Concentrations In Cows Research Articles

Direct effects of linoleic and linolenic acids on bovine uterine function using in vivo and in vitro studies.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of continuous administration of linoleic acid or linolenic acid into the intra-uterine horn, ipsilateral to the corpus luteum, on the duration of the estrous cycle and plasma progesterone (P4) concentration. The effects of linoleic and linolenic acids on bovine uterine and luteal functions were also studied using a tissue culture system. Intra-uterine administration of linoleic or linolenic acid (5 mg/10 ml of each per day) in cows, between days 12 and 21, resulted in a prolonged estrous cycle compared to the average duration of the last one to three estrous cycles before administration in each group (P < 0.05). Moreover, plasma P4 concentration in cows treated with linoleic or linolenic acid was high between days 19 and 21 (linoleic acid), or on day 20 (linolenic acid), compared to that of the control cows (saline administration; P < 0.05 or lower). Both linoleic (500 µg/ml) and linolenic (5 and 500 µg/ml) acids stimulated prostaglandin (PG) E2 but inhibited PGF2α production by cultured endometrial tissue (P < 0.01), while P4 production by cultured luteal tissue was not affected. These findings suggest that both linoleic and linolenic acids support luteal P4 production by regulating endometrial PG production and, subsequently, prolonging the duration of the estrous cycle in cows.

Effects of feeding system and pre-partum supplementation on the β-carotene status of South African Holstein cows

AbstractThe objectives were to investigate the β-carotene status of dairy cows under various production systems, and to determine the effect of pre-partum β-carotene supplementation on their post-partum β-carotene status. Ten farms were selected from each of the three production systems, namely pasture-based, hay-based total mixed ration (TMR) and silage-based TMR. Twenty cows per farm were sampled in each system, and blood plasma β-carotene concentration was determined with a portable spectrophotometer (n = 200 cows per system). Mean blood β-carotene concentrations of pasture-fed cows were 5.54 mg/L, and were higher (P &lt;0.05) than concentrations of cows on hay-based (2.98 mg/L) and maize silage-based TMR systems (1.71 mg/L); in β-carotene status, therefore, these systems were optimal, marginal, and deficient, respectively. In the second experiment, 10 cows received a hay-based control TMR, and 10 were supplemented with 1.2 g/day of β-carotene pre-partum from day -56 to calving and monitored until day 56 postpartum. The supplemented cows were in optimal β-carotene status until calving, with a minor carry-over effect until 10 days post partum, and then declined gradually in status until they needed supplementation. The β-carotene status between the groups differed from three weeks pre-partum to two weeks post partum, with the control group being marginal to deficient from three weeks pre-partum onwards. Forage type and its β-carotene content play a major role in the β-carotene status of cows and more research is needed on the potential storage and mobilization of β-carotene in cows.

Blood calcium as a prognostic indicator of success after surgical correction of left displaced abomasum

Subclinical hypocalcemia, a reduction in blood calcium concentrations without apparent clinical signs of milk fever, occurs in 25 to 50% of early-postpartum dairy cows. Research has shown that these cows are at an increased risk of additional early-lactation diseases, including left displaced abomasum (LDA), compared with their normocalcemic counterparts. However, no work has assessed the association of total calcium (tCa) concentration at the time of LDA correction with subsequent milk yield and survival within the herd. Pending future development of an economical and accurate on-farm test for hypocalcemia, the ability to assess LDA prognosis after surgical correction based on precorrection blood tCa concentration is of interest to practitioners. Therefore, our objective was to determine the association of blood tCa concentration at the time of LDA surgical correction with milk yield and herd removal in the 60 d after correction. Nine bovine practitioners, located in New York State, were involved in sample collection from 17 herds for this prospective cohort study. Immediately following LDA diagnosis and before surgical correction, blood samples were collected from 152 dairy cows within the first 30 d in milk for serum tCa determination. The association of tCa with milk yield (n = 110) and herd removal (n = 127) in the first 60 d after LDA surgical correction was analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and a generalized linear mixed model, respectively, controlling for parity and days in milk at LDA surgical correction and the random effect of herd or practitioner. We found no evidence to support an association of tCa at time of LDA diagnosis with subsequent milk yield, and when cows were grouped by median tCa into low and high groups (tCa ≤2.1 and >2.1 mmol/L, respectively), subsequent milk production was similar (39.4 ± 1.6 and 40.1 ± 1.4 kg/d for low and high, respectively). Furthermore, we found no evidence to support an association of tCa at time of LDA diagnosis with the odds of herd removal (odds ratio = 0.6; 95% confidence interval = 0.4–1.7). Therefore, our study provided no clear evidence to support the association of tCa at time of LDA diagnosis and correction with either milk yield or herd removal during the 8 wk after correction. However, it did demonstrate low to extremely low tCa concentration in cows with LDA. Whether calcium supplementation would improve health and production outcomes in these cows is unclear and worth investigating further.

