3rd Parity Research Articles

Factors Affecting the Milk Production Traits and Lactation Curve of the Indigenous River Buffalo Populations in Bangladesh.

Household buffalo dairy farming is gaining popularity nowadays in Bangladesh because of the outstanding food value of buffalo milk as well as the lower production cost of buffalo compared to cattle. An initiative has recently been taken for the genetic improvement of indigenous dairy buffaloes. The present study was carried out to determine the influence of some environmental factors like age, parity, season of calving, calving interval, dry period on the lactation yield, and lactation curve of indigenous dairy buffaloes of Bangladesh. A total of 384 indigenous dairy buffaloes from the 3rd and 4th parity of seven herds under two different agroecological zones covering four seasons were selected and ear tagged for individual buffalo milk recording. A milk yield of 300 days (MY300d) was calculated following the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR) and the data were evaluated using the generalized linear model (GLM). In production traits, the mean of calculated lactation period (CLP), calculated lactation yield (CLY), and milk yield of 300 days (MY300d) of the overall population were 267.28 days, 749.36 kg, and 766.92 kg, respectively, whereas calving interval (CI) and dry period (DP) as reproductive traits were 453.06 days and 185.78 days, respectively. The season of calving, age of buffalo cows, population or herd, agroecological zone, calving interval, and dry period had significant effects on production traits (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The season of calving, level of milk production of 300 days, population, and agroecological zone significantly affected the reproduction traits (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). Parity was found to be non-significant for both types of traits. The average peak yield of test day (TD) milk production was highest at TD4 (4.47 kg, 98th day of lactation). The average MY300d of milk production was the highest in the Lalpur buffalo population (1076.13 kg) and the lowest in the buffalo population of Bhola (592.44 kg). The correlations between milk production traits (CLP, CLY, and MY-300d) and reproduction traits (CI and DP) were highly significant (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). Positive and high correlation was found within milk traits and reproduction traits, but correlation was negative between milk traits and reproduction traits. Therefore, these non-genetic factors should be considered in the future for any genetic improvement program for indigenous dairy buffaloes in Bangladesh.

Influence of peripartum dietary supplementation of choline and fat in protected form on production performance of Gir cows

In this experiment, the effects of supplementing choline and fat in rumen protected form during peripartum period on feed intake, milk production and composition of Gir cows were studied. Twenty four Gir cows of 1st to 3rd parity were used from 30 days pre-partum through 60 days post-partum and randomly assigned to four equal treatment groups (n=6) on the basis of their parity, body weight and previous lactation yield. Control diet was fed to cows in group T1 (control). Additionally, rumen protected choline (RPC) @45 g/d in group T2; rumen protected fat (RPF) 80 g/d in group T3 and RPC @45 g/d + RPF @80 g/d in group T4 were supplemented along with control diet. The treatments significantly affected dry mater intake (DMI) and milk production of cows. DMI was increased in the cows fed with RPC as compared to control. Milk yield, 4% fat-corrected milk, solid-corrected milk and energy- corrected milk were higher in the cows fed with RPC and RPF alone or in combination, as compared to control. No synergistic effect was observed with these supplements on DMI or milk production. None of these supplements influenced the milk composition significantly, however yield of milk fat, protein and lactose were higher in all the nutrient supplemented cows compared to control. Net return over feed cost was higher in supplemented cows compared to control. Results indicated that supplementation of RPC or RPF can improve feed intake and productive performance of Gir cows for overall economic benefits.

