Changes In Milk Composition Research Articles

Designing Longitudinal Clinical Studies Involving Lactating Women.

In designing longitudinal lactation research studies, certain factors must be taken into account that are necessary for the generation of meaningful data. Perhaps more like longitudinal childhood research studies in terms of ongoing changes that occur during childhood that challenge study design, longitudinal lactation research studies encompass a period of tremendous change in both the mother and her breastfeeding infant that affect study design, implementation, and analysis. Given this changing dynamic, studies should be designed to accommodate a whole host of factors, such as changes in maternal and infant health; coexisting conditions during the lactation period; the stage of lactation; diurnal variations; the frequency and exclusivity of breastfeeding; maternal diet and any complementary/supplementary foods given to the infant; geography; socioeconomic factors; body mass index; physical activity; and any changes in milk composition that occur across longer periods of lactation. The study of human milk composition itself has lacked rigor and any standardization of methods, and has only recently been revisited with more sophisticated laboratory techniques that have allowed a more meaningful understanding of milk structure and biology, with a greater global approach. In this Research Column, we review some of the issues and challenges in conducting longitudinal lactation research, and provide several references that will aid in the development of meaningful study designs and the interpretation of data.

The anti-biofilm effect of silver-nanoparticle-decorated quercetin nanoparticles on a multi-drug resistantEscherichia colistrain isolated from a dairy cow with mastitis

BackgroundEscherichia coli is an important opportunistic pathogen that could cause inflammation of the udder in dairy cows resulting in reduced milk production and changes in milk composition and quality, and even death of dairy cows. Therefore, mastitis is the main health issue which leads to major economic losses on dairy farms. Antibiotics are routinely used for the treatment of bovine mastitis. The ability to form biofilm increases the antibiotic resistance of E. coli. Nanoparticles (NPs), a nanosized, safe, and highly cost-effective antibacterial agent, are potential biomedical tools. Given their antibacterial activities, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have a broad range of applications.MethodsIn this study, we performed antibacterial activity assays, biofilm formation assays, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiments, and real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) experiments to investigate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm effect of quercetin, Ag NPs, and Silver-nanoparticle-decorated quercetin nanoparticles (QA NPs) in E. coli strain ECDCM1.ResultsIn this study, QA NPs, a composite material combining Ag NPs and the plant-derived drug component quercetin, exhibited stronger antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties in a multi-drug resistant E. coli strain isolated from a dairy cow with mastitis, compared to Ag NPs and Qe.DiscussionThis study provides evidence that QA NPs possess high antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities. They proved to be more effective than Ag NPs and Qe against the biofilm formation of a multi-drug resistant E. coli isolated from cows with mastitis. This suggests that QA NPs might be used as a potential antimicrobial agent in the treatment of bovine mastitis caused by E. coli.

Milk compositional changes of Laoshan goat milk from partum up to 261days postpartum.

Despite the global increasing demand for goat milk, no data exist on the nutrient potential of Laoshan goat milk and limited information exists on its composition according to lactation period. In this study, the measured indicators, including dry matter, protein, immunoglobulin, lactoferrin, fat, ash, lactose, calcium, titratable acidity and pH from partum to 261days postpartum of Laoshan goat milk, followed the same law of change. There was a significant difference over the first 5days postpartum, after which no significant difference was observed until days 225 postpartum. However, days 255 postpartum was like a turning point, after which their values showed either an increasing or decreasing trend. We concluded that the colostrum for Laoshan dairy goat was considered from days 1 to 5 postpartum and after 5days it was as transitioned to milk when all measured parameters were according to the normal ranges as described in this study. This work provided updated information on the current nutritive characteristics of Laoshan goat milk, which may be of importance in the fields of milk production, food technology, and nutritional mutual replenishment.

