Intramuscular Fat and Conception in Cows (Bos taurus)
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2013
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Abstract
Real-time ultrasound intramuscular fat (IMF), back fat (BF), and rump fat (RF) measurements were obtained at or near breeding and compared to conception status in beef cows (Bos taurus). The objective of this experiment was to determine if real-time ultrasound IMF measurements are correlated with conception in beef cows. The study included 207 cows that were being used in an estrus synchronization program. Ultrasound measurements were collected at the first timed artificial insemination session. Collection of IMF involved two images: the upper quip (UQ) proximal to the skin and the lower quip (LQ) deeper in the muscle. RF was correlated (P < 0.01) with BF and UQ measurements. However, BF measurements did not appear to be correlated (P > 0.20) with LQ or UQ. The BF, RF, UQ, calf birth weight and postpartum interval measurements did not merit inclusion in the model based on a log likelihood test (P > 0.05). The LQ measurement was positively correlated with the probability that the cow became pregnant (P = 0.03). In the range of lower quip values from 0 to 10, the probability of successful pregnancy increased approximately five percent for a five-unit increase in the LQ value. For LQ values in the range of 10-15, the probability of successful AI increased approximately 2.5 percent for a five-unit increase in the lower quip value. The log likelihood test value for UQ was close (P = 0.06) to being significant and merits further investigation.
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The Ohio Journal of Science, v112, n2 (2013), 51-54.