Temporal patterns of bulk tank somatic cell count, fat, protein, and urea nitrogen and their association with fertility in Central-Southern Chilean dairy cattle

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe and evaluate the dynamics of bulk tank (LE) somatic cell counts (RCS), milk urea nitrogen (NUL), fat (%) and protein (%) and to analyze their association with reproductive indexes, considering monthly LE samples from 187 farms (~12,000 dairy cows at any time) in Central-Southern Chilean dairy cattle from 1997 to 2007. Reproductive indexes included in the study were calving to first service interval (IPPS, d), calving to conception interval (IPP, d) and services per conception (SC). Bulk tank LNRCS was positively associated with herd size, milk yield (305 mature equivalent), milk solids and NUL. Bulk tank NUL was positively associated with milk yield and LE RCS. Average calving to first service interval was 92.5 d and showed a positive association with LE protein percentage and NUL. Average calving to conception interval was 138.9 d and was positively associated with LE NUL. It is concluded that the most significant changes in LE components during the last 10 years, in Central-Southern Chilean Holstein cattle, corresponded to a decrease in RCS and an increase in NUL. Changes in RCS reflect an improvement in mammary health, milk quality and milk yield. Bulk tank NUL concentrations were high during the last 5 years in study and depended on factors such as milk production, protein percentage, month and year. Bulk tank NUL was the milk component with the most notorious association with reproductive parameters. More data about protein nutrition should be evaluated in this Chilean cattle population.