Crossbred Dairy Cows Research Articles

Local breed proportions and local breed heterozygosity in genomic predictions for crossbred dairy cows.

For genomic prediction of crossbred animals, models that account for the breed origin of alleles (BOA) in marker genotypes can allow the effects of marker alleles to differ depending on their ancestral breed. Previous studies have shown that genomic estimated breeding values for crossbred cows can be calculated using the marker effects that are estimated in the contributing pure breeds and combined based on estimated BOA in the genotypes of the crossbred cows. In the presented study, we further exploit the BOA information for improving the prediction of genomic breeding values of crossbred dairy cows. We investigated 2 types of BOA-derived breed proportions: global breed proportions, defined as the proportion of marker alleles assigned to each breed across the whole genome; and local breed proportions (LBP), defined as the proportions of alleles on chromosome segments which were assigned to each breed. Further, we investigated 2 BOA-derived measures of heterozygosity for the prediction of total genetic value. First, global breed heterozygosity, defined as the proportion of marker loci that have alleles originating in 2 different breeds over the whole genome. Second, local breed heterozygosity (LBH), defined as proportions of marker loci on chromosome segments that had alleles originating in 2 different breeds. We estimated variance related to LBP and LBH on the remaining variation after accounting for prediction with solutions from the genomic evaluations of the pure breeds and validated alternative models for production traits in 5,214 Danish crossbred dairy cows. The estimated LBP variances were 0.9, 1.2, and 1.0% of phenotypic variance for milk, fat, and protein yield, respectively. We observed no clear LBH effect. Cross-validation showed that models with LBP effects had a numerically small but statistically significantly higher predictive ability than models only including global breed proportions. We observed similar improvement in accuracy by the model having an across crossbred residual additive genetic effect, accounting for the additive genetic variation that was not accounted for by the solutions from purebred. For genomic predictions of crossbred animals, estimated BOA can give useful information on breed proportions, both globally in the genome and locally in genome regions, and on breed heterozygosity.

Household characteristics, production and quality of bovine milk from crossbred dairy stock in the rural dairy production system of Ethiopia

Limited evidence exists on the rural/mixed crop-dairy production system given its contribution to the milk supply and strong spatial heterogeneity in dairy milk productivity and other production outcomes. A study was conducted to assess the production and composition of milk from crossbred dairy cows on smallholder farms in Ethiopia. A total of 198 households were surveyed in face-to-face interviews, and 80 milk samples were taken for laboratory analysis. The results revealed that the daily milk yields of Indigenous X Holstein-Friesians (IHF) and Indigenous X Jerseys (IJ) were 6.77 ± 1.09 and 6.39 ± 1.05 liters, respectively. The overall lactation lengths of IHF and IJ were 9.53 ± 1.24 and 9.25 ± 1.15 months. The daily milk yield and lactation length were significantly different (p < 0.05) between highland and mid-altitude agro-ecologies. Milk samples collected from IJ had 3.98 ± 0.89 fat, 6.78 ± 0.87 Solid-Not-Fat (SNF), 4.14 ± 0.47 lactose, 0.56 ± 0.07 Salts, and 2.66 ± 0.31 protein. Milk compositions of IHF were 3.13 + 0.96 fat, 7.42 ± 0.74SNF, 3.96 + 0.0.52 lactose, 0.61 ± 0.08 salts, and 2.76 ± 0.35 protein. All chemical components showed significant differences (P < 0.01) across agroecology and breed except for protein and lactose. Feed shortage is the major dairy constraint, followed by water shortage, the prevalence of disease, and access to veterinary, extension, and credit services. The constraints prevailing in the studied district need to be alleviated through an integrated approach to take advantage of the existing dairy opportunity of high milk demand. • Factors limiting production help to describe technological and investment needs. • Integrated approach to alleviate multiple problems in smallholder dairying. • Women played a major role in dairy production.

Impact of Probiotic Geotrichum candidum QAUGC01 on Health, Productivity, and Gut Microbial Diversity of Dairy Cattle.

