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Factors influencing interval to first postpartum ovulation in pasture-fed dairy cows during their first lactation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2018

FM Rhodes ,
BA Clark ,
SR Morgan  and
GA Verkerk
FM Rhodes
Affiliation:
Dairying Research Corporation, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand
BA Clark
Affiliation:
Dairying Research Corporation, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand
SR Morgan
Affiliation:
Dairying Research Corporation, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand
GA Verkerk
Affiliation:
Dairying Research Corporation, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand
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Abstract

Two year old cows were managed at pasture to calve in High (n = 10) or Low (n = 11) body condition score (BCS). Following calving all cows were managed as a single herd and offered a generous pasture allowance. Time of first ovulation was determined using weekly transrectal ultrasonography and measurement of milk progesterone concentrations thrice weekly. Liveweight (LW) change after calving, dry matter intake, milk yield and composition were determined at 20 and 40 days postpartum and energy balance calculated Pulsatile release of luteinising hormone (LH), concentrations of glucose, insulin, β-hydroxy butyrate (BHB) and non-esterified fatty acids were measured at 11, 25 and 46 days postpartum. Cows in the High group were in significantly greater positive energy balance, had lost more LW at 20 days postpartum than cows in the Low group, but did not differ in postpartum interval (PPI). There were significant correlations between PPI and BCS at calving and with concentrations of LH, glucose and BHB measured 11 days postpartum, but not with energy balance or change in LW after calving.

Type
Posters
Information
BSAP Occasional Publication , Volume 26 , Issue 2: Fertility in the High-Producing Dairy Cow , September 2001 , pp. 341 - 345
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 2001

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