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Body temperature around induced estrus in dairy cows
V S Suthar1, O Burfeind, J S Patel
1Clinic of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Koenigsweg 65, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
Journal of Dairy Science
|April 29, 2011
Summary
Induced estrus in dairy cows influences body temperature, with higher temperatures observed during estrus. Progesterone levels did not correlate with body temperature changes, but diurnal rhythms remained consistent.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Physiology
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Understanding body temperature fluctuations during the estrous cycle is crucial for reproductive management in dairy cows.
- Estrus detection and its physiological correlates, like body temperature, are key for optimizing artificial insemination success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of induced estrus on dairy cow body temperature across five distinct intervals.
- To determine the diurnal body temperature patterns before and after induced estrus.
Main Methods:
- Estrus was synchronized in nine postpartum dairy cows using prostaglandin F2α (PGF(2α)) injections.
- Vaginal temperature loggers recorded data for 12 days, with specific focus on periods before, during, and after induced estrus and ovulation.
- Blood samples were collected to measure progesterone concentrations, alongside rectal palpation and ultrasound for ovulation confirmation.
Main Results:
- Estrus was associated with significantly higher body temperatures (39.0 ± 0.5 °C) and low progesterone (<0.5 ng/mL).
- Lower body temperatures were recorded from PGF(2α) injection to estrus (38.6 ± 0.3 °C) and around ovulation (38.5 ± 0.2 °C).
- No direct association was found between body temperature and serum progesterone concentrations; diurnal temperature rhythms were consistent before and after estrus.
Conclusions:
- Induced estrus in dairy cows leads to a discernible rise in body temperature, independent of progesterone levels.
- Diurnal body temperature patterns remain stable, offering a potential baseline for monitoring reproductive status.
- Vaginal temperature before estrus was slightly higher than post-ovulation, suggesting subtle temperature shifts related to the cycle.
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