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Fouéré C, Sanchez MP, Boussaha M, Fritz S, Vinet A, Kiefer H, Boichard D, Hozé C. A large population study to assess the magnitude of prenatal programming in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:5913-5923. [PMID: 38608953 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24051] [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: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The performance of an adult dairy cow may be influenced by events that occur before her birth. The present study investigated the potential effects of 2 prenatal groups of factors, assisted reproductive technologies and maternal characteristics (e.g., dam parity), on offspring performance during their first lactation in populations of 2 dairy cow breeds: French Holstein and Montbéliarde. The different assisted reproductive technologies studied included the type of semen (conventional or X-sorted) used for AI and the technology of conception used (AI, embryo transfer, or in vitro fertilization). Three maternal characteristics were considered: (1) the dam age at first calving, (2) dam parity number, and (3) indicators of dam udder health during gestation (SCS and events of clinical mastitis). First, we investigated whether heifer survival from 3 d to 18 mo old was associated with any of the prenatal factors considered. We then estimated the associations of these prenatal factors with 8 traits of commercial interest: (1) stature, (2-4) milk, fat, and protein yields, (5) SCS, (6) clinical mastitis, and (7-8) heifer and cow conception rate, all measured on genotyped cows. Linear models were used for this study with the prenatal factors as covariates in the model, and for the 8 traits, phenotypes were adjusted for their corresponding genomic EBV. The results indicated that the survival rate of heifers born from embryo transfer was significantly higher than that of heifers born from AI (probably due to preferential management practices), and the other prenatal factors did not explain large differences in heifer survival. Among the Montbéliarde cows born from AI, those born from X-sorted semen showed a lightly but significantly lower milk yield than those born without X-sorting of the semen (-52 kg of milk in the first lactation). Among the Holstein cows, those born from embryo transfer presented significantly lower milk performance than cows born from AI. Regarding the maternal characteristics, none or very weak associations were found between the dam age at first calving and the offspring performance in both breeds. Dam parity, on the other hand, was associated with offspring performance for milk, fat, and protein yield in both breeds, but not in the same direction. In the Holstein breed, an increase in dam parity was favorable for offspring performance for milk, fat, and protein yield, whereas in the Montbéliarde breed, an increase in dam parity was associated with lower milk and protein yield and no association was found for fat yield. The udder health of the dam during gestation was not or only weakly associated with the traits studied in the offspring. Although some significant associations were identified due to the large sample size, the effects were modest, typically less than 1% of the phenotypic mean, and were not consistently observed across the 2 breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fouéré
- Eliance, 75012 Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - M P Sanchez
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - M Boussaha
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - S Fritz
- Eliance, 75012 Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - A Vinet
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - H Kiefer
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - D Boichard
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - C Hozé
- Eliance, 75012 Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
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Lewis K, Shewbridge Carter L, Bradley A, Dewhurst R, Forde N, Hyde R, Kaler J, March MD, Mason C, O'Grady L, Strain S, Thompson J, Green M. Quantification of the effect of in utero events on lifetime resilience in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:4616-4633. [PMID: 38310963 PMCID: PMC11245670 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24215] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Currently, the dairy industry is facing many challenges that could affect its sustainability, including climate change and public perception of the industry. As a result, interest is increasing in the concept of identifying resilient animals, those with a long productive lifespan, as well as good reproductive performance and milk yield. There is much evidence that events in utero, that is, the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis, alter the life-course health of offspring and we hypothesized that these could alter resilience in calves, where resilience is identified using lifetime data. The aim of this study was to quantify lifetime resilience scores (LRS) using an existing scoring system, based on longevity with secondary corrections for age at first calving and calving