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Munthe-Kaas M, Sveberg G, Holmøy IH, Kommisrud E, Haadem CS, Martin AD. Pilot study investigating estrus length and estrus behavior in Norwegian Red cattle on a commercial dairy farm. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1219001. [PMID: 37766860 PMCID: PMC10520869 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1219001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Norwegian Red has been shown to have high levels of estrus behavior under experimental conditions. However, the estrus behaviors of Norwegian Red cows have not been studied under commercial conditions. Methods A herd of 89 Norwegian Red cows housed in free stalls on concrete, slatted floors, were continuously video monitored for 21 days. Ovarian cyclicity was confirmed in a final study sample group (n = 18) using milk progesterone concentrations. All mounting and standing activities were recorded, and the duration of mount estrus, standing estrus and the differences between these; prestand and poststand, were determined. The cycle stages metestrus, diestrus and proestrus were estimated based on the starting time and ending time of mount estrus. Results All cows in the final study sample group exhibited the primary estrus sign, 'standing to be mounted' during estrus. Two (11%), eleven (61%) and six (33%) cows exhibited the behavior 'standing to be mounted' during metestrus, diestrus and proestrus, respectively. The number of mounts initiated by individual cows was higher during mount and stand estrus than during the rest of the estrous cycle. This study reports a median duration of mount estrus and stand estrus of 21.0 h (interquartile range (IQR) 15.0 to 27.3) and 14.3 h (IQR 12.0 to 18.8), respectively. The median counts per hour of all mount behaviors were 8.6 (IQR 5.6 to 11.3), 1.51 (IQR 0.3 to 3.8) and 1.7 (IQR 0.8 to 6.0) for standing estrus, prestand and poststand, respectively. Discussion This study shows that under commercial conditions the Norwegian Red cow displays a high level of mount and stand activity associated with estrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maien Munthe-Kaas
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | | | - Ingrid Hunter Holmøy
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Kommisrud
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Caroline Sorknes Haadem
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Adam Dunstan Martin
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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Hassoun P, Portes D, Arles S, Parisot S. Estimation of the intake capacity of Lacaune dairy ewes at maintenance. Small Rumin Res 2022; 217:106862. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Wells C, Wiik A, Hanks J, Zavareh A, Killingsworth R. Embryo Morphokinetic Activity Evident in Short Videos of In Vitro Bovine Embryos. Dairy 2022; 3:849-861. [DOI: 10.3390/dairy3040058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo transfer (ET) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are increasing in use by dairy producers as a means to breed their animals as these assisted reproductive techniques can optimize the genetics of the dairy breed or enable “beef on dairy” programs to increase the profitability of the dairy. Due to the advantages of ET and IVF, it is anticipated that their use will continue to increase despite the status of underwhelmingly low pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy rates of bovine ET/IVF remain below 56%, with many dairy producers implementing beef on dairy programs reporting pregnancy to be lower than 23%. The inability to objectively evaluate embryo health prior to transfer into a recipient is a contributing factor to this problem as 20% of transferred embryos are inviable at the time of transfer and have little chance of establishing a pregnancy. The objective of this research was to evaluate bovine embryo real-time morphokinetic activity based on 30 s video recordings of day 7.5 morulas and correlate morphokinetic activity to developmental outcomes. Eighty-eight embryos were recorded in standard embryo culture conditions with an SMZ-1000 Stereo zoom microscope and TE-300 Nikon inverted microscope. The difference in the embryo’s morphokinetic activity was measured frame-by-frame and correlated to embryo hatching outcomes. It was found that embryos with lower morphokinetic activity demonstrated higher hatching rates and developmental outcomes, suggesting measurement of embryo morphokinetic activity is a noninvasive and non-subjective method to evaluate embryo competency prior to transfer and can be used to improve the reproductive efficiency and profitability of IVF/ET of dairy cattle.
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Zablotski Y, Knubben-Schweizer G, Hoedemaker M, Campe A, Müller K, Merle R, Dopfer D, Oehm AW. Non-linear change in body condition score over lifetime is associated with breed in dairy cows in Germany. Vet Anim Sci 2022; 18:100275. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2022.100275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Pereira G, Heins B, Visser B, Hansen L. Comparison of 3-breed rotational crossbreds of Montbéliarde, Viking Red, and Holstein with Holstein cows fed 2 alternative diets for dry matter intake, production, and residual feed intake. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:8989-9000. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-21783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Zicarelli L, Napolano R, Campanile G, Zullo G, Zicarelli F, Neri D, Di Luccia A, Di Palo R, la Gatta B. Influence of milk protein polymorphism of Italian Brown and French Holstein cows on curd yield. Int Dairy J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2021.105083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Brito LF, Bedere N, Douhard F, Oliveira HR, Arnal M, Peñagaricano F, Schinckel AP, Baes CF, Miglior F. Review: Genetic selection of high-yielding dairy cattle toward sustainable farming systems in a rapidly changing world. Animal 2021; 15 Suppl 1:100292. [PMID: 34294547 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The massive improvement in food production, as a result of effective genetic selection combined with advancements in farming practices, has been one of the greatest achievements of modern agriculture. For instance, the dairy cattle industry has more than doubled milk production over the past five decades, while the total number of cows has been reduced dramatically. This was achieved mainly through the intensification of production systems, direct genetic selection for milk yield and a limited number of related traits, and the use of modern technologies (e.g., artificial insemination and genomic selection). Despite the great betterment in production efficiency, strong drawbacks have occurred along the way. First, across-breed genetic diversity reduced dramatically, with the worldwide use of few common dairy breeds, as well as a substantial reduction in within-breed genetic diversity. Intensive selection for milk yield has also resulted in unfavorable genetic responses for traits related to fertility, health, longevity, and environmental sensitivity. Moving forward, the dairy industry needs to continue refining the current selection indexes and breeding goals to put greater emphasis on traits related to animal welfare, health, longevity, environmental efficiency (e.g., methane emission and feed efficiency), and overall resilience. This needs to be done through the definition of criteria (traits) that (a) represent well the biological mechanisms underlying the respective phenotypes, (b) are heritable, and (c) can be cost-effectively measured in a large number of animals and as early in life as possible. The long-term sustainability of the dairy cattle industry will also require diversification of production systems, with greater investments in the development of genetic resources that are resilient to perturbations occurring in specific farming systems with lesser control over the environment (e.g., organic, agroecological, and pasture-based, mountain-grazing farming systems). The conservation, genetic improvement, and use of local breeds should be integrated into the modern dairy cattle industry and greater care should be taken to avoid further genetic diversity losses in dairy cattle populations. In this review, we acknowledge the genetic progress achieved in high-yielding dairy cattle, closely related to dairy farm intensification, that reaches its limits. We discuss key points that need to be addressed toward the development of a robust and long-term sustainable dairy industry that maximize animal welfare (fundamental needs of individual animals and positive welfare) and productive efficiency, while also minimizing the environmental footprint, inputs required, and sensitivity to external factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F Brito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN 47 907, USA.
