Milk yield and reproductive performance of dairy cattle under smallholder management system in North-eastern Amhara Region,Ethiopia

This study was conducted in South Wollo Zone of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, to assess the milk yield and reproductive performance of indigenous and crossbred cattle under smallholder management conditions. Questionnaire survey was used to collect retrospective data on the performance of dairy cattle in 186 households. Thirty two postpartum cows (16 indigenous and 16 crossbred) were selected purposively and monitored for five months and milk samples were collected twice per week from each cow to determine postpartum ovarian activity using ELISA techniques. Daily milk yields at all stages of lactation were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in crossbred than indigenous cows. Crossbred cows had significantly (P < 0.01) longer lactation length and shorter age at first calving, while calving interval was significantly shorter in cows that gave previous calves during the wet season than the dry season. Only six cows (18.8%) showed heat signs on an average of 136 days postpartum of which one was a crossbred and five were indigenous. While, 11 cows (34.3%) resumed ovarian activity until 150^th day postpartum among which three were crossbred and eight were indigenous.     

影响荷斯坦奶牛产犊间隔的因素及其研究进展

产犊间隔（calving internal,CI）又称胎间距,即两次产犊间的时间间隔,能够综合反映奶牛发情、配种、妊娠和产犊等繁殖性能,是衡量奶牛繁殖性能的一个重要指标,同时也是影响奶牛产奶量和产犊数量的重要因素,对奶牛养殖经济效益具有直接影响。最新研究显示,适宜产犊间隔与牛群泌乳能力相关,泌乳能力越高,适宜产犊间隔应越长。但是,即使中国规模化牛场产奶量已经有了大幅提升,中国大多数牧场还在追求更短的产犊间隔。为此,作者对影响荷斯坦奶牛产犊间隔的因素及其研究进展进行概述,并简要阐述了产犊间隔对牛场经济效益的影响,以期为中国荷斯坦奶牛养殖确定适宜产犊间隔提供一定的借鉴和理论依据。     

Reproductive Disorders of Crossbred Dairy Cows in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia and Their Effect on Reproductive Performance

The study was conducted to estimate the proportion of reproductive disorders and to determine factors affecting reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows under four different production systems in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The principal postpartum reproductive disorders were retained fetal membranes (14.7%) and uterine infection (15.5%). Anoestrus was the major postpartum reproductive problem in the mixed crop–livestock production system (38.6%) and was significantly associated with this production system. Apart from anoestrus, the occurrence of reproductive disorders was not significantly associated with a production system. Most of the reproductive disorders occurred as a complex rather than as a single abnormality. Two or more abnormal conditions were seen in 11.4% of the cases. Each reproductive trait measured was affected adversely by reproductive disorders. Cows with reproductive disorders in each production system, lactation group and suckling and non-suckling group had longer intervals from calving to first service and to conception (p < 0.001) and required more services per conception (p < 0.001). Pregnancy rate and conception to first service were 84.7% and 51.7%, respectively, for cows without reproductive health problems; and 64.2% and 15.1%, respectively, for cows with reproductive disorders (p < 0.001). Overall, intervals from calving to first service were shorter (p < 0.05) than in younger cows. Intervals from calving to first service and to conception were longer in suckling than in non-suckling cows (p > 0.05). Cows with a good body condition score (>3.5) at calving had shorter calving to first service and conception intervals than cows in poor condition (p < 0.001). The results showed that reproductive abnormalities, coupled with poor body condition, are important factors that contributed to reproductive inefficiency. An appropriate reproductive health management, a reliable artificial insemination service and supplementary feeding could be the management options to reduce or alleviate some of the problems.     

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.     

泌乳早期乳中尿素氮含量对奶牛繁殖性能的影响

为探索奶牛泌乳早期乳中尿素氮含量对产后繁殖性能的影响,本研究选取海丰奶牛场的头胎荷斯坦牛1932头,于产犊后30d内采集乳样,测定乳中尿素氮含量,并收集试验牛只产后繁殖资料,用多因素方差分析法分析乳中尿素氮对产后繁殖性能的影响。结果表明,试验牛只产犊后1个月内乳中尿素氮含量为9．22±2．78mg／dL;乳中尿素氮含量对个体情期受胎率有显著影响（P〈0．05）,而对产后首次配种天数有极显著影响（P〈0．01）,乳中尿素氮含量大于15mg／dL的奶牛产后第一次配种天数显著高于低于此数值的奶牛,且个体情期受胎率显著低于此数值低的奶牛。同时乳中尿素氮含量与个体情期受胎率呈极显著负相关（P〈0．01）。据此认为,作为反映能氮平衡的关键指标,泌乳早期乳中尿素氮含量可作为预测奶牛产后繁殖性能的指标加以利用。     

A new perspective on management of reproduction in dairy cows: the need for detailed metabolic information, an improved selection index and extended lactation

