Relationship between quality of facilities, animal-based welfare indicators and measures of reproductive and productive performances on dairy farms in the northwest of Spain

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of facility comfort level on animal-based welfare indicators as well as on productive and reproductive parameters of 187 dairy farms in the northwest of Spain. Fifty-eight facility-based parameters, which included both housing facili- ties and management parameters, were evaluated in each farm and used to classify the 187 farms in 5 groups (from 1: top farms to 5: worst farms). Animal-based welfare indicators and reproductive and productive parameters were compared among farm groups. Lameness score significantly differed (p<.005) in top farms (67% of cows having normal gait) versus groups 4 (55%) and 5 (53%). The proportion of cows with dirty lower legs and udder was lower (p<.05) in top farms (80% and 31%, respectively) than in groups 4 (92% and 51%) and 5 (95% and 56%). Other animal-based indicators were not different among farm groups. Heat detection rate was higher (p<.001) in top farms (56.5%) versus groups 4 (51%) and 5 (47%), and milk produc- tion/cow/day was also significantly higher (p<.001) in top farms (34.4 L) versus groups 3 (31.2 L), 4 (30.5 L) and 5 (27.4 L). Other reproductive or productive parameters were not different among farm groups. Facility-based measures were compared only between the top and worst farms. In top farms, most facility-based parameters met the welfare-related objectives, whereas in the worst farms only a few facility-based parameters met the welfare objectives.This study was partly supported by the Diputación Provincial de Lugo [Convenio 2015-CP011]S

Subclinical Endometritis in Dairy Cattle

Subclinical endometritis is recognized as a cause of poor reproductive performance in dairy cows. Inflammation of the endometrium persisting after postpartum uterine involution has been related with prolonged calving-conception intervals and low fertility in dairy cows. The subclinical nature of this condition makes it necessary in the use of endometrial cytology or biopsy for diagnosing it. There are some controversies among authors in relation to the postpartum period from which a physiological endometrial inflammation should be considered a pathological subclinical endometritis. Therefore, depending on the sampling period after calving, different studies establish a different degree of polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration as cutoff point to diagnose subclinical endometritis. Controversies also exist regarding the pathogenesis of the disease and its consequences on the fertility of dairy cattle. The aim of this chapter was to review the current knowledge on this uterine pathology

Housing assessment in farms in the Northwest of Spain: main facility weaknesses and strengths

The aim of this research communication was to examine and report the current situation of dairy farms in the province of Lugo (Galicia, Spain) regarding facility problems. We assessed the facilities of 168 free-stall dairy farms, housing in total 9228 Holstein cows in milk. Housing factors related to the resting area, circulation area, feeding area, ventilation area and milking area, as well as animal-handling features, were evaluated. Distance measurements were performed using a laser metre or a roll metric tape. A survey was conducted to gather information about cleaning and preventive protocols. Our results showed that most farms do not comply with the objective for cubicle measurements, width of the crossovers, type of flooring and presence of a quarantine pen, which may have a negative impact on the health and productivity of the animals. Therefore, to maximise the profits of the farm, the recommendations given in this study may be useful as a guide when building a new farm or remodelling the existing onesThis study was partially supported by Diputación Provincial de Lugo (Convenio 2015-CP011). Uxía Yáñez Ramil holds a predoctoral contract (Ref. 2020/122) from the Xunta de GaliciaS

Influencia del día de inicio del tratamiento en los resultados de superovulación en vacas lecheras

Se comparan dos momentos de inicio, dentro del periodo que se establece como adecuado (8 a 14 días después del estro), del tratamiento superovulatorio en hembras donantes de embriones. Se han utilizado vacas de raza Holstein Friesian, en condiciones similares de manejo y alimentación. Sometidas a un tratamiento superovulatorio con FSH, iniciado en 16 animales el día 8 y en otros 16 el día 12 del ciclo y tras la recogida de los embriones, mediante un método transvaginal, y su transferencia a las receptoras, se ha comprobado que iniciando el tratamiento en el día 12, se obtienen resultados muy superiores a los observados cuando se comienza en el día 8, principalmente en lo que se refiere al número de embriones transferibles obtenidos, así como en el porcentaje de gestaciones en las hembras receptoras

