The aim of this study was to attempt at providing a complete picture of dynamics of selected biochemical blood parameters (parathyroid hormone, Calcium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Potassium, Chlorine and ionized calcium) around calving period in high producing dairy cattle (Holstein breed), giving new and useful information about the guidelines for the management strategies during different physiologi...

[1] We used time-lapse imagery, seismic and audio recordings, iceberg and glacier velocities, ocean wave measurements, and simple theoretical considerations to investigate the interactions between Jakobshavn Isbræ and its proglacial ice mélange. The mélange behaves as a weak, granular ice shelf whose rheology varies seasonally. Sea ice growth in winter stiffens the mélange matrix by binding ice...

Progeny of Holstein females mated to sires of different breeds were genetically evaluated along with their purebred Holstein contemporaries born in the same herds using multiple trait animal models. The resulting estimated breeding values (EBV) of cows were averaged within breed of sire and compared relative to progeny of purebred Holstein sires for various economic traits. All progeny were bor...

An early and accurate diagnosis of reproductive dysfunctions or aberrations is crucial to better reproductive management in livestock. High reproductive efficiency is a prerequisite for high life-time production in dairy animals. Early pregnancy diagnosis is key to shorten the calving interval through early identification of open animals and their timely treatment and rebreeding so as to mainta...

Birth weight and calving difficulty were analyzed with Bayesian methodology using univariate linear models, a bivariate linear model, a threshold model for calving difficulty, and a joint threshold-linear model using a probit approach. Field data included 26,006 records of Gelbvieh cattle. Simulated populations were generated using parameters estimated from the field data. The Gibbs sampler was...

At calving, purebred animals of the Belgian Blue (BB) breed are compromised by the incompatibility in size and shape of the dam and her calf, resulting in a very high incidence of dystocia problems. To clarify which body parts of the calf are of decisive importance to allow natural delivery and to investigate both the mean value as well as the variation among these body sizes within this breed ...

The population of free-roaming white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum) is under serious threat. Captive breeding of this species is therefore becoming more important, but this is challenging and often not successful. Obtaining reproductive reference values is a crucial aspect of improving these breeding results. In this study performed between 2008 and 2016, reproductive performance was analys...

Records of 594 calving dates and 493 calving intervals collected from a herd of Retinta beef cows in southwest Spain were studied. Their efficacy as reproductive measures were compared when a long breeding season was utilized. Variables used were date of present calving (DOC), date of subsequent calving (DOSC), time from start of breeding season to calving (TBSC), interval to next calving (CI),...

Four multiparous, ruminally fistulated Angus x Hereford cows (average BW = 568 kg) were bred to the same bull and used to monitor periparturient changes in DMI, ruminal capacity, and digestion and fermentation characteristics. Cows were individually fed alfalfa hay (16.0% CP, 51.3% NDF) at 130% of the average DMI of the previous 5-d period. Ruminal capacity and DM fill were measured once every ...

Precise calving monitoring is essential for minimizing the effects of dystocia in cows and calves. We conducted two studies in healthy cows that compared seven clinical signs (broad pelvic ligaments relaxation, vaginal secretion, udder hyperplasia, udder edema, teat filling, tail relaxation, and vulva edema) alone and in combination in order to predict the time of parturition. The relaxation of...