| | - N Bedere
- INRAE, Institut Agro, PEGASE, 35 590 Saint-Gilles, France
| | - F Douhard
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, F-31326 Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - H R Oliveira
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN 47 907, USA; Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - M Arnal
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, F-31326 Castanet Tolosan, France; Institut de l'Elevage, Chemin de Borde Rouge, 31 326 Castanet-Tolosan cedex, France
| | - F Peñagaricano
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53 706, USA
| | - A P Schinckel
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN 47 907, USA
| | - C F Baes
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada; Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3 000, Switzerland
| | - F Miglior
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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Schenkenfelder J, Winckler C. Animal welfare outcomes and associated risk indicators on Austrian dairy farms: A cross-sectional study. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:11091-11107. [PMID: 34218918 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-20085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In 2017, an Austrian dairy company implemented a third-party animal-based assessment of health and welfare to stimulate welfare improvements on farms. Using this cross-sectional data set, we aimed at identifying prevailing welfare problems and associations thereof with main farm and management characteristics. Welfare outcome measures regarding body condition, cleanliness, diarrhea, integument alterations, claw condition, lameness, rising behavior, and avoidance distance toward humans were assessed by 13 trained observers. Data from health recordings and farm characteristics, such as housing system, feeding regimen, and pasture access, were collected via a questionnaire. Analyses included outcome measures from 23,749 individual cows on 1,221 farms [median (M) herd size = 19, interquartile range (IQR) = 16]. Herd-level prevalence of the outcome measures showed a high between-farm variability with highest median values for dirty lower hind leg (M = 46%, IQR = 47), signs of diarrhea (M = 28%, IQR = 39), and hairless patches on the tarsal joint (M = 21%, IQR = 36). Median prevalence of severe welfare problems, such as very lean cows, lesions, lameness, or mastitis treatments, were low compared with previously reported findings (very lean: 0%, IQR = 0; lesion tarsus: 0%, IQR = 4; moderately lame loose-housed: 7%, IQR = 16; mastitis treatments: 10%, IQR = 16). On half of the farms, at least 83% (IQR = 25) of the assessed cows could be touched in a standardized approach test, indicating a good human-animal relationship. Using generalized linear models, we found frequent associations with welfare outcome measures for the amount of milk delivered per cow (e.g., lower risk of very lean cows or dirty hind legs but higher risk of mastitis treatments or antibiotic dry-off with increasing milk delivery), housing system (e.g., loose-housed animals were at lower risk of lesions on the tarsal joint than animals kept in tiestalls, but at higher risk of being classified as very fat), and assessment period (winter vs. summer period). Beneficial associations were consistently found for an increasing number of days with access to pasture (e.g., body condition, integument alterations, lameness) as well as organic compared with conventional farming (e.g., integument alterations, claw health, lameness). Although the latter associations may be especially important for advisory services, in policy making, or when engaging with the public, other farm or management characteristics require careful attention, as they may have both beneficial as well as adverse impacts on welfare, calling for good management skills to avoid undesired effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Schenkenfelder
- Division of Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Gregor-Mendel-Strasse 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria.
| | - C Winckler
- Division of Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Gregor-Mendel-Strasse 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
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Brady EL, Pierce KM, Lynch MB, Fahey AG, Mulligan FJ. The effect of nutritional management in early lactation and dairy cow genotype on milk production, metabolic status, and uterine recovery in a pasture-based system. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:5522-5538. [PMID: 33663864 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
High levels of milk production coupled with low feed intake cause negative energy balance in early lactation, especially in the first month postpartum (PP). Therefore, specific nutritional management at this time may improve nutritional and metabolic status with the possibility of contrasting genotypes responding differently. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare the effects of nutritional management strategies and dairy cow genotype on milk production, metabolic status, and some fertility parameters during early lactation in a pasture-based system. Sixty Holstein Friesian cows were blocked on parity and genotype [low-fertility high-milk (LFHM) and high-fertility low-milk (HFLM)] and were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, in a randomized complete block design based on calving date, previous 305-d milk yield, and precalving body condition score (BCS). The nutritional management treatments were: (1) ad libitum access to fresh pasture plus an allowance of 3 kg of concentrates per day (CTR, n = 30); and (2) ab libitum access to a tailored total mixed ration (TMR, n = 30). These diets were offered for the first 30 d PP. Following the first 30 d PP, cows fed TMR joined the CTR treatment and were managed similarly until 100 d PP. Blood samples were taken at d 7, 14, 21, and 28 PP to determine metabolic status. Milk samples for composition analysis were collected weekly and BCS assessed every 2 wk. Genotype had a significant effect on milk output, whereas LFHM had increased fat (+0.28 kg/d) and fat-plus-protein (+0.17 kg/d) yield in the first 30 d PP compared with HFLM cows. The LFHM group also exhibited higher protein and lactose yields over the first 100 d PP. Nutritional management did create significant differences in milk composition in the first 30 d: TMR cows had lower protein, milk urea nitrogen, and casein concentration and higher lactose concentration than CTR cows. Over the first 100 d PP, TMR cows had higher fat-plus-protein and lactose yields. Feeding TMR reduced concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (-0.12 mmol/L) and β-hydroxybutyric acid (-0.10 mmol/L) compared with the CTR group. Cows fed TMR had smaller BCS losses from calving to 60 d PP. There was no effect of any treatment on uterine recovery. Cows in the LFHM group demonstrated greater milk production in the first 30 and 100 d in milk. These results demonstrate that feeding cows a TMR for the first month of lactation has positive effects on milk output, metabolic status, and BCS profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Brady
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - K M Pierce
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - M B Lynch
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - A G Fahey
