The association of dystocia and metritis with daily activity patterns of Holstein dairy cows
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20134208Keywords:
dystocia, metritis, animal welfare, farm profitability, behavior, calvingAbstract
Calving related losses due to dystocia and metritis affect the bottom line of dairy operations, and their underlying causes should be investigated to develop preventive procedures with consideration given to animal welfare and farm profitability. Monitoring cow activity patterns around the clock may allow dairy producers and their veterinarians to improve the identification of cows at risk of devleoping dystocia or metritis. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of dystocia on cow activity behavior 4 days before calving and to assess the effect of metritis on cow activity behavior 3 days before and after diagnosis.