interval, and to quantify the effects of in utero events on the LRS using 2 datasets. The first was a large dataset of cattle on 83 farms in Great Britain born from 2006 to 2015 and the second was a smaller, more granular dataset of cattle born between 2003 and 2015 in the Langhill research herd at Scotland's Rural College. Events during dam's pregnancy included health events (lameness, mastitis, use of an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medication), the effect of heat stress as measured by temperature-humidity index, and perturbations in milk yield and quality (somatic cell count, percentage fat, percentage protein and fat:protein ratio). Daughters born to dams that experienced higher temperature-humidity indexes while they were in utero during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy had lower LRS. Daughter LRS were also lower where milk yields or median fat percentages in the first trimester were low, and when milk yields were high in the third trimester. Dam LRS was positively associated with LRS of their offspring; however, as parity of the dam increased, LRS of their calves decreased. Similarly, in the Langhill herd, dams of a higher parity produced calves with lower LRS. Additionally, dams that recorded a high maximum locomotion score in the third trimester of pregnancy were negatively associated with lower calf LRS in the Langhill herd. Our results suggest that events that occur during pregnancy have lifelong consequences for the calf's lifetime performance. However, experience of higher temperature-humidity indexes, higher dam LRS, and mothers in higher parities explained a relatively small proportion of variation in offspring LRS, which suggests that other factors play a substantial role in determining calf LRS. Although "big data" can contain a considerable amount of noise, similar findings between the 2 datasets indicate it is likely these findings are real.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Lewis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Andrew Bradley
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, United Kingdom; Quality Milk Management Services, Cedar Barn, Easton, Wells, United Kingdom
| | | | - Niamh Forde
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds BA5 1DU, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Hyde
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmeet Kaler
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | | | - Colin Mason
- Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh AB21 9YA, United Kingdom
| | - Luke O'Grady
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Strain
- Animal Health and Welfare Northern Ireland, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, BT71 6JT, United Kingdom
| | - Jake Thompson
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Green
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
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Wang Y, Ipema A, Goselink R, Burgers E, Gross J, Bruckmaier R, Kemp B, van Knegsel A. Effects of calving interval of dairy cows on development, metabolism and milk performance of their offspring. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00948-2. [PMID: 38908703 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-24885] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Extending the voluntary waiting period (VWP) for insemination in dairy cows is of interest to reduce the frequency of calving events and inseminate at a moment with fewer fertility problems. Little is known about the calves born from dams with a different VWP followed by a different calving interval (CInt). The objective of the current study was to identify the effect of dam's CInt on body condition, metabolic status, and milk production of their offspring from birth till 100 DIM of the offspring's first lactation. Holstein Friesian dairy cows (n = 154, 41 primiparous, 113 multiparous) were blocked according to parity, milk yield, and somatic cell count (SCC), and randomly assigned to a VWP of 50, 125, or 200 d. Female calves (n = 62) from cows with different CInt were monitored from birth until their first calving event as heifer. Certain dams were not successfully inseminated soon after the planned VWP, resulting in differences between the intended VWP and the actual CInt. Calves were regrouped according to their dam's actual CInt (CInt_1: 324 - 408 d; CInt_2: 409 - 468 d; CInt_3: 469 - 586 d). The dam's CInt did not affect calf birth weight. From birth to weaning, the calves born to dams in CInt_1 (0.34 mmol/L (confidence interval (CI): 0.30, 0.37) had a higher plasma nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration than CInt_2 (0.28 mmol/L (CI: 0.26, 0.31)) and CInt_3 (0.26 mmol/L (CI: 0.24, 0.29)) calves. Calves born to dams with a shorter CInt (CInt_1) had greater IgG and IgM against keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) than CInt_3 (IgG: 6.05 ± 0.30 vs. 4.64 ± 0.30; IgM: 6.45 ± 0.17 vs. 5.89 ± 0.16, respectively) before weaning. After weaning till calving, CInt_1-calves tended to have greater plasma NEFA concentration than CInt_3-calves. During the first 100 d in milk, a longer CInt of the dams resulted in lower plasma IGF_1 (CInt_2), lower milk lactose (CInt_3) and fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM) (CInt_2) in offspring, compared with shorter CInt of the dams (CInt_1). Collectively, a longer CInt in dams did not affect birth weight of their calves or body weight during the weaning or rearing phase. From birth till weaning, a longer CInt in dams resulted in less IgG against KLH and lower plasma NEFA concentration in plasma of the calves. During the first lactation of their offspring, a longer CInt in dams can result in a lower plasma IGF_1 and FPCM during the first 100 DIM, although effects were not present in all CInt categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yapin Wang
