G.M. Schuenemann

Assessment of calving progress and reference times for obstetric intervention during dystocia in Holstein dairy cows

The objectives of this observational study were (1) to assess the time from the appearance of the amniotic sac (AS) or feet outside the vulva to birth in Holstein cows (primiparous and multiparous) with (dystocia) or without assistance (eutocia) at calving, and (2) to estimate reference times to be used as guidelines for obstetric intervention in Holstein cows that need assistance during difficult births. Cows (n=92) from 1 commercial dairy operation were used in this study. Periparturient dairy cows (primiparous, n=58; multiparous, n=34) were placed in a maternity pen and constantly monitored until birth. The calving ease of cows, time from AS or feet appearance to birth, calving progress from a subset of 15 cows (frequency and duration of abdominal contractions during labor), calf birth weight, calf sex, and stillbirths (born dead or died within 24h after birth) were recorded. The reference times for obstetric intervention during dystocia were estimated based on values from unassisted births (normal). The normal range of times from the appearance of AS or feet outside the vulva to birth was estimated based on the mean+2 standard deviations (SD) of unassisted births. According to farm protocol, assistance was provided to cows without calving progress 80 min after AS appearance or earlier (e.g., to correct malpositions). Cows with dystocic births had a longer time from AS appearance to birth and increased incidence of stillbirth compared with cows with eutocic calvings. After the appearance of the AS, calving progress was evident every 15 min for eutocic births. The estimated reference times (mean+2 SD) from AS appearance to birth were 69.7 min and from feet appearance to birth were 64.6 min for eutocic births. Findings from this study suggested that calving personnel should start assisting cows 70 min after AS appearance (or 65 min after feet appearance) outside the vulva. The time spent in labor (straining) combined with the time from the appearance of the AS or feet to birth, and the assessment of calving progress (as described for eutocic births) should be used as guidelines for obstetric intervention during difficult births under field conditions. These reference times should be interpreted in combination with adequate obstetrical knowledge and examination.

Economic comparison of reproductive programs for dairy herds using estrus detection, timed artificial insemination, or a combination

The objective of this study was to compare the economic outcome of reproductive programs using estrus detection (ED), timed artificial insemination (TAI), or a combination of both (TAI-ED) using a stochastic dynamic Monte-Carlo simulation model. Programs evaluated were (1) ED only; (2) TAI: Presynch-Ovsynch for first AI, and Ovsynch for resynchronization of open cows at 32 d after AI; (3) TAI-ED: Presynch-Ovsynch for first AI, but cows underwent ED and AI after first AI, and cows diagnosed open 32 d after AI were resynchronized using Ovsynch. Evaluated were the effect of ED rate (40 vs. 60%; ED40 or ED60), accuracy of estrus detection (85 vs. 95%), compliance with the timed AI protocol (85 vs. 95%), and milk price (

Effect of intrauterine dextrose or antibiotic therapy on reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows diagnosed with clinical endometritis

0.33 vs. 0.44/kg). Conception rate to first service was set at 33.9% and then decreased by 2.6% for every subsequent service. Abortion was set at 11.3%. Cows were not AI after 366 d in milk, and open cows were culled after 450 d in milk. Culled cows were immediately replaced. Herd size was maintained at 1,000 cows, and the model accounted for all incomes and costs. Simulation was performed until steady state was reached (3,000 d), and then average daily values for the subsequent 2,000 d were used to calculate profit/cow per year. Net daily value was calculated by subtracting the costs (replacement, feeding, breeding, and other costs) from the daily income (milk sales, cow sales, and calf sales). The ED40 models resulted in greater profits than the TAI-85 model but lower profits than the TAI-95 model. Both ED60 models resulted in greater profits than the TAI-95 model. Combining TAI and ED increased profits within each level of accuracy or compliance. Adding TAI to ED would increase overall profit/cow per year by

Dairy calving management: Description and assessment of a training program for dairy personnel

46.8 to

The use of plastic cover sheaths at the time of artificial insemination improved fertility of lactating dairy cows

74.7 with 40% ED, and by

Effect of serum calcium status at calving on survival, health, and performance of postpartum Holstein cows and calves under certified organic management

8.9 to

Management practices associated with presence of Staphylococcus aureus in bulk tank milk from Ohio dairy herds

30.5 with 60% ED. Adding ED to TAI would increase profit/cow per year by

Effect of intrauterine dextrose on reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows diagnosed with purulent vaginal discharge under certified organic management

64.2 to

Effect of intrauterine administration of gonadotropin releasing hormone on serum LH concentrations in lactating dairy cows

99.4 with 85% compliance and by

Effect of gradual or abrupt cessation of milking at dry off on milk yield and somatic cell score in the subsequent lactation

31.8 to