Milk production of cows grazing pasture supplemented by a partial mixed ration with or without canola meal

Milk production responses were measured in grazing cows offered mixed rations with or without canola meal. Experiments were conducted in spring (Experiment 1; early lactation) and autumn (Experiment 2; late lactation). The experiments used 140 (Experiment 1) or 96 (Experiment 2) Holstein-Friesian multiparous dairy cows that had calved in late winter/early spring. Each experiment lasted 28 days including a 14-day adjustment period and a 14-day measurement period during which intake and milk production was measured. In each experiment, there were two dietary treatments: PMR: cows grazed a restricted pasture allowance (10–15 kg DM/cow per day, measured to ground level) supplemented with a PMR comprising wheat grain (60%, DM basis), lucerne hay (21%) and maize grain (19%); and PMR+C: cows were fed the same as the PMR cows, but some wheat grain in the PMR was replaced with solvent-extracted canola meal so that it comprised wheat grain (39%, DM basis), lucerne hay (21%), maize grain (19%) and canola meal (21%). The two treatments were randomly allocated to half the cows in each experiment. Cows were then further allocated into 10 groups of 7 cows (Experiment 1) or 8 groups of 6 cows (Experiment 2). Two groups of cows were assigned to receive a different amount of each ration: 8, 10, 12, 14 or 16 kg DM total supplement/cow per day for Experiment 1 and 6, 8, 10 or 12 kg DM total supplement/cow per day for Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, yields of energy corrected milk (ECM), milk fat, and milk protein were greater for PMR+C cows than PMR cows when 12 kg/cow per day of supplement or more was offered. Milk protein concentration was greater in PMR+C cows than PMR cows but only when 16 kg DM supplement/cow per day was offered. These changes in milk yield and composition were associated with increases in the intakes of pasture, supplement and total DM intake in the PMR+C cows compared with the PMR cows. In Experiment 2 there were no differences in milk yield or composition between PMR and PMR+C cows at any amount of supplement offered, nor were there any differences in intakes of pasture, supplement or total DM intake. It is concluded that replacing some of the wheat in a well-formulated PMR with canola meal can stimulate DMI and increase per-cow production of ECM when high amounts of supplement are fed in early lactation, but not late lactation.

BREAST MILK THAT WE DID NOT KNOW: CHRONOBIOLOGY OF BREAST MILK

The article analyzes modern scientific data on the changes in breast milk composition during lactation. These changes affect both short-term (sleep, appetite) and long-term parameters (growth and development, temperament, behavior) with respect to the health of the child. This information will help to have a better idea of the benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding for a child and to strengthen a support and promotion of breastfeeding among mothers and health workers.

Effects of Urea-Molasses Multi-nutrient Blocks (UMMB) supplementation on some production parameters of lactating Horro cows at Horro Guduru Animal Production and Research Center, western Ethiopia

The effects of dietary supplementation of urea-molasses multi nutrient block of lactating Horro cows fed Rhodes grass (chloris gayana) hay as a basal diet on milk yield, milk composition, feed intake and live weight change was studied on-station (at Horro Guduru Animal Production and Research Center of Wollega University). Sixteen cows in similar parity and lactation were randomly assigned to two groups: group A (control) and group B (UMMB-supplemented). The control group received baled Rhodes grass hay as a basal diet and small amount of concentrate; whereas the supplemented group (B) received UMMB in addition to the normal ration offered to the control group. The experiment was conducted for 60 days during the dry months. Mean daily milk yield and feed intake were higher in the cows supplemented with UMMB (P<0.01) compared to the un-supplemented group. The average milk yield for control and supplemented groups are 1.62 and 2.38 respectively. On the other hands no significant differences were observed among the supplemented and control group for milk composition and body weight gain (P>0.05). However the body weight gain is slightly better for the supplemented group. The increased milk production due to UMMB supplementation in this study could be attributed to the increased intakes of energy and nitrogen that was accessed through block supplementation.Keyword: UMMB Rhodes grass Milk yield Feed intake