Differences in copper and selenium metabolism between Angus (Bos taurus) and Brahman (Bos indicus) cattle.

A 2-yr study was conducted at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center, University of Florida - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) (Ona, FL), to evaluate differences in the metabolism of Cu and Se of Angus (Bos taurus) and Brahman (Bos indicus) cattle. Thirty-two pregnant beef cows (n = 8 Brahman and 8 Angus/yr) were enrolled in the study in the first trimester of gestation. This study consisted of three phases: 1) restriction (day 0 to 90), 2) supplementation (day 91 to 150), and 3) calving. During all three phases, cows were individually fed and housed in partially covered drylot pens. During the restriction and supplementation phases, cows were provided a 1.5 kg/d of a grain-based concentrate supplement, which was fortified with flowers of S (50 g of supplemental S/cow daily; restriction phase) or Cu and Se (100 and 3 mg/d of Cu and Se, respectively; supplementation phase). Blood and liver samples were collected from all cows at 30 d intervals and from both cows and calves within 24 h of calving. Colostrum and milk samples were collected at calving and 7 d after birth. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, where cow and calf were the experimental unit. During the restriction phase, a breed × day effect (P = 0.03) was observed where Brahman had greater liver Cu concentration than Angus cows in all sampling days. For liver Se concentration, a tendency (P = 0.07) for a breed effect was observed where Angus cows tended to have greater liver Se concentration than Brahman. During the supplementation phase, breed (P < 0.001) and day (P < 0.01) effects were observed, where Brahman cows had greater liver Cu concentration than Angus. For liver Se concentration, a day effect (P < 0.001) was observed, where liver Se concentration increased (P < 0.001) from day 90 to 120 and remained unchanged (P = 0.86) until day 150. At calving, no effects of breed (P = 0.34) were observed for liver Cu concentration of cows; however, Brahman calves tended (P = 0.09) to have greater liver Cu concentration than Angus calves. For Se liver concentration at calving, Angus cows tended (P = 0.07) to have greater liver Se concentration than Brahman cows; however, no breed differences (P = 0.70) were observed for liver Se concentration of calves at birth. In summary, substantial differences in multiple indicators of Cu and Se status were observed between Angus and Brahman cattle, implying that Angus and Brahman cattle possibly have different mechanisms to maintain adequate Cu and Se status.

Monitoring of copper accumulation in water, soil, forage, and cows impacted by heavy automobiles in Sargodha, Pakistan.

The instant endeavor was undertaken to monitor copper (Cu) contents in water, soil, forage, and cow's blood impacted by heavy automobiles in Sahiwal town of district Sargodha, Pakistan. The samples were collected in triplicates with a total of 120 soil and water samples with corresponding forage samples. For the analysis of metal concentration in cows, 60 blood samples were collected from the cows feeding on these forages on selected sites. Metal contents were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results showed that water samples contained mean values of Cu concentration ranged from 1.01 to 0.444 mg/kg at all sites. It was maximum at site 3 and minimum at site 6. The soil samples of all the forage fields showed Cu mean values concentration ranged from 1.94 to 0.286 mg/kg at all sites. It was maximum in Trifolium alexandrinum grown field at site 2, and minimum in Avena sativa at site 2. All the forage samples showed the mean value of Cu concentration ranged from 0.151 to 1.86 mg/kg at all sites. The concentration of Cu was maximum in Zea mays grown at site 5 and minimum in Trifolium alexandrinum at site 4. The cow blood samples showed the mean concentration of Cu ranged from 1.368 to 0.53 mg/kg at all sites. It was maximum at site 2 and minimum at site 6. Owing to the results of pollution index and transfer factors, metal content was found to be in permissible range in forages as well as animal samples.

