Assessment of work shift transition of calving personnel on stillbirth in Holstein dairy cows

Authors

  • A. Hunter Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
  • M. G. Maquivar Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
  • S. Bas Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
  • J. D. Workman Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
  • G. M. Schuenemann Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20134227

Keywords:

stillbirth, prevalence, Holstein, shift transition, calving personnel, animal welfare

Abstract

Calving-related losses, such as stillbirth, affect the bottom line of dairy operations, and the underlying causes should be investigated to develop preventive procedures that consider both animal welfare and profitability. Comprehensive training on calving management practices for dairy personnel is a top priority, especially to reduce the prevalence of stillbirth in dairy herds. Risk factors affecting stillbirth vary from farm to farm, and blanket recommendations often fail when applied to a variety of different herds. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of time of birth during the 1-hour period before and after the work shift transition of calving personnel (n=3) on 1 commercial dairy on the prevalence of stillbirth in Holstein cows.

Cover image of the 46th Conference Proceedings: An image of cattle standing in a field during th day. They are looking rather indignantly at the camera. Yellow background.

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Published

2013-09-19

Issue

2013

Section

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