Cattle Milk Research Articles

A Comprehensive Analysis of Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Bioactive Compounds in Gir Gai Milk from Sai Nath University

The Gir Gai, a distinguished breed of Zebu cattle, are scientifically identified as Bos primigenius indicus in India, renowned for their adaptability to harsh climates, offer a unique milk source with exceptional nutritional and pharmacological properties. This study comprehensively analyzed the macronutrient, micronutrient, and bioactive components of Gir Gai milk obtained from Sai Nath University. Results revealed a rich profile of essential nutrients, including proteins, fats, vitamins (A, D, B2, B12), and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc). Moreover, the milk exhibited a strong immune-enhancing profile, characterized by high levels of immunoglobulins and antimicrobial enzymes. These findings highlight the potential of zebu cattle milk as a valuable dietary resource with significant health benefits. Further research is warranted to explore the specific mechanisms underlying its nutritional and pharmacological properties and to evaluate its potential applications in human nutrition and wellness.

Mitochondrial sequence variants: testing imputation accuracy and their association with dairy cattle milk traits

BackgroundMitochondrial genomes differ from the nuclear genome and in humans it is known that mitochondrial variants contribute to genetic disorders. Prior to genomics, some livestock studies assessed the role of the mitochondrial genome but these were limited and inconclusive. Modern genome sequencing provides an opportunity to re-evaluate the potential impact of mitochondrial variation on livestock traits. This study first evaluated the empirical accuracy of mitochondrial sequence imputation and then used real and imputed mitochondrial sequence genotypes to study the role of mitochondrial variants on milk production traits of dairy cattle.ResultsThe empirical accuracy of imputation from Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) panels to mitochondrial sequence genotypes was assessed in 516 test animals of Holstein, Jersey and Red breeds using Beagle software and a sequence reference of 1883 animals. The overall accuracy estimated as the Pearson’s correlation squared (R2) between all imputed and real genotypes across all animals was 0.454. The low accuracy was attributed partly to the majority of variants having low minor allele frequency (MAF < 0.005) but also due to variants in the hypervariable D-loop region showing poor imputation accuracy. Beagle software provides an internal estimate of imputation accuracy (DR2), and 10 percent of the total 1927 imputed positions showed DR2 greater than 0.9 (N = 201). There were 151 sites with empirical R2 > 0.9 (of 954 variants segregating in the test animals) and 138 of these overlapped the sites with DR2 > 0.9. This suggests that the DR2 statistic is a reasonable proxy to select sites that are imputed with higher accuracy for downstream analyses. Accordingly, in the second part of the study mitochondrial sequence variants were imputed from real mitochondrial SNP panel genotypes of 9515 Australian Holstein, Jersey and Red dairy cattle. Then, using only sites with DR2 > 0.900 and real genotypes, we undertook a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for milk, fat and protein yields. The GWAS mitochondrial SNP effects were not significant.ConclusionThe accuracy of imputation of mitochondrial genotypes from the SNP panel to sequence was generally low. The Beagle DR2 statistic enabled selection of sites imputed with higher empirical accuracy. We recommend building larger reference populations with mitochondrial sequence to improve the accuracy of imputing less common variants and ensuring that SNP panels include common variants in the D-loop region.

Comparison of Extraction Methods for the Detection of Avian Influenza Virus RNA in Cattle Milk.

Since early 2024, a multistate outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been affecting dairy cattle in the USA. The influenza viral RNA concentrations in milk make it an ideal matrix for surveillance purposes. However, viral RNA detection in multi-component fluids such as milk can be complex, and optimization of influenza detection methods is thus required. Raw bulk tank milk and mastitis milk samples were artificially contaminated with an avian influenza strain and subjected to five extraction methods. HCoV-229E and synthetic RNA were included as exogenous internal process controls. Given the high viral load usually observed in individual raw milk samples, four out of five tested methods would enable influenza detection in milk with normal texture, over a time window of at least 2 weeks post-onset of clinical signs. Nevertheless, sample dilution 1:3 in molecular transport medium prior to RNA extraction provided the best results for dilution of inhibitory substances and a good recovery rate of influenza RNA, that reached 12.5 ± 1.2% and 10.4 ± 3.8% in two independent experiments in bulk milk and 11.2 ± 3.6% and 10.0 ± 2.9% on two cohorts of mastitis milk samples. We have also shown compatibility of an influenza RT-qPCR system with synthetic RNA detection for simultaneous validation of the RNA extraction and RT-qPCR processes.

