Author
A. J. Edmonson
Bio: A. J. Edmonson is an academic researcher from University of California, Davis. The author has contributed to research in topics: Chart. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 2326 citations.
Topics: Chart
Papers
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TL;DR: In this paper, a chart for body condition scoring of freely moving Holstein dairy cows was developed using an iterative process consisting of literature review, interviews with experts, field testing, statistical analysis, and comments from chart users.
2,572 citations
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TL;DR: The objective of this study was to assess objectively the ability of observers to assess body condition of dairy cows and the relationship between body region description and absolute body condition score.
1,294 citations
TL;DR: There is relative consistency in the associations among calving and nadir BCS, and BCS change on milk production, postpartum anestrous, the likelihood of a successful pregnancy and days open, therisk of uterine infection, and the risk of metabolic disorders.
998 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that presynchronization and bST treatment may be used to increase first-service pregnancy rates to a timed artificial insemination protocol and that pregnancy rates were increased for cows treated with bST when cows were presynchronized.
536 citations
TL;DR: Methods, strategies, and interpretation of measurement of peripartum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate as indicators of aspects of energy status and disease risk are reviewed.
Abstract: This paper reviews the importance of energy metabolism in transition dairy cows, its associations with disease and reproduction, and strategies for monitoring cows under field conditions during this critical time. Essentially all dairy cattle experience a period of insulin resistance, reduced feed intake, negative energy balance, hypocalcemia, reduced immune function, and bacterial contamination of the uterus soon before, or in the weeks after calving. One-third of dairy cows may be affected by some form of metabolic or infectious disease in early lactation. Routine, proactive actions, observations, or analysis are intended to accurately and efficiently provide early detection of problems, to provide an opportunity for investigation and intervention in order to limit the consequences and costs of health problems and reduced animal performance or welfare. Methods of early detection include monitoring of disease and culling records, feed intake, milk production, body condition, and simple metabolic tests. Methods, strategies, and interpretation of measurement of peripartum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as indicators of aspects of energy status and disease risk are reviewed. High NEFA (> 0.4 mmol/l) in the last 7 to 10 days before expected calving is associated with increased risk of displaced abomasum (DA), retained placenta, culling before 60 days in milk, and less milk production in the first 4 months of lactation. Subclinical ketosis (serum BHB >1200 to 1400 micromol/l) in the first or second week after calving is associated with increased risk of DA, metritis, clinical ketosis, endometritis, prolonged postpartum anovulation, increased severity of mastitis, and lower milk production in early lactation. There are several validated and practical tools for cow-side measurement of ketosis.
525 citations
TL;DR: An epidemiological study of risk factors for postpartal ovarian disturbances was carried out on 334 high-yielding dairy cows in 6 well-managed Belgian herds and attention was focused on abnormal cyclicity during the preservice, postpartum period.
500 citations