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - F J Mulligan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Worku K, Kechero Y, Janssens GPJ. Measuring seasonal and agro-ecological effects on nutritional status in tropical ranging dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:4341-4349. [PMID: 33551156 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite high numbers of cattle, milk production in many tropical countries such as Ethiopia is very low. Animals are managed traditionally, meaning they mostly depend on seasonal availability of natural pasture, grass, and crop residues with no supplementary feeds. Due to the lack of pasture management, there is overgrazing and soil erosion, and the land still must deal with extremely dry periods. All this has a negative effect on dairy cow productivity. Identification of the specific nutritional deficits would enable targeted interventions to improve milk yield performance, but nutrient and energy intakes are difficult to assess in ranging conditions. The aim of this research was, therefore, to evaluate the nutritional status of ranging dairy cows through blood metabolites, milk yield, and body condition in relation to environmental factors such as agro-ecology and season. The study was performed in a tropical region that is known to be exposed to the above-mentioned situation, the Arba Minch region in the southern Ethiopian Rift Valley. Blood samples were collected from 170 ranging dairy cows in 6 different districts, along a transect extending from the lowlands to the highlands, in both seasons (dry and rainy). Body condition score and milk yield of all cows were also determined for both seasons. Serum urea, creatinine, triglyceride, and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations were quantified spectrophotometrically. Dried serum spots were subject to quantitative electrospray tandem mass spectrometry to estimate changes in nutrient metabolism based on selected free AA and carnitine esters. Based on these measurements, nutritional status varied with season and geographical region. It can also be concluded that extensive metabolite analysis such as mass spectrometry can provide detailed insights, but the simpler spectrophotometric metabolite analysis can estimate the nutritional status of ranging animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketema Worku
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural Sciences, Arba Minch University, PO Box 21, Arba Minch, Ethiopia 4400; Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Yisehak Kechero
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural Sciences, Arba Minch University, PO Box 21, Arba Minch, Ethiopia 4400
| | - Geert P J Janssens
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Hazel AR, Heins BJ, Hansen LB. Health treatment cost, stillbirth, survival, and conformation of Viking Red-, Montbéliarde-, and Holstein-sired crossbred cows compared with pure Holstein cows during their first 3 lactations. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:10917-10939. [PMID: 32896397 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Three generations of crossbreds from a 3-breed rotation of the Viking Red (VR), Montbéliarde (MO), and Holstein (HO) breeds were compared with their HO herdmates in 7 commercial dairy herds in Minnesota. The designed study enrolled 3,550 HO females in 2008 to initiate crossbreeding and a control of pure HO herdmates within each herd. Service sires were high-ranking, proven AI bulls selected for high genetic merit within each of the VR, MO, and HO breeds. Cows in this study calved from 2010 to 2017 and collection of data ended on December 31, 2017. The first generation of cows consisted of 644 VR × HO and 616 MO × HO crossbreds and their 1,405 HO herdmates. The second generation had 615 VR × MO/HO and 568 MO × VR/HO crossbreds and their 1,462 HO herdmates. The third generation had 466 combined HO × VR/MO/HO and HO × MO/VR/HO crossbreds and their 736 HO herdmates. Total health cost was the sum of veterinary treatment cost, pharmaceutical cost, and farm labor cost to treat 16 different health disorders. Conformation traits and body condition score were subjectively scored once during early lactation for each of the first 3 lactations of cows. Total health cost of the 2-breed crossbreds was significantly lower during first (-23%), second (-29%), and third (-21%) lactation compared with their HO herdmates. For the 3-breed crossbreds, total health cost did not differ during first lactation but was -26% lower during both second and third lactation compared with their HO herdmates. The stillbirth rate for calves born to 2-breed crossbred dams (4%) was significantly lower compared with calves born to their HO herdmates (8%) at first calving. Survival from first to third calving (+9%) and first to fourth calving (+11%) was significantly higher for the 2-breed crossbreds compared with their HO herdmates. Also, the 3-breed crossbreds had significantly higher survival to third (+11%) and fourth (+19%) calving compared with their HO herdmates. Across each generation of crossbreeding, the crossbreds had uniformly shorter stature, less angularity, and less body depth compared with their respective HO herdmates. The crossbred cows also had significantly less udder clearance from the hock but significantly more rear teat width and longer teat length compared with their respective HO herdmates. Furthermore, the crossbred cows had higher body condition score compared with their HO herdmates during each of their first 3 lactations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Hazel
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108.
| | - B J Heins
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - L B Hansen
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
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Hazel AR, Heins BJ, Hansen LB. Fertility and 305-day production of Viking Red-, Montbéliarde-, and Holstein-sired crossbred cows compared with Holstein cows during their first 3 lactations in Minnesota dairy herds. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:8683-8697. [PMID: 32622593 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Three generations of crossbred cows from a 3-breed rotation of the Viking Red (VR), Montbéliarde (MO), and Holstein (HO) breeds were compared with HO herdmates in 7 high-performance, commercial dairy herds in Minnesota. The designed study was initiated in 2008 with the enrollment of 3,550 HO females. Sires of cows were proven artificial insemination bulls and were high-ranking for genetic merit within each of the VR, MO, and HO breeds. The first generation of cows calved a first time from 2010 to 2017 and consisted of 644 VR × HO and 616 MO × HO 2-breed crossbreds and their 1,405 HO herdmates. The second generation calved a first time from 2012 to 2017 and consisted of 615 VR × MO/HO and 568 MO × VR/HO crossbreds and their 1,462 HO herdmates. The third generation calved a first time from 2014 to 2017 and was composed of 466 HO × VR/MO/HO and HO × MO/VR/HO crossbreds combined and their 736 HO herdmates. Collection of data ceased on December 31, 2017, and for the duration of study, many of the 2-breed and 3-breed crossbreds and their HO herdmates had the opportunity to complete at least 3 lactations, whereas the HO-sired crossbreds and their HO herdmates had the opportunity to complete 1 lactation. The 305-d actual (not mature equivalent) production of milk, fat, and protein was estimated from test-day observations with best prediction and cows with <305 DIM were projected to 305 d. The 2-breed and 3-breed crossbred cows had superiority over their HO herdmates for all of the fertility traits measured. The 2-breed crossbreds had -9, -17, and -15 d fewer days open than their HO herdmates during first, second, and third lactation, respectively. Also, the 3-breed crossbreds had -15, -19, and -20 d fewer days open than their HO herdmates during first, second, and third lactation, respectively. Cows in these herds had young ages at first calving of 22 to 23 mo across the breed groups, and the 3-breed crossbreds had significantly younger ages at first, second, and third calving than their HO herdmates. The 2-breed crossbreds had +2% higher fat plus protein production (kg) during first lactation, but did not differ during second and third lactation, from their HO herdmates. The 3-breed crossbreds had -3% to -4% lower fat plus protein production (kg) than their HO herdmates in each of their first 3 lactations. During first lactation, the HO-sired crossbreds did not differ for fat plus protein production (kg) from their HO herdmates.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Hazel
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108.
