Factors Affecting the Resumption of Postpartum Estrous Cyclicity and Subsequent Pregnancy in Cross-Bred Dairy Cows

Abstract

This study determined the effect of various factors on the resumption of postpartum (pp) estrous cyclicity within 60 days (d) pp and 90 d pp and pregnancy within 90 d pp in cross-bred dairy cows. Blood was sampled (n=46) once during 50-60 d pp to determine serum glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentration. Body condition score (BCS) was determined twice- during 50-60 and 80-90 d pp. A total of 16 (34.8%) cows resumed estrous cyclicity within 60 days, and 30 (65.2%) cows resumed estrous cyclicity cumulatively within 90 days postpartum. More cows with BCS>2.50 as compared to cows with BCS≤2.50 during 50-60 d pp resumed estrus within 60 d pp (P<0.05). More cows without periparturient problems-initiated estrus within 60 d pp as compared to cows with periparturient problems (P<0.05). BCS change (from 50-60 to 80-90 d pp) and periparturient problems significantly influenced estrus resumption within 90 d pp (P<0.05). However, breed, parity and milk yield had no influence on the resumption of estrus cyclicity either within 60 d pp or 90 d pp. Among various blood nutritional metabolic parameters, only the serum albumin influenced estrus resumption within 60 d pp (P<0.05). Pregnancy within 90 d pp was significantly influenced by BCS, BCS change and periparturient problems (P<0.05). In conclusion, the resumption of estrous cyclicity postpartum was affected by the periparturient problems, BCS, BCS change and serum albumin level, whereas the pregnancy within 90 d pp was affected by the periparturient problems, BCS and BCS change.