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Le Berre M, Gerlach JQ, Loughrey C, Creavin A, Pluta K, Gallagher M, Carrington SD, Joshi L, Kilcoyne M. Examination of oestrus-dependent alterations of bovine cervico-vaginal mucus glycosylation for potential as optimum fertilisation indicators. Mol Omics 2021; 17:338-346. [PMID: 33720233 DOI: 10.1039/d0mo00193g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Oestrus is the period in the sexual cycle of female mammals where they become most receptive to mating and are most fertile. Efficient detection of oestrus is a key component in successful reproductive livestock management programmes. Oestrus detection in cattle is most often performed by visual observation, such as mounting behaviour and standing heat, to facilitate more successful prediction of optimal time points for artificial insemination. This time-consuming method requires a skilled, diligent observer. Biological measurements using easily accessible biomolecules in the cervico-vaginal mucus could provide an alternative strategy to physical methods of oestrus detection, providing an inexpensive means of rapidly and accurately assessing the onset of oestrus. In this study, glycosylation changes in cervico-vaginal mucus from three heifers following oestrus induction were investigated as a proof of concept to assess whether potential glycosylation-based trends could be useful for oestrus stage indication. Mucus collected at different time points following oestrus induction was immobilised in a microarray format and its glycosylation interrogated with a panel of fluorescently labelled lectins, carbohydrate-binding proteins with different specificities. Individual animal-specific glycosylation patterns were observed, however each pattern followed a similar trend around oestrus. This unique oestrus-associated glycosylation was identified by a combination of relative binding of the lectins SNA-I and WFA for each animal. This alteration in cervico-vaginal mucus glycosylation could potentially be exploited in future to more accurately identify optimal fertilisation intervention points compared to visual signs. More effective oestrus biomarkers will lead to more successful livestock reproductive programmes, decreasing costs and animal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Le Berre
- Glycoscience Group, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. and Advanced Glycoscience Research Cluster, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Jared Q Gerlach
- Glycoscience Group, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. and Advanced Glycoscience Research Cluster, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Catherine Loughrey
- Glycoscience Group, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. and Advanced Glycoscience Research Cluster, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Aileen Creavin
- Glycoscience Group, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. and Advanced Glycoscience Research Cluster, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Katarzyna Pluta
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mary Gallagher
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen D Carrington
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lokesh Joshi
- Glycoscience Group, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. and Advanced Glycoscience Research Cluster, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Michelle Kilcoyne
- Advanced Glycoscience Research Cluster, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. and Carbohydrate Signalling Group, Discipline of Microbiology, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Andringa MFA, Van Eerdenburg FJCM, Fernández E, García S, Cavestany D. Comparison between two progesterone sources and two oestradiol formulations in a Heatsynch protocol for postpartum cycling dairy cows in pasture. J Vet Sci 2013; 14:161-6. [PMID: 23628660 PMCID: PMC3694187 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2013.14.2.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To compare an injectable progesterone (MAD-4) with an intravaginal device (IPD), and natural O17 with synthetic oestradiol (OB) in a synchronisation protocol, 51 cows were divided into four groups. Each group was treated with one of the two sources of progesterone and one of the two oestradiol formulations. Oestrus behaviour, follicle diameter, and pregnancy rates were evaluated. Oestrus behaviour (p = 0.902), numbers of cows in oestrus (p = 0.917), follicle diameter (p = 0.416), and pregnancy rates (p = 0.873) were similar among the four groups. More cows in the group treated with the IPD and OB scored > 200 oestrus behaviour points compared to the other groups (p = 0.038). A longer interval between the end of treatment and oestrus was observed among cows treated with MAD-4 than cows given the IPD (p = 0.030), but no differences were found between animals receiving the two oestradiol formulations (OB and O17). While the use of MAD-4 requires further testing, similar responses to natural oestradiol observed in the present study could allow the use of this formulation in reproductive protocols because it is not associated with the potential human health risks of OB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten F A Andringa
- Department of Herd Health and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Utrecht 80125, The Netherlands
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3
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When is a cow in estrus? Clinical and practical aspects. Theriogenology 2010; 74:327-44. [PMID: 20363020 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Revised: 02/12/2010] [Accepted: 02/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Good detection of estrus is critically important in dairy husbandry. Incorrect detection of estrus is related to loss of profit due to extended calving intervals, milk loss, veterinary costs, etc. Detection of estrus remains a major problem despites enormous progress in the knowledge of reproductive physiology of the cow and in development of estrus detection aids. To achieve good estrus detection, many factors have to be taken into account. On one hand a cow has to express estrus and on the other hand the farmer has to detect it. Combined action of several hormones causes physiological changes that lead to ovulation and an environment in the uterus that allows sperm to fertilize the egg. Besides these internal actions, a number of external changes can be observed. When using visual observations, time of the day and time spend on observation have a great impact on detection rates. Many devices are available to aid in estrus detection, such as pedometers, mount devices, temperature, and hormone measurements. Expression of estrus can be influenced by many factors. Heritability, number of days postpartum, lactation number, milk production, and health are known to influence estrus expression. Environmental factors like nutrition, season, housing, herd size, etc. also play a role in estrus expression. To evaluate estrus detection, record keeping is very important; a number of formulas can be used to assess detection efficiency. Besides the farmer, the veterinarian and inseminator can play an important role in estrus confirmation and good insemination strategy. In the end, the time of ovulation and the age of the egg at sperm penetration is critical for conception. Therefore, emphasis in research needs to be on the timing of insemination relative to ovulation, and thus on the detection of ovulation.
