Effect of Cow Parity and Calf Characteristics on Milk Production and Reproduction of Friesian Dairy Cows

Viability and profitability of livestock enterprise is evaluated by the percentage of pregnant females over a period of time after exposure to bulls and amount of milk yield per lactation.  This attribute was tested using 20 seven-month in calf Friesian dairy cows. Effect of parity on; gestation period, calf birth weight, milk production, lactation length, and postpartum heat were tested in this study. Effect of calf sex and calf birth weight on milk production and postpartum heat of the dam was also studied. Parity highly influenced gestation period with Cows at parity 4 taking significantly the least number of days (269.5 days). The cows at parity 4 delivered calves that recorded the highest calf birth weight mean (39.0 kg). Milk production per day was significantly higher in the cows at parity 4 (17.0 L). There was significant positive correlation (r2=0.86, P<0.001) between milk production and time to taken to exhibit postpartum heat Calf birth weight highly influenced milk production with dams of heavier calves producing significantly more milk than dams of lighter calves. Dams of heavier calves had significantly delayed postpartum heat. Calf sex significantly influenced milk production and postpartum heat. There was significant (r2=0.79, P<0.001) positive correlation between calf birth weight and time to postpartum heat. Adoption and use of these findings will improve dairy industry through reducing calving intervals.  Calf Birth weight should be used as important traits in performance testing of dairy cattle. Keywords: parity, Friesian cow, milk production DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/9-10-06 Publication date:May 31st 201

Uticaj paragenetskih faktora na reproduktivne osobine krava simentalske rase

The examination was made on the effect of systematic factors (parturition group, calving season, birth type, calf gender, and birth type-calf gender interaction) and age at first conception on the expression of reproductive traits (gestation length, service period, fertility intensity and calf birth weight) in 143 Simmental cows. The overall mean (μ) for gestation length, service period, intercalving period and calf birth weight was 284.14 days, 153.82 days, 416.92 days and 35.40 kg, respectively. The parturition group effect on all fertility traits was highly significant (P lt 0.01). The calving season statistically significantly (P lt 0.05) affected the intercalving period and calf birth weight. Birth type induced very significantly longer gestation (P lt 0.01) and higher calf birth weight in singles (P lt 0.01) and significantly longer service period in twins (P lt 0.05). Calf gender had a very significant effect (P lt 0.01) only on calf birth weight, and the interaction between birth type and calf gender significantly affected gestation duration only (P lt 0.05). The regression effect of age at first conception on all fertility traits was not significant (P>0.05).Na ispoljenost reproduktivnih osobina (dužina bremenitosti, servis period, intenzitet plodnosti i masa teladi pri rođenju) kod 143 krave simentalske rase, ispitivan je uticaj sistematskih faktora (grupe partusa, sezone telenja, tip rođenja, pol teladi i interakcija tipa rođenja i pola teladi) i uzrasta pri prvoj oplodnji. Opšti prosek (μ) za dužinu bremenitosti iznosio je 284.14 dana, servis period 153.82 dana, međutelidbeni interval 416.92 i masu teladi pri rođenju 35.40 kg. Uticaj grupe partusa na sve osobine plodnosti bio je visoko značajan (P lt 0.01). Sezona telenja statistički značajno (P lt 0.05) je uticala na međutelidbeni interval i masu teladi pri rođenju. Tip rođenja uslovio je vrlo značajno dužu bremenitost (P lt 0.01) i veću masu teladi pri rođenju kod jedinaca (P lt 0.01) i značajno duži servis period kod blizanaca (P lt 0.05). Pol teladi vrlo značajno je uticao (P lt 0.01) samo na masu teladi pri rođenju, dok je interakcija tipa rođenja i pola teladi značajno uticala samo na trajanje bremenitosti (P lt 0.05). Regresijski uticaj uzrasta pri prvoj oplodnji na sve osobine plodnosti nije bio signifikantan (P>0.05)

Effect of Steaming Up on Old Pregnant Parent Weights, Calf Birth Weight and Colostrum Production in PFH Cattle in Sumber Rejeki Group, Princi, Dau, Malang District

