115 EFFECT OF FEED SUPLEMENTATION ON PREGNANCY RATE AND EMBRYONIC SURVIVAL IN ALPACAS (VICUGNA PACOS)

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 205
Author(s):  
W. Huanca ◽  
A. Cordero ◽  
H. Huaman ◽  
A. Ampuero
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Conception Rate ◽  
Embryonic Survival ◽  
Feed Supplementation ◽  
Fetal Survival ◽  
Vicugna Pacos ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Follicular Size

Alpacas, like all camelids are induced ovulators which means mating is required to induce ovulation. Studies over the last decades have clearly established the link between nutrition and ruminant fertility. These animals live above 4000 m with a deficient quality and quantity of pastures and with a rate of birth less than 50%. The study was carried out with the objective to evaluate feed supplementation before service on the pregnancy rate and embryonic survival in alpacas. One hundred ninety-four alpaca adults of 4–6 years were assigned to 4 treatments: T1 (n = 49): alpacas lactating with supplementation; T2 (n = 48): alpacas lactating without supplementation; T3 (n = 49): alpacas non-lactating with supplementation and T4 (n = 48): slpacas non-lactating without supplementation. Body weight and body condition score were measured before the initiation of the experiment and every two weeks. Animals in T1 and T3 were supplemented with 2 kg of alfalfa hay and 500.00 UI mL–1 of vitamin A, 75 000 UI mL–1 vitamin D3 and 500 mg mL–1 vitamin E four weeks before the initiation of the experiment. Animals were maintained on Festuca dolichophylla and Calamagrostis vicunarum grasses. Ultrasound examinations with a rectal probe of 7.5 MHz were performed on mating day (Day 0) and Days 2, 9, 20, 30, and 60 after mating. Pregnancy rate was evaluated with a Fisher test. Follicular size before mating was 9.1 ± 0.7, 8.3 ± 0.5, 8.2 ± 0.6 and 7.9 ± 0.8 mm for T1, T2, T3, and T4; differences between T1 and T4 were significant (P < 0.05); corpus luteum size: 13.6 ± 1.1; 11.2 ± 0.9; 11.6 ± 1.3 and 10.8 ± 1.9 mm for T1, T2, T3, and T4; different T1 and T3 and T4 (P < 0.05); conception rate on Day 20: 65.6; 51.7; 52.9 and 51.1% for T1, T2, T3, and T4 different between T1 with respect to T2, T3, and T4 (P < 0.05). Day 30: 62.5; 37.9; 47.1 and 33.3% for T1, T2, T3, and T4 different T1 with respect to T2, T3, and T4 (P < 0.05); D60: 62.5; 34.5; 47.1 and 30.3% different for T1 with respect to T2, T3, and T4 (P < 0.05). Feed supplementation before mating was important to conception rate on Day 20 but appeared to be more important to embryo and fetal survival.

scholarly journals 119 Foot scoring effects on cow and calf performance at breeding and weaning

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 50-50
Author(s):  
Clayton L McGuire ◽  
Jeremy G Powell ◽  
Reagan Cauble ◽  
Bryan Kutz ◽  
Karen Anschutz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Performance Data ◽  
Point Scale ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
Cow Performance

Abstract Foot soundness is essential for optimum performance in beef cattle. When evaluating foot soundness, emphasis is placed on foot angle (FA) and claw set (CS). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of foot angle and claw set scores on cowherd performance. Data were collected on 491 crossbred Angus-based cows over a three-year period. At weaning, FA and CS were evaluated according to American Angus Association guidelines. Scores are based on a nine-point scale, where a score of one indicates straight pasterns and short, divergent toes, and nine indicates weak, sunken pasterns and long, curled toes. Cows that exhibited scores ranging from four to six were considered acceptable. If either score fell outside this range, the cow was considered undesirable. Acceptable and undesirable cows were evaluated for performance traits including pre-breeding body weight (PBW), pre-breeding body condition score (PBCS), cow body weight at weaning (CWW), cow body condition score at weaning (WBCS), pregnancy rate, 205 d adjusted weaning weight (AWW), and weaning performance (WP). Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.19) for WP, PBW, PBCS, CWW, or pregnancy rate. Cows with acceptable foot scores had a WBCS 5.49% greater (P < 0.001) than undesirable cows. Acceptable cows possessed an average WBCS of 4.9 compared to 4.6 in undesirable cows. Acceptable cows weaned calves 3.39% heavier (P = 0.024) compared to undesirable cows. Acceptable cows weaned calves with a mean AWW of 216.67 kg compared to undesirable cows with a mean of 209.56 kg. The results from this study suggest that cows with acceptable foot scores may maintain more desirable BCS and wean heavier calves. These results could be used to help predict cow performance based on FA and CS.

