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novel approaches to expression and detection of oestrus in dairy cows

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1.4.3 Milk Yield, Nutrition <strong>and</strong> Genetics ....................................... 27<br />

1.4.3.1 High Milk Yield ............................................................ 28<br />

1.4.3.2 Milk Yield <strong>and</strong> Nutrition ................................................ 29<br />

1.4.3.3 NEBAL <strong>and</strong> BCS .......................................................... 29<br />

1.4.3.4 Genetic Fac<strong>to</strong>rs ........................................................... 31<br />

1.4.4 Herd Fac<strong>to</strong>rs .................................................................... 31<br />

1.4.5 Cow Fac<strong>to</strong>rs..................................................................... 32<br />

1.4.5.1 Puberty ..................................................................... 32<br />

1.4.5.2 Species <strong>and</strong> Breed ...................................................... 33<br />

1.4.5.3 Parity ........................................................................ 34<br />

1.5 METHODS OF OESTROUS DETECTION ...................................... 34<br />

1.5.1 Visual Detection ............................................................... 34<br />

1.5.1.1 Behavioural Scor<strong>in</strong>g .................................................... 36<br />

1.5.1.2 Fertility Records .......................................................... 36<br />

1.5.1.3 Synchronization .......................................................... 37<br />

1.5.1.4 Teaser Animals ........................................................... 37<br />

1.5.1.5 Heat Mount Detec<strong>to</strong>rs .................................................. 38<br />

1.5.2 Physiological Changes ....................................................... 39<br />

1.5.2.1 Hormone Concentrations .............................................. 39<br />

1.5.2.2 Milk Yield ................................................................... 40<br />

1.5.2.3 Body <strong>and</strong> Milk Temperature .......................................... 41<br />

1.5.2.4 Vag<strong>in</strong>al Mucus Resistance ............................................ 41<br />

1.5.2.5 Rectal Palpation <strong>and</strong> Ultrasonography ............................ 42<br />

1.5.3 Au<strong>to</strong>mated Technologies ................................................... 42<br />

1.5.3.1 Pedometers <strong>and</strong> Activity Moni<strong>to</strong>rs ................................. 42<br />

1.5.3.2 Electronic Heat Mount Detec<strong>to</strong>rs ................................... 44<br />

1.5.3.3 Milk Progesterone Biosensors ....................................... 45<br />

1.5.3.4 4sight ........................................................................ 46<br />

1.5.4 Genetic Selection ............................................................. 46<br />

1.6 AIMS & OBJECTIVES .............................................................. 48<br />

CHAPTER 2 – Effect <strong>of</strong> Cow Fac<strong>to</strong>rs on Oestrous Expression ....... 50<br />

2.1 INTRODUCTION..................................................................... 50<br />

2.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS .................................................... 50<br />

2.2.1 Animals........................................................................... 50<br />

2.2.2 Data Collection <strong>and</strong> Analyses ............................................. 51<br />

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