title: Phenotypic association between energy balance indicators and reproductive performance in primiparous Holstein cows.
abstract: Energy balance was assessed during the first 13 weeks postpartum in 497 primiparous Holstein cows and the relationship with reproductive performance was investigated. A significant association was observed between body condition score (BCS) and a number of reproductive traits, including conception at first artificial insemination (AI), number of inseminations per conception, calving to conception and calving intervals, percentage pregnant by the end of a 305-day lactation and incidence of metritis. The BCS from calving to week 9 (before the first AI) appeared to adequately predict future reproductive performance as it was correlated with calving interval, conception at first AI, metritis and percentage pregnant by the end of a 305-day lactation. Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations were correlated with the latter trait only, whereas non-esterified fatty acid concentrations were not associated with reproductive performance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. geval@vet.auth.gr
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Valergakis
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Oikonomou
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Arsenos
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Banos
mesh_terms: D020155:3-Hydroxybutyric Acid / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D007315:Insemination, Artificial / Q000662:veterinary; D010298:Parity; D010641:Phenotype; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; D020155:3-Hydroxybutyric Acid