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da Silva WC, da Silva JAR, Martorano LG, da Silva ÉBR, Belo TS, Neves KAL, Camargo Júnior RNC, de Araújo CV, Vilela LGP, Joaquim LA, de Carvalho Rodrigues TCG, Lourenço-Júnior JDB. Characterization of the Temperament and Reactivity of Nelore Cattle ( Bos indicus) Associated with Behavior Scores during Corral Management in the Humid Tropics. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1769. [PMID: 38929388 PMCID: PMC11200586 DOI: 10.3390/ani14121769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of the reactivity and distress of cattle during corral management, by means of subjective scores, aims at the standardization of behavioral indicators, through non-invasive methods, in addition to enabling the development of more appropriate management practices, thus promoting the comfort and well-being of these animals. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to characterize the temperament and distress of cattle managed in a corral using behavioral indicators during the rainiest period. For this, the experiment was conducted on a property located in the municipality of Mojuí dos Campos, during the rainiest quarter (February-April). Thus, 30 male cattle, not castrated, approximately 29 months of age, clinically healthy, and weighing 310 + 20 kg, were divided into three rearing systems: silvopastoral (SP), traditional (SS), and integrated (SI) systems. There were 10 animals per system. Physiological parameters were collected to evaluate rectal temperature (RT) and respiratory rate (RR), as well as body surface temperature (BST), through thermal windows (head and flank infrared temperature and rump infrared temperature). To evaluate temperament and reactivity, scores indicative of corral behavior were used, namely escape speed (ES), tension score (SS_1), tension score (SS_2), reactivity scale (RS), movement score (MS), and temperament scale (TS). The results showed that there was a thermal amplitude of 5.9 °C on average and 8.6 °C at maximum when comparing the structure of the corral and the trees. In addition, the comparisons between the production systems for the behavioral variables did not differ at the 5% significance level, except for ES, where the traditional system differed from the integrated system and the silvopastoral system, showing intermediate average values for both. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the variables RT and RR (r = 0.72; p < 0.01), RR and SS_2 (r = 0.38; p = 0.04), flank infrared temperature and MS (r = 0.47; p = 0.01), rump infrared temperature and RS (r = 0.37; p = 0.04), SS_1 and RS (r = 0.41; p = 0.02), SS_1 and SS_2 (r = 0.39; p = 0.03), RS and SS_2 (r = 0.58; p = 0.00), RS and MS (r = 0.50; p = 0.01), RS and TS (r = 0.61; p = 0.00), SS_2 and MS (r = 0.51; p = 0.00), SS_2 and TS (r = 0.47; p = 0.01), and MS and TS (r = 0.44; p = 0.02), and a negative correlation between ES and TS (r = -0.42; p = 0.02). The rainy season had a major influence on the evaluation of temperature and distress levels during handling in the corral, as evidenced by the association between physiological and behavioral parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Welligton Conceição da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Castanhal 68746-360, Brazil; (É.B.R.d.S.); (R.N.C.C.J.); (L.A.J.); (T.C.G.d.C.R.); (J.d.B.L.-J.)
| | | | | | - Éder Bruno Rebelo da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Castanhal 68746-360, Brazil; (É.B.R.d.S.); (R.N.C.C.J.); (L.A.J.); (T.C.G.d.C.R.); (J.d.B.L.-J.)
| | - Tatiane Silva Belo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University Center of the Amazon (UNAMA), Santarem 68010-200, Brazil;
| | - Kedson Alessandri Lobo Neves
- Institute of Engineering and Geosciences, Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA), Santarem 68040-255, Brazil;
| | - Raimundo Nonato Colares Camargo Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Castanhal 68746-360, Brazil; (É.B.R.d.S.); (R.N.C.C.J.); (L.A.J.); (T.C.G.d.C.R.); (J.d.B.L.-J.)
