Milk analysis and cow health: predicting dairy cow life span with milk sampling in early lactation

Research output: Book/ReportReportProfessional

Abstract

The average life span of dairy cows in the Netherlands is 5.8 years. The main reasons for involuntary culling in dairy cows are infertility, mastitis and locomotion disorders. These disorders often start during the first weeks of lactation due to the inability of the cow to cope with the metabolic changes of the new lactation. The main objective of the present study was to determine the value of the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) mid-infrared profile of milk samples taken from dairy cows in the first weeks of lactation 1) as an indicator of the metabolic state in early lactation; and 2) as a predictor of dairy cow’s survival to next lactation. Results showed that cows that reach the next lactation have a higher blood NEFA concentration and a higher milk production with less variation between days. In conclusion, survival of the complete lactation was related with milk performance and metabolic status of dairy cows in early lactation.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationWageningen
PublisherWageningen Livestock Research
Number of pages20
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2021

Publication series

NameReport / Wageningen Livestock Research
No.1303

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