4th Parity Research Articles

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.

English

The purpose of this study was to analyze milk producing traits, correlation between milk production and parities of Chinese Jersey cattle, and to make accurate prediction. For this purpose, samples for this study were taken from a large-scale breeding farm of Chinese Jersey cattle and chemically and statistically analyzed. The results of ANOVA and LSD showed that milk yield, protein percentage, somatic cell, urea nitrogen and other lactating traits of Jersey cattle of different parities were significantly different. LSD results explored that milk fat percentage decreased gradually, as the parity increased from second to third parity, while there was no difference in milk fat percentage in third and fourth parity. Similarly, protein percentage in milk was highest in second parity and then it decreased in third parity and lowest protein percentage was observed in fourth parity. Results of coefficient of variation explored that milk yield, protein and somatic cells reached the maximum value at parity 2, and the coefficient of variation of milk fat percentage and urea nitrogen reached the maximum value at parity 4. There was a significant negative correlation between milk yield and milk fat percentage, protein percentage, somatic cell and urea nitrogen in all parities. There was a positive correlation between milk fat percentage and protein percentage, somatic cell and urea nitrogen. There was a positive correlation between the protein rate and somatic cells, which was significant only at the 1st and 4th parity. There was a significant positive correlation between urea nitrogen and somatic cells at parity 1, and a negative correlation at parity 2, 3 and 4. Results of realistic estimates of achievable prediction accuracy of lactating traits showed that the amplitude of realistic estimate of prediction of milk yield, milk fat percentage, protein percentage, somatic cell and urea nitrogen in four parities were -0.65%-23.41%, -3.23%-3.92%, -3.19%-2.94%, -44.43%-29.81% and -7.83% ~ 3.97%, respectively. Based on results it is concluded that a complex correlation between the lactating traits of Jersey cattle exist and parities can significantly affect milk yield, milk protein, somatic cells and urea nitrogen of Chinese Jersey cattle

Incidence, risk factors and economic impact of clinical mastitis in dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius).

The study aimed to investigate the incidence, risk factors and economic impact of clinical mastitis in an organized camel herd located at Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. Furthermore, bacterial pathogens were isolated and identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis. The overall annual incidence of clinical mastitis was 25%, with highest incidence in Bikaneri and Mewari breed followed by Kachchhi and Jaisalmeri breeds. Animals with high peak yield appeared at higher risk, though statistical significance could not be established for any risk factor included in the study. Highest incidence was recorded in camels falling in 4th or higher parity group. In 80% cases, only one udder quarter was involved, while in rest 20% cases, two udder quarters were involved. Quarter-wise incidence was maximum in right fore-quarter followed by left fore-quarter, right hind-quarter and left hind-quarter. Important pathogens identified included Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus uberis, Bacillus clausii and Corynebacterium amylocolatum. Other isolates included Staphylococcus hominis, Streptococcus pluranimalium, Aerococcus viridians and Moraxella osloensis. The mean cost of clinical mastitis per animal per month was calculated as Indian Rs. 181.63 (~ US$ 2.45), while the mean cost per animal per annum was Indian Rs. 2179.29 (~ US$ 29.37). The maximum cost incurred in purchase of drugs (43.63%), followed by cost of discarded milk plus milk production loss (18.17%) and cost of veterinary services (17.03%). To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting economic impact of clinical mastitis in camel.

Identifying Risk Factors for Low Piglet Birth Weight, High Within-Litter Variation and Occurrence of Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Piglets in Hyperprolific Sows

