Postpartum Estrus Research Articles

The administration’s effect of domestic soybean, lablab bean and lima bean content of genistein to improve the productivity of Bali cattle

Bali cattle plays a significant role as producers of food products for humans. Legumes are used in high-quality animal feed to increase productivity. This study analyzed the use ofdomestic Soybean (Glycine max), Lablab bean (Lablab purpureus), and Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) as the genistein in Bali cattle feed to shorten postpartum estrus. Different drying methods were applied by putting the ingredients in the oven at 55 ºC and the freeze dryer at -40 ºC.Further, genistein was detected using the Thin Layer Chromatography Method at UV 254 and 366 to determine the Rf value. The parameters measured include genistein detection and genistein identification as well as genistein content in legume straw. The data were analyzed descriptiveusing ANOVA and t-test. The result showed that only two samples adhered to the gel silica plate, including domestic soybean straw using the oven and freeze dryer (DSOD and DSFD), with 0.48 in DSOD and 0.51 in DSFD of Rf value, that is close to the genistein standard with the Rf value of 0.50 and purple colour as the colour of genistein standard. Moreover, the statistical analyses indicated significant differences in the genistein content of legumestraw between DSOD and DSFD (P<0.05), where DSOD=0.662g/100g and DSFD=1.770g/100g. The domestic soybean straw is regarded as a potential source ofBali cattle feed to improve productivity.

​Induction of Postpartum Oestrus in Lakhimi Cows through Hormonal and Nutritional Interventions

Background: Postpartum anoestrus is the most devastating cause of the dairy farming which causes more economic losses to the farmers. The present study was conducted to record the incidence of postpartum anoestrus and to evolve a suitable therapeutic regime for addressing postpartum anoestrus in Lakhimi cows. Methods: A total of 1000 Lakhimi cows maintained in different villages of Assam were selected and the incidence rate was recorded on the basis of breeding records provided by the farmers, per-rectal examination and ultrasonography screening of genital organ. To study the effect of hormonal and nutritional interventions in post partum anoestrus cows, the cows were divided randomly into seven groups comprising twelve animals in each group. The different treatment regimes were Hydroxyprogesterone caproate + eCG, Clomiphene citrate alone, Clomiphene citrate + Mineral mixture, GnRH analogue alone, GnRH analogue + Mineral mixture, Mineral mixture alone and control. The response to different treatment regimes was based on oestrus response, mean interval from the end of treatment to onset of oestrus and conception rate. Result: The incidence of postpartum anoestrus was found to be 20.60%. Clomiphene citrate + Mineral mixture administration regime brought about the highest oestrus induction response (100.00%) and conception rate (66.67%).

Proteomic determinants of uterine receptivity for pregnancy in early and mid-postpartum dairy cows†.

Dairy cow subfertility is a worldwide issue arising from multiple factors. It manifests in >30% early pregnancy losses in seasonal pasture-grazed herds, especially when cows are inseminated in the early post-partum period. Most losses occur before implantation, when embryo growth depends on factors present in maternal tract fluids. Here we examined the proteomic composition of early and mid-postpartum uterine luminal fluid (ULF) in crossbred lactating dairy cows to identify molecular determinants of fertility. We also explored changes in ULF from first to third estrus cycles postpartum in individual cows, linking those changes with divergent embryo development. For this, we flushed uteri of 87 cows at Day 7 of pregnancy at first and third estrus postpartum, recovering, and grading their embryos. Out of 1563 proteins detected, 472 had not been previously reported in this fluid, and 408 were predicted to be actively secreted by bioinformatic analysis. The abundance of 18 proteins with roles in immune regulation and metabolic function (e.g. cystatin B, pyruvate kinase M2) was associated with contrasting embryo quality. Matched-paired pathway analysis indicated that, from first to third estrus postpartum, upregulation of metabolic (e.g. creatine and carbohydrate) and immune (e.g. complement regulation, antiviral defense) processes were related to poorer quality embryos in the third estrus cycle postpartum. Conversely, upregulated signal transduction and protein trafficking appeared related to improved embryo quality in third estrus. These results advance the characterization of the molecular environment of bovine ULF and may aid understanding fertility issues in other mammals, including humans.

