Number Of Open Days Research Articles

Induction of estrus as a strategy to improve the economic efficiency of the sheep flock

Productivity and profitability in sheep production systems are strongly influenced by the reproductive capacity of the flock.
 Objective: To evaluate the use of reproductive biotechnologies (e.g., the induction of estrus) and its impact on the economic efficiency and the productive and reproductive performance of technified sheep production systems, during the seasonal anestrus.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: Four-hundred recently weaned (60 days postpartum) ewes of the Katahdin breed were randomly divided into two treatments: T1 = natural mating (n= 200) and T2 = induction of estrus (n=200). Estrus was induced through the application of intravaginal sponges, impregnated with 20 mg of chronolone, plus the injection of 400 IU of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin. The aim was to evaluate the reproductive and economic efficiency of the flock.
 Results: The induction of estrus during the seasonal anestrus recorded increases (p<0.001) in prolificacy (32%), fertility (86%), and kilograms of lamb weaned per year per ewe (48%), while decreases (p <0.05) were recorded in the number of open days (25%), calving interval (11%), cost per open days (23%), and the kilograms of lamb required per ewe per year (10%).
 Study Limitations/Implications: The constant variations in the price of supplies and services caused changes in the economic indicators.
 Findings/Conclusions: The use of reproductive biotechnologies (such as estrus induction) has a positive impact on production units, improving their profitability.

Comparison of the Evaluation of Combination of Ultrasonography of the Reproductive Tract With Hormone Administration on Dairy Cow Fertility.

Further optimization of reproduction management programs in dairy cows is a contemporary research topic. In this context, our study aimed to compare a hormone program, named “uterus-ovary monitoring and classified use of hormone program” (M+C), with the Pre-OvSynch program. The M+C was based on regular application of B-mode ultrasonography during a voluntary waiting period to monitor the uterus and ovaries, while using various treatments under different conditions. Results of the 30–33-day and 60-day pregnancy/artificial insemination after the first AI of M+C were significantly better than the Pre-OvSynch (p < 0.05). The pregnancy rates within 180 days in milk after M+C was significantly higher than that after Pre-OvSynch (p < 0.05). The total number of inseminations used for M+C was significantly lower than that for Pre-OvSynch (p < 0.01). The number of open days was fewer after M+C than after the Pre–OvSynch throughout the experimental period with highly significant differences (p < 0.01). In summary, the use of M+C enhances reproductive benefits and reduces the need for hormone drugs among cows.

Medical Cost of Workers' Compensation Claims Related to Patient Handling and Mobility Tasks Within Skilled Nursing Facilities, Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities: An Exploratory Analysis.

Objective:Evaluate the medical costs related to patient handling & mobility (PH&M) claims.Methods:Closed medical only and indemnity workers’ compensation claims were utilized for this exploratory study. In addition to the PH&M tasks, the claimants’ gender, age, tenure, and the claim lag time were also analyzed.Results:Generalized linear models indicated that variables related to tasks, claims’ number of open days and age of the claimants had meaningful effects on the adjusted medical costs for medical only claims. For indemnity claims, the number of open days of claims, age and tenure had meaningful effects. Gender had meaningful effects only for indemnity claims when classifying the claims by patient handling tasks versus non-patient handling tasks.Conclusions:Results showed that factors, other than the type of injury; meaningfully influenced the adjusted medical costs of indemnity claims.

The effect of feeding inorganic and organic selenium sources on the hematological blood parameters, reproduction and health of dairy cows in the transition period

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of four types of diets containing different forms of selenium on the hematological blood parameters, reproduction and health of dairy cattle during the transition period. Twenty-four close-up dry cows with a mean of 259 ± 1days of pregnancy and expected 21 ± 1days prior to parturition were selected. The cows were fed four diets: 1) basal diet without selenium supplementation (C); 2) basal diet plus 0.5ppm selenium in the form of sodium selenite (Se-S) 3) basal diet plus 0.5ppm selenium in the form of selenium yeast (Se-Y); 4) basal diet plus 0.5ppm selenium in the form of selenomethionine (Se-M). Blood samples for measuring hematological blood parameters (including lymphocyte, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC and RDWc) were taken at 21 and 10 days before delivery, delivery date, 10 and 21 days after delivery. There was no significant difference in hematological parameters before and after delivery in experimental and control groups. However, in the prepartum period, MCH tended to increase significantly in selenium methionine treatment (p&lt;0.05). Reproductive parameters (including distance to first estrus, insemination indexes and number of open days) and health parameters (including rectum temperature and vaginal content score) have been improved by selenium organic supplements. The results of this experiment showed that feeding organic selenium supplementation in multiparous dairy cow’s diet may improve their health and reproduction.