Simple SummaryPiglet mortality is an ongoing concern for pig production worldwide. Piglets that have a low piglet birth weight (PBW), suffer from intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or are born from litters with a high within-litter variation in PBW (CVPBW) have an increased risk of dying before weaning. IUGR piglets, CVPBW and a low PBW might be connected by the same risk factors, and in order to optimize fetal development in the litter, these risk factors should be identified. Free-access stall feeding, floor feeding and electronic sow feeding systems are commonly used feeding systems for gestating sows in Denmark. These systems differ in several points, including in sow competition at feeding. The nutritional status of the sow is important for fetal development, and so the feeding method during gestation is also expected to affect such development. Of the risk factors identified in this study, increasing litter size was considered the most critical. Only small differences were found between the feeding systems and these differed amongst groups. The results should inspire further investigation of those risk factors to clarify causes of the observed effects and what drives individual herd differences.This study aimed to identify risk factors affecting PBW, high CVPBW and the occurrence of IUGR piglets in 12 commercial Danish herds with hyperprolific sows using free-access stalls, floor or electronic sow feeding systems in the gestation unit. The following factors were investigated: the duration of previous lactation, the length of the interval from weaning to insemination, the length of gestation, litter size, parity, sow backfat thickness in late gestation and the type of feeding system in the gestation unit. The study included newborn piglets from 452 litters with the following production indicator averages: 21.3 piglets/L, 1235 g PBW, 22.9% CVPBW and 10.9% and 11.8% within-litter occurrence of severe and mild IUGR piglets, respectively. Increasing length of weaning-to-insemination interval decreased PBW by 25.8 g/day. For 2nd to 9th parity sows, each additional piglet in the litter increased CVPBW by 0.38%, the occurrence of severe IUGR piglets by 0.68% and mild IUGR piglets by 0.50%. Sows of 5th parity and older had a 1.39% higher CVPBW and 49.1 g lighter piglets compared with sows of 2nd to 4th parity. PBW was lower in one ESF herd, suggesting complex interactions that need to be further elucidated. The main critical risk factor observed was litter size.

Factors Affecting Lactation Length and Peak Milk Yield in Gir Cattle

The production records of 228 Gir cows with 680 lactations sired by 52 bulls, maintained at Cattle Breeding Farm, Junagadh, were studied for 24 years (1987-2010). The data were analyzed to study the effect of period of calving, season of calving and parity as fixed effect on the production traits, viz., lactation length and peak milk yield. The least squares means of lactation length and peak milk yield in Gir cows were found to be 328.27 ± 12.99 days and 12.31 ± 0.51 kg, respectively. The variance analysis revealed that the period of calving and parity had a highly significant (p less than 0.01) influence on average lactation length and peak milk yield in Gir cows. Effect of season of calving was non- significant on these traits, indicating breed characteristic to adopt with tropical environment. There was precise decreasing trend in the lactation length due to parity or sequence of calving, indicating decrease of lactation length as the age advances, whereas peak milk yield increased gradually till 5th parity and then declined with advancing age/parity till 11th lactation. Lactation length ranged from 408.78 to 268.93 days in 1st to 12th parity, while peak milk yield in 1st, 5th and 10th lactation was 9.48, 13.65 11.17 kg, respectively.

Effect Of Parity On Intake And Utilization Of A High Forage Low Concentrate Ration By Bunaji Cows In Early Lactation

During the early lactation of three groups of four Bunaji cows each in the first, fourth and seventh parities, a 3:1 hay mixture of Cyonodon nlemfuensis variety robustus and Gliricidia sepium leaves fed ad libitum was supplemented for ten weeks with concentrate that supplied 16% of the daily total dry matter intake (DMI). On metabolic size basis, the intake of actual and digestible dry matter, crude protein (CP) and energy declined with increasing parity, the values for the seventh parity being significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) than those for earlier parities. Animals in the 4th parity produced maximum fat-corrected milk (FCM), solids-corrected milk (SCM) and actual milk that contained the least total solids (TS), fat, and caloric value but highest solids-not-fat (SNF) and lactose (P&lt;0.05). They also most efficiently converted DM, digestible CP (DCP) and digestible energy (DE) consumed into actual milk, FCM and SCM and the nitrogen intake or absorbed into milk nitrogen. Differences in these parameters during the earlier and later parities were similar (P&gt;0.05). On the average, animals in the 4th parity apparently lost or gained no weight. Primiparous animals gained one and half times as much weight as the oldest animals and more efficiently utilized the DM, DCP and DE consumed for weight gain while the ratio of their live weight gain to milk yield was higher (P&lt;0.05). Multiparous animals required 110% of the recommended CP but all animals required 70 - 85% of the recommended DE for maintenance and productive purposes.

