Effects of dry period length on milk production and reproduction in grazing Holstein dairy cows
The dry period is an important factor influencing profitability, as it does not generate immediate economic return; however, it is necessary to allow the replacement of senescent mammary alveolar cells during this time. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dry period length on...
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| Autores principales: | , , |
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| Formato: | Artículo revista |
| Lenguaje: | Español |
| Publicado: |
Universidad Nacional del Nordeste
2026
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| Acceso en línea: | https://revistas.unne.edu.ar/index.php/vet/article/view/9155 |
| Aporte de: |
| Sumario: | The dry period is an important factor influencing profitability, as it does not generate immediate economic return; however, it is necessary to allow the replacement of senescent mammary alveolar cells during this time. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dry period length on productive and reproductive indicators in dairy cows from a pasture-based farm in Iriondo Department, Santa Fe. A total of 227 multiparous Holstein cows (2–8 calvings) were analyzed in an observational study. Three groups were formed according to dry period length: short dry period (SDP): 36 (25–39) days; standard dry period (STDP): 54 (50–59) days; and long dry period (LDP): 92 (84–98) days. The groups were compared for productive and reproductive indicators, including milk yield at 60 days in milk (MY60), milk yield at 305 days in milk (MY305), calving-to-first-service interval (CFSI), days open (DO) and conception rate at first service (CRFS). MY60 differed (p=0.02) by 233 liters between STDP and LDP, with no difference between STDP and SDP (p=0.14). No differences among groups were found for butterfat percentage, whereas crude milk protein differed by 0.3% in the SDP group compared with the others (p=0.003). No differences were observed among groups for CFSI, CRFS or DO. Overall, dry period length did not significantly affect the evaluated productive and reproductive indicators, although cows with a standard dry period showed better performance. |
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