Investigation of Public Libraries Managed by Outsourcing: A Study Focusing on Library Usage, Opening Days, and Directors' Librarian Qualifications and Workloads

Public libraries in Japan were managed by local governments for a long time. However, in 2003, organizations including private enterprises, NPOs and foundations took over their management with the introduction of an outsourcing system, namely the 'designated administrator system'. The question of whether this outsourcing system is appropriate for public libraries is a subject of current debate, wherein many argue that it is inappropriate. To provide basic data for this discussion, we conducted a cross-sectional and time series analysis on almost all public libraries in Japan focusing on library usage, number of open days, and director qualifications and workload. The results show that the opening days and percentage of certified directors of public libraries managed by the outsourcing system ('outsourcing libraries') was more than those managed by local governments ('direct management libraries'), whereas the number of Inter-Library Loan (ILL)-borrowings and the number of ILL-lending were more in direct management libraries than in outsourcing libraries. It was also shown that the library usage and open days, as well as the number of certified directors increased after the introduction of the outsourcing system.

Occurrence of Subclinical Endometritis in Dairy Cattle and Effect on Reproductive Efficiency

Background: Subclinical endometritis (SE) have a negative impact on fertility due to an absence of clinical signs which difficult its diagnosis and treatment. The prevalence and impact of the disease on the reproductive status of dairy herds is not known in the region, the objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of the disease and its effect on the reproductive efficiency in cows of the dairy area from Putumayo State, Colombia.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Cross-sectional study was made of 166 dairy cows from 30 days postpartum in the municipalities: Santiago, Sibundoy, Colon, and San Francisco. Reproductive evaluation and endometrial cytology were made to establish the SE prevalence determining subsequently the number of open days. Cow whit more than 120 days in milk (DIM) and without confirmed pregnancy was defined as “not reproductive efficiency”. Association between SE and reproductive efficiency was established through Odds Ratio from contingency tables. Bias and confusion control was made through stratified analysis. Results showed 32 cows without changes in reproductive clinical evaluation and inflammatory changes in cytological evaluation (PMNn &gt;5%) for a SE prevalence of 19.27%. Disease occurs most frequently in Colón (23.10%) but the frequency of the disease was not different among the regions (P &gt; 0.05). The group of animals with the greatest days open (DO) mean (161 DIM) had a normal ovarian function and subclinical endometritis. The 6.6% of cows had a poor reproductive prognosis (subclinical endometritis, anestrous and 144 DIM). For the stratified analysis (controlling by anestrus) was estimated the crude OR (OR 5.93; P &lt; 0.05; CI 95% 2.56-14.6) and adjusted ORMH (OR 5.78; P &lt; 0.05; CI 95% 2.39-13.9). Difference between adjusted ORMH and crude OR (3%) and Wald X2 test (P &gt; 0.05) suggesting that there is no confusion and allowed to establish that “the odds of low reproductive efficiency (Days open &gt;120) increases 5.9 times when cows suffer subclinical endometritis, than when do not have the disease”.Discussion: Study prevalence was lower than the reported by other authors. Variability of the results by the different authors ratifies the multifactorial characteristic of the disease and thr differences in the immune response of the animals. Cows diagnosed with SE, normal ovarian function and 161 DIM shown that the disease increases significantly the open days of the herd reducing reproductive efficiency. These findings are consistent with other authors who report that subclinical endometritis: increased open days and reduced conception rates and increased the risk of no pregnancy at 150 days postpartum. In the study, cows with subclinical endometritis and normal ovarian function had open days mean lower to 120 and more probability to have a good reproductive performance if pregnancy is achieved, but the dairy herds of the region lack of adequate systems of detection of estro and services and have no systems that allow the diagnosis of SE and anoestrus. The 69% of the evaluated animals present some clinical characteristics (SE, anoestrous) that predispose them to low reproductive behaviour. It is recommended to routinely use endometrial cytology to diagnose SE and improving the reproductive efficiency of animals.