Gut microbial diversity is a determinant of animal productivity and health. Probiotic supplementation in feed has been known to modulate the gut microbial diversity resulting in better feed utilization and resistance against diseases. The current study was designed to determine the probiotic potential of Geotrichum candidum QAUGC01 (VHDP00000000) in Sahiwal-Friesian crossbred dairy cows and its impact on gut microbial diversity, health, and productivity. To evaluate health and productivity, growth performance, determination of blood parameters, serum biochemistry, feed efficiency, milk yield & composition, and nutrients digestibility was determined and compared between control and experimental groups. Moreover, at the end of the experiment, the gut microbial diversity was evaluated through MiSeq (Illumina) sequencing of bacterial and fungal/yeast DNA in dung samples of both control and experimental cows. Inspite ofa significant reduction in dry matter intake the increase in feed efficiency and milk yield was observed in experimental cows with normal hematological and serum biochemical profile. The increase in anaerobic bacterialcount and decrease in the shredding of pathogenic flora was observed in experimental cows. Metagenomic analysis revealed Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes to be the four dominating phyla among bacteria and, Ascomycota followed by Basidiomycota and Neocallimastigomycota among the fungal population in both groups. The diversity of the core microbiome revealed high bacterial and Fungal Alpha diversity in the experimental group than in control via the Shannon index. This study provided insights into the safe use of G. candidum as a probiotic, to improve growth performance, health, productivity and gut microbial diversity of dairy cattle.

Evaluation of Processing Methods for Increased Utilization of Velvet Beans (Mucuna pruriens) as an Alternative Protein Supplement in Diets for Lactating Crossbred Dairy Cows Maintained on Smallholder Farms in Zambia

This study aimed to evaluate processing methods of velvet beans (Mucuna pruriens) as a protein supplement in concentrates for cross-bred dairy cows on smallholder farms in Zambia. The beans were harvested by pulling entire plants after drying in the field, and divided into three portions; (i) whole crop consisting of vines, pods and grains; (ii) unshelled pods only, and (iii) grain only. Each portion was ground to pass through a 2mm screen before using it to make concentrate for the feeding trial. Prior to preparation of rations, samples from each portion were collected for determination of nutrient composition. Each ration was fed to a group of crossbreed milking cows maintained a farm to monitor performance. Chemical composition analysis showed that shelled grains had more nutrients than the pods and vines. Milking cows readily accepted all the prepared rations, and maintained constant milk production throughout the study period. None of the animals on the trial exhibited any sign of ill health.This showed that velvet beans could be fed to milking cows by incorporating ground pods with other ingredients without adversely affecting animal health or milk production.

English

The study aimed to assess dairy production and marketing systems in Bona district of Sidama Region, Ethiopia. The district was stratified into urban/peri-urban and rural production systems based on the distance from the Woreda town, market orientation, improved breed availability, and production systems. Each production system was further stratified into Peasant Association where urban/peri- urban system had 7 while rural had 21 Peasant Association. The percentage of Peasant Association selected from each production system was 20 (2 from urban/peri-urban and 4 from rural). A total of 150 households were selected and individually interviewed. Both structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on milk production and marketing systems, and challenges hindering dairy development in the study area. The major farming activity across the sampled households was dairy production, and the major livestock feed resources used were natural pasture, crop residues and crop aftermaths. The average age at first calving, calving interval and lactation length based on household survey was 53.98&plusmn;0.19, 25.88&plusmn;0.13 and 8.9&plusmn;0.08 months, respectively, for indigenous cows, and 36.98&plusmn;0.20, 16.04&plusmn;0.13, and 10.0&plusmn;0.60 months, respectively, for crossbred dairy cows across both production systems. Milk and butter were found to be marketed mainly through informal marketing systems. Feed shortage, disease, lack of awareness on improved production and marketing practices, shortage of improved dairy cattle breeds and distance to marketing points were listed by the sampled households as the major constraints hindering dairy development in the study area. It is, therefore, concluded that introduction of market oriented extension system, creating access for inputs and establishment of market linkage are crucial to develop dairy in the Woreda. Key words: Bona district; production systems; reproductive performance; milk and butter marketing.

Effects of pigeon pea leaves and concentrate mixture on feed intake, milk yield, and composition of crossbred dairy cows fed native pasture hay

