Effect of reproductive disorders and parity on repeat breeder status and culling of dairy cows in Quebec.

This study quantified the effect of peripartum reproductive disorders and parity on repeat breeder status and involuntary culling of dairy cows. Reproductive data of 418 383 lactations were taken from a computerized databank of health records for dairy cows. A logistic regression model was used with dystocia, retained placenta (RP), metritis complex, and parity as fixed effect risk factors and herd entered as the random effect.

Evaluation of the California Mastitis Test as a precalving treatment selection tool for Holstein heifers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and a portable electrical conductivity meter for diagnosing precalving intramammary infection (IMI) in Holstein heifers. A total of 428 dairy heifers from 23 dairy herds were enrolled between 6 and 12 days before the expected calving date from June 2002 to June 2003. Mammary secretions were tested by both diagnostic methods and by bacterial culture for evidence of IMI.

Effect of precalving intramammary treatment with pirlimycin in nulliparous Holstein heifers.

A clinical trial was conducted to determine whether prepartum intramammary pirlimycin reduces the proportion of nulliparous heifers with intramammary infection (IMI) during early lactation and improves milk production. Quarter milk samples were collected from 428 heifers, systematically allocated to treatment and control groups, 6 to 12 d before the expected calving date and 2 to 8 d after calving. At the prepartum visit, heifers in the treatment group (n = 219) received an infusion of pirlimycin hydrochloride in all 4 quarters; the control heifers (n = 209) received no infusions.

The effect of pharmacist intervention and patient education on lipid-lowering medication compliance and plasma cholesterol levels.

Background: Dyslipidemias are a modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease. The benefits of cholesterol reduction drug therapies are limited by poor patient compliance with drug regimens.

Objectives: To determine the impact of a community pharmacist pilot disease-management program on patient compliance with lipid-lowering drug therapy and on serum cholesterol levels.