novel approaches to expression and detection of oestrus in dairy cows
novel approaches to expression and detection of oestrus in dairy cows
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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