Nonesterified fatty acids during the dry-off period and their association with peripartum diseases in dairy cows
This observational study found that elevated nonesterified fatty acids (≥ 160 µmol/L) 22 to 35 days before calving are strongly associated with postpartum metabolic and infectious disorders in dairy cows. This threshold could be used by veterinarians as an early monitoring tool to identify at-risk cows and implement preventive measures before calving.
Jul 15, 2025
Tail chalk improved detection of true estrous alerts from an automated activity monitor system in a cohort study
This study found that combining an automated activity monitor with tail chalk improves the identification of true estrus in dairy cows, and estrus with higher intensity and longer duration. Tail chalk can serve as a marker of high-intensity estrus and enhance the accuracy of monitor alerts.
Jul 1, 2025
Validity of purulent vaginal discharge, esterase, luminometry, and bacteriological tests for diagnosing uterine infection in dairy cows
The laboraty test was the most accurate for detecting uterine infections in dairy cows, but it is not practical on farms. A simpler method called luminometry may be a useful alternative.
Jun 1, 2025
Randomized controlled trial of intrauterine cephapirin treatment in cows of 100 days in milk or more affected by reproductive tract diseases
Treating dairy cows with reproductive diseases significantly improved their chances of getting pregnant again, compared to cows with these diseases that weren’t treated.
Mar 2, 2025
Identification of the optimal diagnostic criteria combination for reproductive tract diseases in dairy cows of 100 days in milk or more
Two on-farm tests allowed to detect reproductive diseases in dairy cows, showing that cows with these conditions had lower chances of becoming pregnant compared to healthy cows.
Mar 1, 2025
Is prolonged luteal phase a problem in lactating Holstein cows?
Many dairy cows had long reproductive cycles not solely due to pregnancy loss, suggesting that extended luteal phase might be a common but overlooked feature in high-producing cows.
Oct 1, 2024
Validity of luminometry and bacteriological tests for diagnosing intramammary infection at dry-off in dairy cows
Laboratory and on-farm bacterial tests were fairly accurate at detecting udder infections in dairy cows before dry-off. However, a simpler test called luminometry did not perform well and isn’t reliable for this purpose.
Sep 1, 2024
Validation of a leg-mounted pedometer for the measurement of steps in lactating Holstein cows
A pedometer for dairy cows accurately tracked steps overall, but it tended to overcount movement — especially walking — by picking up any leg motion, even when the cow wasn’t actually walking.
Jan 1, 2024
Herd-level associations between the proportion of elevated prepartum nonesterified fatty acid concentrations and postpartum diseases, reproduction, or culling on dairy farms
Dairy herds with more cows showing high blood levels of nonesterified fatty acid before calving were more likely to have cows develop reproductive diseases and to have poor success at first insemination.
Jan 1, 2024
Research Review: Barriers and psychological impacts of euthanasia on Canadian dairy farmers
Feb 1, 2023