Placenta accreta on non-scarred uterus: About a case

Placenta accreta is an abnormally adherent placenta (abnormal adhesion of the placenta to the myometrium), due to the localized or diffuse absence of the decidua basalis. Its incidence increases with increasing cesarean section rates. Placenta accreta in a non-scarred uterus is very rare but remains possible due to other risk factors which are age, smoking, placenta preavia and finally invasive endouterine procedures. Among its consequences, we first note the hemorrhage of delivery which can be associated with significant maternal morbidity and mortality, uterine rupture and also the invasion of adjacent organs by the placental trophoblast. We report an interesting case of placenta accreta on a non-scarred uterus discovered during a planned cesarean section for placenta previa. This is a 41-year-old patient with no history of scarred uterus, 5th procedure, 3rd parity, with history of spontaneous miscarriage cured at 2 months, pregnant at 39 weeks, unmonitored pregnancy, admitted to the maternity emergency room for two days before for delivery method where the parturient benefited from a clinical examination and an obstetric ultrasound showing a completely covering anterior placenta, amniotic fluid of normal quantity and an estimate of the fetal weight at 2800g, then scheduled for a cesarean section. The diagnosis of placenta accreta is made during cesarean section. We opted for radical treatment. Placenta accreta is a pathology at risk of serious hemorrhagic complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This should encourage us to systematically search for ultrasound criteria for placenta accreta. The ultrasound report, in these patients, must explicitly mention this. Adequate care in the presence of a multidisciplinary team makes it possible to limit the mortality and morbidity associated with this pathology.

The production and reproductive traits among different goat breeds in southwestern region of Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, a comprehensive study was conducted over one year to compare the reproductive and productive performance of Black Bengal, Jamunapari, and crossbred goats. The study involved a sample size of 226 goats and provided insightful information on the distinctive capabilities of each type of goat breeds. Most of the doe were 21–30 months of age, and their weight was 21–30 kg. The feed supply for the doe was concentrated green grass, whereas the kids got supplementary feed like rice bran. Among the reproductive traits, age at puberty, age of first kidding, and age of the first conception were significantly (P&lt;0.001) higher in Jamunapari goats, whereas aerial kidding intervals were found in 263.77 ± 54.26 days in crossbreeds. Postpartum heat periods were highest at 68.50 ± 5.53 days in Jamunapari goats at 1st and 2nd parity, though at 3rd parity, 22.96 ± 26.66 days were uppermost in Black Bengal. There was no significant effect of parity on lactation length or milk production. Though Jamunapari goats show the highest lactation length at 1st and 2nd parity, at 3rd parity, 2.56 ± 2.89 kg was the largest in Black Bengals. The mortality of kids was high in the second parity in Black Bengal and crossbreeds, whereas in Jamunapari, it was higher in the first and second parities. The mortality rate of kids under 20 days was high, which gradually decreased with the advancement of age. Different periparturient and postpartum diseases, like abortion, dystocia, retained placenta, etc., decreased the reproductive performance of goats. The Black Bengal goat exhibited superior productive and reproductive performance to Jamunapari and crossbred goats. The study's findings suggest that, in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, prioritizing Black Bengal goats for breeding programs could potentially enhance both productive and reproductive traits compared to Jamunapari and crossbred goats. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2023, 8 (3), 78-87

DNA methylation of GDF-9 and GHR genes as epigenetic regulator of milk production in Egyptian Zaraibi goat

BackgroundDNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that takes place at gene promoters and a potent epigenetic marker to regulate gene expression.ObjectiveThe study aimed to improve the milk production of Zaraibi goats by addressing the methylation pattern of two milk production-related genes: the growth hormone receptor (GHR) and the growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9).Methods54 and 46 samples of low and high milk yield groups, respectively, were collected. Detection of methylation was assessed in two CpG islands in the GDF-9 promoter via methylation-specific primer assay (MSP) and in one CpG island across the GHR promoter using combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA).ResultsA positive correlation between the methylation pattern of GDF-9 and GHR and their expression levels was reported. Breeding season was significantly effective on both peak milk yield (PMY) and total milk yield (TMY), where March reported a higher significant difference in PMY than November. Whereas single birth was highly significant on TMY than multiple births. The 3rd and 4th parities reported the highest significant difference in PMY, while the 4th parity was the most effective one on TMY.ConclusionThese results may help improve the farm animals' milk productive efficiency and develop prospective epigenetic markers to improve milk yield by epigenetic marker-assisted selection (eMAS) in goat breeding programs.

