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The effect of body condition, feed level and temporary calf separation on the post-partum anoestrous period and LH and FSH levels in beef cows

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 November 2017

I.A. Wright
Affiliation:
Hill Farming Research Organisation, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 OPY
A.J.F. Russel
Affiliation:
Hill Farming Research Organisation, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 OPY
T.K. Whyte
Affiliation:
Hill Farming Research Organisation, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 OPY
A.J. McBean
Affiliation:
Hill Farming Research Organisation, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 OPY
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Extract

Compared with other species of farm livestock the reproductive performance of beef cows is poor. Mating and calving periods are frequently extended to avoid having a large proportion of barren Cows. vs. For example the ‘average’ MLC recorded herd has a calving period of over 4months. This makes management of beef cow herds difficult and has a deleterious effect on biological efficiency and profitability.

One of the major limitations to improvement of reproductive efficiency in beef cattle is the extended post-partum anoestrus. Beef cows have longer post-partum anoestrous periods than dairy cows. In one study of three different herds (Peters and Riley, 1982) the mean length of the anovulatory period ranged from 24 to 88 days.

Type
Reproduction
Copyright
Copyright © The British Society of Animal Production 1997

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References

Lamming, G.E., Wathes, D.C. and Peters, A.R. 1981. Endocrine patterns in the post-partum cow. J. Reprod. Fert., Suppl. 30, 155170.Google Scholar
Peters, A.R. and Riley, G.M. 1982. Milk progesterone profiles and factors affecting post-partum ovarian activity in beef cows. Anim. Prod. 34, 145-153.Google Scholar
Smith, J.F., Payne, E., Tervit, H.R., McGowan, L.T., Fairclough, R., Kilgour, R. and Goold, P.G. 1981. The effect of suckling upon the endocrine changes associated with anoestrus in identical twin dairy cows. J. Reprod. Fert., Suppl. 30, 241249.Google Scholar