Effects of Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) and Climatological Factors on Reproduction Efficiency of Holstein Friesian and Jersey Cows in the Subtropics

This study investigated the effects of MUN and climatological factors on the inter calving period (ICP), reproductive performance (RP%), and reproductive index (RI) in Holstein Friesian (<i>n</i> = 1177) and Jersey cows (<i>n</i> = 3305) in different seasons in the subtropics...

Descripción completa

Guardado en:
Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Edward Cottington Webb, Elandri de Bruyn
Formato: article
Lenguaje:EN
Publicado: MDPI AG 2021
Materias:
MUN
Acceso en línea:https://doaj.org/article/24731439fbe048f695675643d4fd68c4
Etiquetas: Agregar Etiqueta
Sin Etiquetas, Sea el primero en etiquetar este registro!
Descripción
Sumario:This study investigated the effects of MUN and climatological factors on the inter calving period (ICP), reproductive performance (RP%), and reproductive index (RI) in Holstein Friesian (<i>n</i> = 1177) and Jersey cows (<i>n</i> = 3305) in different seasons in the subtropics. Threshold values for MUN on the reproduction of dairy cows in the subtropics remain controversial due to complex environmental interactions, especially with high environmental temperatures. A retrospective analysis was conducted of data obtained from the National Milk Recording scheme of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in South Africa. The results confirm that MUN influences the reproduction of dairy cows in the subtropics. MUN concentrations exceeding 18.1 ± 4.28 mg/dL in Holstein Friesian cows and 13.0 ± 4.70 mg/dL in Jersey cows extended the inter calving period (ICP), and decreased RP% and RI. Jersey cows have a lower threshold MUN concentration compared to Holstein Friesian cows, but they are not adversely affected by high humidity or temperatures, while Holstein Friesian cows are.