| | - B J Heins
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - L B Hansen
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
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McClearn B, Shalloo L, Gilliland T, Coughlan F, McCarthy B. An economic comparison of pasture-based production systems differing in sward type and cow genotype. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:4455-4465. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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McClearn B, Delaby L, Gilliland TJ, Guy C, Dineen M, Coughlan F, Buckley F, McCarthy B. An assessment of the production, reproduction, and functional traits of Holstein-Friesian, Jersey × Holstein-Friesian, and Norwegian Red × (Jersey × Holstein-Friesian) cows in pasture-based systems. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:5200-5214. [PMID: 32253035 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pasture-based production systems typically require highly fertile, healthy, and robust genetics, with greater emphasis on milk solids (MSo; kg of fat + protein) production as opposed to milk yield. This study assessed milk production, production efficiency, reproductive performance, body weight (BW), body condition score, and functional traits in 3 different dairy cow genotypes: Holstein-Friesian (HF), Jersey × Holstein-Friesian (JEX), and Norwegian Red × (Jersey × Holstein-Friesian) (3-way). The 3 genotypes were rotationally grazed on 4 different grazing treatments after calving in spring and were stocked at a rate of 2.75 cows/ha. Holstein-Friesian cows produced higher daily and total milk yields compared with JEX and 3-way cows (5,718 vs. 5,476 and 5,365 kg/cow, respectively). However, JEX and 3-way cows had higher milk fat and protein contents (4.86 and 4.75%, respectively, for JEX and 3.87 and 3.88%, respectively, for 3-way) compared with HF (4.52 and 3.72%), resulting in similar MSo yield for JEX and HF (469 and 460 kg/cow) and slightly lower MSo yield for 3-way (453 kg/cow) compared with JEX. As parity increased, milk and MSo yield per cow increased. Reproductive performance was not significantly different between the 3 genotypes, which had similar 24-d submission rates, 6-wk pregnancy rates, and overall pregnancy rates over the 4-yr period. No difference in calving difficulty, incidence of mastitis, or incidence of lameness was observed among the 3 genotypes. Body weight was significantly different among all 3 genotypes, with HF being the heaviest followed by 3-way and JEX (530, 499, and 478 kg, respectively), and 3-way cows had a higher body condition score throughout lactation compared with HF and JEX cows. The differences in BW coupled with similar MSo production resulted in JEX cows having the highest production efficiency (4.58 kg of MSo/kg of metabolic BW), 3-way cows being intermediate (4.30 kg of MSo/kg of metabolic BW), and HF cows having the lowest (4.16 kg of MSo/kg of metabolic BW). In conclusion, HF herds with poor reproductive performance and low milk fat and protein contents are likely to benefit considerably from crossbreeding with Jersey, and all herds are likely to benefit in terms of production efficiency. However, where herd performance, particularly in relation to reproductive performance, is comparable with HF in the current study, crossbreeding with Jersey or Norwegian Red is unlikely to lead to significant improvements in overall herd performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- B McClearn
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland; Institute of Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland.
| | - L Delaby
- INRAE, AgroCampus Ouest, Physiologie, Environnement et Génétique pour l'Animal et les Systèmes d'Elevage, St. Gilles, 35590, France
| | - T J Gilliland
- Institute of Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland
| | - C Guy
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland; Institute of Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland
| | - M Dineen
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
| | - F Coughlan
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
| | - F Buckley
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
| | - B McCarthy
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
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O'Sullivan M, Butler ST, Pierce KM, Crowe MA, O'Sullivan K, Fitzgerald R, Buckley F. Reproductive efficiency and survival of Holstein-Friesian cows of divergent Economic Breeding Index, evaluated under seasonal calving pasture-based management. J Dairy Sci 2019; 103:1685-1700. [PMID: 31837792 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the current study was to examine phenotypic fertility performance and survival, and to gain insight into underlying factors that may contribute to greater fertility performance in 2 divergent genetic groups (GG) of Holstein-Friesian, selected using the Irish Economic Breeding Index (EBI). The GG were evaluated across 3 spring calving pasture-based feeding treatments (FT) over 4 yr. The 2 divergent GG were (1) high EBI; representative of the top 5% nationally (elite), and (2) EBI representative of the national average (NA). In each year, 90 elite and 45 NA cows were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 FT: control, lower grass allowance, and high concentrate. No interaction between GG and FT was observed for any of the measures of fertility investigated. The elite cows achieved significantly greater pregnancy rate to first service (+14.9 percentage points), and significantly greater pregnancy rates after 21, 42, and 84 d of breeding (+17.3, +15.2, and +9.6 percentage points, respectively) compared with NA. The number of services per cow was fewer for elite (1.57) compared with NA (1.80). The interval from mating start date to pregnancy was significantly shorter for elite cows compared with NA. The elite cows maintained greater mean body condition score than NA throughout the study (2.91 vs. 2.72), and had greater body condition score at calving, artificial insemination, and drying off compared with NA. The elite cows had greater mean circulating concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 compared with NA. No significant effect was observed of GG on commencement of luteal activity, or progesterone profile variables. Greater survival to the start of fifth lactation was observed for elite cows. The elite cows were 43% less likely to be culled than NA by the beginning of the fifth lactation. The results highlight the success of the Economic Breeding Index to deliver reproductive performance and longevity consistent with industry targets across a range of seasonal pasture-based FT. The results also clearly demonstrate the potential of appropriate genetic selection to reverse negative fertility trends incurred during previous decades of selection for milk production alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- M O'Sullivan
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C997, Ireland; School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 N2E5, Ireland
| | - S T Butler
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C997, Ireland
| | - K M Pierce
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 N2E5, Ireland
| | - M A Crowe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 N2E5, Ireland
| | - K O'Sullivan
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, T12 XF62, Ireland
| | - R Fitzgerald
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C997, Ireland
| | - F Buckley
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C997, Ireland; School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 N2E5, Ireland.
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16
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Rodríguez‐Bermúdez R, Fouz R, Miranda M, Orjales I, Minervino AHH, López‐Alonso M. Organic or conventional dairy farming in northern Spain: Impacts on cow reproductive performance. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:902-911. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Rodríguez‐Bermúdez
- Departamento de Patoloxía Animal, Facultade de Veterinaria Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Lugo Spain
| | | | - Marta Miranda
- Departamento de Anatomía, Produción Animal e Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultade de Veterinaria Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Lugo Spain
| | - Inmaculada Orjales
- Departamento de Anatomía, Produción Animal e Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultade de Veterinaria Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Lugo Spain
| | | | - Marta López‐Alonso
- Departamento de Patoloxía Animal, Facultade de Veterinaria Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Lugo Spain
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Bieber A, Wallenbeck A, Leiber F, Fuerst-Waltl B, Winckler C, Gullstrand P, Walczak J, Wójcik P, Neff AS. Production level, fertility, health traits, and longevity in local and commercial dairy breeds under organic production conditions in Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and Sweden. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:5330-5341. [PMID: 30954255 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-16147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to map the performance of local (native) dairy cattle breeds in Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and Sweden with regard to production, fertility, longevity, and health-associated traits and to compare them with commercial (modern) breeds. For this purpose, we analyzed test-day records (July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2014) and treatment records (Austria, Sweden) of cows managed on organic farms. We performed country-wise comparisons of 123,415 lactations from Original Braunvieh (OB) and Grey Cattle (AL) with Braunvieh (BV; Brown Swiss blood >60%) in Switzerland; AL with BV (Brown Swiss blood >50%) in Austria; Polish Black and White (ZB), Polish Red and White (ZR), and Polish Red (RP) with Polish Holstein Friesian (PHF) in Poland; and Swedish Red (SRB) with Swedish Holstein (SH) in Sweden. Average milk yields were substantially lower for local compared with commercial breeds in all countries; differences ranged from 750 kg (Sweden) to 1,822 kg (Austria), albeit on very different average levels. Local breeds showed a longer productive lifetime by 0.64, 0.83, 1.42, and 0.20 lactations in Switzerland, Austria, Poland, and Sweden, respectively, again on very different levels in each country. Regarding fertility traits, calving interval was shorter in local than in commercial breeds by 13 (Sweden), 14 (Switzerland), and 20 d (Austria, Poland). Insemination index was lower in certain local breeds by 0.15 (Switzerland), 0.14 (Austria), 0.21 (Poland), and 0.13 (Sweden). Several local breeds showed a lower proportion of cows with >100,000 somatic cells/mL. This was the case in Switzerland (OB 24.2%; BV 35.8%), Austria (AL 25.3%; BV 36.9%), and Sweden (SRB 42.4%; SH 43.4%). In contrast, the respective proportion in Poland exceeded 82% in all breeds except the commercial PHF (76.1%). In Sweden, lactations with veterinary treatments were considerably less prevalent in SRB (15.6%) than in SH (21.7%). In Austria, breeds differed only in treatments for udder disorders, which favored AL. In conclusion, the markedly lower milk yields of local breeds are partly counterbalanced by (somewhat inconsistent) advantages in longevity, fertility, and health traits across 4 European countries. This indicates that the robustness of local breeds can contribute to improved sustainability of organic dairy systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bieber
- Department of Livestock Sciences, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), 5070 Frick, Switzerland.