PSIII-16 Body Calcium and Phosphorus Mobilization of Sows During Lactation

Abstract Considering the excess of phosphorus (P) as a fertilizer in some regions, optimizing its use by animals is crucial to reduce its excretion. During the production cycle of the sow, P and calcium (Ca) requirement are greatest in lactation. To satisfy P and Ca need for milk production, sows have Ca and P available from dietary intake, but may also mobilize Ca and P from bone reserves. If that is the case, considering bone mobilization during lactation would be an opportunity to reduce dietary P intake. However, to our knowledge, bone mobilization in lactating sows is not well documented because of the difficulty in measuring it. With the use of X-ray technology to determine body composition on live animals, this subject can now be studied. Thus, the objective of this experiment was to quantify the body mineral mobilization during lactation for sows up to 3rd parity using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, i-DXA, GE Medical Systems, Glattbrugg, Switzerland) to obtain whole body bone mineral content (BMC) and whole-body lean and fat tissue mass. Eighteen Swiss Large White sows were scanned on day 2 and 26 (weaning) after parturition. The lactation diet was formulated to meet nutritional requirements; parity 1 [digestible energy (DE): 12.1 MJ, digestible P (DigP): 3.0 g, Ca: 9.0 g /kg], parity 2 and 3 (DE: 14.1 MJ, DigP: 2.8 g, Ca: 8.0 g /kg). Whole body P and Ca contents were calculated from lean tissue mass and BMC obtained by DXA. Bone mineral mobilization (BMCMOB, g), body phosphorus mobilization (PMOB, g) and body calcium mobilization (CaMOB, g) were calculated as the difference in BMC, body P and body Ca between day 26 and day 2. Piglets were weighed at farrowing and weaning and the average daily gain per piglet (PigletADG, kg/d) and the birth weight of litter (LitterBW, kg) were calculated. The mean body composition was on day 2: BMC, 5,810 ± 1082 g; P, 1,344 ± 207 g; Ca, 2,362 ± 440 g and on day 26: BMC, 5,093 ± 1,001 g; P, 1,228 ± 198 g; Ca: 2,070 ± 407 g. The pigletADG was 0.24 ± 0.05 kg/d and LitterBW was 18.5 ± 2.47 kg. The prediction equations for BMCMOB and body Ca and P during lactation are presented in Table 1. The best predictor was PigletADG and for body P, LitterBW also tended to be an influencing factor. This study allowed to quantify the P and Ca mobilization of the sow during lactation. Next step will be to evaluate the impact of dietary supply on this mobilization to then integrate it in requirement models.

The effect of teff (Eragrostis tef) hay inclusion on feed intake, digestibility, and milk production in dairy cows

Teff (Eragrostis tef) is a drought-tolerant, multi-harvest, high-quality summer forage crop. We conducted a study aiming at assessing the effect of replacing wheat hay with teff hay in diets on the feed intake, digestibility, and lactational performance of dairy cows. Thirty-four multiparous (≥3rd parity) Israeli Holstein Friesian dairy cows averaging (± SD) 182 days in milk ± 8 days in milk, 45 kg/d ± 4.8 kg/d of milk yield, and a body weight of 647.1 kg ± 51 kg at the beginning of the study were recruited to a 6-week feeding trial. Cows were randomly divided into two balanced groups based on parity, days in milk, and milk yield. Cows were subjected to two low-roughage dietary treatments (~30% roughage): a control wheat hay-based diet and a teff hay-based diet. Production performances, dry matter intake, and nutrient digestibility were measured. Milk samples were analyzed for their composition and fatty acids profile. Blood samples were used to measure metabolite concentrations. The statistical model included fixed effects of dietary treatments, time, and random effects of cows nested in treatment. Production data and feed intake were analyzed as repeated measures using a covariance structure. Dietary treatments did not affect dry matter intake (26 kg/d). However, the teff-fed cows demonstrated higher crude protein digestibility than control cows (61.9% vs. 59.2%). Dietary teff inclusion increased milk yield by 1.5 kg/d. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids profiles in milk were greater in the teff cows than in the control cows (4.77 g/100 g vs. 4.36 g/100 g and 3.71 g/100 g vs. 3.43 g/100 g, respectively). Non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and blood urea nitrogen concentrations in circulation were higher in the control group than in the teff group. The acetic-to-propionic-acid ratio in the rumen fluid was higher in control cows than in teff cows (2.90 vs. 2.43). However, the ruminal ammonia-N concentration was higher in the teff cows than in the control cows (18.5 mg/dL vs. 15.8 mg/dL). In conclusion, teff hay inclusion in the rations of high-producing dairy cows increased milk yield, which could be attributed to improved crude protein digestibility and energy partition to production.