Regulation of maternal behavior, social isolation responses, and postpartum estrus by steroid hormones and vaginocervical stimulation in sheep

Periparturient ewes display several activities in addition to maternal behavior per se. They isolate themselves from the flock and, contrary to other mammals, do not show postpartum estrus. We investigated the possibility of a common hormonal control of maternal behavior, prepartum social isolation responses, and absence of postpartum estrus. We quantified responses to flockmate separation and incidence of sexual receptivity at several reproductive stages in intact ewes (Experiment 1). Responses to social isolation were lowest in preparturient ewes and at pregnancy day 149, intermediate at pregnancy day 147 and highest at day 136 and in non-pregnant ewes (P < 0.05 between the 3 levels). In a second experiment, we quantified the same parameters and maternal behavior in 1) ovariectomized ewes receiving medroxyprogesterone acetate only (ovxMPA); 2) ovariectomized ewes receiving MPA + estradiol benzoate (ovxSHORT); 3) intact ewes receiving a longer MPA + estradiol dipropionate treatment, before and after vaginocervical stimulation (VCS). Before VCS no steroid treatments decreased social isolation responses and maternal behavior was scarce or absent. Following VCS and interaction with lamb, maternal responses in the ovxSHORT group increased while social isolation responses decreased. Sexual receptivity occurred in non-pregnant ewes and in ovxSHORT group. Conclusion: some hormonal treatments +VCS can effectively induce maternal behavior and reduce social isolation responses. Long-term progestin treatment can inhibit postpartum estrus.

Long term monitoring of the reproductive behavior of wild Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)

Observations of Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) in the wild are extremely rare and challenging because of their nocturnal and cryptic activity patterns and low population density. The present article reported the first field observation in eastern Taiwan, from October 4, 2012 to June 16, 2016, on the reproductive behavior of the Chinese pangolin based on the monitoring of a female (LF28) using radiotelemetry and camera traps. During this period, LF28 aged from 1–4.5 years old and gave two single-births, both took place in early December, at 3 and 4 years old, respectively. We recorded the entire 157 days of the first nursing period from parturition to maternal separation. For the second infant, the gestation period was estimated to be around 150 days based on the evidence that the pregnancy started in early Jul. 2015 and the offspring was born on Dec. 9, 2015. During the entire nursing period, LF28 frequently moved the offspring from one nursing burrow to another staying various durations ranging from 1 day to more than 35 days, and almost all (= 15/16) of these burrows were located in the core (MCP75) of LF28’s home range. Started from the month of parturition and lasting throughout the whole nursing period, different adult males constantly visiting the nursing burrows were recorded. Mating behavior was recorded once outside the burrow in March, which provided evidence of the occurrence of post-partum estrus in this species. Delayed implantation was proposed based on the observation of a several months lag between copulation and the estimated pregnancy initiation date. The present study demonstrated the advantage of using remote technologies to learn the life history of resting fossorial species.

Major management factors associated with reproductive performance and disorders in cows at Rajshahi region of Bangladesh

Background: The present study was conducted with the objective of assessing major factors that affect the reproductive performance and disorders of dairy cows in Rajshahi region. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the period from January 2014 to June 2015. Data on herd size, feed quality, breeding, grazing, management system, reproductive disorders, age at puberty, age at firs calving, post-partum heat period, service per conception, days open and calving interval of 500 cows were collected from farm owners by administering a questionnaire. We recorded the important diseases contacting farmers by mobile phone and visiting the farms. The effect of farm size, rearing system, feed quality and preventive measure on reproductive performance were evaluated by analysis of variance and Duncan multiple range test. Unpaired T-test was used to compare the reproductive performance according to breeding. Chi-square test was used to compare between two categories of a dichotomous outcome.. Results: The age at puberty, age at first calving, post-partum heat period, service per conception, days open and calving interval were 26.42±0.22 m, 35.48±0.22 m, 121.85±3.48 days, 1.93±0.04, 136.80±3.57 days and 401.04±3.94 days, respectively. Farm size had significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on all reproductive traits (RT) except on service per conception and days open. The best reproductive performance (RP) was found in small size farm, good quality of feed, AI breeding method and preventive measure by veterinarian. Among the disorders, anoestrus, abortion, repeat breeding, retained placenta were most prevalent followed by dystocia, mastitis, vaginal prolapse, pyometra, metritis, uterine prolapse, milk fever, and still birth. The highest prevalence of reproductive disorders (RD) was found in intensive rearing system (39.8%). The prevalence of all RDs was higher in artificially inseminated cows (59.6%) than those bred by natural service (19.0%). Conclusion: The study revealed a lower RP of dairy cows and higher prevalence of RDs. The better reproductive performance was recorded in small than large and medium farms. Good quality of feed should be offered to dairy cow for better reproductive performance. Artificial insemination should also be preferred than natural service for better reproductive performance. Measures to control reproductive diseases should be undertaken in large herds and intensive housing system.