For lactating dairy cows, we need management tools, that are "clean, green and ethical", cost-effective and easy to use. Specific tools are needed for artificial insemination (AI) after oestrus detection within a few months of calving, and for managing the complex nutritional requirements of cows between successive calvings. Assessment of energy deficit by measurement of body condition score (BCS) has been useful in the past but we now need more sophisticated ways to measure the relationship between adipose tissue and fertility. For this reason, we have focused our attention on the cells of the adipose tissue, the adipocytes, and the role of the hormone that they produce, leptin. This hormone affects pulsatile LH release and, in dairy cows, it seems to be linked to the first postpartum ovulation. Adipocytes are always sensing energy status and they control leptin secretion dynamically, so blood leptin concentrations can change acutely, even when there is no detectable change in BCS. Leptin secretion seems to be determined by the secretory activity of each adipocyte as well as the total mass of adipocytes in the body of the animal (as measured by BCS). The strong relationship between BCS, leptin concentration and reproductive function in dairy cows suggests that we should reconsider the interval of the recovery from prepartum and postpartum damages, the need for high milk yields at the last lactation causing the dry-off stress and the subsequent troubles. We should also re-assess the current drive to reduce calving interval because milk yields during the early stages of lactation are economically very important but high yields seem to cause several metabolic and reproductive disorders in modern dairy cows. In general, the thinking has been that calving interval must be short because short intervals are more profitable. However, if we remember that main product from dairy cows is milk and that a short calving interval is very difficult without reproductive problems, then a longer calving interval might be more sensible and also more profitable. We have example of an extended calving interval in Japan, Supercows which are very rare cows yielding remarkable high milk. Finally, we probably need to improve dairy cows genetically if we are to achieve the goal of "clean, green and ethical" dairy farming. This paper reviews data relevant to these strategies and we conclude that more basic and applied research will be required if we are to find ways to reach that goal.     

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.     

产犊季节、胎次及牛场对荷斯坦牛泌乳性能的影响

[目的]研究产犊季节、胎次及不同牛场对奶牛泌乳性能的影响情况,以期为提高奶牛的泌乳性能及牛奶质量提供可靠的理论依据。[方法]收集3个千头以上奶牛场共8 872次相关信息,用多因素方差分析法分析产犊季节、胎次和牛场对泌乳天数、305d校正奶量、305d脂肪产量、305d蛋白产量和全泌乳期产奶量5个泌乳性能的影响进行分析。[结果]不同产犊季节、胎次和牛场都极显著影响奶牛的5项泌乳性能(P<0.01)。夏季和秋季产犊奶牛的泌乳性能较为理想。夏季产犊奶牛的泌乳天数和全泌乳期产奶量最高,其他三个泌乳性能都位居第二;秋季产犊奶牛的305d校正奶量、脂肪产量和蛋白产量都显著高于其他三个季节(P<0.05),泌乳天数和全泌乳期产奶量也仅次于夏季。头胎牛的各项泌乳性能都显著高于其他胎次的奶牛(P<0.05),其次为2胎产犊奶牛。随着胎次的增加,泌乳性能的各项指标都有不同程度的降低。除了泌乳天数之外,A牛场的各项泌乳性能都最佳,且显著高于B、C两个奶牛场(P<0.05)。[结论]在饲养条件良好的情况下,本研究中三个牛场的奶牛适宜在夏、秋两个季节产犊,此时泌乳性能较好;此外,头胎产犊奶牛的泌乳性能在各胎次中最高。     

Risk factors for culling and deaths in eight dairy herds

Objectives To identify risk factors for culling of dairy cows from eight New South Wales dairy herds.
Design A longitudinal population study of dairy cow culling in eight non-seasonally calving dairy herds in the Camden district of New South Wales. Cox's proportional hazards model was used to evaluate various risk factors for culling for a specific reason (sales, deaths, reproductive failure, disorders of the udder and low milk production).
Results Age at first calving was not a significant risk factor for culling. Milk production in the first lactation greater than the population mean did not influence length of productive life overall, but was associated with a greater hazard of removal for disorders of the udder. Risk of culling for reproductive failure differed significantly between farms, and was not related to events in the previous lactation such as calving-to-first service interval or calving-to-conception interval. Shorter calving intervals were associated with increased risk of removal for low milk production and disorders of the udder.
Conclusion Longitudinal surveys to accurately identify reasons for removal from a wide range of herds, identification of herds with low culling rates (especially for reproductive failure and udder disorders), and the identification of practices associated with these culling rates would be worthwhile to the Australian dairy industry.     

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.     

Correlation between energy balance and fertility in Finnish dairy cows.