Relationship between Milk Yield and Udder Morphology Traits in White Fulani Cows

The study examined the relationship between milk yield and udder morphology traits in White Fulani cows. Fifty-eight apparently healthy cows in early lactation at 2nd, 3rd, and 4th parity were used in the study. The data obtained from the cows were test day milk yield (TDMY) from single milking and udder morphology traits comprising udder length (UL), udder width (UW), udder depth (UD), fore teat length (FTL), rear teat length (RTL), fore teat diameter (FTD), and rear teat diameter (RTD). There was no significant effect of parity on TDMY or the udder morphology traits. Phenotypic correlations between TDMY, UL, UW, and UD were positive and significant. Notably, phenotypic correlations between UL and TDMY at different parities were the strongest. Teat measurements had no significant correlation with TDMY. Stepwise and principal component regressions were implemented to assess the relationship between milk yield and udder morphology traits. Interestingly, UL was the only trait that entered the reduced models. The results suggest a probable genetic correlation between milk yield and udder length. Therefore, since udder conformation traits are heritable, when selecting for udder length in White Fulani cows, a correlated response in milk yield is expected.

Effect of parity on milk yield in lactating dairy cows

This study evaluated the effect of parity on milk yield among dairy cows fed maize stover improved using legume stover (LS) and feed grade urea fertilizer (UET). The main objective was to assess the effect of parity number on milk yield among dairy cows. The study was carried out at the Livestock Development Trust Centre (LDTC) of the Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust near Batoka in Southern Province of Zambia. Three feeding trials involving twelve (12) lactating dairy cows were conducted to assess the effect of parity on Daily Milk Yield (DMY). Feed supplements were offered to cows in form of chopped MS supplemented with chopped groundnut stover (cGS), chopped soybean stover (cSS), mineralized groundnut solution (mGS) and mineralized soybean solution (mSS). The mean daily DMYs for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd parities were (5.06ltrs ±2.33, 8.00 ltrs±3.23 and 6.89ltrs±4.00 respectively). These means differed significantly (p&lt;0.05). Results of the current study have indicated that milk yield is influenced by parity with cows in 2nd parity showing the highest milk yield of first three parities.

Per-vaginum handling of dystocia due to Schistosoma reflexus pluriparus in Murrah buffalo

A pluriparus full-term exhausted murrah buffalo aged about 8 years, in its 3rd parity escorted to the TVCC, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, ANDUAT, Ayodhya, India, with history of straining since last 12 h. On per vaginum examination, this case was diagnosed as dystocia because of true Schistosoma reflexus. A successful per-vaginal management of dystocia due to Schistosomus reflexus monster by traction and mutation is performed.

Factors Affecting Fatty Acid Composition of Holstein Cow's Milk.

Milk fatty acid composition has gained the interest of both manufacturers and consumers during recent years. The present paper aimed to perform an analysis of C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA) and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration in cow's milk in relation to the type of ration, parity, lactation phase and season. Cows' milk from animals being fed total mixed rations, including corn silage, had higher C14:0, C16:0 and SFA concentrations than those being fed pasture-based rations but lower concentrations of C18:0 and PUFA. Comparing to 1st parity cows, 2nd and 3rd parity animals had higher SFA and SCFA concentrations in milk. With respect to spring, C14:0, C16:0 and SFA concentrations increased in summer, autumn and winter while MUFA, PUFA and SCFA concentrations decreased. Considering the lactation phase, C14:0, C16:0 and SFA concentrations decreased in fresh cows with ketosis comparing to healthy fresh cows and increased in peak, mid and late lactation. C18:0, C18:1 and MUFA follow the opposite trend. The milk fatty acid profile varies significantly through the studied effects. The fact that the fatty acid profile is associated with animal health, organoleptic properties of milk or even methane production highlights the importance of studying factors that affect its variation.

