Reproductive disorders in dairy cattle: I. Respective influence of herds, seasons, milk yield and parity

This study was performed in two large dairy units (with 130 and 213 calving cows each) during one year. The objectives were to investigate 1) epidemiological patterns of main post-partum reproductive disorders (metritis, post-partum and post-service anestrus, repeat breeding and embryonic death) and 2) the impact of herd, calving season, milk yield and parity on these patterns. Approximately 20% of the cows in both herds were not affected by any of the disorders. Prevalence of metritis was high (32 to 44%) and appeared influenced by the herds' conditions interacting with calving months and milk yield effects. Cyclic post-partum anestrus incidence was also essentially affected by the herd effect with an added seasonal interaction. Other disorders in both herds were also primarily subjected to the seasonal effect. Individual milk yield and parity only marginally affected the epidemiological patterns. We concluded that even in similar environmental conditions, no general patterns of incidence of reproductive disorders can be drawn and that they are essentially dependent on the characteristics of each herd management.     

Genetic analysis of reproductive disorders in Israeli Holstein dairy cows

The heritability of common reproductive disorders was asessed in Israeli Holstein cows. Data were collected from 76,000 calvings on 102 collective farms (kibbuts) over a 36-mo period. The disorders considered were those of retained placenta, abnormal lochia, endometritis, anestrus, ovarian cysts with anestrus and ovarian cysts with nymphomania. The statistical model included fixed effects of herd-year, month of calving, duration of previous pregnancy, interaction between calving difficulty and sex of offspring, and the random effect of the sire. Herd-year effects consituted 0.68 of the explained variance of the incidence of retained placenta and approximately 0.89 of all the other disorders. Sire and calving-month effects were significant (P<0.05) for all the disorders. Heritability estimates of the disorders were 0.01 for retained placenta, abnormal lochia, and endometritis; 0.02 for anestrus; and 0.03 for all disorders. Correlations between any two disorders did not exceed 0.20. High genetic correlations were found between retained placenta and either abnormal lochia (0.90) or endometritis (0.70), while moderate genetic correlations were found among each of these and anestrus (0.30). Reproductive disorders occur as part of a complex which may be efficiently controlled by management measures. Nevertheless, breeding for resistance to reproductive disorders may also be feasible by using appropriate sires evaluated on a large number of daughters.     

Analysis of fertility indices of cows with extended postpartum anestrus and other reproductive disorders compared to normal cows

An analysis of computerized data on the incidence and consequences of reproductive disorders was performed on 84,818 lactations in more than 100 high producing Kibbutz dairy herds during six semiannual recording periods. The average incidence of primary reproductive disorders, which included retained placenta, abnormal lochia, endometritis, postpartum anestrus, cystic ovaries, negative pregnancy examinations and repeat breeders, was 50.4%. During all recording periods we were able to observe recurrence and repeatability of these reproductive disorders and of the fertility indices consequently seen. Cows with uterine infections diagnosed and treated before Day 20 post partum had better fertility indices than those diagnosed and treated later. The conception rate to first inseminations and the overall conception rate to all inseminations of cows with postpartum anestrus was significantly lower, while the percentage of "problem cows" (not pregnant by Day 150 post partum) was significantly higher, than in normal cows. The incidence of cystic ovaries in cows with a previous diagnosis of reproductive disorders was 2 to 3 times higher when compared to cows without such a diagnosis.     

Analysis of fertility indices of cows with reproductive disorders and of normal cows in herds with low and normal fertility

Semiannual computer printouts of reproductive disorders diagnosed in high producing Israeli dairy herds were evaluated for a comparison of fertility indices of diseased and normal cows in low (LFH) and normal fertility herds (NFH). In 16,910 cows, conception rates to first AI in cows with reproductive disorder were >50% below those in normal cows (P<0.001). For both groups of cows, conception rates were lower in LFH (P<0.0001). A comparison of fertility indices between LFH (5, 171 cows) and NFH (14,573 cows) revealed, in addition a higher overall conception rate and a lower percentage of cows still open on Day 150 post partum (problem cows, (P<0.0001), as well as a higher pregnancy rate for NFH (P<0.001), for cows with reproductive disorder and for normal cows in these herds. In herds with predominantly uterine-related reproductive disorder, a high incidence of postpartum anestrus was seen infrequently; while in herds with a high incidence of postpartum anestrus, postbreeding anestrus was equally high (P<0.05 - 0.001). In general reproductive disorder have been shown to have long-term negative effects on fertility indices in both LFH and NFH, but with more serious consequences in LFH. Since a sizeable percentage of normal cows can be identified, reproducing normally under identical management conditions, cows in both kinds of herds with reproductive disorder must be less resistant to environmental stress. Thus, while cows with reproductive disorders maintained their general health and their high level of productivity, they responded either immediately with uterine disturbances or they refused to cycle properly, and they conceived later. A case can be made that all reproductive disorders represent disease entities influenced by management factors.     

