M. H. Zebari, H., S. Rutter, M., Bleach, E. (2025). ESTRUS BEHAVIOR CHANGES DURING THE FIRST, SECOND, AND ≥3RD POSTPARTUM OF LACTATING DAIRY COWS. , 23(1), 695-710. doi: 10.32649/ajas.2025.187603
H. M. H. Zebari; M. S. Rutter; E. Bleach. "ESTRUS BEHAVIOR CHANGES DURING THE FIRST, SECOND, AND ≥3RD POSTPARTUM OF LACTATING DAIRY COWS". , 23, 1, 2025, 695-710. doi: 10.32649/ajas.2025.187603
M. H. Zebari, H., S. Rutter, M., Bleach, E. (2025). 'ESTRUS BEHAVIOR CHANGES DURING THE FIRST, SECOND, AND ≥3RD POSTPARTUM OF LACTATING DAIRY COWS', , 23(1), pp. 695-710. doi: 10.32649/ajas.2025.187603
M. H. Zebari, H., S. Rutter, M., Bleach, E. ESTRUS BEHAVIOR CHANGES DURING THE FIRST, SECOND, AND ≥3RD POSTPARTUM OF LACTATING DAIRY COWS. , 2025; 23(1): 695-710. doi: 10.32649/ajas.2025.187603

ESTRUS BEHAVIOR CHANGES DURING THE FIRST, SECOND, AND ≥3RD POSTPARTUM OF LACTATING DAIRY COWS

Anbar Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Volume 23, Issue 1, June 2025, Pages 695-710    PDF (484.78 K)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.32649/ajas.2025.187603
Authors
H. M. H. Zebari1, 2; M. S. Rutter2; E. Bleach2
1Department of Animal Production, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Duhok, Kurdistan, Iraq
2Department of Agriculture and Environment, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, UK
Abstract
This study evaluated the changes in estrus behavior during the first, second, and third postpartum (PP) periods of dairy cows. Milk samples were collected from thirty lactating Holstein Friesian cows on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to determine concentrations of the progesterone (P4) hormone in them. IceQubes were used to measure the animals’ activity 3 days before, on the day of estrus and 3 days after estrus. A roughage intake control (RIC) system recorded feeding behavior. The cows were identified to be estrus when the P4 concentrations in their milk were above 3ng/ml 2 to 3 days before and 5 days after estrus. On the day of estrus, more steps were taken by the animals (P<0.001) but lying time and bouts, dry matter intake (DMI), and feeding behavior were lower (P<0.001) compared to other days. Butting of other cows (P=0.010), sniffing udders (P<0.001), and total agonistic behaviors (P=0.016) were lower in the 1st and 2nd estrus compared to the ≥3rd estrus PP. In conclusion, the number of steps taken by the cows increased, while lying time, lying bouts, and feeding behavior declined on the day of estrus. Butting, sniffing udders, and total agonistic interaction during ≥3rd estrus occurred more than during the 1st or 2nd PP estrus. Activity monitoring for estrus detection is recommended for use in dairy cattle farms
Keywords
Lactating cows; Steps; activity; Estrus postpartum; Feeding behavior
References
  1. Allrich, R. D. (1994). Endocrine and neural control of estrus in dairy cows. Journal of dairy science, 77(9): 2738-2744. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(94)77216-7.
  2. Al-Mohammedy, A. M. F., and Abdul-Rahaman, Y. T. (2024). The impact of biotin and hcg on the levels of estradiol-17β, progesterone and sheep pregnancy associated plasma protein B (PAPPB) in local Iraqi ewes. Anbar Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 22(1): 106-114. https://doi.org/10.32649/ajas.2024.183704.
  3. Boer, H. M. T., Veerkamp, R. F., Beerda, B., and Woelders, H. (2010). Estrous behavior in dairy cows: identification of underlying mechanisms and gene functions. Animal, 4(3): 446-453. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731109991169.
  4. Butler, W. R. (2003). Energy balance relationships with follicular development, ovulation and fertility in postpartum dairy cows. Livestock production science, 83(2-3): 211-218. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-6226(03)00112-X.
  5. Chapinal, N., De Passille, A. M., Weary, D. M., Von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., and Rushen, J. (2009). Using gait score, walking speed, and lying behavior to detect hoof lesions in dairy cows. Journal of dairy science, 92(9): 4365-4374. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2009-2115.
