The Milk Producer - June 2010 - (Page 40)

RUMINATIONS By Ann Godkin Reproductive success Reducing mastitis incidence in your herd also helps cure ailments linked to poor breeding performance uring a recent investigation into a dairy herd’s poor reproductive performance, DairyComp305 records showed six of seven cows on their first tests had high somatic cell counts (SCCs), suggesting mastitis infections since calving. Two had very high SCCs, indicating severe clinical infections. Another five of nine cows not yet bred after calving also had at least one mastitis episode since calving. In this herd, solving one frustrating problem—mastitis—could also improve reproductive performance. Strong evidence has linked the two issues. Ontario research done in 2001 found conception rate was lower for cows that had clinical mastitis within 30 days of a breeding. Using reproduction records from 57 herds over two years, researchers determined the conception rate for first services was 47 per cent for cows with no mastitis, but dropped to 31 per cent for cows with mastitis. Overall, the conception rate in the two groups got closer by D Cows free of mastitis have superior breeding success, research shows. the end of multiple breedings at 46 per cent for cows with no mastitis and 38 per cent for those with infections. Some cows apparently recovered and eventually got pregnant on later services. However, the poor first service conception rate was costly, and the impact on reproduction varied among the different herds. Over the last 10 years, several researchers have continued examining the association between mastitis and reproduction. Their work shows the two problems don’t just happen to occur at the same time in early lactation. Mastitis directly impacts reproductive performance. Further studies have looked at how mastitis affects reproductive performance, problems it causes and why the negative effect occurs. So far, we have Ruminations is prepared by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs livestock technology specialists to provide information you can use on your farm. 40 | June 2010 | MilkPRODUCER

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Milk Producer - June 2010

The Milk Producer - June 2010
Contents
Editor's Notes
DFO_Vice-Chair's Message
Dairy Update
DFC Policy
Industry RoundUp
DFC Promotion
Research
Applied Science
Ruminations
Markets
New'N'Noted
Back Forty

The Milk Producer - June 2010