Consistent magnitude of postpartum body weight loss within cows across lactations and the relation to reproductive performance

Great variation exists among cows in the magnitude of tissue mobilization during early lactation; however, it is not known whether this is an intrinsic trait. Our aims were (1) to test whether the degree of body weight (BW) loss is consistent within cows across lactations by examining daily BW records of 4 to 5 consecutive lactations and their relation to milk yield, health disorders, and reproductive performance; and (2) to examine, in an intensive study, the possible underlying physiological mechanism. Data from 416 first to fifth consecutive lactations obtained from 92 Israeli high-yielding Holstein dairy cows were analyzed. Cows were divided according to percentage of BW loss from wk 1 to 5 postpartum in their last lactation, into groups of (1) low weight loss (LWL; -3 to 6%; n = 37) and (2) high weight loss (HWL; 7 to 17%; n = 55). The average percentage of BW loss was 7.6% in the HWL group and 5.3% in the LWL group, and the pattern was consistent between groups across lactations. Milk and 4% fat-corrected milk yields during the first 30 d in milk across lactations were higher in HWL than in LWL groups, but 305-d yields were similar. The number of open days and the interval between lactations were consistent across lactations, 17 and 20 d longer, respectively, in HWL versus LWL cows. Across lactations, the conception rates from first, second, and third artificial inseminations were 9.6% higher in LWL than in HWL cows. No differences in the incidence of health disorders were observed between groups. The intensive study was conducted with 12 randomly selected peripartum cows divided into c-HWL and c-LWL groups according to the same criteria. Similar dry matter intake and efficiency calculations were observed between groups postpartum, implying that the differences may not be related to these factors. In response to a glucose-tolerance test, c-HWL cows had higher insulin secretion pre- and postpartum than c-LWL cows, suggesting the former had lower sensitivity to insulin. This is the first study demonstrating that the magnitude of BW loss postpartum within cows is consistent across lactations, and this trait is associated with reproductive performance. The degree of BW loss postpartum, regardless of genetic merit for milk production, seems to be an intrinsic trait that represents the variation in trade-off toward tissue mobilization between cows.

Effect of prostaglandin F2α administration during the first postpartum hours on the serum calcium concentration of dairy cows

Subclinical hypocalcemia occurs frequently in dairy cows and predisposes them to reproductive pathologies. Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) improves uterine health and increases the level of serum calcitriol in other species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium cloprostenol on serum calcium, metabolites of vitamin D and reproductive variables. Eighty multiparous Holstein cows were selected and randomized into two groups. The cows in Group 1 (n = 38) were treated with 500 µg of I M sodium cloprostenol, a synthetic analog of PGF2α, at 1 and 48 h postpartum. Group 2 was the control group (n = 42). Blood samples were taken from 10 animals per group at 1, 3, 12, 24, 48 h and 7 d postcalving. The incidence of retained placenta, metritis and endometritis and the number of open days were recorded. The concentrations of Ca, P, Mg, calcidiol and calcitriol in the serum were evaluated using an analysis of variance for repeated measures design. The serum Ca concentration was increased up to normalized at day 7 in the PGF2α group compared with the level in the control group. PGF2α treatment increased the serum calcium concentration and reduced the number of open days, and thus, could be useful in preventing subclinical hypocalcemia and postpartum reproductive problems.