Mineral supplementation stimulates the immune system and antioxidant responses of dairy cows and reduces somatic cell counts in milk.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of subcutaneous mineral supplementation would affect metabolic parameters, immunological response, milk quality and composition of dairy cows in the postpartum period. Twelve pregnant primiparous Holstein cows, were divided into two groups: six animals supplemented with the mineral complex (magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and copper), and six animals used as controls. Milk samples were collected every two other weeks postpartum up to sixty days of lactation to analyze composition and quality. Blood samples were collected, and the levels of ketone bodies, total proteins, glucose, albumin, and globulin were measured. The catalase and superoxide enzymes, reactive oxygen species, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukins were determined. Animals supplemented with minerals showed lower levels of ketone bodies and somatic cell counts on days 30, 45 and 60 of the experiment, without changes in milk composition compared to the control group. Supplemented cows had lower levels reactive oxygen species and increased superoxide enzymes activity. Total protein, globulin and cytokine levels were higher in cows supplemented with mineral complexes. Therefore, we can conclude that subcutaneous mineral supplementation improved the immune response and minimized the oxidative stress in dairy cows during lactation.

Antioxidant biomarkers in the milk of early postpartum Aardi goats during winter

Milk concentration of thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) biomarkers; and the composition of milk from a local breed of Saudi goats (Aardi goats) were investigated during the first four weeks postpartum. Milk TBARS was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the 2nd and 3rd weeks postpartum, compared to the 1st and 4th weeks, and it was the lowest in the 4th week. Milk TAC concentrations followed a similar trend as TBARS, and were the highest in the 3rd week postpartum and lowest in the 4th week. In contrast, SOD concentrations were the highest in the 4th week postpartum. Low milk SOD concentrations in the early postpartum period indicate lower reactive oxygen metabolites. Milk fat, lactose, total solid (TS), and total non-fat solids (SNF) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) during the four-week period, while milk protein remained approximately the same. These results provide novel information on the concentrations of TBARS, TAC, and SOD, and on the composition of milk from Aardi goats during the postpartum period. In addition, our data indicate that Aardi goats in our experiment had higher percent of milk fat, protein, and lactose when compared with those of other breeds or Aardi goats in other parts of the country. As such, we expect this study on local Aardi goats in Saudi Arabia to contribute to our understanding of this breed’s ability to respond to stresses via biomarkers in milk and changes in milk composition.

Determination of milk production losses and variations of fat and protein percentages according to different levels of somatic cell count in Valle del Belice dairy sheep

The somatic cell count (SCC) of milk is widely used to monitor udder health and the milk quality and because of its positive genetic correlation with mastitis this trait was included in breeding schemes of dairy sheep. The aim of this study was to estimate the loss in milk yield (MY) and related composition resulting from different levels of somatic cell count in Valle del Belice dairy sheep. Data were collected between 2006 and 2016 in 15 flocks following an A4 recording scheme. Somatic cell count (SCC), fat and protein percentage (F% and P%) were determined using mid-infrared spectroscopy. To evaluate loss in test day MY, F% and P%, five different classes of SCC were arbitrarily defined: SCC1 ≤ 500 × 103, 500 × 103 < SCC2 ≤ 1000 × 103, 1000 × 103 < SCC3 ≤ 1500 × 103, 1500 × 103 < SCC4 ≤ 2000 × 103 and SCC5 > 2000 × 103. To estimate the loss of milk production and quality a linear model, with test day milk production traits as dependent variable, was used. Furthermore, the effect of order of parity and season of lambing were investigated to study the effects on milk production traits. Least squares means were computed for milk production traits and the differences between means were determined by Fischer’s least significant difference. The estimated losses in MY according to the level of used SCC were approximately 16% whereas there was an increase of 0.06% and 0.29% for fat and protein percentage, respectively. Apart from environmental factors and management, this study confirms that high levels of somatic cell count in sheep milk are associated with milk yield losses and changes in milk composition. Results suggest that it is necessary to implement a program aimed to reduce the milk somatic cell count in ewes’ milk, with the aim of improving the quality of ewes’ milk and dairy products.

Bacteriological cure rate and changes in milk composition in mastitis vaccinated ewes affected with subclinical mastitis.

