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The acyclic period postpartum in automatic and conventional milking
D Weiss1, M Reist, R M Bruckmaier
1Physiology Weihenstephan, Technical University Munich, Weihenstephaner Berg 3, D-85350 Freising, Germany.
Summary
Increased milking frequency in automatic milking systems (AMS) did not delay ovarian cyclicity or increase days open in cows. This finding contrasts with previous research on frequent suckling, suggesting AMS milking does not negatively impact postpartum reproduction in German Fleckvieh cows.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Dairy Cattle Management
Background:
- Frequent suckling is known to prolong the postpartum acyclic period in cows compared to twice-daily milking.
- Automatic milking systems (AMS) typically involve higher milking frequencies (three or more milkings daily) in early lactation than conventional systems.
- The impact of AMS-induced increased milking frequency on postpartum ovarian cyclicity and fertility in German Fleckvieh cows remains to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that increased milking frequency in AMS delays ovarian cyclicity resumption and increases days open in German Fleckvieh cows.
- To compare reproductive performance between cows milked in AMS and those milked conventionally twice daily.
- To investigate potential relationships between milking frequency and postpartum acyclic periods within AMS-managed cows.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 124 German Fleckvieh cows, with 63 assigned to AMS (AC) and 61 to conventional parlours (PC) milked twice daily.
- Progesterone levels were monitored twice weekly post-parturition to determine the timing of the first and second ovulations.
- Days open (time from calving to conception) were recorded for cows remaining in the herd until pregnancy diagnosis.
Main Results:
- The mean milking frequency in AMS was 3.17 milkings/day during the first 3 weeks postpartum, significantly higher than PC.
- No significant differences were observed in the time to first or second ovulation between cows milked in AMS and those milked conventionally.
- First ovulation occurred earlier in primiparous cows (23 days) than multiparous cows (29 days), irrespective of milking system. Days open did not differ significantly between groups.
Conclusions:
- Increased milking frequency in automatic milking systems does not negatively affect the resumption of ovarian cyclicity postpartum in German Fleckvieh cows.
- Automatic milking systems do not lead to an increase in days open compared to conventional milking systems in this study population.
- Milking frequency in AMS was not related to the duration of the postpartum acyclic period, and parity influenced the timing of the first ovulation.