Effect of prostaglandin F2a administration during the first postpartum hours on the serum calcium concentration of dairy cows

Veterinaria México OA ISSN: 2448-6760Cite this as:Salgado-Hernández EG, Bouda J, Aparicio-Cecilio-A A, Doubek J, Velásquez-Forero FH. Effect of prostaglandin F2α administration during the first postpartum hours on the serum calcium concentration of dairy cows. Veterinaria México OA. 2014;1(2). doi: 10.21753/vmoa.1.2.337.Subclinical hypocalcemia occurs frequently in dairy cows and predisposes them to reproductive pathologies. Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) improves uterine health and increases the level of serum calcitriol in other species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium cloprostenol on serum calcium, metabolites of vitamin D and reproductive variables. Eighty multiparous Holstein cows were selected and randomized into two groups. The cows in Group 1 (n = 38) were treated with 500 µg of I M sodium cloprostenol, a synthetic analog of PGF2α, at 1 and 48 h postpartum. Group 2 was the control group (n = 42). Blood samples were taken from 10 animals per group at 1, 3, 12, 24, 48 h and 7 d postcalving. The incidence of retained placenta, metritis and endometritis and the number of open days were recorded. The concentrations of Ca, P, Mg, calcidiol and calcitriol in the serum were evaluated using an analysis of variance for repeated measures design. The serum Ca concentration was increased up to normalized at day 7 in the PGF2α group compared with the level in the control group. PGF2α treatment increased the serum calcium concentration and reduced the number of open days, and thus, could be useful in preventing subclinical hypocalcemia and postpartum reproductive problems.Figure 4. Cumulative percentage of conception in dairy cows treated with 500 µg of sodium cloprostenol at 1 and 48 h postpartum (n = 38) and in controls (n = 42). The curves are significantly different (P = 0.02), as determined using the Log Rank test.

Bull effect on the reproductive performance of mature and first calf-suckled Zebu cows in the tropics

This experiment was designed to determine if continuous bull exposure of heifers 2 wk post partum to a first calf (30 to 36 m old) or mature (42 to 72 m old) Zebú Brahman suckled cows reduces the interval to first estrus and the number of days open. Post partum first calf cows were randomly assigned to be exposed continuously to epidectomized bulls with surgical ablation of the dorsal ligament of the penis (Group 35 FBE, n = 25) or not exposed to bulls (Group FNE, n = 22). Post partum mature cows were likewise assigned to be continuously exposed (Group MBE, n = 24) or not exposed to bulls (Group MNE, n = 25). Milk samples were collected twice a week for progesterone assays to determine resumption of ovarian cyclic activity. All the cows were artificially inseminated for 120 d while in their respective treatment groups. The first postpartum estrus percentages were ≤60 d, 41.9%; > 60 < 90 d, 24.4%; and > 90 d, 33.7%. The interval to first estrus f-or Groups FBE and FNE was 75.4 and 104.2 d, respectively, and differed significantly (P < 0.01). For Groups MBE and MNE the interval to first estrus was 76.3 and 95.0 d, respectively (P < 0.05). The number of open days for Groups FBE and FNE was 77.3 and 114.9, respectively (P < 0.01); while for Groups MBE and MNE it was 73.0 and 98.6 d, respectively (P < 0.01). The results of the present study indicate that introduction of bulls to first calving cows or mature Zebú Brahman cows after parturition provides a practical and economical option for reducing the extended post partum anestrus interval and days open under tropical conditions.

Simulation Model to Compare Strategies For Reducing the Effect of Cystic Ovarian Disease of Dairy Cattle on Herd Average Open Days

A theoretical approach was taken to compare various ways of reducing the extended calving intervals that may result from cystic ovarian disease of dairy cattle. The question evaluated was which of the three following options would yield the greatest benefit in tenns of reducing the herd's average number of open days: 1) reducing the cumulative incidence of cystic ovarian disease, 2) improving cystic ovary therapy effectiveness, or 3) improving heat detection and conception rate perfonnance in general. A stochastic Markov Chain model was developed on a computerized spread sheet. This simulation model has the following alterable inputs: 1) cumulative incidence of ovarian cysts occurring before the first postpartum ovulation, 2) cumulative incidence of ovarian cysts occurring after the first postpartum ovulation, 3) probability of spontaneous resolution before or after first postpartum ovulation, 4) probability of responding to treatment, 5) probability of recurrence, 6) average days postpartum at first veterinary reproductive examination, 7) days postpartum of first allowable insemination, 8) days between routine veterinary reproductive examinations, 9) herd average services per conception, and 10) heat detection efficiency. The respective inputs were varied to simulate the expected improvement in herd average days open. Improving herd heat detection efficiency and service per conception were more effective at reducing herd average days open that were improvement of any of the cystic ovarian disease parameters.&#x0D; German and Spanish summaries in PDF.