| | - Anna Wallenbeck
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 532 31 Skara, Sweden
| | - Florian Leiber
- Department of Livestock Sciences, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), 5070 Frick, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Fuerst-Waltl
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Winckler
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Patricia Gullstrand
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jacek Walczak
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice, Poland
| | - Piotr Wójcik
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083 Balice, Poland
| | - Anet Spengler Neff
- Department of Livestock Sciences, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), 5070 Frick, Switzerland
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Shonka-Martin B, Hazel A, Heins B, Hansen L. Three-breed rotational crossbreds of Montbéliarde, Viking Red, and Holstein compared with Holstein cows for dry matter intake, body traits, and production. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:871-882. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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19
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Rinell E, Heringstad B. The effects of crossbreeding with Norwegian Red dairy cattle on common postpartum diseases, fertility and body condition score. Animal 2018; 12:2619-26. [PMID: 30451144 DOI: 10.1017/S175173111800037X] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Norwegian Red bulls, selected in Norway, have been used for crossbreeding with Israeli Holstein on commercial farms. The aim of this project was to investigate Norwegian Red×Israeli Holstein (NRX) performance to see how the daughters perform in a different environment than the one their sires were selected in. This was done by comparing health and fertility of NRX with their Israeli Holstein (HO) counterparts. The data consisted of 71 911 HO records and 10 595 NRX records from 33 855 cows in 23 Israeli dairy herds. Calving events took place between 2006 and 2016. Five postpartum disorders (mean frequency in HO v. NRX, %) recorded by veterinarians were analyzed: anestrus (37.4 v. 41.2), metritis (40.1 v. 28.6), ketosis (11.9 v. 7.1), lameness (7.1 v. 3.1) and retained placenta (6.2 v. 4.0). The incidence of abortions was also analyzed; HO had a mean frequency of 9.9% and NRX 8.2%. These traits were defined as binary traits, with '1' indicating that the disorder was present and a treatment took place at least once, or '0' if the cow did not show signs of that disorder. Days open (i.e. the number of days from calving to conception), body condition score (BCS) recorded on a 1 to 5 scale and changes in BCS from calving to peak lactation were also analyzed. A logistic model was used for the health traits, while days open and BCS were analyzed with linear models. The model included breed group, herd-year of calving, birth year and parity as fixed effects. There was a significantly higher risk (odds ratio for HO v. NRX in parentheses) of ketosis (1.46), metritis (1.78), lameness (2.07), retained placenta (1.41) and abortion (1.13) in HO compared with NRX. Israeli Holstein heifers and cows in parity 3 to 6 had fewer cases of anestrus than NRX but no differences were found between the groups in parities 1 and 2. Body condition score was higher for NRX than HO and there was less change in BCS from calving to peak lactation in NRX compared with HO. Likewise, NRX had fewer days open than HO. Results indicate that crossbreeding can produce cows with better fertility that are less susceptible to postpartum disorders.
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20
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Ferris C, Purcell P, Gordon A, Larsen T, Vestergaard M. Performance of Holstein and Swedish-Red × Jersey/Holstein crossbred dairy cows within low- and medium-concentrate grassland-based systems. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:7258-7273. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-14107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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21
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Bedere N, Cutullic E, Delaby L, Garcia-launay F, Disenhaus C. Meta-analysis of the relationships between reproduction, milk yield and body condition score in dairy cows. Livest Sci 2018; 210:73-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2018.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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22
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Shortall J, Foley C, Sleator R, O’Brien B. The effect of dairy cow breed on milk production, cow traffic and milking characteristics in a pasture-based automatic milking system. Livest Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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23
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Puppel K, Bogusz E, Gołębiewski M, Nałęcz-Tarwacka T, Kuczyńska B, Slósarz J, Budziński A, Solarczyk P, Kunowska-Slósarz M, Przysucha T. Effect of Dairy Cow Crossbreeding on Selected Performance Traits and Quality of Milk in First Generation Crossbreds. J Food Sci 2017; 83:229-236. [DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.13988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Puppel
- Cattle Breeding Div., Animal Breeding and Production Dept.; Warsaw Univ. of Life Sciences; Warsaw Poland
| | - Ewa Bogusz
- Cattle Breeding Div., Animal Breeding and Production Dept.; Warsaw Univ. of Life Sciences; Warsaw Poland
| | - Marcin Gołębiewski
- Cattle Breeding Div., Animal Breeding and Production Dept.; Warsaw Univ. of Life Sciences; Warsaw Poland
| | - Teresa Nałęcz-Tarwacka
- Cattle Breeding Div., Animal Breeding and Production Dept.; Warsaw Univ. of Life Sciences; Warsaw Poland
| | - Beata Kuczyńska
- Cattle Breeding Div., Animal Breeding and Production Dept.; Warsaw Univ. of Life Sciences; Warsaw Poland
| | - Jan Slósarz
- Cattle Breeding Div., Animal Breeding and Production Dept.; Warsaw Univ. of Life Sciences; Warsaw Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Budziński
- Cattle Breeding Div., Animal Breeding and Production Dept.; Warsaw Univ. of Life Sciences; Warsaw Poland
| | - Paweł Solarczyk
- Cattle Breeding Div., Animal Breeding and Production Dept.; Warsaw Univ. of Life Sciences; Warsaw Poland
| | | | - Tomasz Przysucha
- Cattle Breeding Div., Animal Breeding and Production Dept.; Warsaw Univ. of Life Sciences; Warsaw Poland
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Hazel A, Heins B, Hansen L. Fertility, survival, and conformation of Montbéliarde × Holstein and Viking Red × Holstein crossbred cows compared with pure Holstein cows during first lactation in 8 commercial dairy herds. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:9447-9458. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-12824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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25
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Dezetter C, Bareille N, Billon D, Côrtes C, Lechartier C, Seegers H. Changes in animal performance and profitability of Holstein dairy operations after introduction of crossbreeding with Montbéliarde, Normande, and Scandinavian Red. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:8239-8264. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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26
