Antioxidants in Colostrum and Milk of Sows and Cows

On account of the oxidative stress conditions that may appear during parturition, colostrum should provide with not only nutritional and immunological components but also antioxidative protection of newborn. There is evidence that apart from well-known antioxidative enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase or low molecular antioxidants, proteins like lactoperoxidase (LPO), lactoferrin (LF) and ceruloplasmin (CP) may exert antioxidative properties in colostrum. The aim of present study was to determine and to evaluate LPO, LF and CP activities in colostrum and milk of sows and cows. Samples were collected from 16 healthy cows five times: immediately after parturition, 12, 24 and 48 h, and 7 days postpartum as well as from 14 healthy sows five times: immediately after parturition, 6, 12, 24 and 36 h later. Examined parameters were determined spectrophotometrically at 412, 560 and 540 nm respectively. LPO activity was higher in sows as in cows and increased significantly within examined time. LF ability to inhibit superoxide radical generation was higher in sows as in cows and increased significantly within examined time. CP oxidase activity was higher in cows as in sows and decreased significantly during experimental period. In conclusion, antioxidative defence system in colostrum shows dynamic changes that allow for providing with necessary protection from oxidative stress conditions, which may appear after parturition.     

Histologic and histochemical study of placentomes in cows after induced labor

The placentomes were extirpated from 16 cows after parturition induced with 750 micrograms cloprostenol or 20 mg dexamethasone on the 277th day of gravidity, on an average, from 9 cows after spontaneous parturition, and from 7 cows after hysterectomy in the eighth month of gravidity. In the cows with induced calving the foetal placenta was not expelled within 12 hours after calving in 68.7% of the cases whereas in the spontaneous parturitions this proportion was only 22.2% of cases. The placentomes obtained immediately after calf expulsion, and then after four and eight hours, were subjected to histological and histochemical examination. In the terminal crypts of the placentome in cross sections obtained from cows which expelled the placenta in time after natural and induced parturitions, the number of binuclear cells of the fetal syncytium and of cells of the dam epithelium (P less than 0.001) was found to be significantly lower than in the cases of afterbirth retention (1.2 and 3.9; 6.4 and 18.5). The cells of the cow's epithelium of the expelled placentae had a higher activity of acid phosphatase and lipids and the foetal syncytium had a higher activity of non-specific esterase. Increased alkaline phosphatase activity was characteristic of the cow's epithelium in the cases of subsequent retention of afterbirth. These findings should be taken into account in efforts for developing new methods of the induction of parturition if the undesired occurrence of afterbirth retention is to be reduced.     

Prepartum maternal plasma glucose concentrations and placental glucose transporter mRNA expression in cows carrying somatic cell clone fetuses

In this study, the plasma glucose concentrations of cows carrying a somatic cell clone fetus during late pregnancy and placental glucose transporter (GLUT) mRNA levels at parturition were examined. Parturition was induced using dexamethasone, prostaglandin F(2α) and estriol in cows bearing a clone (Clone) or a fetus fertilized in vivo as a control (DEX). Plasma glucose concentrations were measured in the cows (days 257 and 271 of pregnancy and at parturition) and newborn calves. Cotyledon and caruncle tissues removed just after parturition were used for mRNA extraction. Expression of mRNA was also analyzed in control cows that were induced to undergo parturition without dexamethasone (PG) or that spontaneously delivered (SP). The glucose concentrations of the Clone group were significantly low at all points examined, but those of the calves were normal. The increase in the maternal glucose concentration from day 257 to parturition was significantly lower in the Clone group. Glucose concentrations were negatively correlated with birth weight for clones (day 257; r=-0.584, day 271; r=-0.286, parturition; r=-0.549). There was no difference in mRNA levels in the cotyledons among the animals examined. In the caruncles, the Clone and PG groups showed significantly higher GLUT1 and GLUT3 mRNA levels than the SP group, and the GLUT3 mRNA level was significantly higher in the Clone group than in the DEX group. The glucocorticoid receptor α mRNA level was significantly lower in the SP group than in the DEX group. Although spontaneous parturition and administration of dexamethasone suppressed the placental GLUT mRNA levels, the action was not observed in clone pregnancy. These results raise the possibility of facilitation of glucose transportation through the placenta to meet increased nutritional requirements of overgrown clone fetuses.     