scholarly journals Effects of nutrition on production and reproduction of dairy cows in Bangladesh

1970 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-17
Author(s):  
MM Alam ◽  
MJU Sarder
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Services Per Pregnancy

Sixty-eight cows in group A were fed 63.9 megajoules (MJ)/day, 66 in B were fed52.9, and 66 in C were fed 51.1 MJ/day. The mean (± SD) services per pregnancy of cowsin groups A, B and C were 1.7 ± 0.7, 1.9 ± 0.6 and 2.5 ± 0.9, respectively. The mean calvingto 1stfirst service intervals were 158.1 ± 51.5, 171.0 ± 59.0 and 200.0 ± 50.3 days,respectively. The mean milk yields were 5.8 ± 2.6, 4.5 ± 1.9 and 4.3 ± 1.9 litres/ day,respectively. Pregnancy rate was significantly (P<0.05) affected by breed, parity, age,body condition score (BCS) and body weight of cows. Breed and parity had no significanteffect on pregnancy rate. Age, BCS and body weight had significant (P<0.05) affect onpregnancy rate.(Bangl. vet. 2010. Vol. 27, No. 1, 8 – 17)DOI: 10.3329/bvet.v27i1.5910

108 Use of seminal plasma as ovulation inductor in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) embryo recipient and its effect on pregnancy rate

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 181
Author(s):  
W. Huanca ◽  
K. Garcia ◽  
W. F. Huanca ◽  
A. Cordero ◽  
J. Malaga
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Gnrh Analogue ◽  
Vicugna Pacos ◽  
Buserelin Acetate ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽  
Phosphate Buffered Saline

Alpacas, like other camelids, are classified as induced ovulators because an external stimulus is required for the occurrence of ovulation. Recent studies have identified the β-nerve growth factor (β-NGF), a protein present in the seminal plasma (SP), as responsible for inducing ovulation in this species and having potent luteotropic function. We speculate that SP can be used in reproductive biotechnologies, such as embryo transfer (ET), to increase the number of genetically superior animals produced in breeding programs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of inducing ovulation with SP or a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue on pregnancy rate in recipients of an alpaca ET program. Semen from 5 adult male alpacas was collected with an artificial vagina and diluted 1:1 (v/v) with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; Gibco-BRL). The diluted semen was centrifuged for 30min at 1200g, and the supernatant or SP was decanted and examined for absence of sperm. Then, the SP was centrifuged again for 20min at 1200×g. The SP was stored at −80°C until the use. Female alpacas (n=38; 6-8 years) with a body condition score of 2.5-3.5 (scale 1-5) were used for the experiment. Animals were evaluated daily by transrectal ultrasonography to determine the presence of a dominant follicle ≥7mm and randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) GnRH (n=20), 0.04mg of Buserelin acetate IM, or (2) SP (n=18): 1.0mL of seminal plasma IM. Seven days after GnRH or SP treatment (Day 0) the recipients received a fresh embryo. Alpaca donors (n=18) were given GnRH (0.04mg IM) and treated 36h later with 700IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (ECG). Donors were mated with fertile males 5 days after ECG (Day 0 of recipients), and embryos were recovered 7 days later. Embryos of similar quality were assigned to both groups and transferred nonsurgically to the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum. Ultrasonography examinations were performed on Day 2 to confirm ovulation and Day 25 to determine pregnancy in all of the recipients. Data was analysed by chi-squared test. Ovulation rate was not different between groups (100% each). Pregnancy rate was 45% (9 out of 20) and 44% (8 of 18) in GnRH and SP groups, respectively (P=0.77). In conclusion, SP was effective to induce ovulation in alpacas and was able to produce a pregnancy rate similar to that of GnRH as an ovulation-inducing treatment. Thus, SP can be used as an alternative for ET programs in alpacas. Research was funded by the project Role of Seminal Plasma in Reproductive Physiology and Application of Biotechnologies in Camelids (149-2017-CIENCIACTIVA).

scholarly journals Milk Production, Body Weight, Body Condition Score, Activity, and Rumination of Organic Dairy Cattle Grazing Two Different Pasture Systems Incorporating Cool- and Warm-Season Forages

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 264
Author(s):  
Kathryn E. Ritz ◽  
Bradley J. Heins ◽  
Roger D. Moon ◽  
Craig C. Sheaffer ◽  
Sharon L. Weyers
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Cool Season ◽  
Organic Dairy ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Annual Grasses ◽  
System 2 ◽  
System 1

