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Postpartum anovulatory intervals in two genotypes of pasture-fed Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 November 2017

L.R. McNaughton ,
G.A. Verkerk ,
T.J. Parkinson ,
B. Dow ,
K.A. Macdonald  and
C.W. Holmes
L.R. McNaughton*
Affiliation:
Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand Dexcel, Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, New Zealand
G.A. Verkerk
Affiliation:
Dexcel, Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, New Zealand
T.J. Parkinson
Affiliation:
Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
B. Dow
Affiliation:
Dexcel, Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, New Zealand
K.A. Macdonald
Affiliation:
Dexcel, Private Bag 3221, Hamilton, New Zealand
C.W. Holmes
Affiliation:
Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
*
Email: Lorna.McNaughton@dexcel.co.nz
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Extract

In pasture-based dairying systems it is important to maintain a 365-day calving interval, which requires that cows have a rapid resumption of postpartum ovulatory activity and high conception rates. The major form of infertility in New Zealand (NZ) dairy cows is an extended postpartum anovulatory interval (ppai; Macmillan, 2002), a problem that can be exacerbated by low body condition score (BCS) at calving (McDougall, 1995). Furthermore, Holstein cows, originating from North American genetic strains (Overseas; OS), which have been widely used in NZ in recent years, have longer intervals to first mating and conceive later than do NZ strains, suggesting a possible delay in the initiation of postpartum cyclicity (Harris and Winkleman, 2000). Worldwide, there is concern over an apparent decline in the fertility of Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle (Butler et al., 1995; Royal et al., 2000). The purpose of this trial was to determine whether there was a difference in ppai and BCS between NZ and OS Holstein Friesians that may affect reproductive performance.

Type
ISAE
Information
Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science , Volume 2003 , 2003 , pp. 28
Copyright
Copyright © The British Society of Animal Science 2003

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References

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