EFFECT OF ADDITION PROTECTED FATTY ACIDS IN RUMINANT RATIONS ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF SUFFOLK X OSSIMI CROSSBRED EWES DURING DIFFERENT PRODUCTION STAGES

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of protected fatty acids (FA) on nutrient digestibility, rumen parameters, some blood components, milk yield and its composition and lambs growth performance during the pre-weaning period (2 months old) of Suffolk x Ossimi ewes. A total of 36 pregnant ewes, weighing on the average 64.89±1.57 kg in their 2nd – 4th parities and aged 2.5 – 4.5 years were divided into three similar groups according to their body weight (12 ewes each) using a complete randomized block design .The feeding trial started 60 days before lambing (late pregnancy period) and continued 60 days after lambing (suckling period). The experimental rations were offered into animals with the rate of 0, 4 and 6% calcium-soap as protected fatty acids (based on DM intake). Body weight, total gain and daily gain of the new born lambs were recorded during the preweaning period (suckling period). The basal rations composed of 60% concentrate feed mixture (CFM) and 40% roughage (berseem 30% + rice straw 10%, RS).Three digestibility trials were carried out using nine Suffolk x Ossimi crossbred rams with average 62 kg BW and aged 2-2.5 years to determine the digestibility and feeding values of the experimental rations. Data showed that significant higher digestibility at (P <0.05) of OM, CP, CF, EE and NFE for fat supplemented groups than those of control one. Rumen parameters (pH, total VFAs and ammonia-N concentration) were higher in supplemented groups than those of the control one. Values of concentrations of blood plasma total protein and its fractions, glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipids of experimental ewes were higher in for supplemented groups than that of control one in the two stages of the whole production cycle. Supplemented fat treatments (group) led to significant increases in birth, weaning weights and total gain of lambs, and the highest values were occurred with FA6. Milk yield was higher significantly in supplemented groups than that of control one as well as its composition (fat, total solids and protein, %) were followed the same trend of milk yield among treatments. Generally, it could be concluded that the supplementation of calcium salt of fatty acids at different levels (FA4 or FA6) for rations of Suffolk x Ossimi crossbred ewes improved digestibility, feeding values, increased lambs birth weight and milk yield and its composition beside better feed efficiency, with superiority of 6% level (FA6).

Effect of Calving season and Parity on the Productivity and Profitability of Holstein Friesian Dairy Farms

Abstract The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of calving season and parity on the productivity and profitability of private and governmental dairy farms in Egypt. The data of this study were estimated from 1353 lactation records of Friesian dairy cows. The data were classified according to calving season into winter and summer calvers, and according to parity into six lactation orders from 1st to 6th, then the data were analyzed statistically by using the computer programs SPSS/PC+ version 23. Total milk yield (305MY) and net profit (NP) differed significantly between calving season and parity within production sector, private sector for winter calvers and 3rd parity had the highest 305MY and NP (9759.5Kg - 40960.9EGP&10304.3 kg, 44546.1EGP, respectively), while governmental sector for summer calvers and 6th parity had the lowest 305MY and NP (5028.4Kg-12117.1EGP & 4460.1kg,10027.3EGP, respectively). Total cost (TC) differed significantly within parity and sector not season, it was the highest for private sector at 4th parity (34849.1EGp), while 6th parity for governmental sector had the lowest value (27657.5 EGP). Finally we concluded that winter calvers and 3rd parity achieve the highest profitability for dairy farms.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF SUBCLINICAL MILK FEVER AND KETOSIS IN LACTATING CROSS-BRED DAIRY COWS WITH THEIR THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT IN BANGLADESH