The study purpose to determine the relationship between steaming up on body weight of pregnant cow, birth weight of calf and colostrum production. The research was conducted in Sumber Rejeki Group at Princi Village, Dau Sub-District, Malang Regency, East Java. The material used in this research was 30 cows. The research method used in this research was case study. The results showed that steaming up treatment did not give significant effects on body weight of pregnant cow and calf bir but it did give significant effects on colostrum production. The average weight of pregnant cow that treated with steaming up was 483.03±28.43 kg and the average weight that not treated with steaming up was 471.81±29.90 kg. The average calf birth weight that its mother treated with steaming up was 32.25±6.52 kg and the average calf birth weigh that its mother not treated with steaming up was 31.70±4.96 kg. The average of colostrum production from cow that treated with steaming up was 10.91±3.38 litre/cow/day and the average of colostrum production from cow that not treated with steaming up was 7.94±1.79 litre/cow/day. It was concluded that steaming up treatment effects on body weight of pregnant cow and calf birth weight did not differ significantly (p-value>0.05) but it had significant effects on colostrum production (p-value<0.05). It was suggested to have steaming up treatment on pregnant cow 2 until 3 weeks or 15 days before partus in order to achieve optimum production and maximum profit

Genetic Polymorphisms of the Glucocorticoid Receptor and Interleukin-8 Receptor Genes are Related to Production Traits and Hair Coat Score in Crossbred Cattle

The objective of this thesis was to identify polymorphisms in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and interleukin-8 receptor (CXCR2) genes and to associate genotypes between the above mentioned polymorphisms and production traits in crossbred cattle. The hypothesis was that polymorphisms will exist for GR and CXCR2 genes and will be linked to production traits. Glucocorticoid receptors have been positively associated with higher milk yields, lactose content, feed intake, and feed conversion rates. Interleukin-8 genes are part of the innate immune response and help with many aspects of female reproduction health, such as protecting the embryo from the maternal immune system during pregnancy. Despite these things, very little is known about how GR and CXCR2 gene polymorphisms affect phenotypes in cattle. Blood samples were collected from ninety-four crossbred cattle over a period of three years (2012, 2013, 2014) and the DNA was extracted, amplified, and sent to GeneSeek in Lincoln, Nebraska, to be analyzed and genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Phenotypic data was collected from the ninety-four crossbred cattle and analyzed alongside the genotypic results, including: cow pre-breeding BCS and weight, Julian calving date, calf birth weight, cow weaning BCS and weight, calf weaning weight, calf adjusted 205-day weight, cow efficiency, and HCS. Significant relationships were determined using t-tests. It is expected that SNPs will be found for the GR and CXCR2 genes and that these polymorphisms will be significantly related to the production traits in cattle. Scientists and breeders could manipulate these genes to produce cattle that are more efficient and possess more desirable production traits

Involuntary reduction in vigour of calves born from sexed semen

The objective of this study was to compare the reproductive traits of heifers and the development characteristics of their calves following artificial insemination (AI) with sexed and non-sexed semen. The analysed characteristics included conception rate, gestation length, calf birth weight, calf vigour, stillbirth rate, and twinning rate. Data of 530 calves produced with sexed and 1,163 calves produced with non-sexed semen were analysed. The General Linear Model (GLM) was applied to assess the influence of semen type, farm, season of insemination, the calf’s sex and the inseminating sire on gestation length and calf birth weight. With the exception of gestation length (P > 0.05), all other traits studied were significantly (P 0.05); however, artificial insemination with X-sorted sexed semen significantly altered the sex ratio of calves (85.1:14.9%, P < 0.01). The results obtained in this investigation are in agreement with the majority of studies which compared the fertility traits, sex ratio and calf characteristics depending on the application of artificial insemination with sexed or conventional semen

PENGARUH TINGKAT PROTEIN RANSUM PADA AKHIR MASA KEBUNTINGAN PERTAMA TERHADAP PERFORMAN DAN BERAT LAHIR PEDET SAPI PERAH PERANAKAN FRIESIAN HOLSTEIN (PFH)