| | - Cláudio Vieira de Araújo
- Institute of Animal Science, Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA), Santarem 68040-255, Brazil;
| | | | - Leonel António Joaquim
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Castanhal 68746-360, Brazil; (É.B.R.d.S.); (R.N.C.C.J.); (L.A.J.); (T.C.G.d.C.R.); (J.d.B.L.-J.)
| | - Thomaz Cyro Guimarães de Carvalho Rodrigues
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Castanhal 68746-360, Brazil; (É.B.R.d.S.); (R.N.C.C.J.); (L.A.J.); (T.C.G.d.C.R.); (J.d.B.L.-J.)
| | - José de Brito Lourenço-Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Castanhal 68746-360, Brazil; (É.B.R.d.S.); (R.N.C.C.J.); (L.A.J.); (T.C.G.d.C.R.); (J.d.B.L.-J.)
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Moore S, Crowe A, Randi F, Butler S. Effect of delayed timing of artificial insemination with sex-sorted semen on pregnancy per artificial insemination in synchronized dairy heifers managed in a seasonal-calving pasture-based system. JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 4:417-421. [PMID: 37727249 PMCID: PMC10505763 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2022-0363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the timing of artificial insemination (AI) with frozen-thawed sex-sorted semen on pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in dairy heifers. A 6-d progesterone Co-Synch protocol was used for ovulation synchronization of dairy heifers, with timed AI (TAI) coincident with (TAI-0) or 8 h (TAI-8) after the second injection of GnRH, corresponding to either 48 h or 56 h after removal of the progesterone-releasing intravaginal device. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted by transrectal ultrasound scanning of the uterus 34 d after TAI (n = 816 records available for analysis). Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine the effects of treatment on P/AI. Treatment (n = 2), herd (n = 11), and treatment × herd were included as categorical fixed effects. Heifer body weight and Economic Breeding Index values for milk production, fertility, calving performance, beef carcass, cow maintenance, cow management, and health were included as continuous fixed effects. Heifer ID was included as a random effect. Pregnancy per AI was greater for TAI-8 heifers (59%) compared with TAI-0 heifers (50%). Pregnancy per AI ranged from 38% to 75% between herds but there was no treatment × herd interaction. The fertility subindex (positive) and the cow management subindex (negative) were the only continuous animal variables associated with P/AI. Delaying the timing of AI with frozen-thawed sex-sorted semen by 8 h in dairy heifers enrolled on a 6-d progesterone Co-Synch protocol improved P/AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- S.G. Moore
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 P302
| | - A.D. Crowe
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 P302
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland D04 N2E5
| | - F. Randi
- Ceva Santé Animale, Libourne, Bordeaux, France 33500
| | - S.T. Butler
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 P302
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Jaśkowski JM, Jaśkowski BM, Herudzińska M, Tul O, Ciorga M. Contemporary Knowledge on the Assessment of Temperament in Cattle and Its Impact on Production and Reproduction Including Some Immunological, Genetic and Metabolic Parameters. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1944. [PMID: 37370453 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Temperament is associated with the well-being, health, production and reproduction of cattle. In order to increase the population of individuals with the desired temperament, its evaluation should be standardized and be made one of the obligatory elements of breeding and veterinary examination. A number of different tests are used for temperament assessment. In this article, the importance of temperament correlation with some metabolic, genetic, immunological, production and reproductive parameters have been shown, pointing at its influence on the economy and cattle handling. The most common methods for assessing the temperament of cattle are presented, including long-time scales of temperament assessment. At the same time, the relationship of the temperament of cattle with production efficiency, immunity and reproductive indicators has been shown, indicating that its correct assessment is an important aspect of the proper development of the herd and the associated economic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jędrzej M Jaśkowski
- Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej M Jaśkowski
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-366 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Herudzińska
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Oleksandra Tul
- Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Poltava State Agrarian University, 36003 Poltava, Ukraine
| | - Marcin Ciorga
- Department of Public Health Protection and Animal Welfare, Institute for Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
