(2015) Unravelling the temporal association between lameness and body condition score in dairy cattle using a multistate modelling approach. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 118 (4). pp. [370][371][372][373][374][375][376][377] Access from the University of Nottingham repository: http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/29018/3/PVM_BCS_01_10_14%20JK.pdf Copyright and reuse:The Nottingham ePrints service makes this work by researchers of the University of Nottingham available open access under the following conditions. This article is made available under the University of Nottingham End User licence and may be reused according to the conditions of the licence. For more details see: http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/end_user_agreement.pdf A note on versions:The version presented here may differ from the published version or from the version of record. If you wish to cite this item you are advised to consult the publisher's version. Please see the repository url above for details on accessing the published version and note that access may require a subscription.For more information, please contact eprints@nottingham.ac.uk and Group 2 (2.00-2.25)) had a higher probability of transition from non-lame to lame and a 40 lower probability of transition from lame to non-lame compared to cows with BCS 2.50-2.75 i.e. 41they were more likely to become lame and if lame, they were less likely to recover. Similarly, 42cows who suffered a greater decrease in BCS (compared to their BCS at calving) had a higher 43 probability of becoming lame and a lower probability of recovering in the next 15 days. An

Background: Timed artificial insemination (TAI) as part of a controlled breeding programme is a reproductive strategy that eliminates the requirement for oestrus detection, guarantees the submission of enrolled cows and attempts to optimise the timing of insemination relative to ovulation. However, the success of TAI requires careful cow selection, diligent herd management and the selection of an appropriate synchronisation protocol.Aim of the article: This article, the first in a two‐part series, outlines the key ovarian follicular wave dynamics in the bovine oestrous cycle and the key goals of any synchronisation protocol. It describes the most commonly used drugs, their actions and how they can be combined into effective synchronisation protocols. The second part of the series, to be published in a subsequent issue of In Practice, discusses how to implement controlled breeding strategies on farms and considers factors aside from the TAI protocol that are essential for the success of any programme.

In autumn calving dairy herds, treatment of cattle not observed in estrus prior to the breeding season is common. Routinely, a single prostaglandin or a modified Ovsynch (MOFT) protocol are used—without evidence of their relative effectiveness. This study compares the effects on conception, associated timing, and profitability of administering cows with prostaglandin or MOFT treatment. A hundred and ninety-two Holstein-Friesian cows from three herds without an observed estrus within 28-days before mating start date were randomly treated with d-cloprostenol (PGOD) or an 8-day MOFT protocol. The association of treatment and calving-breeding start-date interval (CBSI) on the risk of conception were investigated. Partial budget, sensitivity analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation was used to assess economic performance, identify critical input variables, and explore the effects of input uncertainties on model output. There was a significant association between MOFT treatment and conception during 21 and 84 days after mating start date, compared to PGOD. MOFT treatment was associated with a mean net benefit of £58.21 (sd £19.42) and £27.29 (sd £17.75) per cow for herds with a fixed or variable dry-off date, respectively. The relative profitability of an MOFT protocol is dependent on its effects on barren rate and herd dry-off strategy.

Babesiosis is a vector-borne disease of cattle which, in the UK, is caused by two species — Babesia divergens and Babesia major. Disease is sporadically seen in western Britain with a peak in the spring and another in the autumn. The most recognisable clinical sign is haemoglobinuria which gives babesiosis the colloquial name of ‘redwater fever’. Other clinical signs are pyrexia of 40°C, anorexia, depression, weakness, tachycardia and pipe stem diarrhoea, which progress to severe dehydration, recumbency and death in up to 21% of cases. Diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs, confirmation of anaemia and examination of stained blood smears. Treatment involves administration of imidocarb dipropionate in all cases. Blood transfusion is indicated in cattle with a packed cell volume of less than 15%. Prevention is challenging in naïve adults as there is no commercially available vaccination; exposing youngstock to ticks should ensure natural immunity is acquired.

Background: Seasonal calving herds account for around a fifth of dairy farms in the UK (AHDB 2016). Their structure allows focused farm management and seasonal labour requirements, as well as the opportunity to maximise the conversion of grazed grass into milk. However, their economic success is underpinned by a requirement for optimal reproductive management, and for this reason a thorough understanding of how to approach fertility in these herds is essential for veterinary surgeons involved in their management.Aim of the article: This article explains the concept of seasonal calving systems, the impacts of poor fertility, the key performance indicators used to monitor performance in clinical practice, and the key areas where improvements can be made.