Prevalence of early postpartum health disorders in Holstein cows and associations with production, reproduction, and survival outcomes on Alberta dairy farms.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associations of early postpartum health disorders with production, reproduction, and survivability in dairy cows in Alberta. Holstein cattle (N = 1096) from 11 commercial dairy farms in Alberta, Canada were enrolled. Cows were evaluated daily for clinical postpartum health disorders and a blood sample was collected once within 2 wk after calving to diagnose subclinical disorders. Overall, 61% of cows were diagnosed with at least 1 postpartum health disorder, with 25% of cows having multiple disorders. Of the cows with only 1 health disorder, 71% were classified as inflammatory and 29% as metabolic disorders. Cows with multiple disorders were at the greatest risk of reduced milk production, impaired fertility, and leaving the herd. Cows with an inflammatory disorder had reduced productive and reproductive performance, whereas cows with a metabolic disorder were at the greatest risk of mortality.