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Megahed AA, Bittar JHJ, Palomares RA, Mercadante VRG, Dias NW. Evaluation of the stress-reducing effect of trace mineral injection in beef calves. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:1278-1285. [PMID: 37186325 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the effects of trace mineral supplementation on the stress response in beef calves. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of injectable trace mineral supplementation (ITM) on the stress response in beef calves exposed to different types of stress. ANIMALS Thirty weaned Angus and Angus crossbred calves. METHODS The enrolled calves were randomly assigned to 2 groups: ITM, 15 calves received modified-live virus vaccine (MLV) and ITM SC and 15 calves received MLV and saline SC (CONT). The calves were exposed to 3 types of stress: the stress of MLV vaccination (d0), nasal aerosol with bovine viral diarrhea virus-2 (BVDV-2) challenge (d5), and liver biopsy (d26). The calves' body weights and health status were monitored. Leukocyte counts, serum cortisol concentration ([cort]), BVDV-2 serum neutralizing antibodies (SNA), and percentages of CD4+ , CD8+ , WC1+ , and CD25+ T-lymphocytes were measured. RESULTS Serum cortisol concentration ([cort]) showed strong associations with the percentage of CD8+ (rs = .50), BVDV2-SNA (rs = -.43), and WC1CD25+ (rs = .41) cells, and rectal temperature (rs = .40). The highest [cort] was reported 3 days after aerosol BVDV-2 challenge. Serum [cort] was decreased in ITM-treated calves 3 days post-BVDV-2 challenge, compared with CONT calves, with an average decrease of 18.5 ng/μL (95% confidence interval [CI], -6.07 to -31.3). The ITM-treated calves were heavier and healthier (P < .01) than the CONT calves. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Trace mineral supplementation appears to have stress mitigation effects in beef cattle that may reflect positively on growth and health performance. Viral exposure is associated with a high degree of stress, which is considered a major welfare concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameer A Megahed
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Animal Medicine, Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - João H J Bittar
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Roberto A Palomares
- Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Vitor R G Mercadante
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Nicholas W Dias
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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Couto SRB, Guerson YB, Caparelli NMPM, Andrade JPN, Jacob JCF, Barbero RP, Mello MRB. Mitigation of low pregnancy rate in excitable Nellore cows by administration of GnRH or P4. Theriogenology 2022; 192:14-21. [PMID: 36037572 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This research aimed to determine the effect of temperament on reproductive parameters including cortisol and progesterone (P4) in Nellore cows. Additionally, two methods for increasing plasma progesterone (P4) levels in excitable animals to enhance pregnancy rate (P/AI) and reduce pregnancy loss were investigated. In total, 939 cows were subjected to timed artificial insemination (TAI) and divided into three groups: (P4LA; n = 305) 150 mg of injectable long-acting progestogen 7 days after TAI; (GnRH; n = 306), 10 μg of buserelin acetate on day 7 after TAI; control group (CG; n = 328) without hormonal treatment. In 213 cows, randomly chosen from each group, ultrasound evaluations of the preovulatory follicle (Mode B) were performed on the day of insemination and of the corpus luteum (Color Doppler) 7 and 16 days after TAI. Blood samples were obtained from 20% of the 939 animals, randomly chosen from each group, on the day of insemination and after 7 and 16 days to measure cortisol and progesterone, respectively. At the time of insemination, subjective temperament evaluations were performed with the animals being classified as excitable (EXC) or adequate (ADQ). The SAS GLIMMIX procedure was used to compare the pregnancy rate (P/AI) and gestational loss within each temperament for the three experimental groups. Continuous variables were analyzed utilizing SAS PROC MIXED procedure. Cortisol concentration was higher and POF (preovulatory follicle) and CL (corpus luteum) volumes at the time of insemination and 7 days after AI, respectively, were lower in EXC animals than in ADQ. No significant difference was observed between the number of pixels, CL intensity, and plasma concentration of P4, 7 days after TAI. However, 16 days post-insemination, among the animals classified as EXC, higher concentrations of P4 were observed in the GnRH and P4LA groups than in the control. Regarding P4 concentrations, there was a tendency to be lower in animals classified as EXC than in ADQ within the control group (P = 0.06), while rate of blood flow from the CL was lower in EXC animals than in ADQ animals (P = 0.04). Among the ADQ animals, the GnRH and P4LA groups showed a lower CL flow rate than that observed in the control (P = 0.04), 16 days after the TAI. Among EXC animals, a higher pregnancy rate was observed in the GnRH and P4LA groups than in the control group (P = 0.01). In the control group, the pregnancy rate (P/AI) of the ADQ animals was higher than that of the EXC animals (P = 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between gestational losses when the treatments or temperaments were compared. In conclusion, the use of GnRH or P4LA, 7 days after insemination, improves pregnancy rates in excitable animals and is a viable alternative to minimize the negative impact of stress and improve reproductive efficiency in beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel R B Couto
- Departamento de Reprodução e Avaliação Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Yuri B Guerson
- Departamento de Reprodução e Avaliação Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Nicolas M P M Caparelli
- Departamento de Reprodução e Avaliação Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil
| | - João Paulo N Andrade
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, 53706, USA
| | - Júlio C F Jacob
- Departamento de Reprodução e Avaliação Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Rondineli P Barbero
- Departamento de Produção Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil
| | - Marco R B Mello
- Departamento de Reprodução e Avaliação Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil.
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Alvarenga AB, Oliveira HR, Miller SP, Silva FF, Brito LF. Genetic Modeling and Genomic Analyses of Yearling Temperament in American Angus Cattle and Its Relationship With Productive Efficiency and Resilience Traits. Front Genet 2022; 13:794625. [PMID: 35444687 PMCID: PMC9014094 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.794625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle temperament has been considered by farmers as a key breeding goal due to its relevance for cattlemen's safety, animal welfare, resilience, and longevity and its association with many economically important traits (e.g., production and meat quality). The definition of proper statistical models, accurate variance component estimates, and knowledge on the genetic background of the indicator trait evaluated are of great importance for accurately predicting the genetic merit of breeding animals. Therefore, 266,029 American Angus cattle with yearling temperament records (1-6 score) were used to evaluate statistical models and estimate variance components; investigate the association of sex and farm management with temperament; assess the weighted correlation of estimated breeding values for temperament and productive, reproductive efficiency and resilience traits; and perform a weighted single-step genome-wide association analysis using 69,559 animals genotyped for 54,609 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Sex and extrinsic factors were significantly associated with temperament, including conception type, age of dam, birth season, and additional animal-human interactions. Similar results were observed among models including only the direct additive genetic effect and when adding other maternal effects. Estimated heritability of temperament was equal to 0.39 on the liability scale. Favorable genetic correlations were observed between temperament and other relevant traits, including growth, feed efficiency, meat quality, and reproductive traits. The highest approximated genetic correlations were observed between temperament and growth traits (weaning weight, 0.28; yearling weight, 0.28). Altogether, we identified 11 genomic regions, located across nine chromosomes including BTAX, explaining 3.33% of the total additive genetic variance. The candidate genes identified were enriched in pathways related to vision, which could be associated with reception of stimulus and/or cognitive abilities. This study encompasses large and diverse phenotypic, genomic, and pedigree datasets of US Angus cattle. Yearling temperament is a highly heritable and polygenic trait that can be improved through genetic selection. Direct selection for temperament is not expected to result in unfavorable responses on other relevant traits due to the favorable or low genetic correlations observed. In summary, this study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of maternal effects, extrinsic factors, and various genomic regions associated with yearling temperament in North American Angus cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B Alvarenga
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Hinayah R Oliveira
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen P Miller
- American Angus Association, Angus Genetics Inc., St Joseph, MO, United States
| | - Fabyano F Silva