  6. Dalton, J. C., Nadir, S., Bame, J. H., Noftsinger, M., Nebel, R. L., and Saacke, R. G. (2001). Effect of time of insemination on number of accessory sperm, fertilization rate, and embryo quality in nonlactating dairy cattle. Journal of dairy science, 84(11): 2413-2418. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(01)74690-5.
  7. Dobson, H., Walker, S. L., Morris, M. J., Routly, J. E., and Smith, R. F. (2008). Why is it getting more difficult to successfully artificially inseminate dairy cows?. Animal, 2(8): 1104-1111. https://doi.org/10.1017/S175173110800236X.
  8. Dolecheck, K. A. (2015). Assessment of the technical and economic potential of automated estrus detection technologies for dairy cattle.
  9. Dolecheck, K. A., Silvia, W. J., Heersche Jr, G., Chang, Y. M., Ray, D. L., Stone, A. E., ... and Bewley, J. M. (2015). Behavioral and physiological changes around estrus events identified using multiple automated monitoring technologies. Journal of dairy science, 98(12): 8723-8731. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-9645.
  10. Domènech, A., Pich, S., Arís, A., Plasencia, C., Bach, A., and Serrano, A. (2011). Heat identification by 17β-estradiol and progesterone quantification in individual raw milk samples by enzyme immunoassay. Electronic Journal of Biotechnology, 14(4). DOI: 10.2225/vol14-issue4-fulltext-6.
  11. Firk, R., Stamer, E., Junge, W., and Krieter, J. (2002). Systematic effects on activity, milk yield, milk flow rate and electrical conductivity. Archives Animal Breeding 45(3): 213-222. https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-45-213-2002.
  12. Forde, N., Beltman, M. E., Lonergan, P., Diskin, M., Roche, J. F., and Crowe, M. A. (2011). Oestrous cycles in Bos taurus cattle. Animal reproduction science, 124(3-4): 163-169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.08.025.
  13. Fricke, P. M., Carvalho, P. D., Giordano, J. O., Valenza, A., Lopes Jr, G., and Amundson, M. C. (2014). Expression and detection of estrus in dairy cows: the role of new technologies. Animal, 8(s1): 134-143. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731114000299.
  14. Gordon, P. (2011). Oestrus detection in dairy cattle. In Practice, 33(10): 542-546. https://doi.org/10.1136/inp.d7479.
  15. Hanks, J., and Kossaibati, M. (2012). Key Performance Indicators for the UK national dairy herd. A study of herd performance in, 500: 1-26.
  16. Hurnik, J. F., King, G. J., and Robertson, H. A. (1975). Estrous and related behaviour in postpartum Holstein cows. Applied Animal Ethology, 2(1): 55-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-3762(75)90065-6.
  17. Isobe, N., Yoshimura, T., Yoshida, C., and Nakao, T. (2004). Incidence of silent ovulation in dairy cows during postpartum period. Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift, 111(1): 35-37.
  18. Jónsson, R., Blanke, M., Poulsen, N. K., Caponetti, F., and Højsgaard, S. (2011). Oestrus detection in dairy cows from activity and lying data using on-line individual models. Computers and electronics in agriculture, 76(1): 6-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2010.12.014.
  19. Kerbrat, S., and Disenhaus, C. (2004). A proposition for an updated behavioural characterisation of the oestrus period in dairy cows. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 87(3-4): 223-238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2003.12.001.
  20. Kyle, S. D., Callahan, C. J., and Allrich, R. D. (1992). Effect of progesterone on the expression of estrus at the first postpartum ovulation in dairy cattle. Journal of dairy science, 75(6): 1456-1460. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(92)77901-6.
  21. López-Gatius, F., Santolaria, P., Mundet, I., and Yániz, J. L. (2005). Walking activity at estrus and subsequent fertility in dairy cows. Theriogenology, 63(5): 1419-1429. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.07.007.
  22. Lucy, M. C. (2001). Reproductive loss in high-producing dairy cattle: where will it end?. Journal of dairy science, 84(6): 1277-1293. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(01)70158-0.
  23. Madureira, A. M. L., Silper, B. F., Burnett, T. A., Polsky, L., Cruppe, L. H., Veira, D. M., ... and Cerri, R. L. A. (2015). Factors affecting expression of estrus measured by activity monitors and conception risk of lactating dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 98(10): 7003-7014. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-9672.