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Allyson Ipema
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Roselinde Goselink
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eline Burgers
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands; Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Josef Gross
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, CH-3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rupert Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, CH-3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bas Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ariette van Knegsel
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Condon T, Murphy CP, Sleator RD, Ring SC, Berry DP. The association between calf birth weight and the postcalving performance of its dairy dam in the absence of dystocia. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:3688-3699. [PMID: 38135042 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24164] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to quantify the association between the birth weight of a calf and the subsequent performance of its dairy dam in the absence of any recorded calving assistance. A total of 11,592 lactation records from 4,549 spring-calving dairy cows were used. The association between a series of quantitative cow performance metrics (dependent variable) and calf birth weight (independent variable) was determined using linear mixed models; logistic regression was used where the dependent variable was binary. Nuisance factors in the models were calf sex, heterosis coefficient of both the cow and calf, dry period length immediately before the birth of the calf, cow age at calving relative to the median cow age per parity, breed proportion of the cow, cow live weight between 100 and 200 d of lactation relative to the mean cow weight per parity, and contemporary group. Calf birth weight was included in the model as either a continuous or a categorical variable. Primiparous and multiparous cows were analyzed separately. Mean (SD) calf birth weight was 36.2 (6.8) kg. In primiparous cows, calf birth weight was associated with milk yield in the first 60 d of lactation, calving to first service interval, calving body weight (BW), and both nadir BW and body condition score (BCS). In multiparous cows, calf birth weight was associated with total milk, fat, and protein yield in the first 60 and 305 d of lactation, peak milk yield, total milk solids, both calving and nadir BW, and BCS loss from calving to nadir. Relative to primiparous cows that gave birth to calves weighing 34 to 37 kg (i.e., population mean), their contemporaries who gave birth to calves that weighed 15 to 29 kg produced 9.82 kg more milk in the first 60 d of lactation, had a 2-d shorter interval to first service, and were 8.08 kg and 5.51 kg lighter at calving and nadir BW, respectively; the former was also 0.05 units lower in BCS (5-point scale, 1 = emaciated and 5 = obese) at nadir. Relative to multiparous cows that gave birth to calves that were 34 to 37 kg birth weight, multiparous cows that gave birth to calves that were 15 to 29 kg yielded 59.63 kg, 2.44 kg, and 1.76 kg less milk, fat, and protein, respectively, in the first 60 d of lactation; produced 17.69 kg less milk solids throughout the 305-d lactation; and were also 10.49 kg lighter at nadir and lost 0.01 units more BCS to nadir. In a separate series of analyses, sire breed was added to the model as a fixed effect with and without calf birth weight. When calf birth weight was not adjusted for, 60-d milk yield for multiparous cows who gave birth to calves sired by a traditional beef breed (i.e., Angus, Hereford) produced 59.63 kg more milk than multiparous cows who gave birth to calves sired by a Holstein-Friesian. Hence, calf birth weight is associated with some subsequent dam performance measures; however, where associations do exist, the effect is biologically small.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Condon
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 C996; Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, Co. Cork, Ireland T12 P928
| | - C P Murphy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, Co. Cork, Ireland T12 P928
| | - R D Sleator
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, Co. Cork, Ireland T12 P928
| | - S C Ring
- Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Highfield House, Shinagh, Bandon, Co. Cork, Ireland P72 X050
| | - D P Berry
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 C996.