Protein supplements are expensive and not easily accessible under small-scale livestock production systems in Ethiopia and other developing countries, which necessitates investigating the alternative protein sources for cost-effective livestock production. Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp) leaves (PPLs) are rich in protein and are well-suited for feeding small ruminants; however, the effect of inclusion of PPL in the concentrate mixture (CM) on the performance of dairy cows was not well documented. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation of PPL and CM to native pasture hay-based rations on feed intake, milk yield and composition, and blood metabolites of crossbred dairy cows (Holstein × Zebu). A 4 × 4 Latin square design with three replications, balanced for carryover effects, was used for this study. The treatments included native pasture hay provided ad libitum as a basal diet, supplemented with a CM alone (T1), the inclusion of 10% of PPL in the CM (T2), 20% PPL in the CM (T3), or 30% PPL in the CM (T4). Supplements were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Total DM intake (hay + supplement intake) was similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. Hay intake was greater (P = 0.05) for T1 and T2 than for T4, while supplement intake was the least for T1 (P < 0.05). The treatment groups T2, T3, and T4, where PPL was included, had similar (P > 0.05) supplement intake. Feed intake, milk yield and composition, feed conversion efficiency, body condition score, serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, triglyceride, urea N, creatinine, and cholesterol were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. The inclusion of up to 30% of PPL in the CM resulted in a comparable performance of crossbred dairy cows as supplementation with CM under the conditions of the current experiment. Therefore, further study is required to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of a higher level of PPL in the concentrate mixture on the performance of lactating crossbred dairy cows.

Association of Electrical Resistance of Vaginal Mucus (ERVM) with Follicle Diameter and Conception Rate in Crossbred Dairy Cows

Background: Estrus detection by observing behavioral signs are time consuming and ineffective method that causes approximately 21 days loss with a significant financial consequence. This study highlights the value of electrical resistance of vaginal mucus (ERVM) during estrus and its association with genital changes, follicle diameter and first service conception rate (FSCR) in crossbred cows. Methods: A total of 400 cows were selected from different states of North-East, India, out of which 200 numbers of cows were examined to determine the ERVM value prior to artificial insemination (AI) by using Draminski estrus detector.The remaining 200 number of animals were examined for studying the association of ERVM with genital changes, follicle diameter and FSCR.The ERVM value obtained prior to AI was divided into three groups such as 150-200 (Group I), 201-250(Group II) and 251-290 (Group III) ohm, comprising 50 animals in each group. A control groups comprising 50 animals were kept in the study.The genital changes were recorded by transrectal palpation and follicle diameters were recorded by using transrectal ultrasonographic (USG) probe. Result: The mean ERVM value prior to AI was 196.26±1.25 ohm.The lowest ERVM value (150-200 and 201-250 ohm) was closely associated with free flowing vaginal discharge, open cervix, moderate tone of uterus and mature graffian follicle.The follicles diameters were differed significantly between groups. The FSCR was found to be higher when the cows were inseminated at ERVM value from 201-250 ohm. The result suggested that, ERVM value can be consider as a suitable tool for detection of proper time of AI in cows.

Evaluation of postpartum calcium status in crossbred dairy cows using infrared thermography

Evaluation of postpartum calcium status in crossbred dairy cows using infrared thermography

"Correlation Measures among Reproductive and Milk Production Traits in Crossbred Dairy Cows at Holetta Dairy Research Farm, Ethiopia: Multitrait Analysis"

"Correlation Measures among Reproductive and Milk Production Traits in Crossbred Dairy Cows at Holetta Dairy Research Farm, Ethiopia: Multitrait Analysis"

Effect of retained placenta and clinical mastitis on reproduction parameters, immune response, and steroidogenic receptors gene expression in postpartum crossbred dairy cows.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of retained placenta (RP) and clinical mastitis (CM) on the reproductive efficiency of crossbred dairy cows during the postpartum period and the effect in some innate immune system indicators. For this, two experiments were carried out. In the first, a total of 232 cows were evaluated and divided as: healthy control (n = 184), RP (n = 22), and CM (n = 26) groups. The RP and CM was evaluated until 30 days postpartum (DPP) and reproductive rates were measured. In experiment 2, cows were divided in control (n = 10), RP (n = 10), and CM (n = 30) groups. Between 40 and 50 DPP, clinical, gynecological examination and endometrial cytobrush were performed to evaluate subclinical endometritis (SE) and gene expression of interleukins 1β (IL-1β) and 6 (IL-6), chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5), estrogen α (ESR1), and progesterone (PGR) receptors by qRT-PCR analysis. In experiment 1, the conception rate at 1st artificial insemination (AI) was lower in RP and CM groups and pregnancy rate at 150 days decreased in CM group. Calving-to-1st AI interval and days open were shorter in healthy cows. In experiment 2, the occurrence of SE was 26.7% and higher in RP and CM groups. The expression of IL-1β increased in RP and CM groups, while IL-6 was less expressed in RP group. The CCL5, ESR1, and PGR were similar between groups. In conclusion, cows with RP and CM had their reproductive efficiency negatively affected and had they initial pro-inflammatory response improved by the increase of IL-β.