Aim:The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of using a commercially-available polyvalent mastitis vaccine on the bacteriological cure rate of existing subclinical mastitis in Awassi sheep.Materials and Methods:A total of 164 lactating ewes were divided into two main groups according to udder health and milk somatic cell count (SCC): Group 1=normal (N; n=80) and Group 2=subclinical mastitis (SC; n=84). Each group was then subdivided randomly into two treatment groups: N vaccinated (Nvax; n=38), N non-vaccinated (Nnvax; n=42), SC vaccinated (SCvax; n=42), and SC non-vaccinated (SCnvax; n=42). The vaccine was administered as per manufacturer’s recommendations. Milk samples were collected aseptically from all ewes before vaccine administration (T0) and again on days 28 (T2) and 42 (T3) of the experiment.Results:In the SC group, the bacteriological cure rates in vaccinated and non-vaccinated ewes were 76% and 69%, respectively. In N group, the new intramammary infection rates in vaccinated and non-vaccinated ewes were 48% and 50%, respectively. Vaccination of normal ewes resulted in a significant (p<0.05) reduction in bacterial growth rate both at day 28 and day 42 of the study. The prevalence of new intramammary infection rate in Nvax ewes on days 28 and 42 was 19% and 20%, respectively. The prevalence of new intramammary infection rate in Nnvax group on days 28 and 42 was 33% and 30%, respectively. In SCvax group, the bacterial growth rate on days 28 and 42 was 44% and 35%, respectively. In SCnvax group, the bacterial growth rate on days 28 and 42 was 27% and 32%, respectively. There was no statistically significant effect of vaccination on any of the studied milk composition parameters.Conclusions:This is a preliminary study that indicated a possible protective effect of vaccination against mastitis in sheep. Further, case-controlled studies are indicated to estimate the level of immunity this vaccine provides to vaccinated sheep.

Long-term effect of minor genetic changes of milk components on somatic cell count

Selection pressure on protein content (PC), and thus milk composition changes have manifested as an increasingly narrow fat - protein ratio (FPR). In addition, higher somatic cell count (SCC) in milk has been observed in recent years, and that is why it is hypothesized that milk composition changes affect cow’s immune response resulting in higher SCC. 2,459,250 test day (TD) records of 127,499 Slovenian Simmental (SIM) cows from years 2004 to 2017 were used for this study. For the estimation of (co)variance components two multiple trait animal TD models were used (M1, M2). M1 included SCC and FPR while M2 included SCC, fat content (FC) and PC. For comparisson of results parameters from the routine single-trait national genetic evaluation were used. Heritability estimates (h²) for SCC, FC and PC from M2 (0.34, 0.29 and 0.38, respectively) were very similar to those form national evaluation; h² for FPR was lower than for the other traits (0.22). Both, estimated genetic correlation ("r" _"g" = 0.1) and estimated phenotypic correlation ("r" _"p" = 0.007) among SCC and FPR in M1 were negative and low. "r" _"p" in M2 were positive, but low for all three trait pairs (0.062 0.076) and "r" _"g" for SCC PC was similar (0.069). Conversely, FC PC "r" _"g" (0.502) was positive and moderate whereas SCC FC "r" _"g" ( 0.046) was negative and low. Results confirm the hypothesis by suggesting the possibillity of unpredicted and unwanted long term cumulative effect of seemingly irrelevantly small genetic changes of individual trait.

Effect of intramammary lipopolysaccharide infusion on milk pH of uninfused udder in goat.

The change in milk composition in response to intramammary infusion of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was investigated. Four clinically healthy goats were infused with LPS (100 µg) by intramammary administration to the left udder. Clinical manifestations (rectal temperature and physical activity), selected blood parameters (pH and white blood cell count) and milk compositions (somatic cell count and pH) were evaluated at 0 hr (just before challenge) and at multiple time points over the first 24 hr post-challenge. After intramammary LPS challenge, the pH of milk from both udders increased. Thus, this study revealed that LPS-induced mastitis in goat can result in increased pH in milk from the unchallenged (contralateral) udder.

