The objectives of this presentation are to review results of our previous and on-going research with respect to the risk factors and consequences of poor reproductive performance in dairy cows, and to develop an economic framework to optimize decisions related to dairy cow reproductive performance. To make profitable breeding and replacement decisions, the farmer must account for factors includ...

The diversity of the uterine bacterial composition in dairy cows is still poorly understood, although the emerging picture has shown to be increasingly complex. Understanding the complexity and ecology of microorganisms in the uterus of postpartum dairy cows is critical for developing strategies to block their action in reproductive disorders, such as metritis/endometritis. Here, we used PCR-De...

OBJECTIVE This trial was performed to examine the effects of ruminally degradable starch (RDS) levels in total mixed ration (TMR) with low corn-based starch on the milk production, whole-tract nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in dairy cows. METHODS Eight multiparous Holstein cows (body weight [BW]: 717±63 kg; days in milk [DIM]: 169±29) were assigned to a crossover design with two ...

Corn silage serves as a high-energy forage for dairy cows. This is most important for high-producing herds and on farms experiencing problems with making or buying highquality hay crop forage. Corn silage, with its relatively highenergy content, is also well adapted for use in low-cost rations for fattening cattle. Corn silage requires less labor per ton to produce than many other forage crops....

During early postpartum, high-producing dairy cows undergo a period of extensive tissue catabolism because of negative nutrient balance. Homeorrhetic controls assure that nutrients are partitioned to favor lactation at the same time that homeostasis secures survival. However, unrestrained metabolic disturbances often lead to diseases which, in turn, dramatically decrease both productive and rep...

The base of this review is to consider the relevant role that animal factors (potential milk yield, body weight, body condition score, state of lactation, parity and fertility) play on milk performance (considering the energy balance and the rumen function across the full lactation curve of animals) and milk quality (milk protein content, milk fat content, milk lactose content, vitamins, minera...

BACKGROUND Fatty liver is a major metabolic disorder in dairy cows and is believed to result in major economic losses in dairy farming due to decreased health status, reproductive performance and fertility. Currently, the definitive means for diagnosing fatty liver is determining the fat content of hepatic tissue by liver biopsy, which is an invasive and costly procedure, making it poorly suite...

The broken-down, pendulous udder is a defect that occurs frequently among high-producing dairy cows. There are a number of different types of broken-down udders. Some become detached from the body wall, so that the hand can be inserted between the abdomen and the upper surface of the front quarters. Some become elongated vertically like a sack and have a tendency to swing from side to side as t...

Main results:  In general the colostrum quality (112 g/l I dairy herds of mixed breed is high (50 g colostrum). Older parity cows, cows that smaller quantity of colostrum and cows tha with higher IgG concentration. Reducing colostrum is the most practical means by w  Calves fed 8.5% of birth bodyweight in concentration of IgG in serum in the first 3 Feeding calves transition milk subsequent a...

The amount of manure produced on dairy farms can affect the financial bottom line. Labor, equipment, and facilities are needed to move and store manure, all of which have a cost. Increased output of manure can represent losses in potentially digestible nutrients (increased feed costs). Lastly, the environmental impact of dairy farming is strongly related with the quantity and composition of man...