Changes of serum 3-methylhistidine concentration and energy-associated metabolites in dairy cows with ketosis

The present study examined the Serum 3-methylhistidine concentrations and energy-associated variables of 5 healthy Holstein cows and 5 Holstein cows with ketosis. The serum total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B-100 concentrations and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity of the ketotic cows were lower than those of the healthy cows 14 days before parturition. The serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration on the day of parturition and 3-methylhistidine concentration 14 days after parturition were higher in the ketotic cows. The serum 3-methylhistidine concentration 14 days after parturition was negatively correlated with the serum LCAT activity 14 days before parturition and was positively correlated with the serum NEFA concentration on the day of parturition. Insufficiency of cholesterol metabolism and acceleration of body fat degradation occur before parturition in cows with ketosis, and these characteristics are correlated with acceleration of protein degradation after parturition.     

Plasma mineral and energy metabolite concentrations in dairy cows fed an anionic prepartum diet that did or did not have retained fetal membranes after parturition

OBJECTIVE: To compare plasma total calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta hydroxy butyrate (BHB), and glucose concentrations in parturient dairy cows that were fed an anionic prepartum diet between those with and without retained fetal membranes (RFM) at 24 hours after parturition. ANIMALS: 152 Holstein cows that calved during October through December of 1997 PROCEDURE: All cows were fed an anionic prepartum diet. Blood sample was taken within 6 hours after parturition from randomly selected cows. Thirty-nine cows had a diagnosis of RFM at 24 hours after parturition; 113 were not affected with RFM. At calving, body condition score (BCS; 1 [thin] to 5 [obese]), parity, and calving difficulty score were recorded. Plasma calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, NEFA, BHB, and glucose concentrations were compared between cows with or without RFM. RESULTS: Cows with RFM had significantly lower plasma calcium concentration soon after calving, compared with cows without RFM. Cows with a parity of > or = 3 had significantly lower plasma concentrations of calcium and higher concentrations of magnesium, compared with cows with a parity of 1 or 2. Cows with a BCS of > or = 3.25 at calving had significantly higher plasma concentrations of BHB than cows with a BCS of 2.75 to 3.0. Cows with dystocia had significantly higher plasma concentrations of glucose, compared with cows without dystocia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In parturient cows fed a prepartum anionic diet, those with RFM have lower plasma calcium concentrations than cows without RFM, although this association does not prove a cause-effect relationship.     

干乳期能量摄入水平对围产期奶牛肝载脂蛋白B100mRNA丰度的影响

将年龄、胎次相同，年产奶量大于5000kg的围产期健康奶牛30头随机分为3组，每组10头。Ⅰ组饲喂中国奶牛饲养标准（2000）减少20％日粮（能量摄入80％组）。Ⅱ组饲喂中国奶牛饲养标准（2000）日粮（能量摄入100％组），Ⅲ组饲喂中国奶牛饲养标准（2000）增加20％日粮（能量摄入120％组）。试验从产前28d开始至产后56d结束，产后各组奶牛均饲喂标准泌乳日粮。采用内对照RT—PCR方法，检测了干乳期摄入不同能量的围产期奶牛肝脏活体组织载脂蛋白B100（apoB100）mRNA丰度。结果表明。apoB100mRNA相对表达量，产前至产后Ⅰ、Ⅲ组均呈先升高后降低的趋势，Ⅲ组产后apoB100mRNA丰度降低了61．45％，Ⅰ组呈逐渐降低的趋势，各组均在产后28d达最低值（Ⅰ组，P〈0．05；Ⅱ、Ⅲ组，P〈0．01）。产前14d至产后1d，apoB100mRNA相对表达量Ⅲ组高于Ⅰ组，Ⅰ组高于Ⅱ组，组间差异极显著（P〈0．01）；产后28d。Ⅰ组高于Ⅱ、Ⅲ组（P〈0．05）。由此可见，围产期奶牛能量摄入水平对肝脏载脂蛋白B100mRNA丰度有显著影响。     

Effects of forage-to-concentrate ratio in prepartum diet on the dry matter intake and milk yield of periparturient cows during hot weather