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Riley BB, Duthie CA, Corbishley A, Mason C, Bowen JM, Bell DJ, Haskell MJ. Intrinsic calf factors associated with the behavior of healthy pre-weaned group-housed dairy-bred calves. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1204580. [PMID: 37601764 PMCID: PMC10435862 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1204580] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Technology-derived behaviors are researched for disease detection in artificially-reared calves. Whilst existing studies demonstrate differences in behaviors between healthy and diseased calves, intrinsic calf factors (e.g., sex and birthweight) that may affect these behaviors have received little systematic study. This study aimed to understand the impact of a range of calf factors on milk feeding and activity variables of dairy-bred calves. Calves were group-housed from ~7 days to 39 days of age. Seven liters of milk replacer was available daily from an automatic milk feeder, which recorded feeding behaviors and live-weight. Calves were health scored daily and a tri-axial accelerometer used to record activity variables. Healthy calves were selected by excluding data collected 3 days either side of a poor health score or a treatment event. Thirty-one calves with 10 days each were analyzed. Mixed models were used to identify which of live-weight, age, sex, season of birth, age of inclusion into the group, dam parity, birthweight, and sire breed type (beef or dairy), had a significant influence on milk feeding and activity variables. Heavier calves visited the milk machine more frequently for shorter visits, drank faster and were more likely to drink their daily milk allowance than lighter calves. Older calves had a shorter mean standing bout length and were less active than younger calves. Calves born in summer had a longer daily lying time, performed more lying and standing bouts/day and had shorter mean standing bouts than those born in autumn or winter. Male calves had a longer mean lying bout length, drank more slowly and were less likely to consume their daily milk allowance than their female counterparts. Calves that were born heavier had fewer lying and standing bouts each day, a longer mean standing bout length and drank less milk per visit. Beef-sired calves had a longer mean lying bout length and drank more slowly than their dairy sired counterparts. Intrinsic calf factors influence different healthy calf behaviors in different ways. These factors must be considered in the design of research studies and the field application of behavior-based disease detection tools in artificially reared calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth B. Riley
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Clinical Sciences, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alexander Corbishley
- Dairy Herd Health and Productivity Service, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Mason
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jenna M. Bowen
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Bell
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Ogilvie L, Van Winters B, Mion B, King K, Spricigo JFW, Karrow NA, Steele MA, Ribeiro ES. Effects of replacing inorganic salts of trace minerals with organic trace minerals in the diet of prepartum cows on quality of colostrum and immunity of newborn calves. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:3493-3508. [PMID: 37028969 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-21913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Our objectives were to evaluate the impact of supplementary trace mineral (TM) form-inorganic salts (STM; Co, Cu, Mn, Zn sulfates, and Na selenite) or organic (OTM; Co, Cu, Mn, Zn proteinates, and selenized yeast)-in the prepartum diet on quantity and quality of colostrum, passive immunity, antioxidant biomarkers, cytokine responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), health, and growth of newborn calves. Pregnant heifers (n = 100) and cows (n = 173) were enrolled at 45 d before calving, blocked by parity and body condition score, and allocated randomly to STM (50 heifers; 86 cows) or OTM (50 heifers; 87 cows) supplementation. Cows in both treatments were fed the same diet, except for the source of supplementary TM. Within 2 h of calving, dams and calves were separated, colostrum was harvested, the yield was measured, and a sample was saved for posterior analyses of colostrum quality. A subgroup of calves (n = 68) had a blood sample collected before colostrum feeding. After colostrum feeding, all samples and data collection were limited to 163 calves (STM = 82; OTM = 81) fed 3 L of good quality (Brix% >22) maternal colostrum via nipple bottle minutes after harvesting. Concentration of IgG in colostrum and serum was determined 24 h after colostrum feeding using radial immunodiffusion. Concentration of TM in colostrum and serum were performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Activity of glutathione peroxidase, ferric reducing ability of plasma, and concentration of superoxide dismutase were evaluated in plasma by colorimetric assays. Ex vivo whole blood stimulation with LPS was performed on d 7 of life to evaluate cytokine responses in a subgroup of 66 calves. Health events were recorded from birth to weaning, and body weight was recorded at birth (all calves) and on d 30 and 60 (heifers only). Continuous variables were analyzed by ANOVA and binary responses were analyzed by logistic regression. Complete replacement of STM by OTM in prepartum diet resulted in greater concentration of Se (461 vs. 543 ± 7 μg/g; ± SEM) but did not alter the concentration or total mass of other TM and IgG in colostrum. Female calves of the OTM group had greater concentration of Se in serum at birth (0.23 vs. 0.37 ± 0.05 μg/mL), were lighter in weight at birth (40.9 vs. 38.8 ± 0.6 kg) and weaning (93.2 vs. 89.7 ± 1.6 kg) than those of the STM group. Maternal treatments did not affect passive immunity or antioxidant biomarkers. On d 7, basal concentrations (log10 of concentration in pg/mL) of IFNγ (0.70 vs. 0.95 ± 0.083) and LPS-stimulated concentrations of CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2; 2.45 vs. 2.54 ± 0.026), CC chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3; 2.63 vs. 2.76 ± 0.038), IL-1α (2.32 vs. 2.49 ± 0.054), and IL-1β (3.62 vs. 3.86 ± 0.067) were greater in OTM than in STM. Supplementation with OTM in pregnant heifers, but not in pregnant cows, reduced the incidence of preweaning health problems in their calves (36.4 vs. 11.5%). Complete replacement of STM by OTM in the prepartum diet did not cause major changes in colostrum quality, passive immunity, and antioxidant capacity, but increased cytokine and chemokine responses to LPS on d 7 of life and benefited preweaning health of calves born to primiparous cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ogilvie
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1Z 2W1
| | - B Van Winters
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1Z 2W1
| | - B Mion
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1Z 2W1
| | - K King
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1Z 2W1
| | - J F W Spricigo
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1Z 2W1
| | - N A Karrow
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1Z 2W1
| | - M A Steele
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1Z 2W1
| | - E S Ribeiro
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1Z 2W1.