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Development and validation of a new method for visual detection of estrus in mithun (Bos frontalis). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Sood P, Nanda AS. Effect of lameness on estrous behavior in crossbred cows. Theriogenology 2006; 66:1375-80. [PMID: 16765429 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2005] [Revised: 04/12/2006] [Accepted: 04/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Lameness, a common disease in crossbred dairy cows, badly affects their fertility. To elucidate, if estrous behavior, comprising of duration and expression of certain estrous behavioral sign(s) (EBS), is involved, an estrous expression score system was applied to objectively compare estrous behavior during 27 and 58 estrous periods, respectively, in 17 normal and 37 lame cows kept in a group of 200 cows under loose housing system in tropical India. The cows were detected in estrus and were closely watched daily for 30 min at 0630, 1030, 1430 and 1830 h from the beginning to the end of estrus. The duration of estrus was similar in the normal and the lame cows (18.7+/-1.2 h versus 17.2+/-0.9 h) and almost similar EBS were shown by two types of cows, albeit with varying frequency. Standing to be mounted, the highest ranking EBS was shown by equal proportions of the cows in both the groups (76.4% versus 73.0%). A lower proportion of lame cows showed head side mounting (35% versus 53%; P<0.05). The frequency of standing to be mounted events was lower in the lame than in the normal cows (2.4+/-0.4 versus 8.0+/-2.5; P<0.05). The lame cows earned non-significantly lower than normal estrous behavior score (1100+/-179 versus 1610+/-357). Further, the presence of more than one cow simultaneously in estrus enhanced the estrous behavior score in the normal (406.4+/-63.0 for one cow in estrus versus 793.0+/-146.0 for three cows simultaneously in estrus; P<0.05), but not in the lame cows. Lameness appeared to have suppressed the playful behavior during estrus probably owing to pain related stress. It is concluded that mildly lame cows appear to have normal physiological estrus. However, some of the EBS remain subdued which prone them to remain undetected for timely breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Sood
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, CSK HPKV, Palampur 176062, Himachal Pradesh, India.
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Lopez H, Wu Z, Satter LD, Wiltbank MC. Effect of dietary phosphorus concentration on estrous behavior of lactating dairy cows. Theriogenology 2004; 61:437-45. [PMID: 14662142 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(03)00245-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary phosphorus (P) concentrations of 0.38 (adequate) or 0.48% (excess) of the total mixed ration (TMR) (dry matter basis) on estrous behavior of lactating cows as measured by a radiotelemetric system (HeatWatch; De Forest, WI, USA). At calving, 42 Holstein cows (n=21 per treatment) were randomly assigned to one of two dietary P treatments. Cows were milked twice daily and milk weights were recorded. Cows were housed in a free-stall barn and were fitted with a radiotelemetric transmitter 40 days postpartum to record estrous mounting activity. The total number of estruses recorded for the 42 cows were 72 (37 and 35 for cows in the adequate and excess P groups, respectively). The mean duration of estrous cycles was 22 +/- 0.6 days and 21 +/- 0.4 days for cows fed the adequate and excess P diets, respectively (P=0.14). The mean duration of estrus was 8.9 +/- 1.1 h and 8.6 +/- 1.2 h (P=0.86), the average number of mounts during estrus was 7.0 +/- 1.2 and 8.2 +/- 1.7 (P=0.57), and the total mounting time was 27.1 +/- 4.3 s and 30.8 +/- 6.5 s (P=0.64) for cows fed the adequate and excess P diets, respectively. Phosphorus treatment had no significant effect on intensity or duration of estrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Lopez
- Dairy Science Department, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Van Eerdenburg FJCM, Karthaus D, Taverne MAM, Merics I, Szenci O. The relationship between estrous behavioral score and time of ovulation in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2002; 85:1150-6. [PMID: 12086050 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(02)74177-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
One of the major contributors to poor fertility of a dairy herd is ineffective detection of estrus. Recently, it has become evident that cow factors contribute largely to low detection rates. Until now, standing behavior has been the symptom used to determine the right moment for insemination. However, standing behavior is not observed in over 50% of the cows in estrus in a number of herds, and no data are available to relate the moment of ovulation to other estrous symptoms. Therefore, in the present study, cows were observed for a number of visual signs of estrus, twice per day for 30 min, and the moment of ovulation was estimated by transrectal ultrasonographic scanning of the ovaries. In this study, 100 cows were detected in estrus visually, using a scoring system. Standing behavior was observed in 50% of those cows, although there was more than one cow in estrus at a time in most (85%) cases. There was no correlation between follicular size and ovulation time or estrous behavior score. Levels of 305-d milk yield and parity were also not correlated with estrous behavior scores. However, a significant correlation (0.31) was found between detection score and day of ovulation. A retrospective analysis revealed that cows that ovulated 0 to 24 h after artificial insemination (AD) scored almost three times the number of estrous behavior points compared to the ones that ovulated 24 to 48 h after AI. Ovulation more than 48 h after AI resulted in pregnancy in only 15% of the cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J C M Van Eerdenburg