PREVALENCE, BACTERIOLOGY AND ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY PROFILE OF SUB- CLINICAL MASTITIS IN GOATS IN DISTRICT JHELUM.

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; In this study the prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis was determined in milk samples collected from goats of different breeds from district Jhelum. Surf field mastitis test and White side test were used for screening. Out of 500 animals tested, 14.2% animals were found positive for sub-clinical mastitis. Out of the positive samples, 12.2% were having infection in single, while, 2.0% were having infection in both halves of the udder. Beetle breed was infected at the highest rate i.e. 22.54% following desi breed i.e. 10.40% and teddy breed i.e. 8.80%, respectively. Prevalence of mastitis increased with increase in number of parity i.e. 8.5% up to 2nd parity and 19.76% up to 3rd parity. Bacteriological profile showed that Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen i.e. 51.43% isolated. Antibiotic sensitivity test revealed that most of the isolated bacteria i.e. 93.20% were sensitive to Gentamicin.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

PSXVI-12 Marine-Derived Ca-Mg Complex Supplementation Enhances the Performance of Sows and Their Litters During Parity 1 to 4

Abstract Among several nutrients, minerals specifically constitute a small percentage of diets but have an impact on the growth, health, and productivity of sows. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing the basal diet with marine-derived Ca-Mg complex on the reproductive performance of sows during parity 1 to 4 in a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement. Cross-bred gilts (n = 72; average body weight 181 kg) in their first to fourth subsequent parity were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments (24 gilts/treatment): CON (corn-soybean meal-wheat-based basal diet with limestone as main Ca source), CM1 (CON- MgO+ 0.4% Ca-Mg complex), and CM2 (CM1-0.4% limestone). A greater number (P&amp;lt; 0.05) of total born and live piglets, increased feed intake during gestation and lactation, increased backfat thickness before and after farrowing and at weaning, and increased estrus interval were observed (P&amp;lt; 0.05) during 3rd and 4th parity compared with 1st and 2nd parity sows. Moreover, sows fed CM1 and CM2 diets led to an improvement (P&amp;lt; 0.05) in total piglets during 1st and 2nd parity as well as live-born piglets during 1st to 3rd parity. In addition, CM1 and CM2 group sows showed reduced (P &amp;gt;0.05) backfat thickness change during third and fourth parity. Piglets that were born to CM1 and CM2 group sows showed greater (P&amp;lt; 0.05) weaning weight and average daily gain (ADG) during the first, second, and third parity. Furthermore, sows fed CM1 and CM2 diets decreased (P&amp;lt; 0.05) the duration of first to last piglet birth and placental expulsion time compared with those fed CON diet. A significant interactive effect (P=0.042) between parities and treatment diets was observed for the duration of first to last piglet birth. Thus, supplementation of 0.4% marine-derived Ca-Mg complex to the diet could be recommended to enhance sow and their litter performance during parity 1 to 4.