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Swartz T, Bradford B, Lemke M, Mamedova L, Agnew R, Fehn J, Owczarzak E, McGill J, Estes K. Effects of prenatal dietary rumen-protected choline supplementation during late gestation on calf growth, metabolism, and vaccine response. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:9639-9651. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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8
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de Melo Júnior¹ RD, Ferreira LL, Zapa¹ DMB, Heller¹ LM, Iuasse¹ HV, Naves¹ RB, Trindade ASN, Gontijo LMDA, Scarpa³ AB, Rodrigues DS, Soares VE, Monteiro CMDO, Lopes WDZ. Population dynamics of Rhipicephalus microplus in dairy cattle: influence of the animal categories and correlation with milk production. Vet Res Commun 2022; 47:539-557. [DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-10002-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ahmadi F, Akbarian-Tefaghi M, jafari A, Ghaffari MH. Effects of different milk feeding levels and frequencies on performance of Holstein heifers during weaning and first lactation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17780. [PMID: 36272981 PMCID: PMC9588141 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22560-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, the effects of milk feeding amount and feeding frequency (FF) on performance, blood metabolites, rumen fermentation, and performance of dairy heifers during the first artificial insemination (AI) and first lactation were investigated. The treatment group consisted of 48 female Holstein heifer calves (12/treatment) distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with milk feeding [high = 8 L/d, HL or medium = 6 L/d, ML] and feeding frequency [2 × or 3 ×]. All calves were fed on a step-up/step-down method, weaned from milk at 56 d of age, and observed until 70 d of age. Heifer calves were kept uniform from 70 d of age until the first lactation to evaluate the long-term effects of the treatments. We observed no FF effect and no interaction between the level and FF on feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FE), body weight (BW), structural growth, blood metabolites, and rumen fermentation parameters. Calves fed HL milk had higher total dry matter intake (DMI), BW, and ADG during the pre- and post-weaning periods. During the preweaning period, HL-fed calves had higher serum insulin (trend) and glucose concentrations compared to ML-fed calves. Lower age at first AI was observed in calves fed HL rather than ML regardless of FF. Weight at first AI, milk yield (305 d), and energy-corrected milk (ECM-305 d) in the first lactation showed a trend toward higher values in HL-fed calves compared to ML-fed calves. Preweaning performance and calf maturity can be positively affected by feeding high amounts of milk at both FF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Ahmadi
- grid.411751.70000 0000 9908 3264Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156–83111 Iran
| | - Majid Akbarian-Tefaghi
- grid.411751.70000 0000 9908 3264Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156–83111 Iran
| | - Azam jafari
- grid.411406.60000 0004 1757 0173Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University, PO Box 465, Khorramabad, 68151-44316 Iran
| | - Morteza Hosseini Ghaffari
- grid.10388.320000 0001 2240 3300Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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Marcato F, van den Brand H, Kemp B, Engel B, Schnabel SK, Hoorweg FA, Wolthuis-Fillerup M, van Reenen K. Effects of transport age and calf and maternal characteristics on health and performance of veal calves. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:1452-1468. [PMID: 34955258 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate effects of calf transport age (14 vs. 28 d) and calf (e.g., sex and breed) and dam characteristics (e.g., parity and ease of birth) on health and performance of veal calves until slaughter age. Calves (n = 683) originated from 13 dairy farms in the Netherlands and were transported at either 14 or 28 d of age from the dairy farm to 8 Dutch veal farms. A health assessment of calves was performed on a weekly basis at the dairy farm and in wk 2, 10, 18, and 24 at the veal farm. Body weight of calves was measured on a weekly basis at the dairy farm and upon arrival at the veal farm. At the veal farm, use of antibiotics and other medicines during the rearing period (both at herd and individual level) was recorded and carcass weights were obtained from the slaughterhouse. Body weight upon arrival (Δ = 11.8 kg) and carcass weight at slaughter (Δ = 14.8 kg) were greater, and mortality risk (Δ = -3.1%) and prevalence of animals treated with medicines other than antibiotics (e.g., antiinflammatories, multivitamins, and anticoccidial drugs; Δ = -5.4%) were lower in calves transported at 28 d compared with calves transported at 14 d. Crossbreds other than Belgian Blue × Holstein Friesian received a higher number of individual treatments with antibiotics and other medicines (Δ = 14.8% and Δ = 15.1%, respectively) at the veal farm compared with Belgian Blue × Holstein Friesian calves. These findings suggest that calves transported at 28 d were more robust compared with calves transported at 14 d.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Marcato