Prevalence of antibodies to IBR and BVD viruses in dairy cows with reproductive disorders

We determined the prevalence of antibodies to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in sera of dairy cows on 4 different farms in the Republic of Croatia. A high percentage (60.8%) of cows had various reproductive disorders. The results showed that seroprevalence of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) was 85.8% and that of bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) was 79.2% in tested cows. Antibodies to both viruses were found in 80.8% of cows with reproductive disorders but in only 46.8% of cows without reproductive disorders. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.01), and indicated a connection between reproductive disorders and simultaneous infections with IBR and BVD viruses in dairy cows.     

Recombinant bovine somatotropin: association with reproductive performance in dairy cows

A clinical trial was performed to determine the effect of bST on reproductive performance in dairy cows on 4 Michigan dairy farms when bST was used according to labeled directions. Holstein cows (n = 555) at 4 Michigan dairy farms were randomly assigned to receive bovine somatotropin (bST) or to serve as untreated controls. Bovine somatotropin (500 mg, s.c.) was administered every 14 d beginning at 63 to 69 d of lactation and continuing until approximately 21 d prior to the end of lactation or until the producer removed the animal from the herd. A total of 229 (42.57%) animals consisting of 112 (48.91%) controls and 117 (51.09%) bST-treated cows were not diagnosed pregnant and were considered as having reproductive failure by 150 d of lactation and 92 (17.10%) of the animals consisting of 45 (48.91%) controls and 47 (51.09%) bST-treated cows had reproductive failure at the end of their lactation. No significant difference in the incidence of reproductive failure existed between the study treatment groups during either time frame. Cows with cystic ovarian disease had more instances of reproductive failure at 150 d of lactation than cows without this disease. Cows with dystocia, twin births, metritis, displaced abomasum and cystic ovarian disease had more instances of reproductive failure by the end of lactation than cows without these diseases. The bST-treated cows developed more nonspecific off feed conditions during the study lactation and had more twin births at the calving following bST administration compared to control cows. No differences were found between the study treatment groups in calculations of reproductive parameters. Logistic regression analysis found no significant effect of bST on reproductive failure; the odds ratios for the bST treatment effect on reproductive failure at 150 d of lactation and reproductive failure at the end of lactation were 0.95 (95% CI 0.67 to 1.36) and 0.95 (95% CI 0.59 to 1.54), respectively. Overall, bST was not found to have a significant impact on reproductive performance in the herds studied.     

Progesterone profiles in postpartum Holstein dairy cows as an aid in the study of retained fetal membranes, pyometra and anestrus

This study was carried out to investigate the utility of enzymeimmunoassay (EIA) - derived progesterone profiles in the investigation of postpartum reproductive abnormalities and the effect of their use on reproductive performance in Holstein cows. Whole milk samples, collected twice weekly from parturition until confirmation of pregnancy or removal from the herd, were assayed for progesterone (P4) concentration using a commercially available microtitre plate EIA. The sensitivity, specificity, precision and accuracy were satisfactory to distinguish cyclic changes of P4 reflecting ovarian activity. The P4 profiles indicated that retained fetal membranes and anestrus were associated with increased mean intervals to first ovulation and first estrus (P < 0.05). The first luteal phase of cows with pyometra was prolonged compared with that of normal herdmates (P < 0.05). Anestrus cows had an increased number of ovulations before first service and before pregnancy (3.9 and 5.9) in comparison with normal herdmates (2.1 and 3.5; P < 0.05). Calving to pregnancy interval was increased above normal (74.8) for pyometra (125.0) and anestrus (152.7) (P < 0.05). Pregnancy rate for anestrus cows (82%) was lower than for normal cows (100%) and more anestrous cows were culled (27%) than normal cows (5%) (P < 0.5). The P4 profiles indicated that the major problem in the herd studied, anestrus (32% incidence rate), was most likely due to the failure to observe estrus rather than acyclicity.     