PSXVI-8 Marine-Derived Ca-Mg Complex Influences Serum Metabolites, Colostrum Nutrient Profile, Lipid and Glucose Metabolism-Associated Genes Expression, and Stress Hormones in Sows Over a Four-Parity Period

Abstract Among different nutrients, the requirement of minerals is small, but impacts sow longevity and reproduction performance. Cross bred gilts (n=72; average body weight 181 kg) in their 1st to 4th subsequent parity was randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatments (24 gilts/treatment) to assess the effects of marine derived Ca-Mg complex supplementation on serum mineral contents, hormone concentrations, colostrum nutrient profile, as well as lipid and energy metabolism-associated genes expression in the placental, and umbilical cord tissues. Treatments consisted of CON (corn-soybean meal-wheat-based basal diet with limestone as main Ca source), CM1 (CON-MgO + 0.40% marine derived Ca-Mg complex formulated to have same Ca and Mg spec as basal diet), and CM2 (CON - 0.4% limestone + 0.4% marine derived Ca-Mg complex - MgO). The inclusion of Ca-Mg complex in sow diet increased (P&amp;lt; 0.05) the serum Ca and Mg levels, colostrum Ca, Mg, protein, and IgM contents, and reduced stress hormones after farrowing. However, depletion of Ca and Mg was observed in the 4th parity sows fed CON diet and a reduction in stress hormones were observed in 3rd and 4th parity sows. The relative expression of the SCD gene was downregulated in the umbilical cord of piglets born to CM1 and CM2 sows compared with the CON group during parity 3 (P= 0.007) and parity 4 (P = 0.009). During the parity 4, SLC2A2 (P = 0.003) and FABP4 (P = 0.043) genes expression were upregulated in the umbilical cord of piglets born to CM2 sows and placenta tissue of sows from CM1 group, respectively. The observed positive influence of marine-derived Ca-Mg complex on lipid and glucose metabolism-associated genes expression, serum metabolites, colostrum nutrient, and stress hormones suggests that inclusion of 0.4% Ca-Mg complex in the diet is beneficial for improving sow longevity and performance.

Effect of Maternal Sildenafil Supplementation During Gestation on the Reproductive Performance of Sows/Gilts and Growth Performance of Neonatal Piglets

Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, provides an alternative and effective strategy to increase uterine blood flow and vascular development, thus improving fetal development. Previous studies have shown that sildenafil attenuates fetal growth restriction in rodents, sheep, and humans. However, the effect of sildenafil intervention on fetal growth in pigs remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with sildenafil on the reproductive performance of sows and gilts. Over 700 Landrace × Large White crossbred sows in the 3rd or 4th parity were randomly assigned to the control group and the sildenafil treatment groups. In brief, sows in the treatment groups were given a basic diet supplemented with sildenafil (0.32 g/day) during different stages of gestation: (1) gestation day (GD) 0–110; (2) GD 0–30; (3) GD 30–80; (4) GD 80–110; and (5) GD 30–110. At parturition, the total number of piglets born per litter, the number of piglets born alive or dead, the average birth weight, the number of weaned piglets, and the average weaning weights were recorded and analyzed. Sildenafil supplementation throughout gestation (GD 0–110) increased both the litter size and the average birth weight. To reduce the cost of extended sildenafil supplementation, time-phased strategies were further tested. Sildenafil supplementation during early gestation (GD 0–30), mid-gestation (GD 30–80), and late gestation (GD 80–110) partially improved litter performance. Notably, sows fed sildenafil supplementation from the mid-to-late gestation period (GD 30–110) showed significantly improved litter performance, approaching the levels in the sows supplemented with sildenafil throughout the whole gestation period. Taken together, our results showed that maternal sildenafil supplementation during gestation can effectively improve the reproductive performance of sows and gilts, and enhance the growth performance of neonatal piglets, thus providing a promising and practical intervention strategy to improve reproductive management in pig farming.

Differentiation in Some of Cytokines Levels of Holstein Cows Exposure to Heat Stress

