مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Effect of Body Condition Score Changes on Postpartum Period and Fertility Parameters in Cows and Heifers

Abstract :

The current study was aimed to evaluate the effects of changes in body condition score (BCS) at calving during postpartum period on fertility parameters considering puerperal physiology and metabolic traits in heifers and cows. In Holstein heifers (n=20) and cows (n=20) determined the BCS at calving; BCS, non esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and ß hydroxybutyric acid (β-HBA) levels in days of postpartum 15, 25, 35, 45, 55 of were evaluated. Diameters of uterine horn, follicle numbers, diameters of the largest follicle and the presence of corpus luteum were ultrasonographically defined in mentioned days. Uterine microbiological load in days of insemiantion and postpartum 25 were evaluated. Some fertility parameters of heifer and cows were defined. The average value of BCS was detected higher in cows than heifers at calving and postpartum examination days. Serum NEFA and β-HBA levels during postpartum were higher in heifers compared to cows. Calving to insemination interval and calving to conception interval were detected longer in heifers than cows as well as insemination index were obtained higher in heifers. In conclusion; lower BCS, higher NEFA and BHBA levels reflecting the negative metabolic status during postpartum had the negative effect on fertility in heifers compared to cows. However, It was considered that nutritional management in herds can be monitored qualitatively with BCS or quantitatively with NEFA and BHBA.