Dairy Research Information

1. "Body temperature has been described as the "single most useful measurable parameter and a sensitive indicator of the reactions of the animal to physico-environmental factors, disease processes, and physiologic functions such as nutrition, lactation, and reproduction" (Nakamura et al., 1983)
2. "Postparturient cows are highly susceptible to disease, which may result in decreased milk production, death and culling. Early disease detection increases cure rates and minimizes production losses." (S. E. Dobberstein, S. M. Scott, J. R. Wenz, and W. Wailes, Integrated Livestock Management, Dept of Clinical Sciences and Dept of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.)
3. "Early identification of nonpregnant dairy cows post breeding can improve reproductive efficiency and pregnancy rate by decreasing the interval between AI services and increasing AI service rate. Thus, new technologies to identify nonpregnant dairy cows early after artificial insemination (AI) may play a key role in systematic management strategies to improve reproductive efficiency and profitability on commercial dairy farms." (Paul M. Fricke, When to Identify Nonpregnant Lactating Dairy Cows Using Transrectal Ultrasonography and Why, American Dairymen, January, 2011)
4. "Fever is a critical symptom, and often surfaces 24 to 36 hours before other symptoms, such as reduced appetite, low production or general depression. Early detection and prompt treatment are critical to limiting the damaging effects of metritis. By the time a veterinarian is called, the sick cow likely has gone off-feed, putting her into a negative energy balance that could affect future reproductive performance. Early detection allows for early intervention with veterinary-prescribed treatments." (Protect your cows from the damaging effects of metritis, Austin Belschner, DVM, MS)
5. "Automatic temperature monitoring systems may also be used in identifying the onset of calving (Aoki et al., 2005, Nielsen et al., 2001, Wrenn et al., 1958).Body temperature has been demonstrated to drop between eight to 48 hours before calving. The ability to predict calving time would be useful in assisting difficult births. Consequently, calf mortality rates may decrease and reproductive function of the dam could improve." Automatic temperature monitoring: What are the potential benefits? Jeffery Bewley, Graduate Research Assistant, Purdue University, for Progressive Dairyman
6. "Timely rebreeding of postpartum lactating cows is essential for reducing average days open and the corresponding calving interval. A successful breeding program enhances profitability by maximizing the time cows spend in the most productive portion of lactation." (Paul M. Fricke, Aggressive Management Strategies for Improving Reproductive Efficiency in Lactating Dairy Cows
7. "Clinical disease is like the tip of the cow health problem iceberg. For each case of clinical disease, there are perhaps 10 times the cows afflicted with subclinical disease that go undiscovered. (Earl Aalseth, Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital, Fresh Cow Management: What is important, what does it cost, and what does it return?, Western Dairy Management Conference, 2005)

Selected Independent Research Papers - Fresh Cow Programs and Temperature Monitoring Benefits

Monitoring Postpartum Health in Dairy Cows – Risco

Managing Fresh Cows to Keep Productivity High

Fresh Cow Protocol to Monitor Disease

Favor Fresh Cows

When to Identify Nonpregnant Lactating Dairy Cows Using Transrectal Ultrasonography and Why

Aggressive Mgt Strategies for Improving Reproductive Efficiency in Lactating Dairy Cows

Fresh Cow Managment-Aalseth