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Vicosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Luiz F Brito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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Fernandez-Novo A, Pérez-Garnelo SS, Villagrá A, Pérez-Villalobos N, Astiz S. The Effect of Stress on Reproduction and Reproductive Technologies in Beef Cattle-A Review. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2096. [PMID: 33187308 PMCID: PMC7697448 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Researchers have contributed by increasing our understanding of the factors affecting reproduction in beef, mainly physical health and nutrition aspects, which have been main concerns during decades. Animal welfare is of outmost relevance in all animal production systems and it is strongly associated to stress. Stress responses involve endocrine, paracrine and neural systems and the consequences of this stress on the reproductive efficiency of specifically, beef cattle and bulls, need to be highlighted. We, therefore, describe the fundamentals of stress and its quantification, focusing in beef herds, reviewing the highly valuable pieces of research, already implemented in this field. We examine major factors (stressors) contributing to stress in beef cattle and their effects on the animals, their reproductive performance and the success of reproductive biotechnologies. We include terms such as acclimatization, acclimation or temperament, very relevant in beef systems. We examine specifically the management stress due to handling, social environment and hierarchy or weaning effects; nutritional stress; and thermal stress (not only heat stress) and also review the influence of these stressors on reproductive performance and effectiveness of reproductive biotechnologies in beef herds. A final message on the attention that should be devoted to these factors is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Fernandez-Novo
- Bovitecnia, Veterinary Consulting, C/Arévalo 5, Colmenar Viejo, 28770 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Sonia S. Pérez-Garnelo
- Animal Reproduction Department, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Avda, Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Arantxa Villagrá
- Centro de Tecnología Animal—Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (CITA-IVIA), Polígono La Esperanza 100, 12400 Segorbe, Spain;
| | - Natividad Pérez-Villalobos
- Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Europea de Madrid, C/Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Susana Astiz
- Animal Reproduction Department, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Avda, Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
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Kasimanickam VR, Staker C, Williams HM, Kastelic JP, Kasimanickam RK. Aggressive attempted escape behavior during head-lock restraint reduced reproductive performances in Holstein heifers. Theriogenology 2018; 121:147-152. [PMID: 30149260 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to determine associations between behavior during head-lock restraint and reproductive performance in dairy heifers. Behavior of 817 Holstein heifers from four farms was evaluated at feeding (Days 0 and 7) while restrained in a self-locking stanchion. All heifers were assigned a body condition score (BCS; 1, emaciated to 5, obese) on Day 0. Heifers were timed-inseminated on a maximum of three occasions to determine impact of behavior for first service pregnancy per AI (FS-P/AI) and cumulative P/AI (C-P/AI). Ovulation was synchronized with an Ovsynch synchronization protocol for first service and thereafter either Ovsynch and/or prostaglandin F2α-based protocols. More heifers displayed calm escape behavior (P < 0.05) compared with mild or aggressive escape behaviors (45.2, 28.2 and 26.6%, respectively). Adjusting for BCS (P < 0.05), FS-P/AI was greater (P < 0.05) for calm heifers compared with aggressive escape behavior, 58.0% (214/369) vs 48.2% (105/218), with FS-P/AI of heifers with mild aggressive behavior [53.5% (123/230)] intermediate and did not differ from other means. Adjusting for BCS (P < 0.0001), C-P/AI was greater (P < 0.0001) for heifers with calm compared with mild or aggressive escape behaviors [84.8% (313/369), 71.3% (164/230) and 64.7% (141/218), respectively]. Serum cortisol concentrations were not different among behavior categories, but serum substance P concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in aggressive heifers compared with mild or calm heifers, 97.1 ± 4.9, 58.4 ± 2.9 and 52.3 ± 2.6 ng/mL, respectively. In conclusion, Holstein heifers with aggressive escape behavior during head-lock restraint had significantly reduced reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanmathy R Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Chase Staker
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Hallie M Williams
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - John P Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ramanathan K Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
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