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands; Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - H van den Brand
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - B Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - B Engel
- Biometris, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - S K Schnabel
- Biometris, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - F A Hoorweg
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Wolthuis-Fillerup
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - K van Reenen
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
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11
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van Niekerk JK, Fischer-Tlustos AJ, Wilms JN, Hare KS, Welboren AC, Lopez AJ, Yohe TT, Cangiano LR, Leal LN, Steele MA. ADSA Foundation Scholar Award: New frontiers in calf and heifer nutrition-From conception to puberty. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:8341-8362. [PMID: 34053756 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-20004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Dairy calf nutrition is traditionally one of the most overlooked aspects of dairy management, despite its large effect on the efficiency and profitability of dairy operations. Unfortunately, among all animals on the dairy farm, calves suffer from the highest rates of morbidity and mortality. These challenges have catalyzed calf nutrition research over the past decade to mitigate high incidences of disease and death, and improve animal health, growth, welfare, and industry sustainability. However, major knowledge gaps remain in several crucial stages of development. The purpose of this review is to summarize the key concepts of nutritional physiology and programming from conception to puberty and their subsequent effects on development of the calf, and ultimately, future performance. During fetal development, developmental plasticity is highest. At this time, maternal energy and protein consumption can influence fetal development, likely playing a critical role in calf and heifer development and, importantly, future production. After birth, the calf's first meal of colostrum is crucial for the transfer of immunoglobulin to support calf health and survival. However, colostrum also contains numerous bioactive proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates that may play key roles in calf growth and health. Extending the delivery of these bioactive compounds to the calf through a gradual transition from colostrum to milk (i.e., extended colostrum or transition milk feeding) may confer benefits in the first days and weeks of life to prepare the calf for the preweaning period. Similarly, optimal nutrition during the preweaning period is vital. Preweaning calves are highly susceptible to health challenges, and improved calf growth and health can positively influence future milk production. Throughout the world, the majority of dairy calves rely on milk replacer to supply adequate nutrition. Recent research has started to re-evaluate traditional formulations of milk replacers, which can differ significantly in composition compared with whole milk. Transitioning from a milk-based diet to solid feed is critical in the development of mature ruminants. Delaying weaning age and providing long and gradual step-down protocols have become common to avoid production and health challenges. Yet, determining how to appropriately balance the amount of energy and protein supplied in both liquid and solid feeds based on preweaning milk allowances, and further acknowledging their interactions, shows great promise in improving growth and health during weaning. After weaning and during the onset of puberty, heifers are traditionally offered high-forage diets. However, recent work suggests that an early switch to a high-forage diet will depress intake and development during the time when solid feed efficiency is greatest. It has become increasingly clear that there are great opportunities to advance our knowledge of calf nutrition; yet, a more concentrated and rigorous approach to research that encompasses the long-term consequences of nutritional regimens at each stage of life is required to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of the global dairy industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K van Niekerk
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - A J Fischer-Tlustos
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - J N Wilms
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2; Trouw Nutrition Research and Development, PO Box 299, 3800 AG, Amersfoort, the Netherlands
| | - K S Hare
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - A C Welboren
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - A J Lopez
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - T T Yohe
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - L R Cangiano
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2
| | - L N Leal
- Trouw Nutrition Research and Development, PO Box 299, 3800 AG, Amersfoort, the Netherlands
| | - M A Steele
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Science and Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 1Y2.