Duración del período gestacional en la raza rubia gallega

Se realizó un estudio sobre la duración de la gestación en la raza bovina Rubia Gallega explotada en sistemas de producción tradicional en la provincia de Lugo. Así mismo se valoraron distintos factores que pueden afectar, en mayor o menor medida, a la duración de este parámetro. La duración de la gestación en esta raza fue de 291,41 días comprobando que se ha producido un notable incremento de la misma en los últimos años, probablemente debido a la selección genética a la que ha sido sometida. Se comprobó que la edad de la vaca, el genotipo fetal, el sexo de la cría y la estación de parto condicionan, en mayor o menor medida, la magnitud de este parámetr

Influence of subclinical endometritis on the reproductive performance of dairy cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of subclinical endometritis (SE) on the reproductive performance of dairy cows. Ninety-four dairy cows of parity 1 to 8, distributed in 25 herds, were examined once between 30 and 45 days in milk using transrectal palpation, vaginoscopy and ultrasonography. A cytological sample of the endometrium was taken only from cows with an apparent healthy uterus (n=65). Serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, total proteins, albumin, urea and hepatic enzymes were analyzed. Reproductive indexes were recorded during the next 11 months. Endometrial cytology was considered indicative of SE if percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils was superior to 5% of all cells present in the smear, except erythrocytes. Results indicated that 14.9% of the cows sampled for uterine cytology had SE, and that healthy cows become pregnant significantly before than those with SE (hazard ratio=2.35; 95% confidece interval: 1.05-5.3). From all the metabolic and productive variables analyzed, only triglycerides affected negatively to reproduction; serum albumin concentration, body condition score and milk production had positive effects on the reproductive performance. In conclusion, our results indicate that SE has a negative impact on reproductive performance and uterine cytology is necessary to diagnose it since almost 15% of the affected animals were not detected by other diagnosis methodsXunta de Galicia (Programa Sectorial de Medio Rural, Proyecto Ref. PGIDIT07MRU002E) and FEFRIGA, Santiago de Compostela, SpainS

Validation of a simple method for the interpretation of uterine cytology in cows

One of the main drawbacks of using endometrial cytology in cows is the time required for sample collection and interpretation. It is recommended to count a large number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and to calculate their overall percentage. However, since counting a large number of cells is a laborious method, it would be preferable to simplify the analysis by counting the number of PMN in few microscopic fields. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether a simple test, based on calculating the average number of PMN in 10 fields at 1000×, could be a reliable technique for the diagnosis of endometritis. Two hundred and sixty endometrial samples were taken from Holstein cows at different postpartum stages using an adapted cytobrush. Smears obtained were air-dried for fixing and stained with a Romanowsky-type procedure. To evaluate the counting method, the percentage of PMN in 150 cells was calculated as well as the average number of PMN in 10 fields at 1000×. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was constructed to evaluate both methods, the percentage of PMN (used as reference) and the average number of PMN. It was observed that the area under the curve is (regardless of cut-off used) higher than 0.99 and the correspondence between both methods were 1.58 PMN/field for the cut-off value of 15% and 2.40 PMN/field for the cut-off value of 20%. These results show that this simple method could be used to determine the percentage of PMN in endometrial cytological samples and to diagnose endometritis in cowsSupported by the Xunta de Galicia (Galician Plan for Research and Technological Development; Grant No. PGIDIT07MRU002E) and the Friesian Federation of Galician, A Coruna, SpainS