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
The development of more efficient and cost-effective oestrous detection techniques for cattle depends on a thorough understanding of the changes in behaviour and physiology of the female during its oestrous cycle. Variability in the expression of oestrous behaviours both between individuals and over successive oestrous cycles complicates this process. This review considers many of the biological and environmental factors that influence the intensity and duration of oestrous behaviours in domestic cattle. Topics discussed include dominant-subordinate relationships, social facilitation, animal density, oestrous synchronisation, nutritional status, age and physiological state, presence of the bull and breed differences. Facility design, cattle management and various techniques used to detect oestrus (e.g. frequency, duration and timing of observations) directly influence the efficiency of oestrous detection programs. Environmental phenomena such as weather, day length, photoperiod and ambient temperature also affect the expression of oestrous behaviours.
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Abstract
Hormonal events determine the timing and maximum duration of estrous behavior, whereas environmental and social factors modulate or completely inhibit the expression of estrus. The efficiency of estrous detection can be improved on most livestock farms if more effort is given to visual observations of estrous behavior. Heat detection aids can be of value if used as a supplement to visual observations. Knowledge of factors that inhibit estrus can help producers avoid or minimize situations that make estrous detection difficult or impossible. Each livestock enterprise should have a customized heat detection program in place because blanket recommendations often fail when applied to many operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Allrich
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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Kabuga J, Gyawu P, Asare K, Karikari P, Appiah P, Awunyo K, Kwarteng F. Social behaviour at and around oestrus of N'dama cows treated with prostaglandin F2α analogue, Cloprostenol. Appl Anim Behav Sci 1992. [DOI: 10.1016/0168-1591(92)90001-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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11
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Bryan K, Hagen D. Attainment of puberty in peripubertal gilts provided daily boar exposure: enhanced response following addition of prepubertal gilts to the breeding facility. Anim Reprod Sci 1992. [DOI: 10.1016/0378-4320(92)90063-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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12
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Gwazdauskas FC, Nebel RL, Sprecher DJ, Whittier WD, McGilliard ML. Effectiveness of rump-mounted devices and androgenized females for detection of estrus in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 1990; 73:2965-70. [PMID: 2283424 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(90)78985-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Detection of estrus was evaluated in 1124 estrous cycles for the effectiveness of rump-mounted devices and androgenized females equipped with chin-ball markers. Estrous number, location, type of detection method (compared with visual observation of estrus), and milk progesterone influenced standing behavior. Rates of disagreement with visual observation of estrus were 13.2, 17.0, and 18.5% for Kamar, Hot Flash, and the two devices used simultaneously. Frequency of observed standing behavior was greater with fourth and subsequent estrous periods. Percentage of high milk progesterone during suspected estrus for cows inseminated was 3.8% for controls, 11.0% for Kamar cattle, 18.5% for Hot Flash cattle, and 12.6% when both devices were used. Androgenized cattle equipped with chin-ball markers marked 47% of the cattle observed in estrus but no cows with high milk progesterone. Combination of rump-mounted devices and androgenized females increased the percentage of estrous detection by 1.3 to 6.2% compared with device or androgenized female used alone. Loss rates of rump-mounted devices exceeded 40%. High milk progesterone at estrus was associated with lower fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C Gwazdauskas
- Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061