Feeding of dairy cattle in the late of heifers gestation need to consider in quality and quantity that able to optimize dame and foetus growth. Protein is one of nutrient needed for growth. Protein that given to dairy cattle in the late of heifers gestation well hope able to increase performance and calf birth weight, so writers interest to conduct the research of protein ration levels in the late of heifer gestation of Friesian Holstein Crossbred. The aim of this research is to know the effect of protein ration levels at the late of heifers gestation on the performance and calf birth weight of PFH. This research had been conducted for 11 weeks on January 10th up to March 29th, 2007 in dairy cattle company CV. Argasari Boyolali. This research used 9 dairy cattles of PFH in the late of heifers gestation on body weight average 452,22 ± 28,69 kgs/head and devided into three treatments, each treatment consisted of three replications and each replication consisted of one cattle. The ration gived are roughage ( King grass) and consentrate on comparison 50 : 50 percent (dry matter based). Treatments tested were ration with protein levels 12,5% (P0), 14% (P1) and 15,5% (P2). Parameters perceived were feed consumption, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio and calf birth weight. The result of this research is obtained data for P0, P1 and P2 successively from feed consumption (dry matter based) were 7,09; 7,06 and 7,21 kgs/head/day, average daily gain were 0,61; 0,66 and 0,89 kgs/day, feed conversion ratio were 11,69; 10,69 and 8,86, and calf birth weight were 27,67; 32,33 and 34,33 kilograms. The conclusion of this research that the treatments is not able to influence the feed consumption, average daily gain and feed conversion, but able to increase the calf birth weight. Key word : protein levels, Friesian Holstein Crossbred, performance and calf birth weight

Effects of infrequent dried distillers grain supplementation on spring-calving cow performance

Feed and supplement costs and the expenses associated with delivery of winter supplements account for a large proportion of the total operating expenditures for cow-calf producers. Cattle grazing low-quality dormant native range (<6% crude protein) typically are unable to consume sufficient protein from the forage base, which limits microbial activity and forage digestion. Supplemental protein often is required to maintain cow body weight and body condition score during the last trimester of pregnancy. Low cow body condition scores at calving are common and may negatively affect lactation, rebreeding rates, and calf weaning weight. Failure to maintain proper nutritional status during this period severely affects short-term cow performance, reduces overall herd productivity, and limits profit potential. The most effective means of supplying supplemental protein to cows consuming dormant native range is to provide a small amount of high-protein feedstuff (>30% crude protein). Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) are a by-product of the ethanol refining process. Distillers grains supply the recommended 30% crude protein level, are readily available, and often are favorably priced compared with more traditional feedstuffs. With the rising costs of inputs in today’s cow-calf sector, reducing cost is necessary to maintain viability of the national cowherd. Reducing the frequency of supplementation results in less labor and fuel use, effectively reducing input costs; however, this is viable only as long as cow performance is maintained at acceptable levels. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effects of infrequent supplementation of dried distillers grains with solubles on cow body weight and body condition score

Effect of age and nutrient restriction pre partum on beef suckler cow serum immunoglobulin concentrations, colostrum yield, composition and immunoglobulin concentration and immune status of their progeny