Impact of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in livestock farming, animal products and its mitigation strategies with medicinal plants: A brief review

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is any strain of S. aureus that has developed multiple drug resistance to antibiotics. MRSA could be a highly pathogenic strain of bacteria causing thousands of deaths in humans. Detection of MRSA in foodstuffs of animal origin has been widely reported and has raised public health concerns about the transmission of MRSA from foodstuffs of animal origin to humans. There are many reports of MRSA infections originating from dairy cow;s milk, milk products, and livestock along with MRSA transmission between farmers working in livestock farms including people working within the dairy industry. Significant differences in the spread of cases of MRSA infection originating from milk and milk products are reported among various countries around the world. This difference could also be caused by different livestock production management systems in numerous countries within the world. Animal products contaminated with MRSA are going to be a possible transmission of MRSA to humans causing serious health problems leading to tremendous public health concerns. The milking process administered by farmers and the processing of milk for milk products are often risk factors for the transmission of MRSA to humans. Contamination of MRSA in milk and milk products and other animal products could be a major reason for the malady. Several antibiotics of choice are often employed in treating patients who experience poisoning with milk and milk products like fluoroquinolone, tetracyclines, lincosamide, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Adherence to good hygiene practices during milking, processing, and handling of dairy cattle can significantly minimize MRSA contamination of milk and dairy products. The objective of this review is to summarize the risk factors for the occurrence and spread of MRSA in dairy herds and to identify the respective knowledge gaps. This review focuses on common causes of MRSA infection and used antibiotics combined with herbal extracts against MRSA and the corresponding mechanisms. Through systematic analysis, we found that herbal extracts combined with antibiotics, such as β-lactams, quinolones, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, and glycopeptides, could greatly enhance the antibacterial effects of the antibiotics, reduce the dosage and toxic side effects, and reverse MRSA resistance. Therefore, it can be concluded that herbal extracts combined with antibiotics may be a promising strategy to combat MRSA. This review provides a novel idea for overcoming antibiotic resistance.

The effect of Haematobia exigua infestation on cattle behaviour and milk production

The effect of Haematobia exigua infestation on cattle behaviour and milk production

Apple pomace in feeding of dairy cattle as an element of sustainable agriculture strategy - a review

Abstract This work provides an overview of the knowledge about using apple pomace as milk cattle feed. Utilization of apple pomace as livestock feed is one of the possible alternatives to reduce environmental pollution and overcome the feed deficit. Apple pomace, rich in e.g. polyphenolic compounds, holds potential to be a valuable feed additive for enhancing the antioxidative capacity and overall quality of milk. The research on apple pomace as feed additive for livestock are important due to abundance of apples in Poland, the world’s second-largest apple producer. To promote sustainability in animal feed production the use of agro-food-by products as apple pomace as animal feed component should be considered.

Identification of Pasture Degradation Using Remote Sensing Data and Machine Learning: A Case Study of Obichnik

The degradation of pastures and meadows is a global problem with a wide range of impacts. It affects farmers in different ways, such as decreases in cattle production, milk yield, and forage quality. Still, it also has other side effects, such as loss of biodiversity, loss of resources, etc. In this study, the degradation of a semi-natural pasture near the village of Obichnik, Bulgaria, was evaluated using machine learning algorithms, and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) obtained visual spectrum images. A high-quality (HQ) orthomosaic of the area was created and numerous regions of interest were manually marked for training and validation purposes. Three machine learning algorithms were used—Maximum likelihood, Random trees (RT), and Support Vector Machine (SVM). Furthermore, object-based and pixel-based approaches were utilized. The obtained results indicate that the object-based RT and SVM models provide significantly better accuracy, with their Cohen’s Kappa reaching 0.86 and 0.82, respectively. The performed classification showed that approximately 61% of the investigated pasture area is covered with grass, which indicates light-to-medium degradation.

Nutritive value and multi-mycotoxin occurrence in feeds and milk of dairy cattle

Nutritive value and multi-mycotoxin occurrence in feeds and milk of dairy cattle

Unlocking the hypolipidemic potential of bioactive peptides derived from probiotic fermented cattle, camel, goat, and sheep milk: a comprehensive investigation through in vitro,in silico, and molecular docking studies

Unlocking the hypolipidemic potential of bioactive peptides derived from probiotic fermented cattle, camel, goat, and sheep milk: a comprehensive investigation through in vitro,in silico, and molecular docking studies

Agroclimatic zone-wise prevalence of biofilm forming methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus in West Bengal