Organic dairy cows were used to evaluate the effect of two organic pasture production systems (temperate grass species and warm-season annual grasses and cool-season annuals compared with temperate grasses only) across two grazing seasons (May to October of 2014 and 2015) on milk production, milk components (fat, protein, milk urea nitrogen (MUN), somatic cell score (SCS)), body weight, body condition score (BCS), and activity and rumination (min/day). Cows were assigned to two pasture systems across the grazing season at an organic research dairy in Morris, Minnesota. Pasture System 1 was cool-season perennials (CSP) and Pasture System 2 was a combination of System 1 and warm-season grasses and cool-season annuals. System 1 and System 2 cows had similar milk production (14.7 and 14.8 kg d−1), fat percentage (3.92% vs. 3.80%), protein percentage (3.21% vs. 3.17%), MUN (12.5 and 11.5 mg dL−1), and SCS (4.05 and 4.07), respectively. Cows in System 1 had greater daily rumination (530 min/day) compared to cows in System 2 (470 min/day). In summary, warm-season annual grasses may be incorporated into grazing systems for pastured dairy cattle.

scholarly journals Physical activity level of adult cats with varied feeding frequency

2011 ◽  
Vol 106 (S1) ◽  
pp. S166-S169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Deng ◽  
Ryan W. Grant ◽  
Kelly S. Swanson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Feeding Time ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Feeding Frequency ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Adult Cats

The prevalence of feline obesity is influenced by numerous factors, including inactivity and overconsumption of food. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding frequency on physical activity in adult cats. A total of twelve healthy adult cats were used in a cross-over study consisting of 32 d. In each of the two periods, six cats were fed either two meals or four meals daily. Throughout the study, cats were fed the same diet at amounts to maintain body weight and body condition score. Cats were individually housed 4 h/d at each scheduled feeding time, while for the other 20 h, cats were group-housed to allow for voluntary physical activity in the room with a 16 h light–8 h dark cycle. Voluntary activity levels were evaluated using Actical activity collars for seven consecutive days in each period. Daily average activity level for two-meal-fed cats (20·04 (sem 2·19), activity counts/epoch (15 s)) was not different from four-meal-fed cats (20·14 (sem 2·15), activity counts/epoch (15 s); P>0·05). In conclusion, when group-housed cats are fed to maintain their body weight and body condition score, varied feeding frequency between twice and four times daily may not affect activity levels.

scholarly journals Genetic Relationships among Body Condition Score, Body Weight, Milk Yield, and Fertility in Dairy Cows

2003 ◽  
Vol 86 (6) ◽  
pp. 2193-2204 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.P. Berry ◽  
F. Buckley ◽  
P. Dillon ◽  
R.D. Evans ◽  
M. Rath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Genetic Relationships ◽  
Condition Score

105 Effect of a Hydrolyzed Yeast Product on Body Weight, Body Condition Score, and Hair Coat Score in Cows Grazing Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue.

2018 ◽  
Vol 96 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 52-53
Author(s):  
P L Harrelson ◽  
C B Rogers ◽  
R A Martin ◽  
B N Bosley ◽  
F M Kilgallin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Hair Coat ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Yeast Product

scholarly journals Energy Requirement and Food Intake Behaviour in Young Adult Intact Male Cats with and without Predisposition to Overweight

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brigitta Wichert ◽  
Julia Trossen ◽  
Daniel Uebelhart ◽  
Marcel Wanner ◽  
Sonja Hartnack
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Energy Requirement ◽  
Fat Free Mass ◽  
Energy Requirements ◽  
Intact Male ◽  
Feeding Station ◽  
Condition Score

Obesity is a common problem in cats. In the experimental cat family of the institute of animal nutrition besides a “normal” lean phenotype, cats with predisposition to an overweight phenotype are present. To investigate energy requirements and food intake behaviour of intact male cats of different phenotypes, six “normal” lean cats (GL) and six cats disposed to overweight (GO) were used. At the beginning of the experiment, all cats had an ideal body condition score of 5. To reach this the GO cats had to pass a weight-loss program. Energy requirements of the cats were determined using respiration chambers, whereas the amount and frequency of food intake was measured with a feeding station recording the data automatically. Energy requirement at weight constancy of the GO cats was even on fat-free mass (FFM) significantly (P=0.02) lower (162.6 kJ/kg FFM/d) than that of the “normal” lean cats (246 kJ/kg FFM/d). The GO cats also showed a higher food intake34.5±1.5 g dry matter/kg body weight0.67compared to the GL cats (24.0±2.1 g dry matter/kg body weight0.67)(P=0.001). In conclusion quantifiable differences in food intake and behaviour in cats predisposed to overweight compared to “normal” lean cats were found.

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