Effects of Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) and Climatological Factors on Reproduction Efficiency of Holstein Friesian and Jersey Cows in the Subtropics

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) affects the reproduction of dairy cows, but it is challenging to measure routinely. Milk urea nitrogen (MUN) is a useful proxy for BUN, but the effects of MUN and climatological factors on the reproduction efficiency of dairy cows in the subtropics, which is characterized by extreme temperature and humidity indices, are lacking. The present study investigated the effects of MUN and climatological factors on the reproduction efficiency of Holstein Friesian and Jersey cows in South Africa. The results confirm that MUN influences the reproduction efficiency of dairy cows in the subtropics. High MUN, relative humidity, and maximum daily temperatures compromise the reproduction of Holstein Friesian cows. Jersey cows have a lower threshold MUN concentration compared to Holstein Friesian cows, but they are not adversely affected by high humidity or temperatures. ABSTRACT: This study investigated the effects of MUN and climatological factors on the inter calving period (ICP), reproductive performance (RP%), and reproductive index (RI) in Holstein Friesian (n = 1177) and Jersey cows (n = 3305) in different seasons in the subtropics. Threshold values for MUN on the reproduction of dairy cows in the subtropics remain controversial due to complex environmental interactions, especially with high environmental temperatures. A retrospective analysis was conducted of data obtained from the National Milk Recording scheme of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in South Africa. The results confirm that MUN influences the reproduction of dairy cows in the subtropics. MUN concentrations exceeding 18.1 ± 4.28 mg/dL in Holstein Friesian cows and 13.0 ± 4.70 mg/dL in Jersey cows extended the inter calving period (ICP), and decreased RP% and RI. Jersey cows have a lower threshold MUN concentration compared to Holstein Friesian cows, but they are not adversely affected by high humidity or temperatures, while Holstein Friesian cows are.