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12
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Swartz TH, Bradford BJ, Clay JS. Intergenerational cycle of disease: Maternal mastitis is associated with poorer daughter performance in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:4537-4548. [PMID: 33612233 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Adverse prenatal environments, such as maternal stress and infections, can influence the health and performance of offspring. Mastitis is the most common disease in dairy cattle, yet the intergenerational effects have not been specifically investigated. Therefore, we examined the associations between the dam's mammary gland health and daughter performance using somatic cell score (SCS) as a proxy for mammary health. Using data obtained from Dairy Records Management Systems (Raleigh, NC), we linked daughter records with their dam's records for the lactation in which the daughter was conceived. Linear and quadratic relationships of dam mean SCS with the daughter's age at first calving (AFC; n = 15,992 daughters, 4,366 herds), first- (n = 15,119 daughters, 4,213 herds) and second-lactation SCS (n = 3,570 daughters, 1,554 herds), first- and second-lactation mature-equivalent 305-d milk yield, and milk component yields were assessed using mixed linear regression models. We uncovered a phenomenon similar to those found in human and mouse models examining prenatal inflammation effects, whereby daughters born from dams with elevated SCS had poorer performance. Dam mean SCS was positively associated with daughter's AFC and first- and second-lactation mean SCS. Furthermore, for every 1-unit increase in dam mean SCS, daughter's first- and second-lactation mature-equivalent fat yield declined by 0.34% and 0.91% (-1.6 ± 0.49 kg, -4.0 ± 1.0 kg, respectively), although no effect was found on first- or second-lactation milk or milk protein yield. When accounting for genetics, daughter SCS, and AFC (first lactation only), dam mean SCS was associated with reduced second-lactation milk fat yield (-3.5 ± 1.8 kg/unit SCS), and a tendency was found for first-lactation milk fat yield (-1.9 ± 1.0 kg/unit SCS). Taken together, the association of greater dam mean SCS with lesser daughter milk fat yield is likely due to a few underlying mechanisms, in particular, a predisposition for mastitis and alterations in the epigenome controlling milk fat synthesis. As such, future studies should examine epigenetic mechanisms as a potential underpinning of this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- T H Swartz
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
| | - B J Bradford
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824
| | - J S Clay
- Dairy Records Management Systems, Raleigh, NC 27603
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13
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Recce S, Huber E, Notaro US, Rodríguez FM, Ortega HH, Rey F, Signorini ML, Salvetti NR. Association between heat stress during intrauterine development and the calving-to-conception and calving-to-first-service intervals in Holstein cows. Theriogenology 2021; 162:95-104. [PMID: 33453575 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Heat stress has been widely studied in relation to its effects on the production and reproduction of dairy cattle. However, the long-term effects of heat stress during intrauterine development on adult cows have been scarcely considered. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate possible changes in the reproductive performance of Holstein cows gestated under different values of the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) during their intrauterine development. Data collected from a database of reproductive and productive records of 10,790 Holstein cows from the central region of Argentina and the THI data from the agrometeorological station of the Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA) EEA Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina, were used. The gestation of the cows evaluated was divided into trimesters, in which the highest THI cycles (sum of three or more consecutive days of exposure to a THI ≥72 during each trimester) and number of days with a THI ≥ 72 were calculated. The calving-to-conception and calving-to-first-service intervals of the cows evaluated were considered as reproductive variables associated with their first lactation. Generalized Linear Mixed Models were used, considering the cow's dairy farm as a random factor within the model. The exposure of the animals to environments with a THI ≥72 during the first trimester of gestation had a negative impact on the reproductive efficiency parameters analyzed. The results obtained indicate that the exposure of pregnant females to high THI values has a long-term impact on their daughters, which may contribute to a decrease in their reproductive performance, possibly through inherited epigenetic characteristics that remain in later generations through fetal programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Recce
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Genética Veterinaria y Mejoramiento Animal. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Emilia Huber
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Ulises S Notaro
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Fernanda M Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Hugo H Ortega
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Florencia Rey
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Marcelo L Signorini
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria EEA Rafaela, Rafaela, Argentina
| | - Natalia R Salvetti
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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14