Background: Bovine Milk fever (MF/hypocalcaemia) and ketosis (CK/hypoglycemia and hyperketonemia) both in clinical and sub-clinical forms are the most important metabolic diseases caused by metabolic disorders of calcium and carbohydrate respectively that affect mainly high milk yielding dairy cows worldwide. Sub-clinical form may be more costly due to comparatively high prevalence and consequence of high risk of decreased productive and reproductive performances with increased reproductive and other disorders. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of sub-clinical hypocalcaemia (SCHC) and sub-clinical ketosis (SCK) and to investigate important potential risk factors for SCHC and SCK with their therapeutic management in lactating cross-bred dairy cows. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 220 dairy crossbred (HF  L = 190, SH  L = 20 and JS  L = 10) cows maintained in nine dairy farms and one smallholder farm during the period from July to November 2016. The parity (1 to 8), lactation stages (1 to 13 weeks), body condition score (BCS), breed (3 crossbreds), age (3.5 to 14 years) and milk yield (liter/day) were evaluated as possible risk factors. The serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium and glucose concentrations of the 220 dairy cows were determined by using imported commercial kits. Dairy cows with serum calcium concentrations  8.0 mg/dl and serum glucose  44.0 mg / dl with positive ketone tests but not showing any clinical signs were considered SCHC and SCK respectively. Results: The overall prevalence of SCHC was 30.0%, of which 32.11% were recorded in HF  L, 15.0% in SH  L and 20.0% in JS  L cross-bred cows. The overall prevalence of SCK was 25.0%, of which 27.37% in HF  L, 10.0% in SH  L and 10.0% in JS  L cross-bred cows. The SCHC was recorded 10 times greater than MF and SCK 6 times greater than CK in Bangladesh. The hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia with hypermagnesemia status were recorded in SCHC affected lactating cows which were more significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher (46.67%) at 4th parity and lower (16.67%) at 1st parity. The significantly (p &lt; 0.01) higher prevalence of SCK was recorded at the 4th (53.33%) in comparison to other parity especially lowest at 1st (2.78%) and 2nd (4.0%) parity. The significantly (p &lt; 0.1) highest prevalence of SCHC and SCK were recorded at high milk yield during the 1st (94.44%; 77.78%) and 2nd (66.67%; 56.67%) weeks of lactation period than the higher lactation stages respectively. The effects of BCS on the milk yield and the prevalence of SCHC and SCK are presented and discussed. Encouraging results with increased blood calcium and glucose levels were obtained on the therapeutic response of SCHC with oral calcium and SCK with oral propylene glycol. Conclusions: The SCHC and SCK have detrimental effects on cow health, productivity and reproduction and also predisposes to other diseases and disorders. The efficient balanced ration, periodic screening blood, milk and urine for determination of concerned biochemical constituents and ketone bodies considering risk factors could help to early detection of SCHC and SCK to limit their effects in dairy cattle. The high prevalence of SCHC and SCK recorded in this study should be viewed as a potential health risk to the transition cows that requires further research. Keywords: Sub-clinical milk fever, Sub-clinical ketosis, crossbred cows, prevalence, risk factors, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, glucose, ketone bodies, therapeutic management, Bangladesh

FACTORS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS IN SEVERAL BREEDS OF DAIRY CATTLE IN IRAQ

This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting reproductive traits using records collected during two calving seasons (2016-2017) and (2017-2018) from three herds of dairy cattle bred at Erbil-Iraq, and includes 323 lactation period (LP), 159 age at first calving (AFC) and 159 calving interval (CI). GLM within SAS used to diagnose the significance effects of the available factors affecting the studied traits. Repeatability of LP also estimated. Overall mean of LP, AFC and CI for the three breeds in all herds were 300.14 days, 27.709 months, and 360.26 days respectively. Simmental recorded significantly (p&lt;0.01) higher LP (302.95 days) comparing with Friesian (296.81 days) and Bokane (293.24 days). Differences in LP due to the herd were significant (p&lt;0.01). LP decline significantly (p&lt;0.01) from 306.05 days in the 1st parity to 290.22 days in the 4th parity. Effects of year and season of calving on LP were not significant. Cows calved females had significantly longer LP (299.39 days) than cows calved males (295.95 days). Regression of LP on AFC (0.207 day/mo.) was not significant, while regressions on body weight of cow at calving (0.088 day/kg) and on birth weight of their calfs (1.661 day/kg) were significant. Repeatability estimate for LP was 0.55. Differences in AFC due to the breed were highly significant, while the effect of herd, year and season of birth were not significant. Regression of AFC on their body weight at calving was not significant (-0.01 day/kg). Differences among the breeds, herds and parities in their CI were not significant. Cows calved in winter and spring recorded significantly shorter CI as compared with those calved in summer and autumn. Regression coefficient of CI on AFC (0.692 day/mo.) was not significant, while the regression on body weight of cow at calving (0.151 day/kg) was highly significant.