Effect of age on serum metabolites of female Brahman crossbred cattle raised in an integration system of cattle-oil palm plantation in Central Kalimantan

The study was aimed to evaluate the effect of age on the serum metabolite of female Brahman crossbred cattle raised extensively under the cattle-oil palm integrated system for 3 months. Thirty calves aged 3-6 months, 30 heifers aged 12-18 months, and 30 cows aged 48 months which were clinically healthy were selected and used in this study. Blood samples were collected from coccygeal vein. The serum was separated by centrifugation and stored at -20oC until the time of analysis. Blood samples were collected from coccygeal vein as much as 4 mL. Serum metabolites were determined using an autoanalyzer (The Roche/Hitachi Cobas 6000 analyzer). Serum concentration of ALB, Ca, P, Na, K, and Cl in calves were higher than heifers and cows (P&lt;0.05), while serum creatinine, total protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and globulin concentration in cows were higher than those ofcalves (P&lt;0.05). Serum glucose concentration in calves and heifer was higher than that in cows (P&lt;0.05). It could be concluded that the age factor must be considered in the interpretation of the results of the examination of the serum metabolites of Brahman crossbred cattle raised extensively in oil palm plantations.

Validation of a cow-side blood test for beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration in dairy cows

Clinical ketosis is common during the dairy cows' transition period and is responsible for considerable economic loss. Early identification of cows with subclinical ketosis is the first step for maintaining the health and productivity of dairy cows. The goals of the study were two-fold: The first was to examine the usefulness of a mobile test device as a cow-side test; and the second was to compare BHB concentrations measured by the ketometer using capillary blood and blood collected from the coccygeal vessels with values determined by a reference method in the laboratory using jugular blood. Blood samples were collected from a jugular vein or the coccygeal vessels in 81 dairy cows at 7 time points (14 and 7 days pre-partum and 7, 14, 21, 28, and 42 days post-partum) for kinetic enzymatic measurement of BHB concentration in the laboratory. Blood samples were concurrently collected from the coccygeal vessels or by pricking the vulvar lip at the transition of the skin to the mucosa (capillary blood) to determine BHB concentration using the WellionVet BELUA ketometer (MED TRUST GmbH, Marz, Austria). Initial errors in operating the ketometer were quickly eliminated with experience. BHB concentrations of jugular blood measured in the laboratory were 0.07 mmol/l lower than those measured in coccygeal blood. The mean BHB concentration measured in coccygeal and capillary blood using the WellionVet BELUA ketometer did not significantly differ but were 0.13 and 0.12 mmol/l respectively, lower than the mean jugular vein concentrations measured in the laboratory. The WellionVet BELUA ketometer is useful for determination of BHB concentration in cows provided that the manufacturer's specifications are followed. Capillary blood is best collected at the transition from the vulvar skin to its mucosa. The device generates rapid results that correlate well with BHB concentrations determined in the laboratory and with the results obtained from different blood collection sites. It is ideally suited for monitoring dairy cows for subclinical ketosis using capillary or coccygeal blood.

Effects of injectable trace element and vitamin supplementation during the gestational, peri-parturient, or early lactational periods on neutrophil functions and pregnancy rate in dairy cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of injectable trace element and vitamin combination on phagocytic, oxidative burst activity of neutrophils and reproductive outcomes in dairy cows. Cows were to assigned to the following groups: (1) injectable trace element supplementation (ITES, n = 44, containing zinc, manganese, copper, selenium); (2) injectable vitamin supplementation (VIT, n = 48, containing vitamins A, D3, E); (3) ITES + VIT (n = 46); and (4) control (CON, n = 44). Cows were administered four injections between 230 and 260 days of the gestational period, on day of parturition, and 30 days postpartum. Neutrophil function was assessed at 10 days before and after calving. Phagocytosis was greater in cows of the ITES + VIT group at 10 days prepartum (P < 0.05) while oxidative burst was similar among groups. There were greater non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in cows of the ITES+VIT group at 10 days prepartum (P < 0.05). Cows supplemented with ITES+ VIT had less SOD activity than those supplemented with ITES or vitamin during the pre- to post-partum transition period (P < 0.05). The total odds of pregnancy were greater in cows supplemented with trace element and/or vitamin (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of ITES and/or VIT resulted in an increased total pregnancy rate. Vitamin or trace element supplementation did not differ with the control group in both the prepartum and postpartum period for immune variables. There, however, was greater phagocytosis in cows supplemented with vitamin and trace elements during the prepartum period that might be related to metabolic-induced inflammation.

