INFLUENCE OF BODY CONDITION STATUS AND LAMENESS TO APPEARANCE OF FIRST POSTPARTUM OVULATION IN DAIRY COWS

Abstract

Endocrinological and physiological changes associated with parturition and begining of lactation have negative effects to immune functions, dry matter intake and cows have to go through period of negative energy balance of different intensity and duration. After parturition, about 80% of dairy cows enter the period of negative energy balance in early lactation and body condition score decrease, because of great energy needs for milk synthesis, which is followed with compromising of reproductive performances. Lameness is chronical, painful and stressful condition, associated with lower reproductive performances and it represents one of three most common reason for economical losses in dairy industry. This study had included 44 Holstein Friesian cows. Status of reproductive organs and body condition has been assessed by sonography and for lameness ZINPRO method. More frequent lameness have been observed, where 59% cows had been in category 2, while 32,2% cows in category 3. Cows with insufficient body condition score (BCS) before parturition, during period of puerperium had anovulation of 25%. Farms should have calendar od routine body condition and lameness assessment, because of negative effects, they may have to many physiological functions.