Milkability Evaluation of Jersey Dairy Cows by Lactocorder

Abstract Since there is not enough data about milkability of the Jersey cows, the aim of this paper is to show basic milkability traits of this cattle breed depending on the parity and milk flow curve types. Cows had average daily production (DMY) of 22.23 kg, milk yield per milking (MYM) of 9.72 kg, and average and maximum milk flow about 1.66 and 2.49 kg/min, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that DMY and MYM of the cows in 4th parity was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher comparing to cows in 1st and 3th parity. The duration of entirely milking is similar regarding the paritiesand only the cows in 3th and 4th differ significantly (p&lt;0.05). Regarding the effect of milk flow curve, the significant (p&lt;0.05) difference between unspecified and rectangular milk flow curve has been found for the average milk flow (AMF) and descending phase of the milk flow curve (TD). Cows with unspecified milk flow curve, have significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower AMF and longer TD compared to cows with rectangular curve. Cows with bimodal milk flow curve have significantly (p&lt;0.05) longer duration of the ascending phase compering to: unspecified, descending and rectangular. The results of this study have shown that Jersey cows have lower production and milk flow compared to other dairy cattle breeds. Nonetheless, they have uniform milkability traits, and a large representation of desirable milk flow curves which are associated with a beneficial effect on the udder health.

Effect of Body Condition Score (BCS) on Production Performance of Sahiwal Cattle

The present investigation was carried out with the total of 18 Sahiwal cattle of 1st to 4th parity were selected for the study and distributed into three different groups based on their pre calving BCS (before 15 days of expected date of calving) namely G1 (2.50–3.00), G2 (3.25–3.75) and G3 (4.00 and above) with six animals in each group. The average fortnight milk yield increased up to 60th day and thereafter declined up to 90th day in G1, G2 and G3 group of animals, which was significant (p<0.05) up to 75th day. G3 group animals had highest average fortnightly cumulative Milk yield (Kg) in entire study period. Highest 305 days predicted lactation milk yield (2462.66 Kg/lactation) and average peak yield (16.50 Kg/animal) was obtained in G3 group animals and the lowest predicted lactation milk yield (1870.68 Kg/lactation). The 305 days predicted lactation milk yield in G2 group animals was 2356.75 Kg/lactation and average peak yield was 14.90 Kg/animal. The G3 group animals also attained their peak yield in 46 days compared to G2 and G1 group animals with 51 and 54 days, respectively. The persistency of milk production was highest in G2 group animals with 65.63% followed by G3 and G1 group animals. The studied revealed that BCS had a significant (P<0.05) effect on post-partum estrus and service period in experimental animals.

Dietary betaine reduces incidence of follicular cyst in post-partum Karan Fries cows during hot-humid season

The objective of this study was to investigate the heat stress ameliorating effect of dietary betaine in reducing the risk of development of follicular cyst in dairy cows during hot-humid season. Eighteen pre-parturient Karan Fries (KF) cows in their 2nd to 5th parity were selected and assigned to 2 groups of 9 cows each on basis of parity and body weight. One group of cows was kept as control and other as treatment (50 g betaine/day/cow). Environmental variables and temperature humidity index (THI) of sheds were recorded during the experimental period. Body weight, dry matter intake (DMI), plasma non esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and cortisol levels were measured in both groups at fortnightly interval. Trans-rectal B-mode real time ultrasonography was performed weekly for diagnosis of follicular cyst. Results showed nonsignificant increase in mean DMI (1.86±0.12 kg vs 1.79±0.12 kg per 100 kg body weight) and overall body weight (416.76±10.24 kg vs 411.33±11.07 kg) in treatment group compared to control group. Plasma NEFA concentrations were lower in treatment group as compared to control (329.42±29.08 μmol/L vs 407.05±15.68 μmol/L). Plasma cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in treatment group as compared to control group (4.91±0.68 ng/ml vs 6.89±0.49 ng/ml). In control group, 22.22% cows had follicular cyst on their ovaries whereas no follicular cyst was found in betaine supplemented cows. It can be concluded that supplementation of 50 g betaine/cow/day reduces the incidence of follicular cyst along with reduction in plasma NEFA and cortisol levels.

