Effects of calving induction on subsequent milk yield and reproductive performance of cows from seasonally mated New Zealand dairy herds

Abstract

Aim. To identify some production and reproductive effects of calving induction in seasonally calving herds.

Methods. Forty seasonally calving herds entered on the DairyMAN management information system and whose milk yield and reproductive data were recorded, including pregnancy diagnosis results, were included in the study. Cows with an induced parturition were compared with normally calving contemporaries that had the same lactation number and calved at the same time.

Results. Milk yield was 1.2 ± 0.2 litres/cow/day less over the entire lactation for cows induced to calve, with the greatest difference being 2.5 ± 0.4 litres/cow/day measured in early lactation. The effects on milkfat and protein yield were similar, with 0.04 ± 0.01 kg/cow/day less milkfat (p < 0.0001) and 0.03 ± 0.01 kg/cow/day less protein (p < 0.0001). A higher milkfat percentage (+ 0.09 ± 0.04 %) (p < 0.0001) and protein percentage (+ 0.10 ± 0.02%) (p < 0.0001) for cows that were induced to calve reduced the effect of a lower milk yield on milkfat and protein production. The first service conception rate for cows induced to calve was 54.4 ± 3.3%, which was significantly less (p = 0.03) than for cows that calved normally (59.5 ± 3.3%). Cows induced to calve had a pregnancy rate at the end of mating of 91.4 ± 2.1%, which was also significantly less (p < 0.0001) than for cows that calved normally (93.6 ± 1.7%). The 21-day submission rates were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions. This study indicates that, under some New Zealand management conditions, the induction of calving is associated with reduced daily milk yield and inferior reproductive performance.

Key Words:

• Calving induction, reproduction, milk production, seasonal calving