peer-reviewedThe effect of cow age (multiparous (MP) v. primiparous (PP)) and nutritional restriction pre partum (grass silage ad libitum v. straw only ad libitum for the last 15 (s.d. 3.3) days of gestation) on cow serum immunoglobulin (Ig) concentration, on colostrum yield, composition and Ig concentration and on calf serum Ig concentrations (at ~8 and 48 h post partum) using spring-calving Limousin Holstein-Friesian cows and their progeny was studied over 3 years. The method of colostrum administration (stomach tube vs. assisted suckling within 1 h post partum) on calf immune status was also investigated. When feeding colostrum the target was to give each calf 50 mL per kg birthweight via stomach tube. Colostrum yield and Ig concentration were measured following administration of oxytocin and hand-milking of half (Experiments 1 and 2) or the complete udder (Experiment 3). Following an 8-h period after birth during which suckling was prevented a further colostrum sample was obtained. There was no significant difference in first milking colostrum Ig subclass concentrations between the within-quarter fractions or between the front and rear quarters of the udder in either MP or PP cows. Colostrum Ig subclass concentrations at second milking were 0.46 to 0.65 of that at first milking. Compared to MP cows offered silage, colostrum yield and the mass of colostrum IgG1, IgG2, IgM, IgA and total Ig produced was lower (P < 0.001) for PP cows and the mass of IgG1, IgM and total Ig produced was lower (P < 0.05) for MP cows offered straw. Calves from PP cows and MP cows offered straw had significantly lower serum IgG1 and total Ig concentrations at 48 h post partum than calves from MP cows offered silage but there was no difference (P > 0.05) between colostrum feeding methods. In conclusion, calves from PP cows and MP cows offered straw had a lower humoral immune status than those from MP cows offered grass silage

Effect of suckler cow genotype on cow serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, colostrum yield, composition and Ig concentration and subsequent immune status of their progeny

peer-reviewedSurvival of the neonatal calf is largely dependent on humoral immunity. The objective of three experiments reported here was to compare cow serum immunoglobulin (Ig) concentration, colostrum yield, composition and Ig concentration and calf serum Ig concentrations at ~8- and 48-h post partum of spring-calving Charolais (C) and Beef × Holstein-Friesian (BF) cows and their progeny. Cows were individually offered a restricted allowance of grass silage pre partum in Experiments 1 and 2 and silage ad libitum in Experiment 3. In Experiment 1 calves were assisted to suckle after parturition. In Experiments 2 and 3, colostrum yield and Ig concentration were measured following administration of oxytocin and hand milking of half or the complete udder, respectively. It was intended to feed each calf 50 ml (Experiment 2) or 40 ml (Experiment 3) of colostrum per 1 kg birth weight via stomach tube. Following an 8-h period, during which suckling was prevented, a further colostrum sample was obtained. The decrease in cow serum IgG1 concentration pre partum was greater (P < 0.05) in BF cows than C cows. In comparison to BF cows, C cows had a lower colostrum yield (P < 0.001) and the colostrum had lower concentrations of dry matter (P < 0.01), crude protein (P < 0.05), fat (P < 0.05), IgG1 (P = 0.06), IgG2 (P < 0.01), IgM (P < 0.01) and Ig total (P < 0.05). The mass of IgG1, IgG2, IgM, IgA and Ig total in the colostrum produced was significantly lower for C cows than BF cows. Calves from C cows had significantly lower serum Ig subclass concentration at 48-h post partum than calves from BF cows. In conclusion, due to a lower Ig mass produced by their dams, calves from C cows had a lower humoral immune status than those from BF cowsTeagasc Walsh Fellowship Programm

Effects of Calf Birth Weight, Sex, and Number of Calvings on Assigned Maternal Disposition Scores

Little work has been conducted to compare maternal disposition scores assigned to a heifer/cow after calving, and if these scores remain stable over consecutive calvings. The objective of this trial was to determine if calf birth weight, sex, and the number of calvings affects the cows maternal disposition scores. The fall data set included observations from 406 calvings, which were pure Angus (n = 316), pure Simmental (n = 75), or crosses of the two breeds (n = 43). The spring data set included observations from 550 calvings, which were Angus (n = 253) or Simmental (n = 338). All calvings occurred on pasture. The data set included date and time of birth, birth weight (kg), sex of the calf, and a maternal disposition score. The maternal disposition score was based on the cow’s reaction to both the calf and human interaction. The scale used to score cows ranged from one through five and was created at the ISU beef farm. Data was analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX. There were no observed differences for disposition score in either season when cows birthed heavier calves (P \u3e 0.86), if the cow had a bull versus a heifer (P \u3e 0.50) or the number of calvings that they experienced (P \u3e 0.76). In conclusion, using this particular maternal disposition scoring, no observed changes in disposition score occurred with calf birth weight, calf sex or the number of calvings