INFLUENCE OF COW WATERING TECHNOLOGY ON RUMINATOR PROCESSES AND DAIRY PRODUCTIVITY

The results of studies on changing the technology of drinking for dairy cows by installing an additional trough-type drinker on the route of cows from the milking parlor to the main housing are presented. For this, a scientific and economic experiment was carried out according to the method of groups of periods on 65 cows of the second third of lactation. It was found that for 2–3 days after the installation for additional watering, the cows began to linger near the additional watering devices and quickly consumed running water during the first 0.5 minutes. As a result, the concentration of cows near the drinking bowls in the main cow house was visually reduced. Changes in cows' drinking patterns led to an increase in dry matter consumption of the diet by 5.3 % and a gradual increase in the frequency of cicatricial contractions. The change in drinking water provided an increase in the average daily milk yield in cows by 1.03 kg or 4.79 %. In addition, there has been a tendency towards an increase in the percentage of protein and dry matter in milk. Improvement of water supply to the body of cows due to changes in drinking technology contributed to an increase in the microbiological purity of milk, which was reflected in a decrease in bacterial seed production from 305.3 to 297.9 thousand / cm3. The return of cow watering technology to the standard principle led to the return of productivity indicators to their original level. Therefore, it can be argued about the advisability of using the selected technological method of additional drinking.

Serum iron concentration is candidate inflammatory marker for respiratory diseases in beef cows.

We hypothesized that the serum iron (Fe) concentration in cows with respiratory diseases is a satisfactory substitute for major inflammatory markers such as haptoglobin (HPT) and serum amyloid A (SAA). Twenty Japanese Black cows aged 279.6 ± 120.0 days were enrolled, and divided into respiratory diseases and control groups based on the presence of clinical findings of respiratory diseases. As a result, area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for plasma HPT, SAA and serum Fe concentrations for respiratory disease-associated systemic inflammation were excellent, at 1.00, 0.96 and 0.97, respectively. Therefore we confirmed that the serum Fe concentration is a satisfactory substitute for HPT and SAA in beef cows with respiratory diseases.

The influence of cows stresses resistance on cheese yield and quality

The influence of cows stresses resistance on cheese yield and quality

Effects of dietary N-carbamylglutamate supplementation on milk production performance, nutrient digestibility and blood metabolomics of lactating Holstein cows under heat stress

Heat stress is a serious threat to dairy cow health worldwide. N-carbamylglutamate (NCG), a novel feed additive, has been applied in dairy cow industry. However, the effects and mechanisms of NCG on dairy cows under heat stress are still unknown. A total of 48 Holstein dairy cows with similar days in milk (154 ± 13.6 d), parity (1-3), and body condition score were randomly divided into 4 groups of 12 animals each. Under heat stress, the cows were fed a TMR diet supplemented with 0 (control), 15, 20, 25 g of NCG/d per cow for 60 days. Milk production performance was recorded and serum parameters were examined. Meanwhile, metabolomics study of plasma based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was also applied to investigate metabolites and pathways in response to NCG supplementation. Milk yield was increased but milk urea nitrogen was reduced by the NCG treatment. Addition of 15 g of NCG/d increased the milk protein percentage compared with the control. No effect of NCG was observed on dry matter intake, lactose percentage, milk fat percentage and somatic cell count. Serum glucose concentrations in cows fed with 15, 20, 25 g of NCG/d were 5.34 ± 0.312, 5.78 ± 0.473 and 5.54 ± 0.711 mmol/L, which were greater than those in the control (4.87 ± 0.367 mmol/L, P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and blood ammonia were decreased with the addition of NCG. Results for antioxidant capacity and immune function showed beneficial effects of NCG, such as the increases in total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, IgG, IgM and IgA. Clear separations of plasma metabolic profiles between control and NCG groups were observed in the score plots. Sixteen different metabolites involved in metabolisms of amino acids, ketone bodies, butanoate and energy, as well as gut microbiome-derived metabolism were regulated by NCG supplementation. In conclusion, supplementation with NCG has the potential to enhance production performance, antioxidant capacity and immune function, and improved the metabolic profile of dairy cows under heat stress.