The current study was conducted in the private station for Holstein cows farming that located in the middle of Iraq through the years 2020 – 2021 by select 125 cows with 3rd parity and divide the selected groups (pregnant and calved). Results that the IL-4 concentration differed significantly (P ≤ 0.01) at 40 days before calving, the concentration (400 pg/ml0 in heat stressed cows and at 20 days before calving, the concentration was 433 pg/ml in cows under heat stress. Results indicated that the concentrations of IL-6 differed significantly (P ≤ 0.01) because of heat stress during the period before calving, the concentrations of IL-6 were increased significantly in the cow’s blood that suffer from heat stress namely, 7.22 ng/ml and 8.39 ng/ml at 40 and 20 days respectively before calving compared with 5.11 ng/ml and 4.97 ng/ml respectively in cows that reared under comfort zone of ambient temperature. The results indicated that a significant difference in IFN-ϒ concentrations in cow blood suffer from heat stress compared with cows reared under normal ambient temperature. IFN-ϒ levels before 40 days of calving were 68.39 ng/ml and 47.66 ng/ml in cows stressed and unstressed respectively while were71.18 ng/ml and 49.5 ng/ml before 20 days of calving respectively.

PSII-19 Supplementing Calcium Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate (CAHMB) and Vitamin D3 to Sows Increases Piglet Weights

Abstract Previous studies have shown that supplementing sows with calcium beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (CaHMB) or CaHMB plus Vitamin D3 in late gestation and/or lactation improved piglet weight through weaning. This study was conducted at a commercial farrowing operation to confirm previous results, and 52 sows were studied, 26 in each of 2 groups. Sows were randomized to receive either 3 g/d CaHMB plus 500 IU/d Vitamin D3 (HMB/D) or a calcium carbonate containing control top-dressed to the morning ration from day 104 of gestation through weaning. Group 1 consisted of older sows, 4th and 5th parity, while Group 2 sows were younger, 2nd and 3rd parity. Three sows failed to farrow, 1 died after farrowing and 1 farrowed late, therefore forty-seven sows were included in the analysis. Treatment with HMB/D had no effect on sow weights, lactational weight loss, pre- or post-farrowing body condition score, stillborn piglets, mummified piglets, or number of piglets born alive or weaned. In both farrowing groups, birth and 24-hour weights of the piglets from HMB/D-supplemented sows were increased (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Piglets from sows supplemented with HMB/D were 9.7% heavier at birth and at 24 hours were 9.2% heavier, 1,418.6±21.2 and 1,549.3±22.0 g in Control and HMB/D, respectively. Analysis of birth to weaning dates demonstrated that Control piglets were on average one-half day older than HMB/D piglets at weaning (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). However, adjusting the weaning weights to a standardized 21-d weight (5,205.6±99.5 and 5,423.9±103.5 g for Control and HMB/D piglets, respectively) did not demonstrate statistical significance (P = 0.13). Further analysis by group showed HMB/D tended to increase weaning weights in younger sows (Group 2), 5,073.7±142.7 in Controls, 5,431.7±150.7 g in HMB/D piglets (P &amp;lt; 0.09). In conclusion, our results agree with previous studies demonstrating CaHMB and HMB/D supplementation increased early piglet weights with a tendency to improve weaning weights.

Fitting random regression models with Legendre polynomial and B-spline to model the lactation curve for Indian dairy goat of semi-arid tropic.

The present investigation aimed at genetic evaluation of tropical Indian dairy Jamunapari goat using random regression models (RRM) for the estimation of genetic parameters in the first three lactations across test days (TD) and also to come out with a pragmatic breeding plan in the nucleus. Variations in the lactation curves were modelled using 67,172 TD milk yield (TDMY) records. To obtain adequate and parsimonious models for the estimation of genetic parameters, orthogonal Legendre Polynomials (LP) and B-splines (BS) were compared. The analysis was carried out using a single-trait RRM approach. Average TDMY was 0.72, 0.81 and 0.79 kg in 1st to 3rd parities that also had 4th TD peak yield in common. BS function resulted in robust genetic parameters and a smoother curve for lactation as compared to LP. Maternal effects were evaluated and then dropped from the final model, owing to no significant contribution to the genetic variance. The best RRM was a quadratic BS function with six knots for the mean trend, curves of additive genetic, animal permanent environmental (c2 ) and 22 classes of residual variance. Additive variances and heritability (h2 ) estimates were higher in the early lactation. For first parity, the estimates of h2 varied between 0.19 to 0.35 across TD. Moderate h2 estimate suggests further scope for selection using desirable combinations of TD over the lactation. We observed a very high variance due to c2 across TD in three lactations. Genetic correlations were positive and larger between adjacent TDMY and weakened for distant TDMY. Looking into the robust estimates of genetic parameters and better fitting of lactation curve, we suggest the use of B-spline function for regular genetic evaluation of Jamunapari goat.