Disease burden and associated factors of rotavirus infection in calves in south-eastern part of Bangladesh

Rotaviruses are considered as a major cause in the etiology of diarrhea in young calves worldwide and it causes calf morbidity, mortality and substantial economic losses in the dairy industry. This study reports the determination of the disease burden and first evaluation of associated risk factors of rotavirus infection in calves in Bangladesh. A cross sectional survey was carried out for the approximation of prevalence and associated risk factors of rotavirus infection in neonatal calves in South-eastern part of Bangladesh. From July 2015 to May 2016 a total of 411 calves under the age of 6 weeks from 210 dairy farms were selected using probability sampling scheme. Rotavirus infection was diagnosed from calf fecal samples using a commercial ELISA kit. Different farm and calf level factors were tested by mixed effect multivariable logistic regression models to differentiate factors significantly contributing to the high burden of rotavirus infection in calves in the study area. Overall prevalence of rotavirus in calf feces, irrespective of diarrheic and non-diarrheic, was estimated as 5.11%. Among the hypothesized risk factors, samples from winter season showed higher odds of having the infection compared to summer (OR=6.04). Likewise, higher odds ratios were observed in: &gt;3 weeks of age group compared to ≤ 3 weeks (OR=2.87), taking of first colostrums after 30 minutes to 2 hours of birth in contrast to within 30 minutes (OR=13.92), and finally, calves from 3rd to 4th parity compared to 1st to 2nd parity (OR=6.79). Enteric diseases are a vital health problem in calves that interrupts production benefits with reduced weight gain and increased mortality rates and moreover it has potential to spread. Therefore, it is imperative to determine the disease burden and responsible risk factors to execute effective preventive measures among the population at higher risk.&#x0D; Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2019, 5(2): 107-116

PSVII-11 Effects of a synbiotic (probiotic+prebiotic) on the reproductive efficiency of multiparous sows

Abstract Sow longevity plays an important role on the profitability of any sow operation in economically and efficiently producing pigs. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of a synbiotic (Biomin® PS, BIOMIN America Inc.) containing multi-strain live probiotic strains (Enterococcus faecium, Pediococcus acidilactici, Bifidobacterium animalis, and Lactobacillus reuteri) and a prebiotic (fructo-oligosaccharaide) on sow reproductive performance. A total of 24 sows (4th and 5th parity) were divided evenly into 2 groups and fed either a control diet or a synbiotic diet during the gestation (starting on d 35 of gestation) at 1 kg/MT and lactation until weaning of piglets at 0.5 kg/MT. Daily sow feed intake was also measured during the lactation period. Sow BW was recorded pre-farrow (d 110 of gestation) and at weaning (d 21 of lactation). Piglet BW was recorded after cross-foster and on d 21 of lactation. Data were analysed using MIXED model in SAS. No significant difference was observed in sow feed intake. Relatively lower weight loss (14%) was observed during lactation in sows fed synbiotic (-24.3 kg/sow) in comparison to control fed sows (-28.4 kg/sow), although not statistically significant. A positive trend (P &lt; 0.10) was observed with synbiotic fed sows having lower still-borns (-50%), increased number of piglets weaned per sow (+0.94 piglet/sow) and litter weight gain (+7.24 kg/litter) compared to control sows during lactation. Weaned litter weight was also increased (P &lt; 0.05) with synbiotic feeding (78.5 kg/sow) in comparison to control (66.5 kg/sow). Overall, supplementation of the synbiotic formulation increased the sow reproductive performance by increasing weaned litter weight and number of pigs weaned while numerically lowering sow weight loss during lactation. Supplementation this synbiotic could be considered as part of sow feeding programs to improve sow reproductive efficiency.