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Gaude I, Kempf A, Strüve KD, Hoedemaker M. Comparison of visual and computerized estrous detection and evaluation of influencing factors. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 184:211-217. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Vanbergue E, Delaby L, Peyraud J, Colette S, Gallard Y, Hurtaud C. Effects of breed, feeding system, and lactation stage on milk fat characteristics and spontaneous lipolysis in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:4623-4636. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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28
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Fanke J, Charlier J, Steppin T, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Vercruysse J, Demeler J. Economic assessment of Ostertagia ostertagi and Fasciola hepatica infections in dairy cattle herds in Germany using Paracalc ®. Vet Parasitol 2017; 240:39-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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29
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Bobbo T, Fiore E, Gianesella M, Morgante M, Gallo L, Ruegg PL, Bittante G, Cecchinato A. Variation in blood serum proteins and association with somatic cell count in dairy cattle from multi-breed herds. Animal 2017; 11:2309-19. [PMID: 28560948 DOI: 10.1017/S1751731117001227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood serum proteins are significant indicators of animal health. Nevertheless, several factors should be considered to appropriately interpret their concentrations in blood. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to assess the effect of herd productivity, breed, age and stage of lactation on serum proteins and (2) to investigate association between serum proteins and somatic cell count (SCC) in dairy cattle. Milk and blood samples were collected from 1508 cows of six different breeds (Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss, Jersey, Simmental, Rendena and Alpine Grey) that were housed in 41 multi-breed herds. Milk samples were analyzed for composition and SCC, while blood samples were analyzed for serum proteins (i.e. total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin-to-globulin ratio (A : G)). Herds were classified as low or high production, according to the cow's average daily milk energy yield adjusted for breed, days in milk (DIM) and parity. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model that included the fixed effects of DIM, parity, SCS, breed, herd productivity and the random effect of the Herd-test date within productivity level. Cows in high producing herds (characterized also by greater use of concentrates in the diet) had greater serum albumin concentrations. Breed differences were reported for all traits, highlighting a possible genetic mechanism. The specialized breed Jersey and the two dual-purpose local breeds (Alpine Grey and Rendena) had the lowest globulin concentration and greatest A : G. Changes in serum proteins were observed through lactation. Total protein reached the highest concentration during the 4th month of lactation. Blood albumin increased with DIM following a quadratic pattern, while globulin decreased linearly. As a consequence, A : G increased linearly during lactation. Older cows had greater total protein and globulin concentrations, while albumin concentration seemed to be not particularly affected by age. A linear relationship between serum proteins and SCS was observed. High milk SCS was associated with greater total protein and globulin concentrations in blood. The rise in globulin concentration, together with a decrease in albumin concentrations, resulted in a decline in A : G as SCS of milk increased. In conclusion, such non-genetic factors must be considered to appropriately interpret serum proteins as potential animal welfare indicator and their evaluation represents an important first-step for future analysis based on the integration of metabolomics, genetic and genomic information for improving the robustness of dairy cows.
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Hazel A, Heins B, Hansen L. Production and calving traits of Montbéliarde × Holstein and Viking Red × Holstein cows compared with pure Holstein cows during first lactation in 8 commercial dairy herds. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:4139-4149. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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31
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Bedere N, Disenhaus C, Ducrocq V, Leurent-Colette S, Delaby L. Ability of dairy cows to ensure pregnancy according to breed and genetic merit for production traits under contrasted pasture-based systems. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:2812-2827. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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32
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Bedere N, Disenhaus C, Ducrocq V, Leurent-colette S, Delaby L. Ability of dairy cows to be inseminated according to breed and genetic merit for production traits under contrasting pasture-based feeding systems. Animal 2017; 11:826-35. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731116002111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Bogado Pascottini O, Hostens M, Sys P, Vercauteren P, Opsomer G. Cytological endometritis at artificial insemination in dairy cows: Prevalence and effect on pregnancy outcome. J Dairy Sci 2016; 100:588-597. [PMID: 27865501 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aims of our field study in dairy cows were (1) to consolidate cytotape (CT) as a valid technique to diagnose cytological endometritis (CYTO) during artificial insemination (AI); (2) to establish a cutoff point concerning the polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) proportion to diagnose CYTO at AI; (3) to assess the prevalence of CYTO at AI; and (4) to evaluate the effect of CYTO on the pregnancy outcome of that AI. The investigation was performed using 1,625 AI-CT samples harvested from 873 Holstein-Friesian cows from 18 dairy farms in the Flemish region of Belgium. The CT device consisted of adapting a 1.5-cm piece of paper tape on the top of a conventional AI catheter covered with a double guard sheet, allowing an endometrial cytology sample to be taken when performing an AI. A receiving operator characteristic curve was built to assess the threshold level above which the PMN proportion significantly affected the AI success. Multilevel generalized mixed-effect models were built to identify factors affecting the pregnancy outcome of the AI under investigation. Only 7 samples (0.4%) harvested in 5 cows were discarded because of low-quality parameters. The cutoff point for CYTO at AI was set at ≥1% PMN (sensitivity=33.8%, specificity=88.6%). Prevalence of CYTO at AI was 27.8%. The conception rate for CYTO-positive samples was 32.7%, whereas it was 47% for CYTO-negative samples. A CYTO-negative AI had 1.8 [odds ratio (OR)] more chances to become pregnant than a CYTO-positive one. Other factors identified as detrimental for the pregnancy outcome were body condition score ≤1.5 (OR=0.6), relative 305-d milk yield (OR=0.9), dystocia (OR=0.3), parity ≥2 (OR=0.7), and warm months of the year. In conclusion, CT is a consolidated technique to diagnose CYTO at AI, PMN 1% is the threshold level to diagnose CYTO at AI, around one-quarter of inseminated uteri suffer from CYTO, and affected uteri having a significantly lower chance to become pregnant from that insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium.