The effect of serum glucose, ASAT and urea on reproductive performance was studied in 45 Finnish dairy cows from 8 different herds. Blood samples were taken a month before calving as well as 2 weeks and 2 months after calving. Serum urea, ASAT and glucose were used as indicators of metabolic and energy balance. Glucose and ASAT concentrations were significantly correlated with fertility 2 weeks after calving, but not before calving or 2 months after calving. Antepartum, 60% of the cows had a low urea level; at 2 weeks and at 2 months postpartum 89% and 65%, respectively had low levels of urea. The cows were divided into groups as follows: low or high (greater than or equal to 2.9 mmol/l) glucose level and low or high (greater than or equal to 2.5 mmol/l) urea level. Low levels of glucose and/or urea in puerperium were associated with poor fertility. The intervals from calving to first insemination and conception were shorter in the group with high glucose and high urea than in the group with low values. The cows with the shortest intervals from calving to first insemination and conception showed adequate metabolic balance (high levels of urea and glucose). Clinical ketosis had an adverse affect on intervals from calving to first insemination and on conception. Intervals from calving to first insemination and to conception were significantly (p less than 0.01) longer in ketotic cows than in non-ketotic ones. Liver damage, reflected as elevated activity of ASAT, was associated with poor fertility. If shorter calving intervals are desired, adequate energy balance in puerperium is essential.     

产犊季节、胎次及牛场对荷斯坦牛泌乳性能的影响

本研究收集了3个千头以上奶牛场共8872条相关信息,采用多因素方差分析法分析了不同产犊季节、胎次和牛场对泌乳天数、305d校正奶量、305d脂肪产量、305d蛋白产量和全泌乳期产奶量5个泌乳性能指标的影响。结果表明,不同产犊季节、胎次和牛场都极显著影响奶牛的该5项泌乳性能（P〈0．01）。夏季和秋季产犊奶牛的泌乳性能较为理想。夏季产犊奶牛的泌乳天数和全泌乳期产奶量最高,其他三个泌乳性能指标都位居第二;秋季产犊奶牛的305d校正奶量、脂肪产量和蛋白产量都显著高于其他三个季节（P〈0．05）,泌乳天数和全泌乳期产奶量也仅次于夏季。头胎牛的各项泌乳性能都显著高于其他胎次的奶牛（P〈0．05）,其次为2胎产犊奶牛。随着胎次的增加,泌乳性能的各项指标都有不同程度的降低。不同的牛场极显著地影响奶牛的泌乳性能（P〈0．01）。     

Milk yield and survival of Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle after laparoscopic correction of left-displaced abomasum

The milk yield and survival of 91 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows that had had a left-displaced abomasum (LDA) corrected laparoscopically were compared with those of 193 control cows matched for herd, parity and calving date. Ninety per cent of the LDA treatments were performed within four weeks after calving. The risk of being culled during the whole observational period of at least three years was 1.5 times greater for the LDA cows than for their matched herdmates (P<0.01). The risk of being culled in the current lactation was 1.8 times greater for the LDA cows (P=0.01), but risk of being culled after the next calving following the LDA correction was similar for both groups. For the lactation in which the LDA was corrected, there was no difference in the 305-day milk production of 80 of the LDA cows and 182 of the matched cows; however, the mean interval from calving to first service during the same lactation was longer for the LDA cows (115 v 98 days) and the mean calving interval was also longer (451 v 418 days).     

Effect of lameness on the calving-to-conception interval in dairy cows

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between lameness and the duration of the interval from calving to subsequent conception in lactating dairy cows. DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: 837 dairy cows. PROCEDURE: Cows affected with lameness were classified into 1 of 4 groups on the basis of types of disease or lesions observed, including foot rot, papillomatous digital dermatitis, claw lesions, or multiple lesions. Cows not affected with lameness were classified as healthy. Time from calving to conception was compared between lame cows and healthy cows. RESULTS: 254 (30%) cows were affected with lameness during lactation. Most lame cows (59%) had claw lesions. Lame cows with claw lesions were 0.52 times as likely to conceive as healthy cows. Median time to conception was 40 days longer in lame cows with claw lesions, compared with healthy cows. Number of breedings per conception for lame cows with claw lesions was significantly higher than that for healthy cows. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Claw lesions were the most important cause of lameness, impairing reproductive performance in dairy cows, as indicated by a higher incidence of affected cows and a greater time from calving to conception and a higher number of breedings required per conception, compared with healthy cows.     

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.     