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Differential Diagnosis of Cystic Ovarian Degeneration in Crossbred Cows

The present study was conducted under field conditions on &gt;90 days postpartum HF crossbred cows with cystic ovaries (n = 58). The diagnosis was confirmed by history and trans-rectal palpation and ultrasonographic examinations twice at weekly interval using 5.0–7.5 MHz frequency probe and was later authenticated with plasma progesterone assay and treatment response. The animals with follicular cysts were randomly treated with either conventional ovsynch or ovsynch + CIDR protocol with fixed time AI (n = 10 each), and those with luteal cysts with either double PG injections 11 days apart or modified Ovsynch protocol (n = 16 each). Among 58 cystic cows, the highest incidence (62.07 %) of the ovarian cyst was recorded in the age group of 5–7 years followed by above 7 years (36.21%) and 3–5 years (2.00%). The incidence was highest among cows of 3rd or more parity (70.69%) followed by 2nd parity (29.31%), and no case was seen in primiparous cows. Of the total 36.21% were follicular type cyst and 63.79% luteal type cysts. The right ovary had a high incidence of the cyst (51.72%) followed by the left ovary (36.21%), and bilateral (12.07%). Based on rectal palpation, the cystic ovary was classified to have follicular cyst in 36.21% (21/58) cases and luteal cysts in 63.79% (37/58). Ultrasound examination showed follicular and luteal cysts as 27.59% and 72.41%, whereas plasma P4 (less than/greator than 1 ng/mL) analysis revealed this as 20.69% and 79.31%, respectively. The clinical diagnosis became more accurate with a combination of per rectal palpation and USG and was further improved by plasma progesterone assay. The mean diameters and a wall thickness of cysts varied highly significantly (p less than 0.01) between groups/protocols. The conception rates at induced estrus with FTAI in cows under ovsynch, ovsynch + CIDR, modified ovsynch and double PG protocols were 50.00, 40.00, 50.00 and 43.75 percent, respectively. It is thus concluded that in crossbred cows luteal cysts are more common than follicular cysts, particularly in prime aged animals of 3rd or 4th parity with more of left ovarian involvement. The differentiation of cyst type is best achieved with the combined use of USG and/or plasma progesterone assay with rectal palpation, and that ovsynch protocol appeared promising for the treatment of follicular cysts and Modified Ovsynch for luteal cysts.

Effect of some physiological and environmental factors in milk quality of Awassi ewes

The present study was carried out at the experimental animal farm , college of Agriculture , Kufa University by using data collected for 80 Awassi ewes in different age and lactation stage in the period of 2009 to 2013 to determine the effect of dam age and parity, lactation stage , type and sex of birth and year of birth in milk protein , fat , lactose ash and PH. Results was showed a significant effect(p≤ 0.05 ) of lactation stage in protein fat and ash , the highest values were in late period of lactation (6.92,6.27and1.51)% respectively. The highest value of lactose was in early lactation (4.38)% .The highest values were found in 4th parity (6.99 , 6.31 and 1.48 )% respectively. Dam age effect significantly (p≤ 0.05 ) in milk fat , the highest value was in older dams compared with younger dams (6.37 and 5.14) % respectively. Single birth gave a significant increase (p≤ 0.05 ) in milk protein and fat (6.94 and 6.09)% respectively. Females birth gave a significant increase in milk protein , fat and ash ( 6.77, 5.92 and 1.17) respectively. Significant effect (p≤ 0.05 ) of year of birth in milk protein ,fat and ash, the highest values were found in 2010 (6.75, 6.20 and1.11)% respectively. Milk PH was not affected significantly by all factors.