The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of prepartum diets on dry matter intake (DMI) around parturition and on milk production in early lactation during a hot summer. Nine cows due to calve in July or August were assigned to two groups and fed either control (group C; four cows) or high‐concentrate (group H; five cows) diets to meet 110% of their energy requirements from 18 days before the expected calving date to parturition. The proportion of concentrate in the control diet was 35%, and that in the high‐concentrate diet was 45%. For 21 days after parturition, all cows were fed the same diets for lactation ad libitum. The DMI of cows in group H almost met their energy requirements. In group C, the DMI was decreased relative to group H and the concentration of plasma non‐esterified fatty acids was significantly higher (P < 0.05) before parturition. Therefore, the cows in group C were thought to be energy deficient before parturition. After parturition, there were no significant differences in DMI between the two groups. The milk yield of cows in group H tended to be higher than that of cows in group C at 21 days after parturition. Milk protein yield was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in group H 21 days after parturition relative to group C. There were no significant differences in milk composition between the two groups.     

Influence of Body Condition on Serum Metabolic Indicators of Lipid Mobilization and Oxidative Stress in Dairy Cows During the Transition Period

The objectives of this study were to examine the influence of body condition of cows on metabolic and antioxidative status, as well as to investigate the relationship between metabolic indicators of lipid mobilization and oxidative stress during transition period. The study was conducted on 24 Holstein‐Friesian dairy cows divided into 2 groups according to their body condition score (BCS) as optimal (n = 12; BCS from 3.25 to 3.75) or adipose (n = 12; BCS ≥4). Metabolic status (glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, NEFA and BHB), paraoxonase‐1 (PON1) and apolipoprotein A‐I (ApoA‐I) were analysed in sera taken on days ?30, ?10, ?2, 0, 5, 12, 19, 26 and 60 relative to parturition. Adipose cows had significantly higher glucose concentration at parturition being significantly decreased after parturition on days 12 and 19. Total cholesterol and HDL‐C concentrations were the lowest at parturition and significantly higher on days 26 and 60 after parturition in both groups of cows. Both investigated groups had significantly higher NEFA concentration from parturition until day 19 after parturition, indicating energy deficit and an increased lipid mobilization after calving. There were no significant differences in BHB concentration during transition period in both groups. No significant differences were found in PON1 activity and ApoA‐I concentration during transition period in both groups of cows. However, in adipose cows, although not significantly different, PON1 was decreased from calving until day 19 after parturition indicating a disturbance in antioxidative status in adipose cows. PON1 significantly positively correlated with total cholesterol and HDL‐C concentrations and negatively with NEFA indicating a strong relationship of PON1 with lipid metabolism. Significant positive correlation between NEFA and BHB in both groups of cows points out on energy deficit during transition period that cows tend to overcome by lipid mobilization providing alternative source of energy needed for parturition and lactation.     

Comparison of productive and reproductive performance and hair cortisol levels between Brown Swiss cross‐bred and Holstein cows housed in the same barn

The productive and reproductive characteristics of Brown Swiss (B) cross‐bred cows were investigated by comparing with those of Holstein (H) cows housed in the same barn. Additionally, their hair cortisol levels were analyzed to evaluate the extent of stress experienced during dry and lactation periods. B cross‐bred cows had lower milk yields and higher milk fat rates than H cows. Reproductive records showed that days from parturition to first artificial insemination (AI) in B cross‐bred (n = 16) and H (n = 27) cows were not significantly different, but conception rate at first AI of B cross‐bred cows tended to be higher than that of H cows. Percentage of B cross‐bred cows that resumed ovarian cyclic activity within 45 days after parturition was higher than that of H cows (6/6 (100%) and 5/11 (45.5%), P < 0.05), and B cross‐bred cows had higher body condition scores at that time. Hair cortisol level at 60 to 90 days after parturition in H cows increased significantly compared with in the dry period, and it was higher than that of B cows during the same period. These results suggest that B cross‐bred cows experience less metabolic stress during early lactation, which may result in earlier resumption of reproductive function.     