Fertility in the Afrikaner cow. 2. Ovarian recovery and conception in suckled and non-suckled cows post partum

The post-partum reproductive performance of suckled and non-suckled Afrikaner cows was compared in order to assess the importance of suckling in the resumption of post-partum ovarian function in this breed. Non-suckled cows were weaned at 3 days post partum whilst calves in the control group had continuous access to their dams. Commencement of ovarian activity was significantly (P < 0.01) earlier in non-suckled cows at 18.1 ± 5.2 (mean ± SD) days post partum than in suckled cows 53.2 ± 19.7 days. Conception rates were significantly higher (P = 0.01) in non-suckled cows (80%) than in suckled cows (50%). Mean intervals from parturition to conception were 45.8 ± 15.8 (mean ± SD) days in non-suckled cows as compared with 70.9 ± 17.9 days in suckled cows. The conception rate associated with each ovulation appears to be highest between 50 and 70 days post partum regardless of the degree of suckling stimulus. Four classes of ovarian activity were recorded from the progesterone profiles compiled. The incidence of short cycles was unaffected by the degree of suckling stimulus. Weaning may (P = 0.05) reduce the proportion of cows which exhibit regular cyclic ovarian activity without conceiving. Coitus during oestrus may (0.01 < P > 0.05) be more easily observed in non-suckled cows than in their suckled contemporaries. Suckling altered the diurnal distribution of coitus, with non-suckled cows showing the highest frequency for this component of oestrus before 09.00 h and after 15.00 h, whilst in suckled cows coitus appeared to be more evenly distributed throughout the day.     

Postpartum anestrus in French beef cattle: an epidemiological study

Postpartum anestrus of lactating beef cows was studied by means of an epidemiological study carried out on 878 lactating beef cows in 60 French herds. The cows calved between October 1992 and March 1993 and were housed 2 mo after calving, when the anestrus status was determined by progesterone radioimmunoassays. Data analysis was performed using a multiple logistic model in order to adjust for confounding and interaction. Fifty-one percent of the primiparous and 23% of the multiparous cows were found to be in anestrus. Factors significantly related to anestrus were parity (primiparous); breed (Charolais); housing type (tie housing); suckling (compared to weaning at birth); and, among those that were under the control of the farmer, calving conditions (manual exploration of the birth canal); body condition score at calving (3 or less, on a 5-point scale); and loss in body condition score after calving (1 point or more within 2 mo). Previous reproductive performance for multiparous cows such as a long calving interval and induced estrus in the previous year also appeared to be related to anestrus.     

Incidence and treatments of postpartum reproductive problems in a dairy herd

Incidence of assisted births, retained fetal membranes (RFM), and metritis were recorded in one hundred dairy cows from parturition through 14 days post-calving. Manual removal of RFM was not attempted. All RFM were excised inside the vulva and observations of natural RFM expulsion were recorded. Fifteen of 100 cows (15%) had assisted births, 27 (27%) had RFM, 8 (8%) had primary metritis not associated with other postpartum reproductive problems, and 26 (26%) had secondary metritis. Uterine swabs for culture were collected during the study from cows with postpartum reproductive problems. E . coli was the most common organism isolated (69.4%). Sensitivities of all isolates to penicillin, tetracycline, and triple sulfa were 44.0%, 59.5%, and 36.9% respectively. One of two antibiotic treatments were administered to cows with these postpartum reproductive problems. Treated animals received either 5 g. tetracycline powder IU on day 1 of treatment plus 10.5 million units procaine penicillin G IM on days 1, 2, and 3; or 4 Sulfaurea boluses IU on day 1. Despite the antibiotic treatments, 26 of 34 cows having either assisted birth and/or RFM developed metritis (76%). Neither treatment regimen was superior to the other. The poor results of antimicrobial therapy suggested the futility of routine administration of therapeutic agents for postpartum reproductive problems. Treatment failure was attributed to ineffective drugs or inadequate dosage regimens.     