Evaluation of effects of Mycoplasma mastitis on milk composition in dairy cattle from South Australia

BackgroundMycoplasma mastitis is increasingly posing significant impact on dairy industry. Although the effects of major conventional mastitis pathogens on milk components has been widely addressed in the literature, limited data on the effects of different Mycoplasma and Acholeplasma spp. on milk quality and quantity is available. The aim of this study was to determine the casual relationship of Mycoplasma spp. and A. laidlawii to mastitis and compare them to subclinical mastitis caused by conventional mastitis pathogens from a single dairy herd in South Australia; Mycoplasma spp. and A. laidlawii were detected using PCR applied directly to milk samples. The herd had mastitis problem with high somatic cell count and low response rate to conventional antimicrobial therapy. A total of 288 cow-level milk samples were collected aseptically and used in this study.ResultsConventional culture showed a predominance of coagulase-negative staphylococci, followed by coagulase-positive staphylococci, Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., E. coli, and Klebsiella spp. PCR results showed a high prevalence of mycoplasmas (76.7%), including A. laidlawii (10.8%), M. bovis (6.2%), M. bovirhinis (5.6%), M. arginini (2%), and (52.1%) of cows were co-infected with two or more Mycoplasma and Acholeplasma species. Mycoplasma co-infection significantly increased somatic cell counts (SCC) similar to conventional mastitis pathogens and compared to non-infected cows with 389.3, 550.3 and 67.3 respectively; and decreased the milk yield with 29.0, 29.9 and 34.4 l, respectively. Mycoplasma co-infection caused significant increase in protein percentage, and significant decrease in fat percentage and total milk solids, similar to other conventional mastitis pathogens. In contrast, changes in milk composition and yield caused by various individual Mycoplasma species were non-significant.ConclusionsMycoplasma mastitis had on-farm economic consequences similar to common conventional mastitis pathogens. Results of our study indicate that co-infection Mycoplasma mastitis caused similar effect on milk composition to other mastitis pathogens and we hope these findings raise the awareness of the importance of their detection on routine diagnostic panels.

Factors affecting milk quality of crossbred dairy cows in automated Herringbone milking system

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of factors affecting milk quality of crossbred dairy cows milked in automated Herringbone milking system. The study was conducted on 37 crossbred Karan Fries cows of different parities, stages of lactation and udder types for 3 months. The milk quality was assessed based on milk composition, on-line electrical conductivity (EC) and peak conductivity, somatic cell count (SCC) and standard plate count (SPC) of milk samples. The results showed that there was no change in milk composition in terms of fat and SNF except in different parity groups. The milk conductivity was significantly higher in the late stage of lactation. However, no change in SCC values was observed. The udder types showed significant increase in EC values in udders with poor structure and loose attachment. The SCC values were also significantly higher for such udder types. The SPC was significantly higher when the number of milkings on each liner exceeded 2000 milkings/liner. The SCC was had a positive correlation with EC and SPC. The correlation between SPC and SCC was highly significant whereas, EC was moderately correlated with SPC. It can be concluded that the milk quality of crossbred dairy cows was significantly affected by parity, stages of lactation, udder type and liner usage in automated parlours. Therefore, effective management strategy needs to be taken to improve the quality of milk taking into consideration on-line EC, SCC and SPC.

Negative effects of long-term feeding of high-grain diets to lactating goats on milk fat production and composition by regulating gene expression and DNA methylation in the mammary gland