Blood flow parameters associated with udder oedema in Jersey cattle affected with rectovaginal constriction

Udder oedema was studied in eight Jersey cows with rectovaginal constriction (RVC) and three normal Jersey cows. A complete physical examination was performed at least two weeks before parturition, at parturition and two weeks after parturition. Jersey cows with RVC developed udder oedema as early as 14 days before parturition, and condition persisted for three to 10 days following parturition. Mammary blood flow and cranial superficial epigastric venous blood pressure were measured in three Jersey cows with RVC with udder oedema and three normal Jersey cows. The former with udder oedema had a significant decrease in mammary blood flow at parturition compared to the normal Jersey cows (P less than 0.05); there was no significant difference in mammary blood flow between Jersey cows with RVC and normal Jersey cows two weeks before parturition (P greater than 0.05). A significant mean increase in cranial superficial epigastric venous blood pressure occurred at parturition when compared to two weeks before parturition in Jersey cows with RVC (P less than 0.05), but normal Jersey cows had no significant increase in cranial superficial epigastric vein pressure during these two periods of measurement (P greater than 0.05). There was no significant increase in jugular vein blood pressure during the two periods of measurement in Jersey cows with RVC or normal Jersey cows (P greater than 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between mammary blood flow and cranial superficial epigastric pressure at parturition (r = 0.733, P less than 0.05).     

Changes in oxidative status in periparturient dairy cows in hot conditions

We investigated the changes in the plasma concentrations of oxidative stress markers in periparturient dairy cows in hot conditions. This study was performed on 10 cows from day ?5 to day 10 after parturition. The experimental duration was divided into three periods: period 1 (5 days before parturition); period 2 (5 days after parturition); and period 3 (from day 6 to day 10 after parturition). The average rectal temperature in the cows during the experimental period was more than 39°C. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase activities in periods 2 and 3 were higher than that in period 1 (P < 0.05). Blood urea nitrogen concentration in period 3 was lower than those in periods 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). The total ascorbic acid concentration in the plasma in period 2 was greater than those in periods 1 and 3 (P < 0.05). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations in periods 2 and 3 were greater than that in period 1 (P < 0.05). TBARS concentration was positively correlated with aspartate aminotransferase activity (P < 0.05). These results suggested that oxidative stress increased in cows after parturition under hot climatic conditions.     

Relationship between parity and mineral status in dairy cows during the periparturient period

Data from 65 cows were collected to clarify the relationship between parity and mineral status in Holstein cows during the periparturient period. Milk fever occurred in a second‐ and a fourth‐lactation cow at parturition. Bodyweight of cows decreased immediately after parturition, and the decreased weights of cows from 1 to 6 days after parturition ranged from 11 to 27 kg. Milk yield of multiparous cows was higher than that of primiparous cows, but Ca and P concentrations in colostrum were not affected by the parity. Plasma glucose of primiparous cows was higher than that of multiparous cows, and plasma nonesterified fatty acids of fourth‐and‐more‐lactation cows at parturition was highest. Plasma Ca concentration of cows at parturition decreased with advancing parity, and plasma inorganic P concentration of third‐and‐more‐lactation cows was lowest at parturition. Plasma parathyroid hormone of fourth‐and‐more‐lactation cows at parturition was highest, but plasma hydroxyproline and alkaline phosphatase was lowest. These results suggest that the large transfer of Ca and P to colostrum is a factor in the development of milk fever in third‐and‐more‐lactation cows.     

Premature bovine parturition induced by ponderosa pine: effects of pine needles, bark and branch tips

Three components of Ponderosa pine trees were administered via gavage to pregnant cows to determine their ability to induce premature parturition. When tips of branches, bark or needles were administered (2.7 kg/day) starting at 250 d of pregnancy, early parturition was induced in an average of 3.4, 5.0 and 9.1 d, respectively, compared to 31.8 d for water gavaged controls (P less than 0.01). Less pine material was required to induce parturition with tips and bark (9.4 and 11.2 kg/cow, respectively) than with needles (25.0 kg/cow P less than 0.05). Cows fed pine material retained fetal membranes longer after parturition; 13.0 d for needles, 10.5 d for bark and greater than 3.0 d for tips versus less than 0.5 d for controls (P less than 0.01). However, 2 of the cows fed tips died within 48 hours after parturition with fetal membranes intact and the other 2 cows fed tips became depressed, pyrexic and emaciated. They survived after extended veterinary care with antibiotic and fluid therapy. Administration of pine materials modified serum progesterone concentration profiles; there was significant elevation in progesterone 1-3 days after pine material was administered. Subsequently, pine material induced a premature decline in progesterone levels prior to parturition, which occurred more rapidly in cows fed bark and tips suggesting a dose response relationship. Pine material also modified serum cortisol concentration profiles; the main difference was a prolonged elevation in cows receiving tips. Branch tips and bark from Ponderosa pine are more potent in inducing parturition than needles.     