How body condition score affects milk production and the metabolic parameters in postpartum crossbred dairy cows raised in Amazon biome?

Body condition score (BCS) is a categorical variable that is widely accepted as an important tool for subjectively quantifying energy reserves in dairy cows. The aims of this study was to compare milk production and some metabolic parameters of crossbred dairy cows with low, adequate and high BCS in the recent postpartum period (PPP). This study included lactation data from 35 crossbred Girolando (Holstein × Gir) cows from calving to 90 days in milk. Cows were evaluated every 15 days for BCS, milk production, live weight, internal angle of the rump (IAR) and serum concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate (ßHB). BCS loss and nadir of the BCS in PPP were also evaluated. Cows were divided into 3 groups, as follows: High, Adequate and Low BCS, according to the BCS recommendation for cows with less than 100 days in lactation. Cows with Adequate BCS had higher milk production than cows with High BCS (P = 0.01). Cows with High BCS had the highest (P &lt; 0.001) live weight, BCS and IAR among the groups. In addition, these cows had a higher serum ßHB concentration than cows with Adequate BCS (P = 0.001) and had the greatest loss of BCS (P &lt; 0.001) in the PPP. The results of this study showed that Girolando dairy cows with Adequate BCS at calving had higher milk production and better metabolic condition than cows with High BCS at calving.

Genotype x environment interaction on fertility traits of crossbred dairy cows under tropical climatic conditions of India

Present study was envisaged to examine existence of genetic group x THI in crossbred cows at institute herd of ERS, ICAR-NDRI, Kalyani, West Bengal. 1041 fertility records each on service period (SP) and conception rate (CR) and weather parameters spanned over 22 years (1994-2015) were collected; arranged under three THI groups; thermal comfort (THI&lt;72), two heat stress zones (THI 72-78) and THI&gt;78 and six genetic groups.SP was longest (163.61 ± 6.83 days) when THI&gt;78and lowest (149.27±6.69 days) during THI&lt;72. CR was lowest (65.66±2.73 %) when THI&gt;78 and highest (70.54±2.8 %) at THI&lt;72. Genetic group x THI was non-significant on SP and CR. However, there was re-ranking of genetic groups across three THI zones. Genetic group bearing 50% Jersey + 50% Tharparkar followed by 50% Jersey + 50% Red Sindhi exhibited least increase in SP (5.09 and 6.37 days) when THI&gt;78.Cows bearing 50% Jersey and 50% indigenous cattle inheritance followed by 50% Jersey + 50% Red Sindhi and 50% Jersey + 50% Tharparkar depicted least drop in CR at THI&gt;78 (-2.38, -2.40 and -3.6%) in comparison to THI&lt;72. The genetic group with&gt;75% Jersey depicted maximum increase in SP (15.33 days) and drop in CR (-7.43%) at THI&gt;78.

Genomic predictions for crossbred dairy cows by combining solutions from purebred evaluation based on breed origin of alleles

Genomic predictions have been applied for dairy cattle for more than a decade with great success, but genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) are not widely available for crossbred dairy cows. The large reference populations already in place for genomic evaluations of many pure breeds makes it interesting to use the accurate solutions, in particular the estimated marker effects, from these evaluations for calculation of GEBV for crossbred heifers and cows. Effects of marker alleles in crossbred animals can depend on breed origin of the alleles (BOA). Therefore, our aim was to investigate if reliable GEBV for crossbred dairy cows can be obtained by combining estimated marker effects from purebred evaluations based on BOA. We used data on 5,467 Danish crossbred dairy cows with contributions from Holstein, Jersey, and Red Dairy Cattle breeds. We assessed BOA assignment on their genotypes and found that we could assign 99.3% of the alleles to a definite breed of origin. We compared GEBV for 2 traits, protein yield and interval between first and last insemination of cows, with 2 models that both combine estimated marker effects from the genomic evaluations of the pure breeds: a breed of origin model that accounts for BOA and a breed proportion model that only accounts for genomic breed proportions in the crossbred animals. We accounted for the difference in level between the purebred evaluations by including intercepts in the models based on phenotypic averages. The predictive ability for protein yield was significantly higher from the breed of origin model, 0.45 compared with 0.43 from the breed proportion model. Furthermore, for the breed proportion model, the GEBVs had level bias, which made comparison across groups with different breed composition skewed. We therefore concluded that reliable genomic predictions for crossbred dairy cows can be obtained by combining estimated marker effects from the genomic evaluations of purebreds using a model that accounts for BOA.

