Effects of prepartum milking on postpartum reproduction, udder health and production performance in first-calf dairy heifers

Postpartum production performance of dairy heifers may be enhanced by prepartum milking by alleviating the stress of the periparturient period. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of prepartum milking of dairy heifers on postpartum reproduction, udder health, milk production and other associated production characteristics. Pregnant heifers (Holstein, n=21; Jersey n=10) were assigned to either a prepartum milked (premilked, n=15) or control (n=16) group. Premilked heifers were milked twice daily starting 3 weeks prior to anticipated calving dates, and milk yield recorded at each milking. All heifers were evaluated on days 21, 14 and 7 before calving, and udder oedema scores and milk conductivity readings were recorded. Following calving, measurements were taken twice weekly to assess udder oedema, milk conductivity (indicative of udder infection), and reproductive health, which included palpation for uterine tone and uterine position, vaginal electrical impedance (VEI) and the quantification of cross-sectional area of the uterine horns (uterine difference) by transrectal ultrasonography. Uterine tone, uterine position, uterine difference, and VEI did not differ (P>0.10) with treatment. Overall, up to week six inclusive, postpartum premilked heifers had lower (P<0.01) udder oedema scores than control heifers and up to week five inclusive, had lower (P<0.01) milk conductivity readings (indicative of fewer incidences of udder infections) than control heifers. The premilked heifers of both breeds produced more milk (P<0.01) at calving and more milk overall from calving to day 60 postpartum than the control heifers. In summary, udder health and milk production were improved post calving in premilked heifers compared with controls. However, no overt differences in reproductive characteristics were observed between the premilked and control heifers.