  24. Palmer, M. A., Olmos, G., Boyle, L. A., and Mee, J. F. (2012). A comparison of the estrous behavior of Holstein-Friesian cows when cubicle-housed and at pasture. Theriogenology, 77(2): 382-388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.08.010.
  25. Phillips, C. J. C., and Schofield, S. A. (1990). The effect of environment and stage of the oestrous cycle on the behaviour of dairy cows. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 27(1-2): 21-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-1591(90)90004-W.
  26. Ranasinghe, R. M. S. B. K., Nakao, T., Yamada, K., and Koike, K. (2010). Silent ovulation, based on walking activity and milk progesterone concentrations, in Holstein cows housed in a free-stall barn. Theriogenology, 73(7): 942-949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.11.021.
  27. Reith, S., and Hoy, S. (2012). Relationship between daily rumination time and estrus of dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 95(11): 6416-6420. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2012-5316.
  28. Reith, S. R. (2016). Influence of estrus on rumination, activity, feed and water intake of dairy cows.
  29. Roelofs, J., Lopez-Gatius, F., Hunter, R. H. F., Van Eerdenburg, F. J. C. M., and Hanzen, C. H. (2010). When is a cow in estrus? Clinical and practical aspects. Theriogenology, 74(3): 327-344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.02.016.
  30. Roelofs, J. B., Van Eerdenburg, F. J. C. M., Soede, N. M., and Kemp, B. (2005). Various behavioral signs of estrous and their relationship with time of ovulation in dairy cattle. Theriogenology, 63(5): 1366-1377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.07.009.
  31. Royal, M. D., Darwash, A. O., Flint, A. P. F., Webb, R., Woolliams, J. A., and Lamming, G. E. (2000). Declining fertility in dairy cattle: changes in traditional and endocrine parameters of fertility. Animal science, 70(3): 487-501. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1357729800051845.
  32. Shareef, M. A., Essa, A. H., and Saeed, O. A. (2023). Estrus synchronization applications utilized in ruminant animals: A review. Anbar Journal Agricultural Sciences, 21(2): 419-427. https://doi.org/10.32649/ajas.2024.145165.1102.
  33. Shipka, M. P. (2000). A note on silent ovulation identified by using radiotelemetry for estrous detection. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 66(1-2): 153-159. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(99)00079-9.
  34. Sveberg, G., Refsdal, A. O., Erhard, H. W., Kommisrud, E., Aldrin, M., Tvete, I. F., ... and Ropstad, E. (2011). Behavior of lactating Holstein-Friesian cows during spontaneous cycles of estrus. Journal of dairy science, 94(3): 1289-1301. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2010-3570.
  35. Van Eerdenburg, F. J. C. M., Karthaus, D., Taverne, M. A. M., Mercis, I., and Szenci, O. (2002). The relationship between estrous behavioral score and time of ovulation in dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 85(5): 1150-1156. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(02)74177-5.
  36. Walker, W. L., Nebel, R. L., and McGilliard, M. L. (1996). Time of ovulation relative to mounting activity in dairy cattle. Journal of dairy science, 79(9): 1555-1561. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(96)76517-7.
  37. Walsh, S. W., Williams, E. J., and Evans, A. C. O. (2011). A review of the causes of poor fertility in high milk producing dairy cows. Animal reproduction science, 123(3-4): 127-138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.12.001.
  38. Yániz, J., López‐Gatius, F., Bech‐Sàbat, G., García‐Ispierto, I., Serrano, B., and Santolaria, P. (2008). Relationships between milk production, ovarian function and fertility in high‐producing dairy herds in north‐eastern Spain. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 43: 38-43. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01227.x.
  39. Yániz, J. L., Santolaria, P., Giribet, A., and López-Gatius, F. (2006). Factors affecting walking activity at estrus during postpartum period and subsequent fertility in dairy cows. Theriogenology, 66(8): 1943-1950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.05.013.
  40. Zebari, H. M., Rutter, S. M., and Bleach, E. C. (2018). Characterizing changes in activity and feeding behaviour of lactating dairy cows during behavioural and silent oestrus. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 206: 12-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2018.06.002.
  41. Zebari, H. M., Rutter, S. M., and Bleach, E. C. (2019). Fatty acid profile of milk for determining reproductive status in lactating Holstein Friesian cows. Animal Reproduction Science, 202: 26-34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.01.004.
Statistics
Article View: 971
PDF Download: 314


Journal Management System. Powered by iJournalPro.com