62. Prevalence of growth hormone receptor gene polymorphisms and their possible impact on fertility traits and milk yield of cross-bred dairy cows in Sri Lanka

62. Prevalence of growth hormone receptor gene polymorphisms and their possible impact on fertility traits and milk yield of cross-bred dairy cows in Sri Lanka

Reduced Milk Production, Economic Losses, and Risk Factors Associated to Subclinical Hypocalcemia in Holstein Friesian × Zebu Crossbreed Cows in North-West Ethiopia.

Hypocalcemia is a metabolic disorder that occurs when calcium leaves the blood to support milk production or for the growth of the fetus faster than calcium can be put back into the blood. Subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) refers to clinically normal cows but with concentrations of calcium lower than measured in normal cows. A study was conducted to estimate economic losses and to identify risk factors associated with SCH in Holstein Friesian × Zebu crossbreed Cows in North-West Ethiopia. A total of 221 lactating dairy cows obtained from 81 dairy farms were selected and serum samples were collected and analyzed to estimate the level of calcium in the serum using an automated electrolyte analyzer (Roch, UVL Japan, 2014). Forty-seven cows obtained from 12 farms were grouped into two: cows with SCH and cows without SCH and milk yield was measured for eight consecutive days to estimate milk production loss associated with SCH. Prevalence was estimated and univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify determinants of SCH. The prevalence of SCH was 20.3% (51/221, 90% CI = 18.6%−28.1%). Grazing on pasture, membership to dairy cooperative, feeding above the cows' requirement (based on farmers' opinion), and previous experience of metritis reduced the odds of SCH (P < 0.05). The average economic losses associated with reduced milk production due to SCH were 11.25 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) (1 ETB = 0.023 US Dollar) and 3,026.25 ETB (69.6 US Dollar) per cow per lactation, respectively. The main findings of the study have shown that SCH was a problem in crossbreed dairy cows in Northwestern Ethiopia and identified few risk factors that could be targeted to mitigate the problem. Actually, in this study, the economic cost of SCH was significant and needs attention in the dairy extension and dairy health training programs.

Effect of LHCGR and FSHR gene polymorphisms on fertility traits and milk yield of cross-bred dairy cows in Sri Lanka

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of fertility genes will be useful in improving the genetic potential of dairy cows. A population of 142 cross-bred dairy cows was screened for SNPs in bovine luteinizing hormone choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) and bovine follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) genes. The effect of reported SNPs on selected fertility traits (average calving interval, average number of services per conception and age at first calving) and milk yield was determined. Altogether six SNPs were detected in animals screened under the present study. Among them, four SNPs (rs41256848, rs41256850, rs465790244, and rs45463781) were located in the exon 11 region of the LHCGR gene and two SNPs (rs43676359 and G-278-A (GU253337) were located in the five upstream region of the FSHR gene. Minor alleles identified for SNPs in the FSHR gene in the studied small population of cows differed from those reported in other research. In this study, only rs45463781 SNP at exon 11 of the LHCGR gene significantly affected the average milk yield in cross-bred cows. The nucleotide change from “G” to “A” negatively affected the average milk yield. Further investigations are needed to confirm the reported association with a larger sample size.

Subclinical mastitis in crossbred dairy cows: Staphylococcus spp. and risk factors in small holder dairy farms

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is one of the major economic diseases of dairy cows. In the present cross-sectionalstudy, dairy cows (n=205) of small holding dairy farms were screened using California mastitis test (CMT) andprevalence of 12.19% was recorded. Holstein Friesian and Jersey crossbred cows showed highest CMT score of 2followed by 3, 1 and T; linear scores of somatic cell counts (SCC) of 3.14±0.08, 4.72±0.25, 6.17±0.12, 7.99±0.11and 9.84±0.45 were observed for CMT scores N, T, 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Risk factors associated with SCM werestudied in 25 randomly selected cows. Staphylococcus species were detected in 54% of quarters based on PCRamplification of 16s rRNA gene; thermonuclease (nuc gene) PCR categorized Staphylococcus species as S. aureus(SA, 37%) and non-aureus Staphylococci (NAS, 26%). Significant association between CMT score 2 andStaphylococcus species was established. Staphylococcus species, SA and NAS, were detected in 30.7, 20.5 and17.9% of SCM negative as well as 68.85, 47.54 and 31.14% SCM positive quarters, respectively. Significantassociation between SCM and Staphylococcus species and Staphylococcus aureus was observed. Study indicatedstrong association between SCM, Staphylococcus aureus and certain risk factors among cows reared under smallholding dairy farms of the tropical region.