Mycoflora of cervicovaginal fluids in dairy cows with or without reproductive disorders

Fungal infection of reproduction system of dairy cattle have not been received much more attention. The aim of this study was to determine the fungal infection of Holstein dairy cows with reproductive disorders or healthy. Fungal isolates of cervicovaginal fluids of 176 Holstein dairy cows were collected by using the double rod swabs for cervix and the sterilized cotton swabs for discharges of vagina. They were evaluated for fungal infections. The treatment group included 70 dairy cows with reproductive diseases, such as abortion, repeat breeder, endometritis, metritis, retention of fetal membrane, dystocia, cervicitis, and vaginitis. The control groups were included 42 healthy non-pregnant cows and 64 pregnant cows. Isolates of fungi were obtained from cervix and vagina of 27.1% and 28.6% of treatment group, 26.7% and 31.2% of pregnant cows, and 33.3% and 21.4% of healthy non-pregnant cows, respectively, indicating no significant differences. It is showed that the cervix and vagina of the treatment group have been infected by six different mycotic isolates. However, the cervix and vagina of pregnant and non-pregnant healthy cows in control group were infected with 5, 6 and 5, 4 different fungal agents, respectively. Penicillium and yeast were the most common isolated agents. Regarding to the result of this study, it is concluded that fungal infections can occur in cervicovaginal cavity of Holstein dairy cows with or without reproductive diseases.     

The effects of crossbreeding with Norwegian Red dairy cattle on common postpartum diseases,fertility and body condition score

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.     

Screening for high fertility in high-producing dairy cows

A retrospective study involving 2756 pregnancies from two commercial dairy herds in northeastern Spain determined relationships between management, production and reproductive data, and high fertility (conception before 90 days in milk) in high-producing dairy cows. High fertility was registered in 989 (35.9%) cows. The following data were recorded for each animal: herd, repeated animal (cows included two or more times within the study in which data were obtained from different lactational periods), parity (primiparous versus multiparous), previous twinning, reproductive disorders following calving (retained placenta, primary metritis) and at postpartum gynecological examination (incomplete uterine involution, pyometra and ovarian cysts), days in milk at conception, previous estrous synchronization and season of calving and conception. In order to evaluate the possible effect of high production during the peak milk yield on subsequent fertility, daily milk production at Day 50 postpartum was also recorded and cows were classified as high (> or = 50 kg) and low (< 50 kg) producers. Logistic regression analysis indicated no significant effects of herd, repeated animal, previous twinning, reproductive disorders such as primary metritis, incomplete uterine involution, pyometra and ovarian cysts, previous estrous synchronization and season of calving and insemination. Based on the odds ratio, the likelihood of high fertility increased in high-producer cows by a factor of 6.8. High fertility was less likely for multiparous cows (by a factor of 0.35) and for cows suffering placenta retention (by a factor of 0.65). High fertile cows produced a mean of 49.5 kg milk at Day 50 postpartum, in contrast to that 43.2 kg milk of the remainder cows. These findings question the negative effect of high production on fertility. Our results indicated that high individual cow milk production can be positively related to high fertility.     

Effect of calcium-energy supplements on calving-related disorders,fertility and milk yield during the transition period in cows fed anionic diets

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a calcium-energy supplement at calving on the incidence of calving-related disorders (CRD), fertility, BCS and milk yield in cows fed anionic diets and to establish any associations among outcome variables. In Florida, from October to December 1997, 479 cows were assigned to three groups and treated at calving as follows: Group 1: 160 nontreated cows; Group 2: 158 cows, treated orally with 60g Ca as CaCl2; Group 3: 161 cows, treated orally with 110g Ca as calcium propionate (510g) plus propylene glycol (400g). No treatment effect was detected for any of the outcome variables. An association was found between dystocia and age and retained fetal membranes (RFM). Age and RFM were associated with metritis. RFM and displacement of the abomasum were associated with ketosis. Ketosis and age were related to displacement of the abomasum. Parity, BCS, ovarian cysts, RFM and metritis were associated with fertility.     