BackgroundIt is well known that feeding a high concentrate (HC) diet to lactating ruminants likely induces subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) and leads to a decrease in milk fat production. However, the effects of feeding a HC diet for long periods on milk fatty acids composition and the mechanism behind the decline of milk fat still remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of feeding a HC diet to lactating dairy goats on milk fat yield and fatty acids composition with an emphasis on the mechanisms underlying the milk fat depression. Seventeen mid-lactating dairy goats were randomly allocated to three groups. The control treatment was fed a low-concentrate diet (35% concentrate, n = 5, LC) and there were two high-concentrate treatments (65% concentrate, HC), one fed a high concentrate diet for a long period (19 wks, n = 7, HL); one fed a high concentrate diet for a short period of time (4 wk, n = 5, HS). Milk fat production and fatty acids profiles were measured. In order to investigate the mechanisms underlying the changes in milk fat production and composition, the gene expression involved in lipid metabolism and DNA methylation in the mammary gland were also analyzed.ResultsMilk production was increased by feeding the HC diet in the HS and HL groups compared with the LC diet (P < 0.01), while the percentage of milk fat was lower in the HL (P < 0.05) but not in the HS group. The total amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the milk was not changed by feeding the HC diet, whereas the levels of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were markedly decreased in the HL group compared with the LC group (P < 0.05). Among these fatty acids, the concentrations of C15:0 (P < 0.01), C17:0 (P < 0.01), C17:1 (P < 0.01), C18:1n-9c (P < 0.05), C18:3n-3r (P < 0.01) and C20:0 (P < 0.01) were markedly lower in the HL group, and the concentrations of C20:0 (P < 0.05) and C18:3n-3r (P < 0.01) were lower in the HS group compared with the LC group. However, the concentrations of C18:2n-6c (P < 0.05) and C20:4n-6 (P < 0.05) in the milk fat were higher in the HS group. Real-time PCR results showed that the mRNA expression of the genes involved in milk fat production in the mammary gland was generally decreased in the HL and HS groups compared with the LC group. Among these genes, ACSL1, ACSS1 & 2, ACACA, FAS, SCD, FADS2, and SREBP1 were down-regulated in the mammary gland of the HL group (P < 0.05), and the expressions of ACSS2, ACACA, and FADS2 mRNA were markedly decreased in the HS goats compared with the LC group (P < 0.05). In contrast to the gene expression, the level of DNA methylation in the promoter regions of the ACACA and SCD genes was increased in the HL group compared with the LC group (P < 0.05). The levels of ACSL1 protein expression and FAS enzyme activity were also decreased in the mammary gland of the HL compared with the LC group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsLong-term feeding of a HC diet to lactating goats induced milk fat depression and FAs profile shift with lower MUFAs but higher SFAs. A general down-regulation of the gene expression involved in the milk fat production and a higher DNA methylation in the mammary gland may contribute to the decrease in milk fat production in goats fed a HC diet for long time periods.

Somatic cell counts in bulk milk and their importance for milk processing

Bulk tank milk somatic cell counts are the indicator of the mammary gland health in the dairy herds and may be regarded as an indirect measure of milk quality. Elevated somatic cell counts are correlated with changes in milk composition The aim of this study was to assess the somatic cell counts that significantly affect the quality of milk and dairy products. We examined the somatic cell counts in bulk tank milk samples from 38 farms during the period of 6 months, from December to the May of the next year. The flow cytometry, Fossomatic was used for determination of somatic cell counts. In the same samples content of total proteins and lactose was determined by Milcoscan. Our results showed that average values for bulk tank milk samples were 273,605/ml from morning milking and 292,895/ml from evening milking. The average values for total proteins content from morning and evening milking are 3,31 and 3,34%, respectively. The average values for lactose content from morning and evening milking are 4,56 and 4,63%, respectively. The highest somatic cell count (516,000/ml) was detected in bulk tank milk sample from evening milk in the Winter and the lowest content of lactose was 4,46%. Our results showed that obtained values for bulk tank milk somatic cell counts did not significantly affected the content of total proteins and lactose.

Changes in some blood parameters, milk composition and yield of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) during the transition period.

In this study changes in hematochemical parameters, milk composition and yield were investigated in buffaloes during the transition period. A total of 93 buffaloes 113.9±8.03months old and 535±50kg average body weight were used. Parity was recorded, blood samples were collected from 80days pre-partum until 70days post-partum; milk samples were collected from 5days to 70days post-partum. On serum samples, the values of non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, urea, total proteins were evaluated. On milk, percentage of fat, protein and lactose, along with the somatic cell count (SCC), milk yield and daily milk production (DMP) were assessed. The peripartum period significantly (P≤0.01) influenced all studied parameters with the exception of glucose. Milk fat percentage showed decreasing trend from 10 until 40days post-partum; DMP significantly (P≤0.01) increased from 1 day post-partum until 40days post-partum. Milk yield significantly (P≤0.01) decreased in animals over the sixth lactation. Our results confirmed the importance of transit period in buffaloes. Blood parameters and milk composition alterations are crucial to predict the energy balance status of buffaloes in order to improve their management and feed intake during the transition period.

