Effect of lameness during early lactation on subsequent fertility and survival of Holstein cows across multiple geographic areas in the US

Authors

  • P. Pinedo Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
  • J. E. P. Santos University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 3 2 611
  • G. Schuenemann College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
  • S. Rodrigez-Zas Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801
  • G. Rosa Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706
  • R. Chebel University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 3 2 611

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20183202

Keywords:

lameness, animal-welfare, dairy cattle, milk yield, reproductive performance, fertility

Abstract

Due to pain and discomfort associated with lameness, this disorder represents a significant animal-welfare challenge for the dairy industry. In addition, the high incidence of this condition results in substantial economic losses that include treatment and control costs, premature culling, decreased milk yield, and impaired reproductive performance. Although previous studies established an association between lameness and reproduction, large multi-state prospective studies using standardized definitions and procedures can provide new insights on the magnitude of the effects of lameness on fertility of dairy cows. Therefore, our objective was to test the effect of lameness at early stages of lactation on fertility and survival of a large population of Holstein cows in dairies across multiple states.

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Published

2018-09-13

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