Factors affecting the response to the specific treatment of several forms of clinical anestrus in high producing dairy cows

This study was designed to examine estrous response rates to the therapeutic treatment of clinical anestrus in high producing dairy cows and to identify the factors that could affect these rates. Cows with silent ovulation (Subestrus group), cystic ovarian disease (Cyst group) or ovarian hypofunction (OH group) were given specific treatment for their disorder. Data were derived from 1764 treatments in cows producing a mean of 45.4 kg of milk upon treatment including: 889 subestrous cows, 367 cystic cows and 508 cows with ovarian hypofunction. Cows showing estrus following treatment exhibited a similar pregnancy rate to cows attaining natural estrus used as reference: 33% (337/1006) and 35% (626/1796), respectively. No significant differences in pregnancy rates were observed among the Subestrus, Cyst and OH groups (34% (196/571), 34% (44/130), 32% (97/305), respectively. Based on the odds ratio, an estrous response for all groups was less likely to occur in cows that had suffered previous anestrus, compared to cows that were anestrous for the first time, whereas the likelihood of an estrous response increased in cows treated after 90 days in milk. Our results indicate that previous anestrus and a late stage of lactation can have a negative and positive effect, respectively, on the estrous response to the specific treatment of clinical anestrus shown by high producing dairy cows. Treatment targeted at each type of clinical anestrus can render similar pregnancy rates to those shown by cows in natural estrus.     

Comparison of ceftiofur hydrochloride and estradiol cypionate for metritis prevention and reproductive performance in dairy cows affected with retained fetal membranes

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of ceftiofur hydrochloride and estradiol cypionate (ECP) administration for metritis prevention and reproductive performance in dairy cows affected with retained fetal membranes (RFMs). After parturition, 97 dairy cows affected with RFM from a single dairy herd were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatment groups. Cows in-group 1 (n=31) were treated daily for 5 days with ceftiofur hydrochloride (2.2mg/kg, i.m.); cows in group 2 (n=33) were treated once with ECP (4 mg, i.m.); and cows in group 3 (n=33) were not treated. The proportion of cows with metritis, uterine involution patterns and the calving-to-conception interval were compared between groups. The proportion of cows that developed metritis was significantly different (P<0.05) in cows treated with ceftiofur hydrochloride (13%), compared with cows treated with ECP (42%) or cows that received no treatment (42%). Uterine involution patterns (i.e. median time to complete retraction of the uterus and mean diameter measure of cervix and uterine horns) were not significantly different between groups. Cows treated with ECP were 0.40 times as likely to conceive as control cows (P=0.05); median time to conception in cows treated with ECP (192 days) was longer, compared to control cows (124 days). We conclude that systemic administration of ceftioufur hydrochloride is beneficial for prevention of metritis, but its effect on reproductive performance was not significantly different to that of ECP or no treatment. In addition, administration of ECP did not have beneficial effects on metritis prevention and reproductive performance.     

The relationship between narrow calcium-phosphorus ratio and reproductive problems in a daitry herd: A case report

A dairy herd was examined because of an increased incidence of dystocia, retained placenta, and post-partum metritis. The common infectious diseases were eliminated as potential causes of the reproductive problems. The cattle were found to have a mean serum calcium (Ca) of 8.98 mg% and a mean serum phosphorus (P) of 8.25 mg% for a ratio of 1.1:1. Feed analysis revealed low Ca and P in the ration. The cattle were supplemented with steamed bone meal for 3 months. At the end of this time incidence of dystocia had been reduced from 75% to 10%; the incidence of retained placenta from 35% to 8%; and the incidence of postpartum metritis from 70% to 10%. The mean serum Ca had increased to 10.26 mg% and the mean serum P was 6.72 mg% for a mean ratio of 1.53:1.     

Improving the reproductive performance of Egyptian buffalo cows by changing the management system