Diagnostic utility of measuring serum amyloid A with a latex agglutination turbidimetric immunoassay in bovine mastitis: Comparison with haptoglobin and alpha 1 acid glycoprotein.

This study established the precision and accuracy of a modified latex agglutination turbidimetric immunoassay (LATIA) reagent, and evaluated the ability of the measurement of serum amyloid A (SAA) compared to haptoglobin and α1-acid glycoprotein, which are acute phase proteins (APPs), for diagnosis of clinical mastitis. Concentrations of APPs in cows with mastitis were significantly higher than those in healthy cow. Only the plasma SAA concentration in cows with clinical mastitis (44.90 mg/l; n=15) was significantly higher than that in those with subclinical mastitis (10.70 mg/l; n=16), enabling their diagnosis in contrast to other APPs. Thus, the SAA assay using a LATIA reagent is useful in assessing mastitis severity due to its higher sensitivity and specificity than other APP assays.

Menthol stimulates calcium absorption in the rumen but not in the jejunum of sheep

Stimulation of Ca2+ absorption can counteract hypocalcemia at the onset of lactation. The plant bioactive lipid compound (PBLC) menthol is an agonist for nonselective cation channels of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family. It acutely stimulated Ca2+ absorption in ruminal epithelia of nonadapted animals ex vivo and caused higher plasma Ca2+ concentrations in cows and sheep in vivo. To elucidate the pathway by which menthol feeding increases plasma Ca2+ level, the present study aimed to investigate the long-term dose-dependent effects of dietary menthol-rich PBLC on Ca2+ absorption and mRNA abundances of TRP channels in both rumen and jejunum. Twenty-four growing Suffolk sheep were equally distributed to a Con, PBLC-L, and PBLC-H group, which received 0, 80, and 160 mg/d of a menthol-rich PBLC. After 4 wk, ruminal and jejunal epithelia were analyzed for mRNA abundances of TRPA1, TRPV3, TRPV5-6, and TRPM6-8 genes. The Ca2+ flux rates and electrophysiological properties of epithelia from rumen and mid-jejunum were measured in Ussing chambers in the presence and absence of mucosal Na+. Acute changes in Ca2+ flux rates were measured after mucosal application of 50 µM menthol. Ruminal epithelia had quantifiable transcripts of TRPV3 = TRPM6 >TRPM7 >TRPA1 with no difference among feeding groups. Jejunum had quantifiable transcripts of TRPM7 >TRPA1 ≥ TRPM6 ≥ TRPV6 >TRPV5, where TRPA1, TRPV5, and TRPV6 tended to decrease linearly with increasing PBLC dose. Absorptive net flux of Ca2+ was detected only in the rumen, whereas jejunum showed a high passive permeability to Ca2+. Net flux rates of Ca2+ in the rumen increased in a quadratic manner (highest in PBLC-L animals) and were systematically decreased with the omission of mucosal Na+. Short-circuit current increased in both PBLC feeding groups compared with Con only in the rumen. Acute application of menthol-stimulated mucosal-to-serosal and net Ca2+ flux rates only in ruminal epithelia with higher stimulation in PBLC-fed animals. We conclude that Ca2+ transport is mainly active and transcellular in the rumen. It most likely involves TRPV3 that can be stimulated by menthol. Pre-feeding of menthol-rich PBLC enhances ruminal Ca2+ absorption and sensitizes it to acute stimulation by menthol. By contrast, intestinal Ca2+ absorption is not sensitive to menthol stimulation. Menthol could be used as a tool to enhance ruminal Ca2+ absorption and to prevent hypocalcemia in dairy cows.