Comparison of totally implanted and external catheters in paediatric oncology patients

From June 1982 until December 1989, 93 permanent central venous catheters [59 external catheters (ECs) and 34 implanted catheters (ICs)] were placed in 69 patients. The median age of these patients at placement was 5.6 years for ECs and 8.8 years for ICs ( P<0.05). Follow-up evaluation was possible on 86 catheters (58 ECs and 28 ICs). The median time of insertion was 236 days and 316 days for ECs and ICs, respectively ( P<0.05). The median number of open days was 58 for ECs and 66 for ICs (not significant). 17 catheters (6 ECs and 11 ICs) were transiently obstructed ( P<0.005). 30 episodes of bacteraemia were documented in 20 patients. The incidence of catheter sepsis and bacteraemia of unknown source was one in 278 and 283 open days for ECs and ICs, respectively (not significant). In this retrospective study, ECs appeared to be as safe as ICs when infection was correlated with use of the catheter, but this finding should be confirmed in a randomised design.

Effect of Feeding Calcium Soaps of Fatty Acids on Production and Reproductive Responses in High Producing Lactating Cows

The effect of feeding Ca soaps of fatty acids for 120 d from parturition on productive and reproductive performance of dairy cows was examined, together with changes in blood lipids and progesterone. Cows fed Ca soaps received 1.5 Mcal NE1d more than controls fed isonitrogenous and equi-forage rations.Cows fed Ca soaps produced more milk and fat for 60 d, and more FCM for 90 d after calving. In these cows, BW decreased more, and reached a minimum later than controls. Plasma free fatty acids were higher until 50 d postpartum, when phospholipid, and later triglyceride, concentrations were elevated.Cows fed soaps commenced ovarian cyclicity later than controls as shown by frequency distribution of the time required to reach cyclic plasma progesterone concentrations, 2 mg/ml progesterone in plasma, or behavioral estrus. However, once cyclicity commenced, more fat-fed cows had normal cycle length (18 to 26 d) than controls. Progesterone concentrations were higher in Ca soap-fed cows in the luteal phase before AI and were higher 9 and 24 d after AI in percent that conceived. Conception rate was higher in cows fed Ca soaps for 2nd to 4th AI, a higher proportion of cows were pregnant at 150 d after calving and number of open days was reduced.Feeding Ca soaps of fatty acids resulted in higher production at the expense of body reserves close to calving, and subsequently enhanced lipid concentrations in plasma. Higher progesterone production was accompanied by increased pregnancy rate and reduced open days.

Adverse Effect of β-Carotene in Diet on Fertility of Dairy Cows

A total of 155 high yielding dairy cows were used to study the effect of dietary β-carotene (carotene) on fertility. The diet of group 1 was supplemented with 69mg retinyl acetate per cow daily before calving and 96mg retinyl acetate after calving: diet of group 2 was supplemented with 500mg carotene per cow before calving and 96mg retinyl acetate after calving; and that of group 3 with 500mg carotene before and 700mg after calving.Conception rates were 53.9, 42.2, and 27.9% for cows of groups 1, 2, and 3. Days open were 110 and 112 for young (second and third lactation) and old (fourth and later lactations) cows of the group 1; 130 and 129 for young and old cows of group 2; and 133 and 166 for young and old cows of group 3. Number of inseminations per conception was 1.8 and 1.8, 2.2 and 2.2, and 2.5 and 3.4 for the same groups, respectively. Within group 3 the percent of cows pregnant 120 d after calving was 57 and 20 for the young and old cows. Correlation coefficients between plasma carotene of 53 old cows of all groups 4 and 8 wk after calving, and the number of open days and the number of inseminations per conception were significant. The intake of high carotene may have adverse effects on the fertility of dairy cows.