MASTITE BOVINA: UMA REVISÃO

The mastite, inflammation process of mammary gland, characterized by a decrease in production and changes in milk composition, is considered the disease of major impact for dairy cattle in Brazil. Normally, this disease is resultant of the action of infectious agents, and may be involved different species of virus, fungi, and mainly, bacteria. It is important to remember, that the mastite, of any form and effect, reduces milk production and, in severe cases, may occur loss of one or more teats. Thus, the control of bovine mastite is important for the milk production of high quality. The aim of study is develop a study about this pathology that affects the dairy cattle and their effects in production and quality milk, and consequently, farmers, dairy industry and their products.

GHB levels in breast milk of women with narcolepsy with cataplexy treated with sodium oxybate

ObjectiveTo determine GHB levels in breast milk of women taking sodium oxybate (Xyrem) for treatment of narcolepsy and cataplexy. MethodsTwo women with narcolepsy and cataplexy treated with sodium oxybate before pregnancy collected breast milk for analysis of GHB concentration after resuming sodium oxybate postpartum. One woman collected samples across two consecutive nights (doses: 3.0 gm and 4.5 gm twice per night) five months after delivering her first child; the other collected samples on three separate days (doses: 2.25 gm and 3.0 gm twice per night) nine months after the births of her first two children. GHB concentration was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. ResultsMilk GHB levels before sodium oxybate ranged from 5.81 to 7.60 μM. Levels were 2–4 times higher four hours after the first sodium oxybate dose (10.44–23.58 μM) and 3–5 times higher four hours after the second dose (ie, eight hours after first dose; 14.60–34.01 μM). GHB levels returned to endogenous levels 6–10 h following the second dose, however variability was observed between patients and pregnancies. Higher breast milk GHB levels were observed with higher doses for both patients. ConclusionsSodium oxybate is transmitted to breast milk. Despite its short half-life, GHB concentrations remained two-to-five times higher than endogenous levels four hours after both nighttime doses. To avoid excess GHB exposure, breastfeeding mothers who take sodium oxybate should consider expressing and discarding their morning milk. Future work should examine milk GHB levels after chronic sodium oxybate and determine whether levels change as milk composition changes across the postpartum period.

Impact of parasitism in goat production

Goats can be infected by protozoan or metazoan parasites, in internal infections or external infestations, in certain predilection organs or found at various sites. Parasitism leads to depletion of resources of affected animals, as well as, in many cases, in decreased feed intake, resulting in reduced production. These production constraints are particularly important in many tropical or subtropical areas, where goats play an essential role in the agricultural economy. The present paper summarises the potential impact of parasitism in the production of goats and discusses specific examples of adverse effects in the various facets of goat production. Animals with highest milk yield have particularly significantly decrease in milk production in cases of parasitic infections, but no changes in milk composition. In relation to effects of gastrointestinal parasitism in goat-kids, it has been found that growth rate of kids increased and carcasses produced were of better quality after administration of effective anthelmintic drug. Various parasitic infections adversely affect reproductive efficiency in herds; for example, genital myiosis would cause lesions impeding mating, scrotal sarcoptic mange can lead to reduction of testicular mass and besnoitosis may affect the testes, whilst protozoa have a foetopathic effect, causing abortions and/or stillbirths, and long-term reduction of reproductive output in affected does, as well as infecting young kids, causing increased neonatal mortality. Finally, the various ectoparasites affecting goats (e.g., Mallophaga lice or Przhevalskiana silenus) cause severe damage on the skin of affected animals, which would render their hair unsuitable for processing or would reduce its value.