Concentration of C-reactive protein and haptoglobin in cows with subclinical endometritis

Acute phase proteins are blood components synthesized by hepatocytes, basic function of which is to defend the organism as part of the immune response to inflammation, trauma, infection, stress, neoplasia. They trigger a complex systemic reaction in order to restore homeostasis recovery of the organism. Proinflammatory cytokines increase their activity in response to the effect of pathogenic microorganisms which are intense stimulants to the production of acute phase proteins. It is known that postpartum uterine contamination is common among many cows. Normally, infections and inflammations are eliminated by the immune response of the uterus. However, about 40% of dairy cattle develop clinical metritis. The aim of this study was to determine changes of C-reactive protein and haptoglobin concentration in healthy cows and with subclinical endometritis. The study was conductedat NNVTS "Komarnivsʹkyy" Horodok district, Lviv region. Two groups of cows of Ukrainian blackand-white dairy breed, aged from 4 to 7 years old, were investigated. The control group included twenty (n = 20) clinically healthy cows. Experimental group included twenty (n = 20) cows with subclinical endometritis. It was found that in the blood serum of healthy cows C-reactive protein concentration was 11,25±1,07 µg/ml. Significant increase (P˂0,001) of C-reactive protein concentration in cows with subclinical endometritis (72,57±18,11 µg/ml) was observed. In the blood serum of healthy cows haptoglobin concentration was 22,5±5,50 mg/l. Significant increase (P ˂0,001) of C-reactive protein concentration in cows with subclinical endometritis (72,57±18,11 µg/ml) was observed. In the blood serum of healthy cows haptoglobin concentration was 22,5±5,50 mg/l. Significant increase (P ˂0,001) of C-reactive protein concentration in cows with subclinical endometritis (72,57±18,11 µg/ml) was observed. In the blood serum of healthy cows haptoglobin concentration was 22,5±5,50 mg/l. Significant increase (P &lt;0,001) of haptoglobin concentration in cows with subclinical endometritis (771,5±122,66 mg/l) was observed. The presented study shows that in cows with subclinical endometritis, increase of C-reactive protein and haptoglobin was observed. Determination of concentration of these proteins can be an informative indicator of subclinical inflammatory process in the uterus of cows. In future research it is important to determine change of IL and TNF-a expression depending on the condition of the uterus. Key words: acute phase proteins, C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, subclinical endometritis, dairy cattle, uterus.

Dynamic Changes in Progesterone Concentration in Cows' Milk Determined by the At-Line Milk Analysis System Herd NavigatorTM.

Simple SummaryAccording to the literature, the at-line progesterone monitoring system Herd NavigatorTM (Lattec I/S, Hillerød, Denmark) was used in combination with a DeLaval milking robot (DeLaval Inc., Tumba, Sweden). It works automatically and provides real-time physiological information about lactating dairy cows. For making farm-management decisions, it is not only a novel tool for scientific research, but also a mechanism for improving productivity, food safety, animal well-being, the environment, and the public perception of the dairy industry. It has been hypothesized that the progesterone concentration determined by the at-line milk analysis system and changes in its dynamics correlate with the parity, reproductive status, and milk yield of cows. The aim of the current study was to evaluate relative at-line milk progesterone (mP4) dynamic changes, according to the parity and status of reproduction, and to estimate the relationship with productivity in dairy cows. Frequent automated mP4 sampling can help identify characteristics of mP4 dynamic changes associated with successful pregnancies, pregnancy losses, and potential differences in mP4 dynamics among parity groups, which have not been studied previously.The aim of the current instant study was to evaluate relative at-line milk progesterone dynamic changes according to parity and status of reproduction and to estimate the relationship with productivity in dairy cows by at-line milk analysis system Herd NavigatorTM. According to the progesterone assay, experimental animals were divided into three periods: postpartum, after insemination, and pregnancy. In the first stage of the postpartum period, progesterone levels in milk were monitored every 5 days. This period of reproductive cycle recovery was followed for 30 days (days 0–29). The second stage of the postpartum period (30–65 days) lasted until cows were inseminated. In the period (0–45 days) after cow insemination, progesterone levels were distributed according to whether or not cows became pregnant. For milk progesterone detection, the fully automated real-time progesterone analyzer Herd NavigatorTM (Lattec I/S, Hillerød, Denmark) was used in combination with a DeLaval milking robot (DeLaval Inc., Tumba, Sweden). We found that an at-line progesterone concentration is related to different parities, reproductive statuses, and milk yield of cows: the 12.88% higher concentration of progesterone in milk was evaluated in primiparous cows. The average milk yield in non-pregnant primiparous cows was 4.64% higher, and in non-pregnant multiparous cows 6.87% higher than in pregnant cows. Pregnancy success in cows can be predicted 11–15 days after insemination, when a significant increase in progesterone is observed in the group of pregnant cows.

