The effect of stocking rate and breed on the period of postpartum
anoestrum in grazing dairy cattle
S. McDougall, C.R. Burke, N.B. Williamson, K.L. MacMillan
Dairying Research Corporation, Private Bag, 3123, Hamilton, New
Zealand
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1995,
55: 236-238
The effects of stocking rate (low, L; and high, H), breed (Jersey, J; and
Friesian, F) and age (2, 3, >3 years old) on the intervals from calving to first
ovulation and to first oestrus were assessed in pasture grazed dairy cattle
using a 2 x 2 design. Cows in the FH herd had longer intervals from calving
to first postpartum ovulation (C-ovn1; 49.2 vs 24.7, 31.1 and 29.4 days) and
C-hl (47.1 vs 32.5 days) intervals than older cows, with 3 year old cows
intermediate. The high stocking rate herds had reduced CS, liveweight and
milk production compared to the low stocking rate herds. Condition score
and milksolids production were inversely related to the C-ovnl and/or C-hl
intervals. Increased stocking rates were associated with longer periods of
postpartum anoestrum.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Friesian; Jersey; postpartum anoestrum; stocking rate
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