Effects of calcium intake and parity on plasma minerals and bone turnover around parturition

Eight pregnant heifers (primiparous cows) and seven pregnant cows in their second, third and forth pregnancies (multiparous cows) were assigned to two groups and fed either a low calcium (Ca) diet (Ca, 0.46%) or a high Ca diet (Ca, 0.86%) ad libitum from 3 weeks before the expected calving date to 3 days after parturition. All cows were examined for a change in dry matter intake (DMI), plasma minerals and bone turnover around parturition. The dietary Ca level did not affect the DMI in both primiparous and multiparous cows. The DMI of primiparous cows was significantly lower than that of multiparous cows (P < 0.05) in both the low and high dietary Ca groups. The dietary Ca level did not affect the concentrations of plasma Ca, phosphorus, magnesium and parathyroid hormone throughout the experimental period. Plasma phosphorus in primiparous cows was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of multiparous cows around parturition. Plasma Ca and magnesium tended to be higher (P < 0.10) in primiparous cows. The dietary Ca level did not affect the plasma osteocalcin (OC) level measured as bone formation or the urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) excretion measured as bone resorption before parturition in both primiparous and multiparous cows. After parturition, the plasma OC level was lower than it was before parturition in multiparous cows fed a low Ca diet, and in primiparous cows. There were no significant differences in urinary DPD excretion between each group before and after parturition. Both the plasma OC level and urinary DPD excretion of primiparous cows were significantly higher than those of multiparous cows in both the low and high dietary Ca groups.     

Venous blood pressure relative to the development of bovine udder edema

Cranial superficial epigastric (milk vein) and jugular venous blood pressure were measured in 8 cows with udder edema and in 3 normal control cows at least 2 weeks before parturition, at parturition, and 2 weeks after parturition. Cows with udder edema had a significant mean increase (P less than or equal to 0.05) in cranial superficial epigastric venous pressure at parturition when compared with pressures 2 weeks prepartum and 2 weeks postpartum. Unaffected control cows had an insignificant increase in cranial superficial epigastric venous pressure during these 3 periods of measurement. There was an insignificant increase in jugular venous blood pressure during the 3 periods of measurement in affected and control cows. A correlation was observed between mammary blood flow and cranial superficial epigastric blood pressure at parturition (r = -0.659, P less than or equal to 0.05).     

The effects of treatment with cloprostenol or dinoprost within one hour of induced parturition on the incidence of retained placenta in cattle

Two experiments were designed to determine whether prostaglandin treatment within one hour postpartum would reduce the incidence of retained placentas after induction of parturition in beef cattle. In the first experiment, 70 cows were induced on day 276-278 of gestation with the combination of 500 μg cloprostenol and 25 mg dexamethasone (CP + Dex). Within one hour after parturition, cows received either 500 μg CP or 25 mg of dinoprost (DI). The incidence of retained placenta (RP) was 64.3% in induced groups and 0% in noninduced control cows and postpartum treatment with either CP or DI had no effect on placental retention.

A second experiment, utilizing 132 cows and heifers, was conducted to determine whether induction with Dex alone, rather than with CP + Dex, would influence the rate of placental retention after postpartum treatment with either CP or DI. The incidence of retained placenta ranged from 28.5 to 58.3% in induced females but was 0% in noninduced control females. As in the first experiment, postpartum prostaglandin treatment had no effect on placental retention.

The results of these experiments do not support the use of prostaglandins within one hour of induced parturition to reduce the incidence of retained placentas.