Comparative evaluation of effect of legume type on feed intake among dairy cows fed maize (Zea mays) stover treated with groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and soybean (Glycine max) stover

This study evaluated the use of maize, groundnut and soybean stover in cattle feeding. The study assessed the value of upgrading the quality of crop residues. The study involved evaluation of palatability of maize stover improved using urea (U), chopped groundnut stover (cGS), chopped soybean stover (cSS), mineralized groundnut stover solution (mGS) and mineralized soybean stover solution (mSS). In the feeding trial, twelve (12) crossbred dairy cows in their second parity were used as experimental units. A 22 factorial experiment within a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) was used. Maize stover was chopped before being mixed with urea, chopped legume stover and mineralized legume stover solutions. The effect of supplementation using maize stover upgraded with U, cGS, cSS, mGS and mSS was studied for supplement intake levels. Urea Ensilage Treatment (UET) was used as the novel therapy in the study. Both legume type and processing method had influence on supplement intake of maize stover. Groundnut stover had significantly (p˂0.05) higher (0.99kg/day, se=0.04) effect on supplement intake of maize stover than soybean stover(0.83kg/day, se=0.04). The use of mineralized legume stover solution proved significant (p˂0.05) to the use of chopped legume stover in improving the intake of maize stover. Results have indicated that intake was highest (1.01kg/day, s.e=0.04) for mineralised groundnut stover solution and lowest (0.67kg/day, s.e=0.04) for Urea Ensiling Treatment.

In Vivo Follicular and Uterine Arterial Indices as an Indicator of Successful Hormonal Stimulation for Inactive Ovaries in Repeat-Breeder Crossbred Dairy Cows Using a Short-Term Progesterone-Based Programme.

Simple SummaryBlood supply of female reproductive organs plays an important role in reproductive performance in cattle. Ovarian and uterine arterial indices (vascularised area) from colour Doppler imaging provided important information about ovarian activity, supporting clinical diagnoses and reproductive management decisions in female cattle. However, the information regarding the relationship between reproductive vascular indices and resumption of follicular activity after hormonal stimulation for inactive ovaries in infertile dairy cows is scarce; thus, infertile crossbred dairy cows with inactive ovaries were induced using a 5-day progesterone-based programme. Our results highlighted that repeat-breeder crossbred dairy cows with greater follicular size and follicular and uterine arterial indices underwent a resumption of ovarian activity after hormonal stimulation. Therefore, additional information on follicular and uterine arterial indices that can be helpful in predicting the resumption of ovarian activity after hormonal stimulation in inactive ovary cows can be gained by reproductive vascularisation from colour Doppler ultrasonography.An investigation of vascularity of ovarian and uterine arteries after hormonal treatment for inactive ovaries using the short-term progesterone-based programme had not yet been explored in repeat-breeder crossbred dairy cows. To investigate the in vivo follicular and uterine arterial indices as an indicator of successful hormonal stimulation for inactive ovaries in repeat-breeder crossbred dairy cattle, 59 cows with inactive ovaries were induced with a 5-day progesterone-based protocol. At the completion of hormonal synchronisation, cows were divided into two groups according to the size of the largest follicle (LF) on their ovary: small (≤10.0 mm) and large (>10.0 mm) LFs. Vascularities of LF and uterine artery (UtA) were evaluated using a colour Doppler tool. Cows that presented with large LF had greater follicular and UtA vascular indices (p < 0.001) and pregnancy rate (p < 0.01) than cows bearing small LF on their ovary. There was a positive correlation (p < 0.001) between follicular size and LF and UtA vascular indices. Our findings highlighted that in vivo LF and UtA vascular indices at the completion of hormonal stimulation might be a promising indicator for predicting success in ovarian response to hormonal stimulation for inactive ovaries of infertile crossbred dairy cows.

Palmitic- and Stearic Acid-based Dry Vegetable Fat Prills Augment Milk Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cows

Palmitic- and Stearic Acid-based Dry Vegetable Fat Prills Augment Milk Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cows