Induction of parturition in dairy cattle and its effects on health and subsequent lactation and reproductive performance

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of induction of parturition on health, milk production and reproductive performance of dairy cows. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study in 62 dairy herds. PROCEDURE: Health, milk production and fertility indices were documented for 1449 dairy cows treated with dexamethasone trimethylacetate, with or without prostaglandin to induce calving. Equivalent data was collected for 603 untreated herd mates that calved at approximately the same time. RESULTS: The median interval from initial treatment to calving was 11 days. Induction was associated with a substantially lower calf survival and commercial value of surviving calves. Calf viability and value was lower when induced cows were at an earlier stage of pregnancy. Retained foetal membranes, photosensitisation and other problems were significantly more frequent in the induced group compared to the untreated group. Milk production of induced cows was approximately 4% lower than untreated ones, but the majority of reproductive indices were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The practice of induction of parturition in seasonal calving dairy herds is a reliable way of shortening the gestation period of cows. Costs associated with morbidity and mortality of induced cows and losses in lactation and calf production are offset by benefits of improved reproductive performance and more efficient management of the herd. The welfare aspects of induction on calf survival must be considered.     

Fertility of dairy cows in Northern Ireland

A comprehensive database was established on the milk production and reproductive performance of dairy cows in 19 selected herds in Northern Ireland, varying in size, management system and genetic merit. Data were obtained for 2471 cows, 1775 of which calved in a second year, and 693 were culled from the herd for specific reasons. The estimated mean rate of heat detection (assessed by the interheat interval during the main breeding season) in all the herds was 71 per cent, with a range from 53 to 92 per cent The average conception rate to first insemination was 37.1 per cent (range 21 to 66 per cent). The average calving interval for the retained cows was 407.2 days (range 359 to 448 days). Twenty-eight per cent of the cows that calved were culled, with infertility being the largest single reason (26.8 per cent of the cows culled). There were major differences in reproductive performance between the herds, but heat detection rate, conception rate and calving interval did not appear to be affeded by a herd's genetic merit. The herds with shorter calving intervals were characterised by better heat detection efficiency (83 v 61 per cent, P<0.01), a shorter interval from calving to first insemination (74 v 97 days; P<0.05), a higher conception rate to first insemination (45 v 34 per cent, P>0.10) and a lower removal rate (23 v 37 per cent, P<0.01). Furthermore, the cows in these herds had lower body condition scores (BCS) in the dry period (3.0 v 3.3; P<0.05) but lost less body condition in early lactation (0.3 v 0.6 BCS units, P<0.05). These results show that dairy herd fertility in Northern Ireland is generally low and similar to that previously reported for England and the USA, but that in some herds changes in herd management practices improved the cows' fertility.     

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.     

Body Condition Change Ante- and Postpartum, Health and Reproductive Performance in German Holstein Cows

The effects of body condition score (BCS) change and status ante‐ and postpartum (pp) on health and reproductive performance in 234 German Holstein cows from eight dairy farms were evaluated. BCS was determined from 6 weeks antepartum until 20 weeks pp in 2‐week intervals. Three and 5 weeks pp progesterone concentrations in blood serum were determined to detect the presence of luteal tissue as an indicator of cyclicity. The incidence of various diseases, percent cycling cows, reproductive measures and culling rate were assessed. Data were subjected to logistic regression to account for possible herd and lactation number effects. Cows with a low BCS status (<3.0) at calving and during early lactation (4–10 weeks pp) were at a higher risk of suffering from lameness (OR 2.9–9.4), not being cycling at 3 and/or 5 weeks pp (OR 2.24–3.99) and being culled (OR 2.56–2.79) than cows in better body condition (≥3.0) In addition, cows with a low BCS status at parturition were at a higher risk of developing endometritis (OR 2.95) and becoming pregnant later than 105 days pp (OR 5.92) than cows with a BCS ≥ 3.0. At 10 weeks pp, the risk of dystocia (OR 4.10) or retained placenta (OR 2.78) at the preceding calving and not being pregnant at 200 days pp (OR 2.42) was higher in cows with a BCS < 3.0 than with a BCS ≥ 3.0. Cows with no BCS loss antepartum were more likely to have an interval from calving to first artificial insemination of <80 days and <105 days open, to be cycling at 3 and 5 weeks pp and to be pregnant at 200 days pp than cows with a BCS loss of >0.25 (OR 2.44–6.67). Furthermore, cows with no BCS loss from calving to 4 weeks pp had a lower risk of suffering from displaced abomasum than cows with a slight or a severe BCS loss (OR 0.09–0.07 respectively). In conclusion, our results suggest that body condition loss during the antepartal period affected BCS status at parturition and to a certain extent during lactation which was linked to a higher incidence of reproductive disorders and lameness, a higher culling rate and lower reproductive performance.     

荷斯坦牛产后前60 d患隐性乳房炎次数对各泌乳月SCS的影响

荷斯坦牛产后前60 d患隐性乳房炎(SCM)次数反映了泌乳牛产后乳房的生理健康状况.本研究旨在探究荷斯坦牛产后前60 d患SCM次数对各泌乳月体细胞评分(somatic cell score,SCS)的影响,以期为牧场及时采取相关措施进行隐性乳房炎防控提供科学依据.本研究收集江苏地区12个奶牛场2017-2019年荷斯...