Efeito da estação do ano no período da secagem na saúde pós-parto e desempenho reprodutivo de vacas leiteiras na região do triângulo mineiro

Abstract

In the dairy production sector, cows nearing parturition, typically around 60 days prepartum, enter the dry period where they are not milked. After parturition, cows are more susceptible to problems such as metritis, ketosis, mastitis, and retained placenta, which can compromise reproductive performance. These conditions are often related to dry period management, such as diet changes, heat stress, and variations in body condition. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the seasons during the drying-off period on postpartum health and reproductive performance in dairy cows in the Triângulo Mineiro region. In this region was examined data from dairy cows in the dry period of five commercial farms. The collected data was the incidence of retained placenta, ketosis, metritis, and postpartum mastitis. Additionally, the days to first service and pregnancy rate at 150 days postpartum were observed. The dates for the dry period were separated into Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Statistical analyses were performed using the MINITAB software. Binary variables were analyzed using logistic regression, and continuous variables were analyzed using analysis of variance, with the effect of the season of the year at drying-off included in the model. This study found that the season of the year during the drying-off period had an impact on the incidence of metritis. The other variables analyzed related to postpartum health and reproductive performance were not affected by the seasons of the year during the drying-off period. Were concluded that cows at the dry period during spring presented a higher incidence of postpartum metritis.