| | - M Hostens
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - P Sys
- CRV Holding BV, Van Thorenburghlaan 14, Oosterzele 9860, Belgium
| | - P Vercauteren
- CRV Holding BV, Van Thorenburghlaan 14, Oosterzele 9860, Belgium
| | - G Opsomer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
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Petrera F, Catillo G, Napolitano F, Malacarne M, Franceschi P, Summer A, Abeni F. New insights into the quality characteristics of milk from Modenese breed compared with Italian Friesian. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2016.1222889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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35
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Knob DA, Alessio DR, Thaler Neto A, Mozzaquatro FD. Reproductive performance and survival of Holstein and Holstein × Simmental crossbred cows. Trop Anim Health Prod 2016; 48:1409-13. [PMID: 27344664 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-016-1103-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Crossbreed dairy breeds, such as Holstein × dairy type of Simmental, have been generally used to improve fertility, udder health, and longevity of dairy herds. The aim was to compare the reproductive performance and survival of Holstein and Holstein × Simmental crossbred cows. Data from two farms were used as follows: one located in Bom Retiro, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. and another in Carambeí, Paraná state. Information concerning birth, inseminations, and parity date were obtained from the management software of the farms, generating information regarding the calving interval, days between calving to first service, conception rate, and age at first calving. At one of the farms, calving was monitoring to quantify dystocia. Live weight as well as body condition score (BCS) of cows and information of culling were obtained to determine the survival rate. Data were analyzed by variance analysis and by logistic regression. Crossbred Holstein × Simmental cows had better reproductive performance than the Holstein cows, characterized by lower calving interval (381 vs. 445 days), higher conception rate (37.3 vs. 33.6 %), and shorter calving to first service interval (65 vs. 89 days). These results were related to a higher BCS in crossbred cows (3.63 vs. 2.94 points). Crossbred Holstein × Simmental cows had higher survival rate than Holstein cows on the second parity (83 vs. 92 %). No differences between genetic groups were observed (P > 0.05) for body weight and dystocia. In conclusion, Holstein × Simmental crossbred cows have better reproductive performance and higher survival rate than Holstein cows.
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Phuong H, Blavy P, Martin O, Schmidely P, Friggens N. Modelling impacts of performance on the probability of reproducing, and thereby on productive lifespan, allow prediction of lifetime efficiency in dairy cows. Animal 2016; 10:106-16. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731115001718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Ollion E, Ingrand S, Delaby L, Trommenschlager J, Colette-Leurent S, Blanc F. Assessing the diversity of trade-offs between life functions in early lactation dairy cows. Livest Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2015.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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38
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Sveberg G, Rogers G, Cooper J, Refsdal A, Erhard H, Kommisrud E, Buckley F, Waldmann A, Ropstad E. Comparison of Holstein-Friesian and Norwegian Red dairy cattle for estrus length and estrous signs. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:2450-61. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Petrera F, Napolitano F, Dal Prà A, Abeni F. Plasma parameters related to energy and lipid metabolism in periparturient Modenese and Italian Friesian cows. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2014; 99:962-73. [PMID: 25439563 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to compare energy and lipid metabolism during the peripartum period between Modenese (MO) and Italian Friesian (IF) cows. The study was carried out on 33 pluriparous pregnant cows, 19 IF and 14 MO, reared together in the same herd and kept under equal conditions of management and nutrition. Blood was sampled from jugular vein starting 4 week before expected calving date until 4 week post-calving, once weekly. Plasma was analysed for glucose, NEFA, BHBA, triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations. Body condition score (BCS) was assessed weekly after blood sampling. Data from antepartum (a.p.) and post-partum (p.p.) periods were separately analysed as repeated measures by a linear mixed models with the effect of breed, time and their interaction as main factors and random cow within breed. The energy status differed between the two breeds during the peripartum period. We observed higher BCS a.p. and p.p. and lower BCS variations p.p. in MO compared to IF group. Modenese cows showed lower glucose and cholesterol concentrations (p < 0.001), but higher NEFA values, NEFA to cholesterol and NEFA to albumin ratios (p < 0.001) during a.p.; on the contrary, IF cows had higher (p < 0.05) cholesterol, NEFA, BHBA levels and NEFA to albumin ratio than MO ones during p.p. The differences observed between the two breeds suggest how MO cows are subjected to lipid mobilization during late gestation; on the contrary, IF cows are predisposed to mobilize their lipid reserves at the beginning of lactation to support high production. The results indicate a diverse ability to cope with metabolic stress and suggest the hypothesis that the differences in concentrations of plasma parameters and their variation amplitude around the calving period might depend on the different genetic merit for milk production between the two breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Petrera
- Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Centro di ricerca per le produzioni foraggere e lattiero casearie, Cremona, Italy
| | - F Napolitano
- Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Centro di ricerca per la produzione delle carni e il miglioramento genetico, Roma-Tormancina, Italy
| | - A Dal Prà
- Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Centro di ricerca per le produzioni foraggere e lattiero casearie, Cremona, Italy
| | - F Abeni
- Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Centro di ricerca per le produzioni foraggere e lattiero casearie, Cremona, Italy
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Horn M, Steinwidder A, Pfister R, Gasteiner J, Vestergaard M, Larsen T, Zollitsch W. Do different cow types respond differently to a reduction of concentrate supplementation in an Alpine low-input dairy system? Livest Sci 2014; 170:72-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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41
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Malchiodi F, Cecchinato A, Bittante G. Fertility traits of purebred Holsteins and 2- and 3-breed crossbred heifers and cows obtained from Swedish Red, Montbéliarde, and Brown Swiss sires. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:7916-26. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Ivemeyer S, Walkenhorst M, Holinger M, Maeschli A, Klocke P, Spengler Neff A, Staehli P, Krieger M, Notz C. Changes in herd health, fertility and production under roughage based feeding conditions with reduced concentrate input in Swiss organic dairy herds. Livest Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Washburn SP, Mullen KAE. Invited review: Genetic considerations for various pasture-based dairy systems. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:5923-38. [PMID: 25151878 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-7925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pasture-based dairy systems use grazing to supply significant percentages of the dry matter intake of cows and heifers. Such systems vary from those for which pasture is used only as a supplemental feed for cows primarily fed a total mixed ration to those for which pasture is the primary source of dry matter for the herd. Cows that are optimal in a pasture system share many general characteristics with cows that are appropriate for a nonpasture system, including feed efficiency, maintenance of body condition, reproductive fitness, udder health, longevity, and the ability to adapt to various management systems. However, in such divergent feeding systems, the relative importance of various traits can differ. In pasture systems where cow nutrient demand intentionally coincides with seasonal forage availability, the focus of selection has emphasized fertility and other fitness traits, as well as yields of milk or milk components. Breeds or strains with higher yields of protein and fat typically have advantages in grazing systems that supply milk to solids-based or cheese markets. Holstein cows with high percentages of North American ancestry can work well in grazing systems that include supplemental concentrates or partial mixed rations, particularly if calving intervals are less restrictive. Crossbred cows can be selected for use in specific grazing systems as well as for specific milk markets, with the added advantage of heterosis. Breeds and crosses with high fertility are important for seasonal breeding and calving. The ability of cattle to both milk and maintain sufficient body condition for reproduction is important for any dairy production system but is critical in a seasonal system. Dairy farms that depend on pasture for most of dry matter for cows typically have lower production per cow than nongrazing dairies but have the potential to be economically competitive because of lower operating and overhead costs. Although the principles of selection are similar across a variety of pasture-based and nonpasture systems, we document from studies and observations covered herein that optimal breeds, breed strains, and selection strategies can differ based on varying management constraints and objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Washburn
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695-7621.