     

不同能量摄入对围产期奶牛脂肪组织胰岛素受体mRNA丰度的影响

将年龄、胎次相同,年产奶量大于5000kg的围产期健康奶牛30头随机分为3组,每组10头。按照中国奶牛饲养标准(2000),低能组饲喂减少20%日粮(能量摄入80%组),对照组饲喂标准日粮(能量摄入100%组),高能组饲喂增加20%日粮(能量摄入120%组),试验从产前14天开始至产后28天结束,产后各组奶牛均饲喂标准日粮。采用半定量RTPCR方法检测了不同能量摄入对围产期奶牛脂肪组织胰岛素受体(InsR)mRNA丰度的影响。结果表明:各组脂肪InsRmRNA相对表达量从产前14天至产后28天均呈现先升高后降低的趋势,产后14天达到最大值,且产后高于产前;低能组产前InsRmRNA相对表达量低于高能组和正常组,产后1天至产后28天高于高能组和正常组,产后14天显著高于高能组(P<0.01)。可见,干乳期低能饲喂奶牛,产后脂肪InsRmRNA表达增加,提示产前适当降低能量摄入水平,有利于胰岛素抑制泌乳初期脂肪动员作用的发挥。     

Pine needle abortion in cattle: associated changes in serum cortisol, estradiol and progesterone

Nineteen spring-calving cows were used in an experiment to study the effect of feeding pine needles on incidence of premature parturitions (abortions) and the associated changes in serum cortisol, estradiol-17 beta and progesterone. The study was conducted over 2 years (1983, seven cows fed pine needles and three controls; 1984, six cows fed pine needles and three controls). Experimental feeding started at an average of 250 d of gestation and continued until parturition. Daily blood samples were taken from the start of feeding through 2 to 4 d after parturition. Feeding pine needles shortened gestation by 16 d and induced a premature normal rise in cortisol and estradiol-17 beta associated with parturition. Cortisol concentrations were also high at the beginning of the bleeding period and remained higher in pine needle-fed cows. An abrupt rise in progesterone concentration occurred after the start of pine needle feeding which then decreased sharply for 7 to 8 d before parturition and did not decrease to control concentrations until after parturition. We conclude that feeding pine needles to pregnant cows in late gestation causes abortions and that these abortions are directly caused by or are associated with changes in steroid metabolism.     

不同能量摄入水平对围产期奶牛肝MTP mRNA丰度的影响

将年龄、胎次相同，年产奶量大于7000kg的围产期荷斯坦奶牛30头随机分为3组，每组10头，低能量组（Ⅰ组）按中国奶牛营养标准2000年版减少20％日粮（能量摄入80％），高能量组（Ⅱ组）则按此标准增加20％日粮（能量摄入120％），对照组（Ⅲ组）按标准日粮（能量摄入100％）饲喂，试验从产前28d到产后56d结束，分娩后各组均按标准配制相同的泌乳日粮。分别于产前28、14d及产后1、14、28、56d采取肝活体组织。应用内对照RT—PCR方法检测肝脏组织MTPmRNA丰度。结果显示，各组奶牛肝MTPmRNA丰度均呈现先升高后降低的趋势。产后均高于产前，且产后1～28d差异显著（P〈0．01或P〈0．05），而后回降，至56d趋于平稳（P〉0．05）；Ⅲ组肝MTP mRNA丰度在产后1d达到峰值，而Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组在产后14d达到最大值（P〈0．01）；Ⅱ组产后1～28d显著高于I组。产后14d显著高于Ⅲ组（P〈0．01）；Ⅲ组产后1d和28d显著高于Ⅰ组（P〈0．01或P〈0．05）。这些结果表明，围产期奶牛能量摄入水平对肝MTP mRNA丰度有显著影响。     

Reductions in milk production after induced parturition in dairy cows from commercial herds in south-western Victoria

SUMMARY The milk production of cows after induced parturition was compared with that of non-induced cows with similar calving dates, in 37 winter-calving, pasture-fed, commercial dairy herds in south-western Victoria. Parturition was induced when most cows were between 27 and 35 weeks of pregnancy. Milk production was compared for the lactation that commenced immediately after induction. The percentage of cows whose lactations were terminated less than 120 days after calving was increased by induction. Mean percentages for untreated and induced groups were 3.0% and 5.4%, respectively . For cows with lactations of at least 120 days duration, lactation length was not affected by the prior induction of parturition. However, milk production during the subsequent lactation was 9.0% less in induced groups. Fat and protein concentrations were not substantially affected. The reduction in milk production was not affected by stage of pregnancy when cows were induced, but tended to be greater in herds that delayed milking of induced cows .