Reproductive and productive performance of dairy cows after lameness treatment

Abstract EN

Lameness in dairy cattle is a significant problem in intensive dairy industries around the world, causing production losses.

this trial was undertaken to determine some reproductive and productive parameters of dairy cows after lameness treatment to anticipate their future performance.

twenty Holstein dairy cows were divided into: ten healthy cows used as a control group and ten cows after treatment of lameness as treated group.

serum samples at the first estrous detection were collected for biochemical analysis.

the results showed significant increase p˂0.05 in serum nitric oxide level (NO), lysozyme activity (LA), serum progesterone (P4), total protein(TP) and globulin (GL) concentrations in the treated group compared to the control one.

also, there was significant increase p˂0.05 in the days open, days to first estrous detection, days to 1st insemination and number of services\conception in the treated group compared to the control group.

the body weight (bw) has a significant decrease p˂0.05 in the treated than the control cows after one month post-partum.

the milk yield in1st and 2nd month’s, milk fat at 4th, 5th and 6th months and milk lactose at 5th month post-partum showed significant decrease p˂0.05 in the treated group compared to the control group.

in conclusion, lameness despite treatment somewhat disturb reproduction and milk production even if the locomotion score was apparently normal so, our decision should depend on benefit risk ratio and individually in each case.