Evaluation of tubal patency in repeat breeder Holstein cows

Aim of study: To evaluate tubal patency in repeat breeder Holstein cows with the purpose of estimating the frequency of oviduct obstruction as a cause of the repeat breeding syndrome. Area of study: Lugo (NW Spain) Material and methods: In 50 repeat breeding cows, a solution of the dye phenol-sulphon-phthalein (PSP) was instilled into one uterine horn with the aid of a balloon catheter. Urine was collected 15, 25 and 45 min post-PSP infusion. Urine of a reddish color was used as indicator of tubal patency, as the PSP had passed across the oviduct into the abdominal cavity and was eliminated in urine. The other oviduct was evaluated on a different day. Main results: Of the 50 cows tested, 44% had some degree of oviduct obstruction: 4% had bilateral oviduct occlusion, 20% unilateral oviduct occlusion, 16% bilateral oviduct stenosis and 4% unilateral oviduct stenosis. No significant relationship could be established between tubal impermeability and postpartum reproductive or metabolic diseases. Research highlights: Tubal stenosis or occlusions were frequent and they are likely to contribute to the repeat breeding syndrome in dairy cows; thus, tubal patency should be routinely evaluated in repeat breeders. The PSP test is easy to perform, well tolerated by animals, and allows evaluating both oviducts separately.Xunta de Galicia, Spain: Programme for consolidating and structuring competitive research groups: GRC2015/003. Xunta de Galicia, Spain: Project ‘RUMIGAL: Rede de estudo multidisciplinar dos ruminantes en Galicia R2014/005S

Efectos de la composición y renovación parcial del medio de cultivo sobre el desarrollo de los embriones bovinos producidos "in vitro"

Los objetivos de este estudio han sido: a) por un lado evaluar la eficiencia del medio de cultivo semi-definido para el desarrollo de los embriones bovinos hasta el estado de blastocisto, Upgraded B2 suplementado con insulina, transferrina y selenito sódico (ITS), frente al cultivo de los mismos en un medio no definido, Upgraded B2 suplementado con suero fetal bovino y células del epitelio oviductal bovino (FCS+BOEC); y b) evaluar el efecto de la renovación parcial del medio de cultivo (suplementado con ITS o FBS+BOEC) añadiendo 20µL de medio fresco cada 48 horas (h) en relación a la no suplementación a lo largo del período de cultivo (10 días). Para evaluar el efecto del medio se procedió al recuento de zigotos que se segmentaron 48 h post inseminación (p.i.), la proporción de blastocistos obtenidos en días 7 y 8 de cultivo, el número de células por blastocisto así como el porcentaje de embriones que eclosionaron hasta el día 10 de desarrollo. El porcentaje de zigotos que se dividen 48 h p.i. fue significativamente superior cuando el medio estaba suplementado con ITS que en presencia de FBS+BOEC. La suplementación con medio fresco durante el período de crecimiento de los embriones ejerce distintas acciones en función del medio utilizado: cuando el medio B2 esta suplementado con ITS, tanto la tasa de blastocistos obtenidos como el número de células por blastocisto han sido significativamente superiores (p<0,05) si no se añade medio fresco cada 48 h. Por el contrario, cuando los embriones se desarrollan en presencia de FBS+BOEC, el porcentaje de embriones que se desarrollan en día 7 de cultivo es superior (p<0,05) si se suplementa con medio fresco en intervalos de 48 h. Se puede concluir entonces que el medio B2 suplementado con ITS sin renovación durante el período de cultivo, puede ser tan eficiente para la producción de embriones bovinos in vitro como el medio suplementado con suero y células

Diagnóstico precoz de gestación por ecografía transrectal en la oveja

El diagnóstico de gestación mediante ultrasonidos en ganado ovino, se practica habitualmente por vía transabdominal. Sin embargo, algunos autores plantean la posibilidad de utilizar la vía transrectal, mejorando sensiblemente los resultados. Por esto, se ha tratado de determinar la eficacia de la ecografía transrectal, como método de diagnostico de gestación en la oveja. Para ello hemos utilizado 173 ovejas, a 21 de las cuales se les realizaron ecografías diarias entre los días 15-40 después de la monta y al resto una única ecografía en el día 23 después de la cubrición. En el momento del parto se comprobó la veracidad de los diagnósticos. Se ha podido comprobar la precocidad de esta técnica que permite realizar el diagnóstico de gestación de forma fiable a partir del día 23, con exactitud, sensibilidad y especificidad en torno al 98 p.100