Factors associated with early cyclicity in postpartum dairy cows

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate factors associated with resumption of ovarian cyclicity within 21 days in milk (DIM) in dairy cows. Cows (n=768) from 2 herds in north Florida had their ovaries scanned at 17±3, 21±3, and 24±3 DIM. Cows that had a corpus luteum ≥20mm at 17±3 or at 21±3 DIM or that had a corpus luteum <20mm in 2 consecutive examinations were determined to be cyclic by 21±3 DIM. The following information was collected for up to 14 DIM: calving season, parity, calving problems, metabolic problems, metritis, mastitis, digestive problems, lameness, body weight loss, dry period length, and average daily milk yield. Body condition was scored at 17±3 DIM. Multivariable mixed logistic regression analysis was performed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Variables with P≤0.2 were considered in each model. Herd was included as a random variable. Three models were constructed: model 1 included all cows, model 2 included only cows from dairy 1 that had daily body weights available, and model 3 included only multiparous cows with a previous dry period length recorded. In model 1, variables associated with greater cyclicity by 21±3 DIM were calving in the summer and fall rather than in the winter or spring, being multiparous rather than primiparous, and not having metabolic or digestive problems. In model 2, variables associated with greater cyclicity by 21±3 DIM were calving in the summer and fall, not having metritis or digestive problems and not losing >28 kg of BW within 14 DIM. In model 3, variables associated with greater cyclicity by 21±3 DIM were absence of metabolic problems and dry period ≤76 d. In summary, cyclicity by 21±3 DIM was negatively associated with calving in winter or spring, primiparity, metritis, metabolic or digestive problems, loss of >28 kg of body weight, and a dry period >76d. Strategies preventing extended dry period length and loss of BW, together with reductions in the incidence of metritis as well as metabolic and digestive problems should improve early cyclicity postpartum.

Relationship between serum metabolites, body condition, peri- and postpartum health and resumption of postpartum cyclicity in dairy cows

“…In addition to NEB, several peri-and postpartum problems such as abnormal calving, clinical ketosis, and metritis have been associated with delayed RPC, although the relationship between retention of the placenta and RPC is controversial (Krause et al, 2014;Opsomer et al, 2000;Vercouteren et al, 2015;Zain et al, 1995). Blood metabolites, change in BCS, peri-and postpartum disorders, and RPC may be interrelated, and knowledge of these relationships may help establish strategies for dairy reproductive management.…”

“…Adequate involution of the reproductive tract and re-establishment of the postpartum endocrine system, which involves a complex set of interactions and endocrine signaling among the brain, liver, ovaries and uterus (Wathes et al, 2007), must be completed during the voluntary waiting period to attain a proper calving interval (Galvão et al, 2010;Peter et al, 2009;Thatcher and Wilcox, 1973). Delayed resumption of postpartum cyclicity (RPC) is associated with a pronounced negative energy balance (NEB) during the postpartum period, although many other factors such as peri-and postpartum disorders, calving season, cow parity, milk yield, and herd are also involved (Butler, 2003;Opsomer et al, 2000;Santos et al, 2009;Vercouteren et al, 2015;Walsh et al, 2007;Zain et al, 1995).…”

Use of rumination and activity monitoring for the identification of dairy cows with health disorders: Part I. Metabolic and digestive disorders

“…Metabolic and digestive disorders such as ketosis, displaced abomasum (DA), and indigestion are detrimental to cow well-being and farm profitability because they cause losses in milk production (Gröhn et al, 1998;Bareille et al, 2003;Edwards and Tozer, 2004), increase the risk of culling and death (Gröhn et al, 1998;Pinedo et al, 2010;Seifi et al, 2011), increase treatment costs (Kaneene and Hurd, 1990; Bartlett et al, 1995), and impair reproductive performance (Raizman and Santos, 2002;Ribeiro et al, 2013;Vercouteren et al, 2015).…”

Luteal Blood Flow and progesterone concentration during first and second postpartum estrous cycle in lactating dairy cows

“…Recently, Bruinjè et al (), have demonstrated that later commencement of luteal activity in postpartum dairy cows is associated with lower conception rates, increased days open, higher embryonic mortality and required more veterinary interventions (suggesting more health or reproductive disorders) than those having normal activity. Apparently, there is possibly a link between health or metabolic disorders (Santos & Rutigliano, ; Vercouteren et al, ), compromised ovarian activity (Opsomer et al, ), and subsequent fertility in dairy cows.…”

“…Apparently, there is possibly a link between health or metabolic disorders (Santos & Rutigliano, 2009;Vercouteren et al, 2015), compromised ovarian activity (Opsomer et al, 2000), and subsequent fertility in dairy cows.…”