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Phillips C, Schofield S. The effect of environment and stage of the oestrous cycle on the behaviour of dairy cows. Appl Anim Behav Sci 1990. [DOI: 10.1016/0168-1591(90)90004-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Washburn SP, Dailey RA. Dairy herd reproductive management programs with or without synchronization of estrus. J Dairy Sci 1987; 70:1920-6. [PMID: 3478354 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(87)80232-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive efficiencies were compared among herds with (treated, n = 25) or without (visited control, n = 25) routine synchronization of estrus and herds without investigator visits (unvisited control, n = 22). Treatment groups were subdivided based on participation in veterinary herd health programs. Reproductive tracts were palpated rectally at 21-d intervals for 6 mo in two sets of treated and visited control herds. Data were collected during the visitation period and from the 6-mo period before visits. In treated herds, cows more than 40 d postpartum with a corpus luteum received prostaglandin F2 alpha. In visited control herds, cows received prostaglandin F2 alpha after 82 d postpartum if they were not observed in estrus. Routine synchronization of estrus did not enhance herd reproductive efficiency compared with no synchronization of estrus in visited herds. Small changes in reproductive efficiency occurred during visits in herds with an established reproductive health program. However, herds not using a health program had 15.2 fewer d from calving to insemination, and the pregnancy rate at 120 d postpartum was 13.0 percentage units higher than before herd visits. Consequently, reproductive performance of those herds during visits was similar to that of contemporaries under a herd health program.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Washburn
- Division of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown 26506-6108
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Pennington JA, Albright JL, Callahan CJ. Relationships of sexual activities in estrous cows to different frequencies of observation and pedometer measurements. J Dairy Sci 1986; 69:2925-34. [PMID: 3805464 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(86)80748-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Sexual activities were observed continuously for 120 h in Holstein dairy cows during moderate climate. Pedometer measurements of motor activity were correlated with total activities initiated, total activities received, mounts received, and time in estrus. Twelve of 14 individual sexual activities also were correlated on a within-cow basis with pedometer-measured increases in motor activity; disoriented mounts and licking front were not correlated to pedometer increases. Although observations of four 1-h and four or six 30-min observations accounted for greater variation, pedometer increases in activity accounted for as much variation in total sexual activities as periodic observations of 30 min or 1 h for 1 to 3 X /d. Combining periodic observations with pedometer measurements resulted in greater coefficients of determination for analyses of sexual activities than with each individual factor. Sexual activities and pedometer increases also were correlated positively with body condition score and day postpartum, and they were correlated negatively with milk production and body weight change since calving. Although mounting and total sexual activities were shifted significantly from expected on a quartile basis, shifts were probably not of practical significance and provided little evidence for more frequent occurrence of estrous activity during nocturnal periods. Rather, the most marked decrease in mounting and total sexual activities occurred at milking and feeding times, indicating that dairy farmers should be more concerned with disruptions of activities by management practices rather than nocturnal occurrence of estrus.
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Abstract
Continuous observations of Holstein dairy cows during natural and prostaglandin-induced estrus were conducted to determine effects of cold and hot weather on the degree and pattern of sexual activities, circadian profile of activities, and location of activities. Mounts with pelvic thrusts and mounts plus 12 other estrous-related activities for 73 cows were monitored for 96 h in cold weather and 120 h in hot weather. Eleven cows in hot weather with more than one mount were in estrus longer with less intensity of mounting than 16 cows in cold weather; climate did not affect mounts received or total activities initiated per cow. Number of cows in standing estrus affected mounts received per cow, total activities received per cow, and time in estrus but not activities initiated per animal. Two estrual cows in cold weather and 6 cows in hot weather received less than 2 mounts. Cows in cold weather had more (28%) total estrous activity as mounting activity than cows in hot weather (14%); cows in hot weather interacted more by rubbing and licking than cows in cold weather. Cows in cold weather had more mounting activity from 0600 to 1759 h (73%) than from 1800 to 0559 h (27%) and had more mounts from 1200 to 1759 h than cows in hot weather. During both cold and hot weather, sexual activities decreased at milking time. In the freestall housing with drylot, 80% of the mounting activity in both climates occurred in an outdoor drylot and feed manger area, which had best footing. These data indicate that climate affected mounting and total sexual activity of lactating dairy cows.
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