In Year 1, all phantom cows were left untreated. In Year 2, phantom cows were categorised as having a corpus luteum (CL) (CL+ n=120), or having ovarian follicles ≥10 (n=101) or <10 (n=40)?mm in diameter. Cows with a CL were treated with cloprostenol or untreated and placed with bulls. Cows with no CL received intravaginal progesterone (P4) for 7 days, with injection of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on Days 0 and 9, and cloprostenol on Day 7 followed by AI. Pregnancy diagnosis of all cows took place 100–120 days after PSM and interval to conception and final pregnancy rate determined.

RESULTS: Overall, of cows inseminated in the first 3 weeks after PSM that did not return to oestrus, 610/6,734 (9.1%) were phantom cows. From the final multivariable analysis, treatment for anoestrus, BCS ≤4.0 at mating, being 2 or >6 years of age, and pure-bred, and decreasing interval between calving and mating, until 98 days post calving, were associated with increased odds of being a phantom cow. Compared to all other groups of cows, phantom cows had a longer interval to conception (p<0.001) and a lower final pregnancy rate (p<0.001).

Treatment of CL+ cows or cows with follicles ≥10?mm did not affect reproductive outcomes (p>0.3). For cows with follicles <10?mm treatment decreased the final percentage not pregnant (3/27; 11%; p=0.01) and interval to conception (21 days; p=0.02) compared with controls (7/13; 54% and 37 days, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Risk factors for phantom cows were identified that could be manipulated to reduce the number of phantom cows in a herd, in particular increasing BCS. Treatment of the majority of phantom cows did not improve reproductive performance.     

The effects of calcium supplementation of dairy cattle after calving on milk, milk fat and protein production, and fertility

AIM: To determine the effect of calcium supplementation of dairy cattle after calving on serum concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous after calving, and on reproductive and productive performance in the following lactation. METHODS: This was a double-blind randomised clinical trial using 356 dairy cows of parity 3 or greater from six seasonally calving commercial dairy herds. Cows were randomly assigned to a treatment and control group. The treatment group received two doses of 380 ml of calcium chloride in oil (49 g of elemental calcium); the first dose was given as soon as practical after calving and the second 12 hours later. Control cows received 380 ml of a placebo using the same treatment regime. Treatment and control cows had blood samples taken during the first 7 days after calving to determine serum calcium, magnesium and phosphorous levels. Treatment and control cows were monitored throughout the lactation to measure production and reproductive performance. RESULTS: Treatment had no effect on PSM to first service intervals. Treatment significantly reduced PSM to conception intervals in only one of the four herds with data available for analysis (p = 0.09). There was no difference between treatment groups for adjusted corrected milk yield calculated from the first herd test milk yield (p = 0.93) or 305-day milk solids production (p = 0.19). CONCLUSION: Further studies are required to identify reasons for the between-herd effectiveness of calcium chloride treatment in improving fertility.     

Reproductive Performance and Body Weight Changes in Draught Cows in a Smallholder Semi-arid Farming Area of Zimbabwe

The reproductive performance of 46 cows in a semi-arid, smallholder farming area of Zimbabwe was monitored for a year. Half the cows were used throughout the monitoring period for various draught purposes, including ploughing and procurement of farm produce for marketing using carts. All the cows lost body weight between July and October, after which the cows that were not worked gained weight until June of the following year. In contrast, the cows that were worked continued to lose body weight until January, throughout the time during which they were used to provide draught power, after which they gained weight. Body weights were significantly higher (p<0.05) in non-working than in working cows in January and February. Ovarian activity was higher (p<0.001) in non-working compared to working cows, particularly between November and February, while calving rates were also higher (p<0.05) in non-working cows. It is concluded that using cows for draught purposes caused loss of body weight and reduced ovarian activity and conception rates.     

Effects of calving induction on subsequent milk yield and reproductive performance of cows from seasonally mated New Zealand dairy herds

AIM: To identify some production and reproductive effects of calving induction in seasonally calving herds. METHODS: Forty seasonally calving herds entered on the DairyMAN management information system and whose milk yield and reproductive data were recorded, including pregnancy diagnosis results, were included in the study. Cows with an induced parturition were compared with normally calving contemporaries that had the same lactation number and calved at the same time. RESULTS: Milk yield was 1.2 +/- 0.2 litres/cow/day less over the entire lactation for cows induced to calve, with the greatest difference being 2.5 +/- 0.4 litres/cow/day measured in early lactation. The effects on milkfat and protein yield were similar, with 0.04 +/- 0.01 kg/cow/day less milkfat (p < 0.0001) and 0.03 +/- 0.01 kg/cow/day less protein (p < 0.0001). A higher milkfat percentage (+ 0.09 +/- 0.04 %) (p < 0.0001) and protein percentage (+ 0.10 +/- 0.02%) (p < 0.0001) for cows that were induced to calve reduced the effect of a lower milk yield on milkfat and protein production. The first service conception rate for cows induced to calve was 54.4 +/- 3.3%, which was significantly less (p = 0.03) than for cows that calved normally (59.5 +/- 3.3%). Cows induced to calve had a pregnancy rate at the end of mating of 91.4 +/- 2.1%, which was also significantly less (p <0.0001) than for cows that calved normally (93.6 +/- 1.7%). The 21-day submission rates were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that, under some New Zealand management conditions, the induction of calving is associated with reduced daily milk yield and inferior reproductive performance.     

Risk factors for postpartum endometritis and the effect of endometritis on reproductive performance in dairy cows in Korea

The objectives of this study were to determine the risk factors for postpartum endometritis by evaluating several reproductive factors in individual cows, and to determine the effect of endometritis on the subsequent reproductive performance in dairy herds in Korea. The data, including health status, parity and body condition score (BCS) of cows, and calving date, were collected from 320 cows in eight dairy herds calving from January 2001 to October 2002. We used logistic regression to evaluate the effects of these factors on endometritis. A stepwise procedure, used to obtain the appropriate model with alpha=0.05, revealed that retained placenta, metabolic disorders and parity are the important risk factors for endometritis. The mean intervals from calving to first service and conception were prolonged (P<0.01) by 23 and 36 days, respectively, in the endometritis group compared to the non-endometritis group. The first service conception rate was lower (P<0.05) in the endometritis group (47.6%) than in the non-endometritis group (62.6%). The number of services per conception was higher (P<0.05) in the endometritis group (1.9) than in the non-endometritis group (1.6). We conclude that retained placenta, metabolic disorders and cow parity are strongly correlated with the development of postpartum endometritis, which decreases reproductive performance in dairy herds in Korea.