Plasma metabolite changes in anestrous dairy cows with negative energy balance identified using 1H NMR technology

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to investigate the different plasma metabolites between anestrus and estrus postpartum dairy cows and to provide a theoretical basis for prevention of anestrus in dairy farm cows. In the experiment, one hundred and sixty-seven Holstein dairy cows were selected with similar age and parity. According to the concentration of β-hydroxybutyric acid, non-esterified fatty acids and glucose in plasma during 14 to 21 days in milk, all dairy cows were determined as having a status of energy balance. According to the results of clinical symptom, rectal and B ultrasound examination at 60 to 90 days postpartum, these cows were divided into twenty estrus and twenty-four anestrus group, other dairy cows were removed. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance technology was utilized to detect the plasma metabolites changes and screen different plasma metabolites between anestrus and estrus cows. Ten different metabolites including alanine, glutamic acid, asparagine, creatine, choline, phosphocholine, glycerophosphocholine, low-density lipoprotein, and very-low-density lipoprotein were significantly decreased in anestrous cows compared with estrous cows. Metabolic pathway analyses indicated that differential metabolites were primarily involved in amino acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism. These metabolites and their enrichment pathways indicate that reduced steroid hormone synthesis precursors result in lower levels of estradiol and progesterone and cause anestrus in negative energy balance. These data provide a better understanding of the changes that may affect estrus of postpartum dairy cows at NEB status and lay the ground for further research.

​Effect of Beta-carotene Supplementation on Plasma Carotene Content and Fertility of Lactating Crossbred Sahiwal Cows

Background: Beta-carotene (BETA) is a precursor of retinol (Vitamin A) and positively influenced on reproductive efficiency in cows. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of orally supplementation of beta-carotene on plasma carotene content and fertility rate of lactating crossbred Sahiwal cows. Methods: Twenty-four disease-free lactating crossbred Sahiwal cows with a close date of calving were randomly divided into two homogeneous groups for Control group (CONT; n = 12) and Beta-carotene group: 500 mg/cow/d (BETA; n = 12) from 7 days post partum (dpp) until 105 dpp thereafter on concentrations of beta-carotene and selected protein and energy parameters in plasma were determined. In addition, effects on fertility rate were studied. Result: Beta-carotene concentrations increased in plasma of beta-carotene (BETA-group) supplemented cows compared to control (CONT-group) cows (p less than 0.001). In BETA-group cows, urea concentration in blood plasma decreased significantly compared to cows of CONT-group (p less than 0.001) but did not differ in total protein, albumin, glucose and total cholesterol content in cows of both groups. Occurrence of first post partum estrus decreased (p less than 0.001) in beta-carotene (BETA-group: 74 dpp) cows compared to control (CONT-group: 81 dpp) cows. In this study, it was observed that the overall conception rate was higher (p greater than 0.001) in BETA-group: 83.33% (cows pregnant: 10/12) and lesser in the CONT-group: 50.00% (cows pregnant: 6/12). The results of this study indicated that oral supplementation with beta-carotene increased the concentration of beta-carotene and decreased the concentration of urea in plasma and cows with higher blood plasma beta-carotene content improved fertility over cows with lower blood plasma beta-carotene content.

