[Impact of lameness on fertility traits in Austrian Fleckvieh cows - results from the Efficient-Cow-project].

Abstract

The impact of lameness on fertility in dairy cows has already been investigated, however predominantely in Holstein cows. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of lameness during the dry period, between calving and first service and between calving and conception (days open) on selected fertility traits in Austrian Fleckvieh cows. Locomotion scoring of dairy cows was performed during the course of routine performance testing in 2014 and 2015. Using the observed maximum locomotion score (MLSC) during pre- and postcalving periods, the cows were classified into three groups: cows never lame (MLSC 1), cows that showed MLSC 2, and cows with MLSC ≥3 during these defined periods. Data sets of 3,998 lactations of 3,058 Austrian Fleckvieh cows from 97 dairy herds could be evaluated. In several statistical models the fixed effects of MLSC (1, 2, ≥ 3), farm, year and season of calving, parity*age class at calving, and early fertility disorders were considered for analysis of the traits days from calving to first insemination, interval from first to last insemination, days from calving to conception and calving interval (CI), as well as the non-return-rate90 (NRR90). Mean lameness prevalence during the dry period was 19,43 %, and reached 27,70 % in the period between calving and conception. Lameness (MLSC ≥ 3) during the dry period significantly (P = 0,030) prolonged the period between calving and conception, and lameness (MLSC ≥ 3) during the period from calving to first service had a significantly detrimental effect on the periods calving to first insemination, days open and CI (P < 0,001). Further, highly significant associations (P < 0,001) in cows showing MLSC ≥ 2 during the period between calving and conception on all fertility traits were determined. Apart from lameness, farm, year and season of calving, parity*-age class at calving, early fertility disorders and, partly, the interaction of the latter two effects significantly (P.