Assessing the potential of milk iodine intake to mitigate iodine deficiency in pregnant women of the United States via supplementation of Ascophyllum nodosum meal to dairy cows: A sensitivity analysis

The brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum is known to bioaccumulate iodine (I). Previous research showed a linear relationship between A. nodosum meal (ASCO) intake and milk I concentration in dairy cows. Thus, improving milk I concentration by supplementation of ASCO to dairy cows may be a compelling strategy to naturally boost I intake in humans. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to gain insights regarding how different milk I intakes affect the I status of pregnant women relative to the United States Institute of Medicine (US IOM) recommended dietary allowance (RDA; 220 µg/d) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended nutrient intake (RNI; 250 µg/d) for I. Four studies in which dairy cows received various amounts of ASCO generated the milk I data set used in the sensitivity analysis. The annual per capita consumption of 2% reduced-fat milk in the United States, converted to daily intake (i.e., 0.26 cup; 1 cup = 236.6 mL), was used as the actual milk intake in the simulations. Five additional milk intake scenarios (2, 3, 4, and 5 times the actual per capita milk consumption and the 3 cups-equivalent recommended by the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for American were also included in the sensitivity analysis with varying milk I concentrations (180, 765, and 483 µg/L). The 180, 765, and 483 µg/L values are milk I concentrations derived from cows not receiving ASCO or fed various amounts of ASCO in the diet or a single level (113 g/d) during the grazing season, respectively. With the actual United States milk per capita consumption of 0.26 cup/d and milk I concentrations of 180, 765, and 483 µg/L, 5.09, 21.7, and 13.6% of the RDA for I for pregnant women were met based on the US IOM, respectively. Similarly, 4.48, 19, and 12% of the RNI for I advised by the WHO was achieved with intake of 0.26 cup/d of milk containing I concentrations of 180, 765, and 483 µg/L, respectively. When 3 cups/d was included in the simulations, 58.2, 247, and 156% (US IOM), and 51.2, 217, and 137% (WHO) of the RDA or RNI for I required by gestating women was satisfied with milk I concentrations of 180, 765, and 483 µg/L, respectively. A regression analysis between I intake and milk I concentration revealed that 103 g/d of ASCO in the diet of dairy cows reached the maximum 500 µg/L threshold of I in milk recommended by the European Food Society Authority. Overall, milk from dairy cows fed ASCO can prevent I deficiency in pregnant women, but the amount of ASCO fed to cows needs to be fine-tuned to avoid excess I in milk. Further research is required to better understand the interactions between goitrogenic compounds from forages and concentrates and milk I concentration in cows fed ASCO. Research to evaluate the concentration of I in retail organic milk should be also conducted because of the high prevalence of ASCO fed in organic dairies in the United States.

Evaluation of oxidant/antioxidant status, metabolic profile and milk production in cows with metritis