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat di Kelompok Tani Ternak “Batu Kalang Indah” sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Populasi Ternak Sapi di Nagari Ampang Pulai

The “Batu Kalang Indah” Livestock Farmers Group, which was chosen as a partner in the community service activity proposal, is located in Ampang Pulai sub-district, XI Koto Tarusan District, Pesisir Selatan Regency. The distance of the Assisted Cattle Group from the UNAND Faculty of Animal Husbandry is around &lt;200 km. This group still has an average number of services per conception (S/C) of nearly 2, most of the parents showed two artificial inseminations (AI) just became pregnant. Besides the high S/C value, post partum estrus (PPE) is also long, some for more than one year. Feeding conditions also experience problems in this group, meanwhile the lust conditions of the cows that are not known to breeders are also a problem. The benefit of this service activity is to increase the parent population that is kept by breeders in this group, with the hope of increasing the income and welfare of the breeders. Activities that will be carried out are assistance in raising beef cattle, processing rice straw-based feed and procuring bulls as lust biostimulation and implementing scheduled IB. This activity is carried out by methods of preparation, counseling and training, guidance and coaching, discussion and consultation, implementation of community service and evaluation and monitoring. The result of this activity is that breeders have known the proper and measurable ways and patterns of raising cattle. It is hoped that this activity can provide information related to maintenance patterns that can be applied sustainably to this livestock group.

The Effect of Breeds, Parity and Age Variation on Reproductive Performance of Beef Cattle in Special Region of Yogyakarta Province

Beef cattle are one of the main livestock commodities. Therefore, an analysis of the factors that can influence the optimization of beef cattle farms needs to be done. Some of these factors are breeds, parity, and age. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between breeds, parity, and age on reproductive performance of beef cattle in Special Region of Yogyakarta. The data of Service per Conception (S/C), Conception Rate (CR), Pregnancy Rate (PR), Calving Interval (CI) and Estrus Post Partum (EPP) were obtained from livestock identity card and interview with the farmers in the livestock groups around the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The data were grouping based on the breeds, parity, and age of cattle, then analyzed descriptively and statistically. There were no significant differences in CI, EPP, and PR among three breeds groups, PO, Limpo, and Simpo, but there was significant difference in S/C. The S/C of Simpo group was higher than PO and Limpo groups. Based on the parity, less parity had the highest S/C and lowest PR, while the EPP relatively similar in all the groups. Age was not affects the S/C but influence in the PR. Older group had highest PR. Based on these results, we conclude that Limpo and PO cattle in livestock group around Special Region of Yogyakarta have better reproductive performance than Simpo cattle. More parity and older age have reproductive performance relative good than less parity and young age.

The Effect of Supplementary Feeding on the Reproductive Performance of Beef Cows in Supporting the Siwab Program

This study aims to determine the effect of supplementary feeding on the reproductive performance of beef cattle and calf birth weight. Additional feed is given to cows who are pregnant (8-9 months) and after giving birth for 3 months. Additional feed provided is a complete feed prepared from local feed ingredients. The objectives of this supplementary feeding are: maintaining the condition of the mother's body, maintaining normal embryo growth, and accelerating postpartum estrus, as has been done in Megal Village, Pamotan District, Rembang Regency. Provision of additional feed to old pregnant beef cattle (8-9 months) and after giving birth for 3 months in Megal Village, Pamotan District, Rembang Regency. The conclusion of this study is that the provision of additional feed 5 kg / head / day to old pregnant beef cattle and after giving birth for 3 months can reduce the weight loss of beef cattle broods when the availability of feed is limited, increase birth weight of calves and accelerate postpartum estrus. estrus for the first time after childbirth). Provision of additional feed to late pregnant beef cattle and after giving birth is highly recommended, especially in areas where the availability of feed fluctuates.Key words: supplementary feed, reproduction, beef cattle

Effect of area specific mineral mixture supplementation on milk production, biochemical and blood mineral status of Black Bengal goats

This study was conducted to find out the effect of area-specific mineral mixture (ASMM) supplementation on production performances, the biochemical and mineral profile of Black Bengal does during the peripartum period. For this purpose, 20 pregnant does were made into two groups according to the bodyweight viz., Control-T 0 (n=10) and Treatment-T 1 (n=10) and supplemented with 0 and 6 g ASMM/animal/day, respectively starting from 3 months before the expected date of parturition to till the onset of the first post-partum estrus. Overall mean milk fat, total ash, total solids, solids not fat, milk crude protein and milk yield, blood glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, α-amino nitrogen, phosphorus and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase concentration were non-significant (P&gt;0.05) between the groups. The overall mean of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, calcium, copper, and zinc concentration in control (T 0 ) and treatment (T 1 ) groups were127.05±1.27 vs.132.73±1.26 IU/L, 7.83±0.08 vs. 8.19±0.08 mg/dl, 0.66±0.02 vs. 0.94±0.02 ppm, 0.69±0.01 vs. 0.97 ± 0.02 ppm, respectively, and differed significantly (P&lt; 0.05) between the groups. So by the findings of this study, it is concluded supplementation of the area-specific mineral mixture@ 6 g/day during the peripartum period had a significant effect on blood biochemical parameters in Black Bengal does.