| | - K A E Mullen
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695-7621
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Piccardi M, Pipino D, Bó G, Balzarini M. Productive and reproductive performance of first lactation purebred Holstein versus Swedish red & white×Holstein in central Argentina. Livest Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2014.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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45
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Ferris CP, Patterson DC, Gordon FJ, Watson S, Kilpatrick DJ. Calving traits, milk production, body condition, fertility, and survival of Holstein-Friesian and Norwegian Red dairy cattle on commercial dairy farms over 5 lactations. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:5206-18. [PMID: 24952782 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare calving traits, BCS, milk production, fertility, and survival of Holstein-Friesian (HF) and Norwegian Red (NR) dairy cattle in moderate-concentrate input systems. The experiment was conducted on 19 commercial Northern Ireland dairy farms, and involved 221 HF cows and 221 NR cows. Cows completed 5 lactations during the experiment, unless they died or were culled or sold. Norwegian Red cows had a lower calving difficulty score than HF cows when calving for the first and second time, but not for the third and fourth time. At first calving, the incidence of stillbirths for NR cows was 4%, compared with 13% for HF cows, whereas no difference existed between breeds in the proportion of calves born alive when calving for the second time. When calving for the first time, NR cows had a poorer milking temperament than HF cows, whereas milking temperament was unaffected by breed following the second calving. Holstein-Friesian cows had a higher full-lactation milk yield than NR cows, whereas NR cows produced milk with a higher milk fat and protein content. Full-lactation fat + protein yield was unaffected by genotype. Norwegian Red cows had a lower somatic cell score than HF cows during all lactations. Although NR cattle had a higher BCS than the HF cows during lactations 1 and 2, no evidence existed that the 2 genotypes either lost or gained body condition at different rates. Conception rates to first artificial insemination were higher with the NR cows during lactations 1 to 4 (57.8 vs. 40.9%, respectively), with 28.5% of HF cows and 11.8% of NR cows culled as infertile before lactation 6. A greater percentage of NR cows calved for a sixth time compared with HF cows (27.2 vs. 16.3%, respectively). In general, NR cows outperformed HF cows in traits that have been historically included in the NR breeding program.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Ferris
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Large Park, Hillsborough, Co. Down BT26 6DR, United Kingdom.
| | - D C Patterson
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Large Park, Hillsborough, Co. Down BT26 6DR, United Kingdom
| | - F J Gordon
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Large Park, Hillsborough, Co. Down BT26 6DR, United Kingdom
| | - S Watson
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, United Kingdom
| | - D J Kilpatrick
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, United Kingdom
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Hazel A, Heins B, Seykora A, Hansen L. Production, fertility, survival, and body measurements of Montbéliarde-sired crossbreds compared with pure Holsteins during their first 5 lactations. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:2512-25. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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47
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48
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Mendonça LGD, Abade CC, da Silva EM, Litherland NB, Hansen LB, Hansen WP, Chebel RC. Comparison of peripartum metabolic status and postpartum health of Holstein and Montbéliarde-sired crossbred dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2013; 97:805-18. [PMID: 24290816 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives of the current experiment were to evaluate plasma concentrations of metabolites and haptoglobin peripartum, uterine health and involution, and follicle growth and resumption of cyclicity of Holstein (HO) and Montbéliarde-sired crossbred cows. Cows (52 HO and 52 crossbred) were enrolled in the study 45 d before expected calving date. Cows had body weight and body condition score recorded on d -45, -14, 0, 1, 28, and 56 relative to calving. Dry matter intake was calculated for a subgroup of cows (25 HO and 38 crossbred) from 6 wk before to 6 wk after calving. Blood was sampled weekly from d -14 to 56 relative to calving for determination of glucose, nonesterified fatty acid, and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations; from d -7 to 21 relative to calving for determination of haptoglobin concentration; and from d 14 to 56 postpartum for determination of progesterone concentration. Cows were examined at calving and on d 4, 7, 10, and 14 postpartum for diagnosis of postparturient diseases, on d 24 postpartum for diagnosis of purulent vaginal discharge, and on d 42 postpartum for diagnosis of subclinical endometritis. Uteri and ovaries were examined by ultrasonography every 3 d from d 14 to 41 postpartum. Milk yield and composition were measured monthly and yield of milk, fat, protein, and energy-corrected milk were recorded for the first 90 d postpartum. Body weight was not different between Holstein and crossbred cows, but HO cows had reduced body condition score compared with crossbred cows. Even though DMI from 6 wk before to 6 wk after calving tended to be greater for HO cows (16.8 ± 0.7 vs. 15.3 ± 0.5 kg/d), HO cows tended to have more pronounced decline in dry matter intake, expressed in percentage of body weight from d -15 to 0 relative to calving. Energy-corrected milk and nonesterified fatty acid and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations were not different between breeds. No differences were observed in incidence of retained fetal membranes, metritis, and subclinical endometritis, but HO cows tended to be more likely to have pyrexia from d 0 to 15 postpartum (50.0 vs. 31.4%) and to have greater incidence of purulent vaginal discharge (44.2 vs. 26.5%) than crossbred cows. Holstein cows were more likely to have at least 1 uterine disorder postpartum than crossbred cows (63.5 vs. 36.7%). No differences between breeds were observed in uterine involution. Holstein cows had larger subordinate follicles (10.1 ± 0.4 vs. 8.9 ± 0.5) and a greater number of class III follicles (1.6 ± 0.1 vs. 1.2 ± 0.1) than crossbred cows. Furthermore, the first corpus luteum postpartum of HO cows was diagnosed at a slower rate compared with crossbred cows. Crossbred cows had improved uterine health compared with HO cows and this may have been a consequence of heterosis and (or) breed complementarity and less pronounced decrease in DMI during the last days of gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C C Abade
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine
| | | | - N B Litherland
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul 55108
| | - L B Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul 55108
| | - W P Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul 55108
| | - R C Chebel
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine.
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49
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Logue DN, Mayne CS. Welfare-positive management and nutrition for the dairy herd: a European perspective. Vet J 2013; 199:31-8. [PMID: 24360757 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
As European dairy farms become larger and diverge between grass-based and fully housed systems, interest in the welfare of the dairy cow and related environmental issues by consumers and legislators is increasing. These pressures mean that good nutrition and management, which underpin much dairy cow welfare, is critical. Despite considerable research into the management and nutrition of the dairy cow from calf to adulthood there is much on-farm variability in its application. While the incidences of many endemic diseases are reduced most are still significant, for example lameness. In addition, trade and climate change are bringing a more diverse range of pathogens, parasites and pests into Northern Europe. Housing aspects are limited in application by economics and in most cases still do not match grazing for welfare in temperate climates. Genomic technologies offer increased opportunities to breed for 'robustness' but like 'precision animal management systems' have still to be fully exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N Logue
- Large Animal Division, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
| | - C Sinclair Mayne
- Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute, 18a NewForge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, UK
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50
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Coignard M, Guatteo R, Veissier I, de Boyer des Roches A, Mounier L, Lehébel A, Bareille N. Description and factors of variation of the overall health score in French dairy cattle herds using the Welfare Quality® assessment protocol. Prev Vet Med 2013; 112:296-308. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2013.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Revised: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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