Phenotypic association between energy balance indicators and reproductive performance in primiparous Holstein cows
- G. E. Valergakis, DVM, PhD,
- G. Oikonomou, DVM, PhD,
- G. Arsenos, DVM, PhD and
- G. Banos, DVM, PhD
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, PO Box 393, 542 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
- E-mail for correspondence geval{at}vet.auth.gr
Energy balance was assessed during the first 13 weeks postpartum in 497 primiparous Holstein cows and the relationship with reproductive performance was investigated. A significant association was observed between body condition score (BCS) and a number of reproductive traits, including conception at first artificial insemination (AI), number of inseminations per conception, calving to conception and calving intervals, percentage pregnant by the end of a 305-day lactation and incidence of metritis. The BCS from calving to week 9 (before the first AI) appeared to adequately predict future reproductive performance as it was correlated with calving interval, conception at first AI, metritis and percentage pregnant by the end of a 305-day lactation. Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations were correlated with the latter trait only, whereas non-esterified fatty acid concentrations were not associated with reproductive performance.
Footnotes
-
Provenance not commissioned; externally peer reviewed
- British Veterinary Association