Reproductive management and performances of Bali cow kept by smallholder farmers level with different production systems in South Konawe Regency, Indonesia

This research aims to determine Bali cows’ reproductive management and performances, kept by smallholder farmers with intensive and semi-intensive production systems in South Konawe Regency. A total of 55 farmers and 110 Bali cows was interviewed and observed. The data was captured consists of farmers’ characteristics, reproductive management, and reproductive performances. An independent sample t-test analyzed the data. The farmers with intensive and semi-intensive production systems could detect the estrus well (69.57 and 59.09%) and mated by artificial insemination (AI) (70.83 and 86.11%). There was a significant difference (P <0.05) related to the first estrus age (1.98±0.82 vs. 1.92±0.18 years), the first mating age (2.84±0.23 vs. 2.77±0.34 years), service per conception with natural mating and AI (1.00±0.00 vs. 1.20±0.42 and 1.70±0.76 vs. 1.44±0.57 times). There were no significant differences in the first calving age, gestation length, postpartum estrus, postpartum mating, weaning age, calving interval, and cow reproduction index. The pre-weaning mortality and calf crops were 6.25 and 9.68%; 76.79 and 71,70%. To conclude our findings, the farmers in South Konawe Regency carry out reproductive management well. Bali cows’ reproductive performance with an intensive system is better than the semi-intensive system based on the calf crop.

Morphometric Characteristics and Reproductive Performance of Pasundan Cattle in the North Prianganese and Southern South Coast Region

This study aims to determine the morphometric characteristics and reproductive performance of Pasundan cows which are extensively reared on smallholder farms in the coastal areas of the south (Garut, Cianjur, and Sukabumi) and North Priangan (Bogor, Purwakarta, and Sumedang). This research is descriptive research with a qualitative approach. Production characterization was carried out using a simple method, namely by measuring the body surface including shoulder height, chest circumference, body length, and bodyweight of Pasundan cattle. Meanwhile, the reproductive characteristics discuss puberty, service per conception (S / C), conception rate (CR), calving rate, postpartum estrus, postpartum mating, days open (DO), calving interval (CI), calving birth weight, and calving rate. calves weight growth. Data were collected by survey, the location was determined by purposive sampling in the area of the seed source with the largest population and the random sampling of livestock was determined purposively as many as 30 Pasundan cows from each region. Data were analyzed using quantitative descriptive analysis. The results showed that the morphometric characteristics of Pasundan cattle included mean shoulder height of 123.0 0 ± 3.06a cm VS 121.34 ± 2.82a in males and 110.34 ± 2.78 vs 108.00 ± 2.14a in females. Body length 115.74 ± 3.30 cm VS 115.34 ± 2.97acm in males and 112.67 ± 2.97cm VS 109.67 ± 1.82 cm in females. Chest circumference 145.67 ± 2.97cm VS 142.67 ± 2.67cm bulls and 136.00 ± 2.95cm VS 131.00 ± 2.92cm in females, Bodyweight 268.0 ± 17.00 kg VS 246.00 ± 7.00a for males and 215.0 ± 15.00 kg VS 194.00 ± 54.00kg in females. As for reproductive characteristics, it shows puberty of 20-24 months., S / C 1.4 - 1.6, Conception rate 65-70%, calving rate 62.5-65%, Postpartum Estrus 50-60 days, postpartum mating 72-104 days, day -open 94-126 days and a calving interval of 12-14 months. Calves' birth weight was 18.0 - 18.5 kg and daily body weight gain ranged from 0.48 to 0.50 kg. It was concluded that the morphometric characteristics and reproductive performance of Pasundan cattle in the Pesisir Selatan area were better than North Priangan.