The present study envisages the prevalence of biofilm producing, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, isolated from cattle milk of different agro-climatic zones of an eastern state of India, West Bengal. The milk samples (n=168) were collected from three predominant agro- climatic zones of South Bengal, viz. new alluvial, coastal saline and red laterite. A total of 146 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were recovered, confirmed by biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Through PCR of mecA gene, it was found that 45 strains were methicillin resistant, encompassing 28.57% new alluvial zone, 30.19% red laterite region and 29.16% coastal saline region. Determination of biofilm formation was done, both phenotypically by microtiter plate method and genotypically by PCR of icaA and icaD genes, specific for biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus. Phenotypic study revealed that 14 isolates were strong biofilm producers, 79 were moderate and the 47 were weak biofilm producers. PCR studies also showed that a total of 30 isolates were icaA positive and 25 isolates were icaD positive. Although no significant difference was found in the occurrence of icaA positive isolates, the possession of icaD by the Staphylococcus aureus isolates varied significantly according to different agro-climatic zones.

Genomic diversity and nutritional analysis of multi-drug resistant extended spectrum β-lactamase Producing-Klebsiella pneumoniae genes isolated from mastitic cattle milk in district peshawar, Pakistan

The increasing incidence of resistance extended spectrum-beta lactamase (ESBL) producing Klebsiella pneumonia become worldwide issue. The current study aimed to determine the genomic diversity of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae in milk samples collected from cows with mastitis as well as their antibiotic sensitivity profiles and genetic identification in Peshawar, Pakistan. The california mastitis test (CMT) was initially used to verify the presence for mastitis in 700 collected milk samples. The molecular identification of the 16SrRNA gene confirmed 120/700 (17.14 %) propagation of K. pneumonia. Out of these isolates MDR ESBL-producing isolates were 60/120 (50 %). The lactose were found (M = 3.96 ± 0.28, SD = 2.19), followed by fats (M = 3.12 ± 0.11, SD = 0.90), protein (M = 5.97 ± 0.24, SD = 1.84), sodium (M = 55.74 ± 2.07, SD = 15.81), potassium (M = 138.5 ± 1.53, SD = 11.71), chloride (M = 0.74 ± 0.03, SD = 0.24), calcium (M = 10.27 ± 0.31, SD = 2.42), and chlorine (M = 2.80 ± 0.22, SD = 1.70), respectively. Amikacin (80 %), ceftazidime (71 %), and tetracycline (71 %) were shown to be the most effective antimicrobials against all of the isolates. The occurrence of the blaSHV gene was observed at 56.00 % whereas the blaTEM gene and blaCTX-M gene were 36.00 %, and 30.00 %. The distribution of blaCTX-M subgroup genes was followed by blaCTX-M-1 (38.00 %), blaCTX-M-9 (22.20 %), and blaCTX-M-15 (61.10 %). Co-occurrence of blaCTX-M+ blaSHV was (15.00 %), blaCTX-M+ blaTEM were (6.60 %), and blaSHV + blaTEM were (10.00 %), respectively. The inappropriate, prolonged and common use of antibiotics may apply selective pressure for propagation and the occurrence of resistant isolates.

Reproductive Biotechnology Tools as a Game Changer for the Dairy Sector: The Case of Sexed Semen and Estrus Synchronization to Produce Seedstock Dairy Heifers

Human curiosity about the sexual orientation of living things has a long history. For thousands of years, livestock owners wanted to find a suitable way to predict the sex of the progeny to be born for their herds on their farm. Thanks to the development of semen sexing technology, animal breeding has undergone a revolution, which allows farmers to control the sex of their offspring. Sexed semen enhances overall productivity and also assists farmers in meeting the rising demand for high-quality dairy animals by enabling them to selectively generate seedstock female calves. The technology is a one-stop solution to enhance breed improvement especially in a country like Ethiopia where 97 percent of the cattle population is indigenous, which is not selected for milk production and results in undernourishment for animal source origin diet, including milk and meat. The benefits of using sexed semen include sex selection, improved genetic selection, enhanced breeding effectiveness, better control over herd dynamics, greater financial gains, environmental sustainability, and improved animal welfare. Hence, with the finding of this study, an overall result of a 98% response rate 95% female skewness, and 79% conception rate was recorded after being inseminated with sexed semen. The finding of the response rate is closer to the results reported by another researcher, while the average conception rate is comparatively higher. This could be due to careful animal selection, the use of fertile quality semen, proper heat detection, and inseminating at an optimum window of time. In general, from the piece of this study, it is possible to foresee and conclude that the adoption and application of sexed semen technology is a groundbreaking and game-changer technology for the dairy industry in a country like Ethiopia, which overcomes the limitations of improved crossbred dairy cattle, replacement heifers, and high milk prices on the one hand, a shortage of grazing land, and environmental destruction due to a decreasing number of unwanted cattle population on the other side.

