Prepartum factors associated with postpartum diseases in pasture-based dairy cows

Shelter preference and behavior of dairy cows managed outdoors during calving in temperate winter conditions

This study aimed to assess the preference and use of an artificial shelter in dairy cows managed outdoors at calving during winter. We also evaluated whether this preference would be influenced by weather conditions (rain, air temperature, or wind) or the time of the day at calving. Two weeks before their expected calving date, 18 cows were paired based on body weight, body condition score, parity, and expected calving date. Each pair was assigned to an open paddock (42 m2/cow) with a bare soil surface, high mud content, and access to an artificial shelter until calving. The shelter consisted of a 6 × 3 m metal structure, with 3 sides covered with zinc sheets, a polycarbonate roof, and a thick layer of dry sawdust covering the ground surface. Shelter use and cow behavior inside it (lying and sleeping) were continuously recorded via video and analyzed using continuous observation. Observations were divided into 2 periods: the day before calving (24 to 48 h before calving) and the day of calving (24 h before calving until calving). Ninety-four percent (15/16) of the cows preferred to calve inside the artificial shelter, and this preference was not affected by the time of day or weather conditions. Regardless of the day of study (the day before calving or the day of calving), cows spent approximately 64% of their daily time inside the shelter, and once inside, they spent most of the time lying down. Our findings indicate dairy cows prefer using an artificial shelter as a calving and lying place, suggesting that opportunities for protection should be provided when they are managed outdoors in muddy paddock conditions.

Short communication: Association between prepartum subclinical magnesium imbalance and postpartum diseases in grazing dairy cows in Southern Chile

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between prepartum subclinical hypomagnesemia (pre-SHMg) and the occurrence of dystocia, metritis, clinical mastitis, lameness, and subclinical hypomagnesemia postpartum (post-SHMg) in pasture-based dairy cows. Also, the difference in means of prepartum magnesium (Mg) concentration by postpartum health events was evaluated. A total of 890 dairy cows from 32 commercial farms located in southern Chile were enrolled. Cows were examined twice, once between 30 and 3 days before and once between 3 and 30 days after calving. Blood samples were collected on both assessments, and cows were considered as having SHMg if serum total Mg < 0.65 mmol/L. On the postpartum visit, cows were evaluated for metritis and lameness. Information about clinical mastitis and dystocia was collected from on-farm records. Data were analyzed using multivariable mixed linear models and multivariable mixed logistic regression models. The overall prevalence of pre-SHMg was 9.9%, and its presence was associated with the occurrence of post-SHMg (odd ratio [OR] = 5.7; P < 0.0001) and metritis (OR = 3.1; P = 0.04). However, we did not detect an association between pre-SHMg and dystocia, clinical mastitis, or lameness after calving. Prepartum serum Mg concentrations were lower in cows that developed post-SHMg than those that did not (LSM ± SE = 0.75 ± 0.02 mmol/L vs. 0.83 ± 0.02 mmol/L; P < 0.0001). In conclusion, pre-SHMg was associated with a higher risk of post-SHMg and metritis in grazing dairy cows but not other postpartum health events.

The effect of oral administration of zeolite on the energy metabolism and reproductive health of Romanian spotted breed in advanced gestation and post partum period

The dairy cow experiences the most significant impact from negative energy balance during this period, which adversely affects reproductive health. Consequently, most pathologies affect dairy cows during this time frame. Thus, with the primary objective of reducing the incidence of these pathologies on dairy farms, we questioned whether supplemental zeolite administration in cattle feed would affect metabolism and reproductive health. Therefore, we proposed introducing an antepartum and postpartum supplementation of 400 g of zeolite in the basal diet. The control group received only the basal diet without zeolite supplementation. Monitoring the results stemmed from the consideration that reproductive health can only be present based on an unaltered energy metabolism. Hence, we deemed it necessary to analyze several metabolic markers in light of the expected outcomes concerning reproductive health. Cows treated with zeolite exhibited a calving to first service interval 12.78 days earlier than those in the control group. Moreover, the average number of services per conception used for future gestation was 0.44 lower in the zeolite-treated group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Additionally, the treatment group showed a lower presence of pathogens in the uterus and displayed a more favorable average uterine score. Observations following the completion of the research point towards an improvement in the health of transition dairy cows, opening a new path for dairy farms in terms of preventing postpartum pathologies. Indeed, the benefits from this study primarily impact the animals rather than directly influencing milk production. Therefore, further research is necessary in this regard.

The negative impact of lameness on dairy cow reproduction

Lameness in modern dairy farms is a prevalent disorder, that negatively affects all aspects of production. Additionally, is a prevailing contributor to the decreased welfare of cows. Recent research has added valuable knowledge on the negative impacts of lameness on dairy cow reproduction. Lame cows have marked behavioural changes, as well as increased inflammatory and stress indicators compared to healthy herdmates. As a result, the functioning of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis is significantly affected and leads to suppressed reproductive performance. Lame cows seem to be more prone to uterine infections post-partum, experience higher levels of negative energy balance, resume ovarian cyclicity to a lower proportion during puerperium and show decreased potential to conceive and higher pregnancy losses. Hormonal treatments of lame cows compensate for some of these disturbances yet fail to fully restore fertility potential. From the available scientific literature is apparent that compromised fertility due to lameness can only be achieved through prevention and prompt diagnosis and treatment of lame cows.

Time Spent in a Maternity Pen during Winter Influences Cow and Calf Behavior in Pasture-Based Dairy Systems

Simple Summary

One of the major challenges of spring calving pasture-based systems in temperate regions is the exposure of periparturient dairy cows and their newborn calves to cold and wet winter conditions. We investigated whether moving precalving cows from an outdoor paddock to an indoor maternity pen affects the behavior of the cow and her newborn during winter and if this was influenced by the timing relative to calving. Our results indicated that cows housed in a maternity pen spent more time lying and ruminating compared with cows kept in an outdoor paddock. Moreover, newborn calf vitality improved when cows were moved to a maternity pen 3 weeks before calving when compared with those moved during the week before calving or those that remained in an outdoor paddock precalving. This information may aid in the design of calving management systems that can minimize any negative effects of inclement winter weather on cow and calf welfare in seasonal, year-round pasture-based systems.

Abstract

Our study compared the behavior of prepartum dairy cows that either remained in an outdoor paddock until calving (OP) during winter or were moved to an indoor maternity pen either early (EM) or late (LM) relative to calving. Forty-two multiparous Holstein cows were divided into three treatments (OP, EM, or LM) and monitored from 3 weeks before to 1.5 h after calving. Cows in EM and LM were moved to a maternity pen starting at week three and week one before the expected calving date, respectively. We assessed the cleanliness of the cows at calving, immunoglobulin G concentration in colostrum, and the behavior and vitality of calves across treatments. Cows spent more time lying in EM compared to OP and LM during the weeks −3 and −2 relative to calving, but lying time was increased in LM cows compared with OP cows during the week −1 relative to calving. Prepartum rumination time was lowest in OP cows but not different between EM or LM. Calves from OP cows spent more time lying and had lower vitality after calving than those from LM and EM cows, respectively; calves from EM and LM cows were intermediate for lying and vitality, respectively, but did not differ from either group. The cleanliness was greatest in cows that calved indoors (EM or LM); nevertheless, precalving management did not affect the IgG concentration in colostrum. Our study demonstrates that, in comparison with OP, EM and LM have positive implications for the welfare of the dam and its newborn calf during winter.