The objective of the present study was to determine the possibility to improve the reproductive performance of buffalo cows through the continuous exposure to bull with grazing and free-stall housing management. Sixty-four Egyptian multiparous buffalo cows raised under two different management systems in two farms were used in this study. The cows in the first farm (management system 1, MS1) were loose--housed in a free-stall yard, grazed for 4 h per day, suckled their calves for 2-3 months and were continuously exposed to a fertile bull. The cows in the second farm (management system 2, MS2 ) were confined in an open-fronted tie-stall shed, not grazed, suckled their calves for only 7 days and were exposed to a fertile bull twice per day (30 min per session). All the cows were fed a diet of green berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum), rice straw and concentrates to meet their maintenance and production requirements. The cows during both the treatments were milked twice per day after weaning. The cows in both groups were between the second and the sixth parity, weighed 450-480 kg and had average daily milk yields of 5.0-6.0 kg. In each farm, cows were visually checked twice daily at 07:00 and 17:00 h for the signs of oestrus and animals proved standing heat were naturally mated. Rectal palpation was used to monitor uterine involution and for pregnancy diagnosis. Blood was sampled twice per week from 7 to 150 days post-partum for serum progesterone assay. The results revealed that post-partum intervals to each of first ovulation, first oestrus, conception and next parturition were significantly (P < 0.05) shorter in MS1 group than in MS2 group. In the meantime, MS1 increased (P < 0.01) the conception and calving rates by 21 and 25%, respectively compared to MS2. Percentages of post-partum cyclic animals and animals exhibiting ovulatory oestrus were greater (P < 0.01) in MS1 group than in MS2 group. However, the percentage of animals cycling before day 60 post-partum was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in MS1 group than in MS2 group (13% versus 28%). By day 120 post-partum, only 63% of the buffaloes were cycling in MS2 group versus 94% in MS1 group. Percentage of silent ovulation was insignificantly higher in MS2 group (34%) than in MS1 group (25%). However, the percentage of false oestrus was higher (P < 0.01) in MS1 group than in MS2 group (16% versus 3%). In addition, percentage of short ovulatory cycles (15-17 days) was greater (P < 0.01) in MS1 group than in MS2 group, whereas percentage of long ovulatory cycle (25-28 days) was higher (P < 0.01) in MS2 group than in MS1 group. It was concluded that continuous exposure of buffalo cows to a fertile bull with grazing management under free-stall housing system enhances resumption of post-partum ovarian activity and improves conception and calving rates.     

Descriptive epidemiology of anestrus in Michigan Holstein-Friesian cattle

Twenty-two Michigan Holstein-Friesian herds were studied to determine the incidence and epidemiology of anestrus. In 3,309 lactations studied, 42% were classified as having exhibited preservice anestrus (no estrus detected by 70 d after calving). Organic reasons (pyometra, cystic follicles, static ovaries) were identified by palpation per rectum for 237 (23%) of the cows with preservice anestrus that were examined by a veterinarian. Postservice anestrus, defined as failure to show estrus within 35 d after an unsuccessful insemination, was identified in 790 (47%) of 1,691 lactations. Veterinary examination identified 104 (20%) of postservice anestrous cows as having this condition because of organic causes. The average cow with preservice anestrus had an increase of 30 d open compared to her herdmates, and the average cow with postservice anestrus had an increase of 37 d open. Anestrous cows produced more milk than their unaffected herdmates in both the current and the previous lactation. Analysis of composite lactation curves indicates that, for preservice anestrus, this additional milk production was obtained gradually over the entire lactation. Anestrous cows were culled at a significantly higher rate than their herdmates. Cows with preservice anestrus were more likely to have begun their lactation in the spring months.     

Resynchronization of ovulation and timed insemination in lactating dairy cows I: use of the Ovsynch and Heatsynch protocols after non-pregnancy diagnosis by ultrasonography

The objective was to compare pregnancy rates and pregnancy losses in lactating dairy cows that were diagnosed not pregnant and re-inseminated following either the Ovsynch or Heatsynch protocols. Also evaluated were the effects of stages of the estrous cycle, ovarian cysts and anestrus on pregnancy rates for both treatments. Non-pregnant cows (n = 332) as determined by ultrasonography on day 27 post-AI (study day 0) were divided into two groups. Cows in the Ovsynch group (n = 166) received GnRH on day 0, PGF2alpha on day 7, GnRH on day 9, and timed AI (TAI) 16 h later (day 10). Cows in the Heatsynch group (n = 166) received GnRH on day 0, PGF2alpha on day 7, estradiol cypionate (ECP) on day 8, and TAI 48 h later (day 10). Cows detected in estrus on days 8 and 9 were inseminated and included in the study. On day 0, cows were classified according to different stages of the estrous cycle, or presence of ovarian cysts or anestrus. Pregnancy rates were evaluated 27, 45 and 90 days after resynchronized AI. Overall, there was no difference in pregnancy rates on days 27, 45 and 90 between cows in the Ovsynch (25.2, 17.5, and 13.9%) and Heatsynch (25.8, 19.9, and 16.1%) groups. There was no difference in pregnancy losses from days 27 to 45 and days 45 to 90 for cows in the Ovsynch (25.0 and 17.9%) and Heatsynch (14.7 and 10.3%) groups. However, pregnancy rates were increased when cows in metestrus were subjected to the Heatsynch protocol and cows with ovarian cysts were subjected to the Ovsynch protocol.