Determination of Some Minerals and Heavy metals in Raw Cow’s Milk

Milk is a healthy and nutritious food. Its ability to be consumed by all age groups and its easy accessibility increase the importance of milk in our diet. As technological developments increase, so does environmental pollution. As a result of this pollution, metals and metal mixtures reach animals and humans through the food chain. This situation negatively affects the health of living organisms. In addition, excessive intake of some mineral substances can also be toxic. The contamination of heavy metals in food occurs through various pathways. The risk of metals in the composition of the containers used in the production of acidic foods such as milk and cheese dissolving and passing into the product is more likely to occur than in other foods. For this purpose, in our research, 10 samples of raw cattle milk collected from different regions of Muş province were analyzed for the amounts of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and heavy metals lead and cadmium using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry device. The samples' lead, cadmium, iron, copper, and manganese contents were determined as 0.40±0.01-0.19±0.01, 0.38±0.00-0.20±0.00, 1.96±0.01-0.24±0.01, 0.50±0.00-0.11±0.00 and 0.20±0.00-0.12±0.00 mg/L, respectively. The highest levels of calcium (433.45±0.00 mg/L) and potassium (1146.25±0.02 mg/L) were detected in sample S10. The lowest levels of magnesium (197.81±0.00 mg/L) and sodium (661.17±0.01 mg/L) were found in sample S3. The zinc contents of the samples varied between 8.25±0.00-14.51±0.00 mg/L. The results obtained were evaluated considering the factors affecting the amount of mineral substances and heavy metal contamination in the milk.

Bovine leukemia virus transmission rates in persistent lymphocytotic infected dairy cows.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) establishes a lifelong persistent infection in dairy cattle. White blood cell count (WBC) is correlated with proviral load in the blood and milk of BLV-infected cattle, and testing WBC can be used to assess both BLV infectiousness levels and risk of BLV transmission from different types of infected animals. The objective of the study was to compare effective transmission rates (β) and the basic reproduction ratio (R o) among two types of BLV-infected dairy cows in Chile: those affected with persistent lymphocytosis (PL) vs. aleukemic (AL).The estimated (β) coefficient was higher in PL cattle [1.1; 95% Confidence interval (CI) (-1.6, 3.8)], compared to AL cattle (-3.1; 95% CI = -3.7, -2.5). In addition, the R o was higher in PL cattle (60.4; 95% CI = 3.5; 820.6), compared to AL cattle (1.5; 95% CI = 0.7, 3.1). The ratio between PL/AL expected rate of cases was 73.9. The estimated effective transmission rate and the Ro were higher in PL cattle compared to AL cattle. The WBC test is a convenient alternative that can be considered for risk identification and risk management of BLV infection in dairy herds; particularly in livestock regions where laboratory capacity is limited (e.g., use of PCR or gene sequencing techniques) and/or molecular tests are not cost-effective. Therefore, when prevalence of infection is high, the removal of PL cattle should be engaged to control BLV within-herds.

Determination of the effect of climate change on small cattle milk yield in Iğdır province via machine learning

Determination of the effect of climate change on small cattle milk yield in Iğdır province via machine learning

Prevalence, antibiogram and molecular characterization of Listeria monocytogenes from ruminants and humans in New Valley and Beheira Governorates, Egypt

BackgroundListeriosis is a global health threat to both animals and humans, especially in developing countries. This study was designed to isolate Listeria monocytogenes from faeces; environmental samples; and cow, sheep and goat milk, as well as human stool, to study its molecular characteristics and antibiotic sensitivity in the New Valley and Beheira Governorates, Egypt. The isolation and identification of L. monocytogenes were carried out using traditional culture and biochemical methods, followed by antibiography, genus confirmation of some isolates and detection and sequencing of InlB genes via PCR.ResultsOut of 2097 examined samples, the prevalence of L. monocytogenes was 13.4% in animals; the prevalence was 9.2%, 2.4%, 25.4%, 4%, 42.4%, and 6.4% in cattle faeces, cattle milk, sheep faeces, sheep milk, goat faeces, and goat milk, respectively. However, the prevalence of L. monocytogenes was 8.3% in human samples. Both animal and human isolates showed 100% resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and the isolates showed the highest sensitivity to flumequine (100%), amikacin (99.2%), gentamicin (97.6%), and levofloxacin (94.6%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 86.9% of the tested isolates. The 16 S rRNA and inlB genes were detected in 100% of the randomly selected L. monocytogenes isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of three isolates based on the inlB gene showed 100% identity between faecal, milk and human stool isolates.ConclusionsFaeces and milk are major sources of listeriosis, and the high degree of genetic similarity between animal and human isolates suggests the possibility of zoonotic circulation. The high prevalence of MDR L. monocytogenes in both animal and human samples could negatively impact the success of prevention and treatments for animal and human diseases, thereby imposing serious risks to public health.