Lunar Cycle Influences Reproductive Performance of Crossbred Brahman Cows Under Tropical Conditions.

Evidence has accumulated over the years indicating that the moon influences some aspects of the reproductive activity in animals and humans. However, little is known about the influence of the lunar cycle on the reproductive performance of cows under tropical conditions, where the environment strongly affects reproduction. This retrospective study was conducted with the aim of assessing the influence of the lunar cycle on some reproductive traits of tropical crossbred cows managed in a pasture-based system. Data from 5869 reproductive records from two commercial farms localized in the Maracaibo Lake Basin of Zulia State, Venezuela, were analyzed. Variables studied were first service conception rate, calving frequency, first postpartum estrous frequency, and pregnancy frequency. In addition to the lunar cycle, the effects of farm, season, and predominant breed were also considered. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and general linear model from SAS. First service conception was affected by lunar phases and predominant breed, but not by farm or season. For frequencies of calving, first postpartum estrus, and pregnancy, there was no main effect of farm, season, and predominant breed, whereas the effect of lunar phases was highly significant. First service conception was significantly greater in waning than in crescent phase of the lunar cycle. Frequencies of calving, first estrus, and pregnancy were highly correlated and showed greater figures around full moon and new moon. In conclusion, lunar cycle influenced first service conception, attaining greater values in the waning phase of the moon cycle. Frequencies of calving, first postpartum estrus, and pregnancy in crossbred cows showed a clear bimodal rhythm, whose greatest values coincided with new moon and full moon.

Reproductive performance and superovulatory endangered Cameroonian Namshi breed (Bos taurus)

This study was undertaken to determine the reproductive performance of the endangered Bos-taurus Namshi breed of Cameroon. Ovarian response to superovulatory treatment was also evaluated. The following observations were recorded. The average calf mortality rate was 25.71% while the average birth weight was 12.22±0.82kg. The percentage of animals in oestrus during the wet and dry season was respectively 60% and 33.4%. The oestrus cycle length and the oestrus duration were respectively 20.80±1.20d and 7.00±0.80h: corresponding dry season figures for those parameters were 19.00±0.94d and 6.00±0.7h respectively. In the dry season the manifestation of oestrus was 80º during the day and 20º at night while in the wet season it was 55.55% and 44.5% respectively. Postpartum oestrus was at 18 months. The ovarian response to superovulatory treatment was about 6.40±2.50 ovulations per cow. Results indicate that the scarcity of Bos-taurus Namshi breed in Camerron could be attributed to high calf mortality rate, low calving rate and long postpartum periods. Embryo transfer could be a way to rapidly multiply this breed.

Effect of Biostimulation on Some Behavioral Aspects and Energy Balance of Sahiwal Cows during Peri-estrual Period

Background: Energy is the major nutrient needed for dairy cattle and its insufficient intake has a detrimental effect on their reproductive activity. Methods: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of biostimulation on behaviour and energy balance of Sahiwal cows during peri-estrus through 2 types of bull contact. For this, 24 postpartum cows were divided into 3 similar groups (T0, T1 and T2) of 8 cows each. In T0, cows were not exposed to bull; in T1 the cows were exposed to bull through a fence-line contact and in T2, the cows were in direct bull contact for 12 hours daily. Result: In first post-partum estrus, the feeding time was non-significant among 3 groups but in second estrus, mean time spent on feeding was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower in T0 than T1 and T2 groups. The mean rumination time on d-0 of first estrus was significantly (p less than 0.01) lower in T1 and T2 cows as compared to T0 cows. Mean rumination time on d-0 in second estrus was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower in T1 and T2 than in T0. Mean resting times in first estrus in T1 and T2 were significantly lower (p less than 0.05) than in T0. Mean resting time in d-0 of second estrus was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower in T1 and T2 than the T0. There was no significant difference in the mean dry matter intake and levels of BHBA and NEFA among 3 groups of cows. It was concluded that biostimulation of Sahiwal cows through direct or fence-line bull contact during peri-estrus period highly reduced their feeding, rumination and resting times without affecting their energy balance as compared to non-bull exposed cows.

Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows in Relation to Genotype, Age, Parity, Body Weight and Body Condition Score at Rajshahi District of Bangladesh

The present study was carried out from selected areas at Rajshahi district to evaluate the reproductive performance of dairy cows in relation to breed/genotype, age, parity, body weight and body condition. A total of 500 cows selected and data were collected directly from the dairy farms owner by using pre-tested questionnaires during the period from September 2013 to December 2014. The average reproductive performance (RP) were recorded as age at puberty (AP) 26.42±0.22 m, age at first calving (AFC) 35.48±0.22 m, post-partum heat period (PPHP) 121.85±3.48 days, service per conception (S/C) 1.93±0.04, days open (DO) 136.80±3.57 days and calving interval (CI) 401.04±3.94 days. Genotype had significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on all the reproductive traits except on S/C. Local (L) × Holstein Friesian (HF) genotype showed earlier AP and AFC than L× Sahiwal (SL) and L. Age group had significant (P&lt;0.05) effect on AP, AFC and other parameters were not significant (P&gt;0.05). Middle age groups of cows had shown better RP than others groups. Parities of cows had significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on PPHP, S/C, DO except on AP, AFC and CI. Third parity had better RP than others. The best RP was found in &gt;300 kg BW groups. Body condition score had significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on all RP. Good body condition score (BCS) had excellent RP.&#x0D; Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(3): 481-495, December 2020

Performance of Rural and Peri-urban Dairying under Existing Management System in Jhenaidah, Bangladesh

This study was conducted by a baseline survey to explore the current scenario of dairying in respect of productive and reproductive performance under existing management practices such as breeding, feeding, housing, disease prevention etc. at four upazillas of Jhenaidah district in Bangladesh. Majority of the farms in the study area are classed as small holder following semiintensive method of rearing chiefly for three genotypes namely Indigenous (IG) (15.17%) Holstein Friesian (HF) crossbred (61.38%) and Shahiwal (SL) crossbred (23.45%). Along with rice straw and concentrate mixture, considerable amount of green grass as 6.32 ± 3.80, 7.71 ± 3.0 and 7.90 ± 3.54 kg/day/cow was supplied to IG, HF Cross and SL Cross respectively. Although 82.76% respondents provided anthelmintic to their cattle but 88.28% did not vaccinate their stock. Bio security measures are often ignored resulted in prevalence of different diseases including Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD). Despite having no knowledge about frozen semen, 81.38% farm owner practice Artificial Insemination and among them 66.21% preferred semen of HF genotype. Age at first calving, length of dry period and post-partum oestrus of IG cows was significantly (p&lt;0.01) higher than that of HF and SL cows. Higher significant difference was observed in calving intervals and gestation period (p&gt;0.05). The average milk yields of IG, HF and SL cows were 0.96±0.59, 3.45±1.00 and 1.94±0.81 L/day/cow, respectively. The lactation length of HF and SL cows were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than of IG cows. Majority of the farmers’ reaction regarding productive and reproductive performance of crossbred cows along with feed price, milk price, marketing system and veterinary service was disappointing to which this study recommend to address duly.

A deterministic simulation model for the evaluation of reproductive performance in Thoroughbred mares

The objective of the present study was to develop a deterministic simulation model for evaluating the reproductive performance of Thoroughbred mares. As an application, the model was used to estimate the herd level asymptotic foaling percentage (AFP) for evaluating the performance of mares in stabilized mare herds using the convergent method for estimating a steady-state distribution of mares. In this model, it was assumed that the mares were mated only during the breeding season. The effects of early pregnancy loss and fetal loss on reproductive performance were investigated. The sensitivities of AFP to changes in conception rate (CR), early pregnancy loss rate (EPLR), fetal loss rate (FLR), and postpartum mating interval (PMI) were examined. Furthermore, the AFPs were compared for two types of postpartum first mating schedules: mating during the first postpartum estrus cycle (foal heat) and first mating during the subsequent cycle. The results indicated that AFP was sensitive to changes in EPLR, FLR, and CR. The comparison of the two types of postpartum first mating schedules showed that AFP after foal heat mating was higher than after the subsequent estrus mating even with the decrease in reproductive parameters caused by foal heat mating in the model. In addition, even if mares did not mate during foal heat, AFP could be improved by shortening the estrus cycle with the administration of PGF2α.