Milk yield, milk composition and reproductive performance of Baggara cattle as affected by parity under traditional system, Sudan

This study was conducted to evaluate parity order on milk yield and milk components and calving interval of Baggara cattle as affected by parity in West Kordofan State, Sudan. Forty eight cows were selected from the herd of Baggara cattle. The cows were weighed and divided into four groups A, B, C and D, each group comprised of (12) cows according to parity order, first, second, third and fourth parity. Data were analyzed by using F test for analysis of variance procedures and Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) for mean separation. All cows were raised on natural grazing. The results revealed that parity order significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected daily, monthly and total milk yield. Milk production increased with advance parity. High (p&lt;0.05) milk yield, monthly and daily milk scored by 3rd parities as 668.47 kg, 133.73kg and 4.49kg respectively. Results showed significant differences (p&lt;0.05) between different parities for the milk composition during first and third month of lactation period, with high fat percentages in first month for 2nd parities (6.21) and 3rd parities (6.26) in 3rd month of lactation. The results indicated that calving days to first estrus and days to conceive were significantly (P&lt;0.05) effected by parity number. Shorter days to show estrus was obtained by primiparous cows (56.19 ±8.72 days), also Days to conceive exerted significant (P&lt;0.05) effect parity order. Results showed a significant differences (p&lt;0.05) between different parities order for calving interval, that short days of calving interval scored by primiparous parities (10.04 months) and long days by 4th parities (13.17month). In conclusion, Baggara cows that depended on natural grazing reached its peak milk production in third parity with considered that the main purpose of these animals for meat production.

Evaluation of automated monitoring calving prediction in dairy buffaloes a new tool for calving management.

Buffalo is one of the leading milk-producing dairy animals. Its production and reproduction are affected due to some factors including inadequate monitoring around parturition, which cause economic losses like delayed birth process, increased risk of stillbirth, etc. The appropriate calving monitoring is essential for dairy herd management. Therefore, we designed a study its aim was, to predict the calving based on automated machine measured prepartum behaviors in buffaloes. The data were collected from n=40 pregnant buffaloes of 2nd to 5th parity, which was synchronized. The NEDAP neck and leg logger tag was attached to each buffalo at 30 days before calving and automatically collected feeding, rumination, lying, standing, no. of steps, no. of switches from standing to lying (lying bouts) and total motion activity. All behavioral data were reduced to -10 days before the calving date for statistical analysis to use mixed model procedure and ANOVA. Results showed that feeding and rumination time significantly (P<0.05) decreased from -10 to -1 days before calving indicating calving prediction. Moreover, Rumination time was at lowest (P<0.001) value at 2h before the calving such behavioral changes may be useful to predict calving in buffaloes. Similarly, lying bouts and standing time abruptly decreased (P<0.05) from -3 to -1 days before calving, while lying time abruptly increased (P<0.01) from -3 to -1 days before calving (531.57±23.65 to 665.62±18.14, respectively). No. of steps taken and total motion significantly (P<0.05) increased from -10 to -1 days before calving. Feeding time was significantly (P<0.02) lowered in 3rd parity buffaloes compared with 2nd, 4th and 5th parity buffaloes, while standing time of 5th parity buffaloes were lowered (P<0.05) as compared to 2nd to 4th parity buffalos at -1 day of prepartum. However, rumination, lying, no. of steps taken and total motion activity at -1 day of prepartum was independent (P>0.05) of parity in buffaloes. Neural network analysis for combined variables from NEDAP technology at the daily level yielded 100.0% sensitivity and 98% specificity. In conclusion NEDAP technology can be used to measured behavioral changes -10 day before calving as it can serve as a useful guide in the prediction calving date in the buffaloes.