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to evaluate oxidant/antioxidant status in 21 Holstein dairy cows with metritis compared to 8 healthy controls. Blood samples were taken during the first 21 days postpartum. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress, total antioxidant status (TAS) and antioxidant parameters such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), selenium (Se), vitamins A and E and beta-carotene were determined from all cows. The differences in beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), calcium, bilirubin concentrations and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity were also monitored, as were milk production and milk composition. Metritis was defined by an unpleasant discharge of varying color (milky-grey/brown/sanguineous) and consistency (muco-purulent/purulent/watery) and by the presence of increased temperature (> 38.5 °C) in cows within 21 days postpartum. Rectal examination revealed increased uterine size, thickened uterine wall and increased uterine tone. The affected cows had significantly reduced daily milk production. Additionally, hematological parameters and haptoglobin concentration were also measured in metritic cows.ResultsHigher MDA concentration (P < 0.001) was recorded in cows with metritis, while vitamin A and vitamin E concentrations were lower (P < 0.01) compared to healthy cows. Higher BHB (P < 0.05), NEFA (P < 0.05), AST (P < 0.05) and bilirubin (P < 0.001) concentrations was recorded in cows with metritis as compared to the control group. Significant differences in beta-carotene concentration, GPx activity, and Se, TAS and Ca concentrations in cows with metritis compared to control group were not observed in the present study (P > 0.05). Milk production was decreased in the cows with metritis (P < 0.001) and alterations in milk composition were also observed in metritic cows as compared to healthy cows.ConclusionsThe results of the study showed that cows with metritis in early postpartum are exposed to a higher degree of oxidative stress and that the incidence of metritis can negatively affect milk production in dairy cows.

Effect of the side of ovulation on the uterine morphometry, blood flow, progesterone, oestradiol and nitric oxide during spontaneous and induced oestrus in lactating dairy cows

This study investigates the changes in endometrial thickness between ipsilateral and contralateral uterine horns, diameter, blood flow area and hormonal concentrations in cows during natural and induced oestrus. In the induced group, six cows received a controlled internal device insert for 7days. In the normal and induced oestrous group (n=12), Doppler was performed day after day from day 5 till day 15. Oestradiol, progesterone and nitric oxide metabolites (NOMs) were measured. Results showed that dorsal, ventral and cross-section diameter of the ipsilateral horn increased during the induced oestrous group to reach a maximum on day 2 than during normal one. The total coloured area in both horns in a normal and induced group was also affected (p<.001), as the total coloured area in the ipsilateral horns, increased in the induced group, reach a maximum on day 2 after ovulation, while in normal it reaches a maximum on day of ovulation. Oestradiol increased during the induced cycle than during the normal one, but progesterone increased during days after ovulation reaches a higher value on day 10 in both groups. Nitric oxide showed two peaks, one on the day 3 and another peak on day 5. Conclusion: The ipsilateral uterine horn different diameters and thickness increased more rapidly in the induced oestrous group than the natural oestrus group. A complete analysis of variations in P4 and E2 concentrations and endometrial thickness suggested that decreases in P4 concentrations were related to an increase in endometrial thickness and that increases in E2 concentrations enhanced these endometrial changes.

High resistance of soils to short-term re-grazing in a long-term abandoned alpine pasture

Grazed alpine pastures have shaped landscapes of the European Alps for millennia, but have partially been abandoned since the 1950s. Re-grazing of abandoned pastures could preserve this cultural landscape with its high species diversity, but also alter soil carbon and nitrogen cycles, as well as microbial communities, potentially affecting ecosystem services (e.g., water purification, carbon and nitrogen storage). However, there is a lack of information on the resistance of soil characteristics to re-grazing effects. After characterising the distribution of vegetation types of an abandoned pasture in the German Alps, we investigated short-term effects of re-grazing on soil organic carbon and nitrogen biochemistry, soil microbial communities, and water quality along a gradient of grazing intensity. The abandoned grassland studied presented a remarkably high diversity of species and habitats even 60 years after abandonment. It was also found to be particularly rich in terms of microbial biomass, as well as in soil carbon and nitrogen. A few months after re-grazing started, extractable organic carbon, gross nitrogen mineralisation rates and inorganic nitrogen concentrations were increased only in intensively grazing-affected areas with bare soil (i.e. concentration of cows with excreta inputs), which insignificantly contributed to the overall area. Re-grazing did not affect the microbial abundance, whatever the grazing intensity, but induced a community shift towards a smaller proportion of fungi compared to bacteria and an increase of ammonia oxidizers (archaea/bacteria) under bare soil conditions. Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon and nitrate in the draining creek remained very low. Overall, re-grazing of pastures in the first season had very limited effects on microbial communities and associated carbon and nitrogen turnover and concentrations, highlighting the resistance of the studied alpine soils to extensive re-grazing. Our results indicate how to develop sustainable management strategies that preserve alpine pastures from degradation.