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Acetonemia in dairy cows: A reproductive challenge

Acetonemia in dairy cows: A reproductive challenge

Raj Duggavathi Université McGill
  • Production

Targeted research priorities

Fertility and reproduction in dairy cattle
This project aims to develop molecular tools to better detect cases of subclinical acetonemia and develop appropriate breeding strategies.

Project summary

Subclinical acetonemia is a serious metabolic disorder affecting the health and fertility of lactating dairy cows. This problem can compromise successful reproductive practices on dairy farms.

The project aims to decipher the molecular mechanisms of subclinical acetonemia and its impact on the fertility of lactating Holstein cows. Researchers are analyzing beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels in milk and reproductive performance indicators from over 30,000 cattle to develop therapeutic and reproductive performance management strategies for lactating cows.

This research aims to gain a better understanding of the types of acetonemia and their prevalence in dairy cows, as well as the impact of this health disorder on reproduction. This knowledge will enable the development of effective strategies to improve the fertility of dairy cows.

Expected results

The research team examined the reproductive performance of over 30,000 dairy cows with BHB levels indicative of clinical or subclinical acetonemia. Data from Lactanet and Canadian Dairy Network (CDN) were used to classify types of acetonemia according to BHB concentration in milk.

Preliminary results show that 27% of cows are affected by clinical or subclinical acetonemia during the first 42 days of lactation. Type 2 acetonemia, observed in the first two weeks of lactation, is three times more frequent than type 1, which occurs between the third and sixth week, with a prevalence of 6%.

The impact of these types of acetonemia on reproductive performance, as compared to healthy cows, is currently being studied. Parameters studied include the number of days between calving and various reproductive interventions, in order to develop management and treatment strategies to improve the fertility of dairy cows.

Main achievements

  • Training a postdoctoral fellow and a PhD student
  • Presentation of results at the Forum Techno and Novalait annual meeting
  • Lectures and poster presentations at national and international conferences
  • Scientific articles written by team members 

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