Impact of Economic Crisis and Socio-Demographic Factors on Milk and Milk Product Consumption of Undergraduates: A Case Study of Eastern University, Sri Lanka

Milk consumption is influenced by a wide range of factors, including gender, age, income, education, ethnicity, health condition, and presence of children in the household. The current study was designed to investigate the effects of the recent economic crisis and socio-demographic factors on the milk and milk product consumption patterns of undergraduates. The questionnaire survey was used as the primary data collection tool. The survey was conducted with a representative sample of undergraduates (n=238) using a self-structured online questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. As per the results, the majority of undergraduates in the sample size consume raw milk (83%). Therefore, cattle milk was the most widely consumed type of raw milk (84%). Ice cream is the most popular milk product (99%) in sample size. Despite the economic crisis, the majority of undergraduates (53%) maintain steady milk consumption habits. However, the milk consumption of undergraduates during the financial crisis was significantly associated with factors including locality (p=0.017), family size (p=0.014), monthly family income (p=0.000), parental educational level (p=0.000), and employment status (p=0.014). Further, this study investigated the fact that the purchasing frequency of milk and milk products was not associated with socio-demographic backgrounds (P&gt;0.05).

Dairy subcomplex of Kazakhstan: condition, measures to improve efficiency

The current state of production of milk and its processed products in the regions of Kazakhstan has been studied. The goal is to assess the situation on dairy market, identify problems hindering the development of the industry, and develop recommendations to increase its competitiveness. Methods – monographic, logical, systemic and complex analysis, statistical data processing, constructive-functional approach. The works of domestic and foreign economists concerning the problems of dairy cattle breeding and milk processing structures were used as theoretical and methodological basis for scientific research. Results - factors directly influencing the growth of dairy product volumes were analyzed, including their quality, profitability, operation of logistics systems (supply chain, product transportation, transportation optimization), and marketing strategies. The method of economic and mathematical modeling was used to determine the strengths and weaknesses of enterprises, as well as the opportunities and threats of the external environment. Particular attention is paid to aspects of regulation of legislative framework, as well as adaptation to changing market conditions and consumer preferences. To increase production of own high-quality milk and reduce import dependence, the state actively supports and stimulates the creation of dairy farms, increases the volume of state subsidies for agricultural producers, and simplifies lending and micro lending system. It is important to ensure increase in profitability of dairy producers, reduce the influence of seasonality on price situation of dairy market, and develop infrastructure of social nutrition system. Conclusions - it is necessary to introduce new technologies, digital transformation in livestock farming, increase in technical equipment, allowing to increase the size of gross product, level of self-sufficiency in domestic products and expand participation in foreign trade as the main form of international economic relations.

Multi drug resistance profile and antibiofilm activity of garlic oil on Staphylococcus aureus isolated from milk of cattle suffering with mastitis

Multi drug resistance profile and antibiofilm activity of garlic oil on Staphylococcus aureus isolated from milk of cattle suffering with mastitis

Fatty Acid Profile of Milk of Various Indigenous Cattle Breeds in Hot-Arid Region of Rajasthan

The bioactive components refer to compounds either naturally existing in food or introduced during food processing that may have physiological and biochemical functions when consumed by humans and have crucial impacts on human metabolism and beneficial effects on human health, that guard neonates and adults against pathogens and illnesses and Antioxidants may positively affect human health by protecting the body against damage caused by reactive oxygen species, which attack membrane lipids, protein and DNA. Bioactive components encompass proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, lipids, glycolipids and other minor biomolecules i.e. vitamins, lactoferrin, enzymes, immunoglobulin and growth factors. The present study was conducted on fatty acids in milk of various indigenous cattle breeds viz. Kankrej, Sahiwal and Rathi. For fatty acids, 36 milk samples (12 from each breed) were collected from different Livestock Research Station, Bikaner. Fatty acids were measured by GC-MS. The analysis of variance revealed monounsaturated fatty acids and Poly unsaturated fatty acids significantly differed in different indigenous cattle breeds whereas saturated fatty acids did not differ. The present study concluded that the milk from the indigenous cattle breeds viz. Kankrej, Sahiwal, and Rathi have distinct compositions and quantities of different active components which can be harnessed for the promotion of different functional foods based on indigenous cattle milk and further pharmaceutical preparations can be promoted for the benefit of farmers and entrepreneurs.