Dietary supplementation of guanidinoacetic acid for sows and their progenies: Performance, blood parameters and economic viability at nursery phase

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of guanidinoacetic acid supplementation for sows and their litter on performance, blood parameters and economic viability of piglets at nursery phase. A total of 80 high-prolific mixed-parity sows from 3rd and 4th parity were randomly distributed between two treatments: control diet and diet supplemented with 0.1% guanidinoacetic acid. Sows were fed with the dietary treatments during the gestation and lactation. Piglets were weaned at 23 days of age and then distributed in a randomized block design, in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, considering two diets for the sows during gestation and lactation (control diet and diet supplemented with 0.1% GAA) and two diets for the piglets at nursery phase (control diet and diet supplemented with 0.1% GAA). Each treatment consisted of six replicates, being the pen with 40 animals considered as experimental unit. No interaction between guanidinoacetic acid supplementation for sows during the gestation and lactation and for their progenies was observed (P>0.05) on performance and blood levels of creatinine and creatine kinase of the piglets during the nursery phase. The isolated factors also did not influence (P>0.05) these parameters. There was no interaction between guanidinoacetic acid supply for sows and their progenies on economic evaluation. Piglets that received dietary supplementation of 0.1% guanidinoacetic acid presented higher average feed cost per kilogram of body weight and cost index, and also lower economic efficiency index. Dietary supplementation of 0.1% guanidinoacetic acid for sows and their litters does not influence performance and blood parameters of piglets during the nursery phase, and is economically unfeasible.

Effects of bypass fat on postpartum reproductive performance in dairy cattle

This study was conducted to determine the effects of bypass fat on postpartum reproductive performance in dairy cattle. A total of 40 advance pregnant crossbred dairy cows of 2nd to 5th parity were randomly divided into two groups, control (n=10) and treatment (n=30). The control animals were maintained on routine standard feeding schedule. The treatment animals in addition to routine standard feeding schedule, were supplemented orally daily with extra 100 g of bypass fat (Enerfat, Kemin) for about 2 weeks before expected date of calving and continued one week after calving. The level of bypass fat was then increased as per the milk production @ 10 gram per litre of milk produced until 60 days postpartum limiting to maximum of 250 gram/day. Blood samples were collected from each animal at 2 week prior to expected date of calving (-14), day 0, 10, 20 and 30 of calving, for the estimation of various blood biochemical parameters. Gross uterine involution and the interval from calving to first estrus occurrence were recorded. Bypass supplementation non-significantly reduce uterine involution time and time from calving to first postpartum observed estrus. Peripartum bypass fat supplementation significantly (P<0.05) increased serum glucose and total cholesterol but significantly (P<0.05) decreased serum (non-esterified fatty acids) NEFA level.

Variation in lactoferrin gene affects milk lactoferrin content and somatic cell count in murrah buffaloes

Lactoferrin plays an important role in antimicrobial defence and is a potential candidate gene for mastitis resistance. In the present investigation, polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) studies were carried out in Murrah (Bubalus bubalis) buffaloes to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of lactoferrin gene and to analyse the association between the observed polymorphisms with milk lactoferrin content and Somatic cell count (SCC). PCR-SSCP analysis revealed a total of 07 different variants in the partial coding region of the lactoferrin gene. PCR-SSCP analysis of exon 10 of lactoferrin gene revealed three and that of exons 4 and 5 revealed two unique patterns each, while all other exons exhibited monomorphic pattern. Comparison of nucleotide sequences of lactoferrin gene of the Murrah buffaloes with taurine reference sequence revealed a total of 14 point mutations, 09 of which were found to be in coding region. Conceptualized translation of nucleotide sequence revealed 07 amino acid changes. SSCP variants of exon 10 (P less than 0.01) had significant effect on milk SCC. The SSCP variants of exon 4 and exon 5 had significant (P less than 0.05) effect on lactoferrin content. The SCC and lactoferrin content in Murrah buffaloes was highest in 4th and above parity group. Stage of lactation had highly significant (P less than 0.01) effect on both milk SCC and lactoferrin content. There was a high and significant (p less than 0.01) correlation (0.741) between SCC and lactoferrin content in milk. The observed association between SSCP variants in lactoferrin gene with milk SCC and milk lactoferrin content can be used as prognostic markers for selection of animals for high lactoferrin content and low somatic cell count, as well as a marker of susceptibility/resistance to mastitis in Murrah buffaloes