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Stefańska B, Gąsiorek M, Nowak W. Short- and long-term effects of initial serum total protein, average starter feed intake during the last week of the preweaning period, and rearing body gain on primiparous dairy heifers' performance. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:1645-1659. [PMID: 33309369 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of initial serum total protein (STP) concentration, average starter feed intake (SI) during the last week of the preweaning period, and average daily gain (ADG) on the growth, fertility, and performance of Holstein heifers during their first lactation. Eighty-four female Holstein dairy calves were weaned at d 56 of age and then the study continued until the end of the first lactation. Growth performance, including body weight, ADG, withers height, and its change were analyzed monthly from 3 to 450 d of life, and reproduction data and performance in the first lactation of primiparous dairy heifers over a 4-yr period (2015 to 2019) were recorded. In the first 24 h of life, calves received 4 L of colostrum (<2 h and <12 h after birth); on d 2 and 3: 2 feedings/d of 2 L of transition milk; from d 4 to 49: 6 L/d of milk replacer (150 g of powder/L as-fed) in 3 feedings; and from d 50 to 56: 2 L/d of milk replacer in 1 feeding. The calves were fed pelleted starter feed from d 4 to 56, and after that from 8 wk until 3 mo of age, a dry total mixed ration with an 85:15 ratio of weaning pelleted starter to straw. From 3 to 7 mo and from 8 mo of age to calving, the total mixed ration contained 16.9% and ~14.0% crude protein, respectively, on a dry matter basis and ~2.40 Mcal of metabolizable energy/kg on a dry matter basis. The results of the current study showed that the initial STP concentration of primiparous dairy heifers was associated with improved growth performance, especially greater body weight and withers height. In addition, with increasing levels of initial STP concentration, age at first estrus, artificial insemination (AI) service, pregnancy, and calving was decreased by 16, 18, 25, and 25 d, respectively. Initial STP concentration was positively correlated with milk production and increased total milk yield and yield of energy-corrected milk by about 1,558 kg and 1,149 kg during first lactation. Calves with higher average starter feed intake during the last week of the preweaning period had better growth performance, which in turn was positively associated with fertility parameters, accelerated first estrus (by 17 d), and reduced age at AI service (by 13 d). Preweaning ADG was favorably associated with fertility performance of heifers, with faster occurrence of first estrus and a reduction in age at AI service, pregnancy, and calving. Also, increasing preweaning ADG increased milk yield, energy-corrected milk, and 4% fat-corrected milk at 305 DIM by about 829, 754, and 763 kg at first lactation of primiparous heifers. These results indicate that in the rearing period, particular attention should be paid to the initial STP concentration, average SI during the last week of this period, and rearing ADG to increase growth, fertility, and performance in the first lactation of primiparous dairy heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Stefańska
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 33 Wołyńska Street, 60-637 Poznań, Poland; Department of Grassland and Natural Landscape Sciences, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 11 Dojazd Street, 60-632 Poznań, Poland.
| | - M Gąsiorek
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 33 Wołyńska Street, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
| | - W Nowak
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 33 Wołyńska Street, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
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15
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Schuster JC, Barkema HW, De Vries A, Kelton DF, Orsel K. Invited review: Academic and applied approach to evaluating longevity in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:11008-11024. [PMID: 33222845 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In its simplest form, longevity is defined as the ability to live a long life. Within the dairy industry, longevity has been defined and measured in many different ways, and the aim of this review is to disentangle the definitions and provide some clarity. Using a more standardized approach for defining and measuring longevity, both in academic discussions and on-farm application, we suggest using herd life (days) for time from birth until culling, and length of productive life (days) for time from first calving until culling. Despite identified benefits of extending the length of productive life, global trends in the time spent by dairy cattle in the herd have mostly been negative. Factors influencing herd life, such as health, rearing, environmental conditions, and management, are often ignored when longevity goals are evaluated, thereby underestimating the effect these factors have on defining overall longevity. Also, production efficiency, herd profitability, and welfare are not necessarily served by the longest life but rather by the optimized length of herd life instead. The majority of research has focused on the role of genetics on longevity. In this review, we provide insight into influences affecting dairy cow herd life as well as farm- and cow-level factors associated herewith. Finally, we suggest using herd life, including reproduction, production, health, and youngstock performance, for farm-level evaluation and length of productive life for time spent in the lactating herd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse C Schuster
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 1N4
| | - Herman W Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 1N4
| | - Albert De Vries
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - David F Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - Karin Orsel
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 1N4.
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