Cows Of Different Breeds Research Articles

Improving the selection of cows according to a complex evaluation indicator

The expediency of improving the indicators of judgment assessments of individual breeding characteristics of the Hereford cattle breed is justified. The proposed method of selecting cows according to a complex evaluation indicator is based on the principle of a point assessment with the correction of the selection significance of the absolute value of some economically useful characteristics that are definitely related to the economy of animal breeding. At the same time, it is characterized by the Breeding Value Index (BVI), which allows you to complete a selection group of cows in breeding herd with breeding value from 70 points and above. The main values of constructed index must select or create such genotypes that would combine the most important and desirable combinations of breeding traits. The method is universal for cows of different breeds, types, herds, provides breeding and formation of more highly productive and technological animals on the basis of meat productivity.

Polymorphism of nucleolar organizer regions in different Ukrainian cattle breeds

Aim. To study the activity of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) in different Ukrainian cattle breeds in terms of their apparent activity status in silver stain and possible relation with milk productivity. Methods. Chromosome prepara- tions using lymphocytes from the peripheral blood of 90 cows of different breeds were used in the study. NOR activity was determined by visual evaluation of concentrations of silver precipitation on NORs in individual chromosomes. A 50 % silver nitrate solution was used to stain chromosome preparations. NORs were detected as dark spots on telomeres of the corresponding chromosomes. Results. The cytological analysis of chromosome preparations from lymphocytes of first lactation cows detected NOR polymorphism in Ukrainian Red-and-Motley dairy cattle (URM), Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed (UBW), and hybrid cows, obtained by crossing Ukrainian Red-and-Motley dairy breed and Montbeliarde bulls (URM × M). First lactation cows of URM and UBM had higher or the same inci- dence of cells with four (29.8 and 30 %) and five (17.1 and 19.5 %) NORs, while in URM × M cows the incidence of cells with the same number of NORs was almost twice lower; cells with 7 and 8 NORs exceeded a similar index for other investigated breeds almost twice (2.5 against 4.5 % and 2.0 against 4.2 %). The highest level of chromosomal aberrations (CA) was observed in the group of animals with medium number (2 to 3 NORs per cell), and the lowest – in the group with a high number of NORs (from 6 to 7) with a reliable intergroup difference (p < 0.01). NOR activity was the highest in the group of animals of local origin (URM × M) with a milk yield over 7,000 kg in 305 days of the first lactation and the lowest in the UBW cows with a milk yield of 4–5,000 kg during the first lactation. Conclusions. We determined the differences in the activity of nucleolar organizers between the investigated groups of cows of dairy breed. URM × M hybrids reliably (р ≤ 0.05) exceeded dairy UBW cows by this index. No statistically significant different was found between other investigated groups of animals by this trait. Higher dairy productivity was found in the animals with higher frequency of NORs in the chromosomes of metaphase cells. In our opinion, the number of active NORs demonstrates relative variability between their number and the rate of protein synthesis, required to implement the productivity traits of the investigated animals.

Influence of cord blood serum and actovegin on the reproductive function of cows in the comparative aspect

The results of the study of the effect of cord blood serum and “Actovegin” (Takeda, Ukraine) on the reproductive function of cows in a comparative aspect are presented.
 The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of cord blood serum and Actovegin on the reproductive function of uterine cows in a comparative aspect.
 Materials and methods. The research was conducted during 2017-2020 in four dairy farms of Sumy region with tethered and untied maintenance. In 128 cows of different breeds and productivity, the timing of sexual cycling was studied and analyzed in comparison with the spontaneous sexual cycle with the use of cord blood serum and the drug "Actovegin" (Takeda, Ukraine).
 Results. It was found that in cows with tethered content, the number of days from the introduction of 15 ml of cord blood serum to the manifestation of the excitation stage was significantly less compared to the spontaneous manifestation of sexual desire (5.63±0.36 and 14.38±2.1, respectively).
 When cows with loose content were administered 10 ml of cord blood serum in combination with the drug "Actovegin", the number of days before the manifestation of sexual cycling was lower by 18.3 % compared with the rate of spontaneous sexual desire (4.31±0.38 and 18.25±1.89, respectively).
 Conclusions. As a result of using 10 ml of cord blood serum in combination with the drug "Actovegin", in cows of different productivity and under different housing conditions, the number of days before the onset of the stage of arousal is significantly reduced compared to the spontaneous manifestation of sexual desire.
 Cows of different productivity and with different housing conditions come to the sexual desire significantly faster with the use of 15 ml of cord blood serum compared to the spontaneous manifestation of sexual desire.

Comparative evaluation of composition and properties of milk from cows of different breeds in cheese production

Modern industrial milk processing based on high-tech processes has high demands to the quality of milk used as raw material for the production of a wide range of dairy products. Seasonality of milk production remains a significant problem for dairy cattle breeding. In some seasons, the supply of milk of optimal quality is rather unstable. The purpose of the work was to study the influence of season on the technological properties of milk during its processing into dairy products. As a result of research, it was found that the organoleptic properties of milk met the requirements of regulatory documents. The milk color changed with the seasons. A more intense yellowish tint in the milk color was noted in summer and autumn, which is associated with the carotene content in feed. The highest content of dry matter, SNF, fat and protein in milk was observed in winter, while in summer these values were the lowest. In the spring period, there is an increase in the mechanical contamination of milk up to group 2. In general, the bulk of milk has primary quality. The coagulation phase in cows’ milk was shorter in spring than in other seasons of the year (P <0.001) by 0’05 “- 2’35”, and it was longer in milk obtained in winter. The best speed to clot under the influence of rennet was the milk of cows in summer. Evaluation of milk for thermal stability, depending on the season of the year, showed that it has high thermal stability and can be used for processing into products with a high temperature of pasteurization and sterilization.

Interaction of economically useful traits in cows of different breeds

A related Holstein breed has recently been used to improve domestic dairy cattle and create highly productive herds by purchasing semen from breeding bulls, as well as a large number of heifers and calves of foreign breeding. The purpose of the work is a comparative assessment of the productive qualities of Black Pied and Holstein cows of foreign breeding. Purebred Holstein cows differ from animals of Black Pied breed in milk yield per lactation. Cows of both breeds have fairly high suitability for machine milking. The priority remains with the animals of the Holstein breed of foreign selection. In terms of milking intensity and udder volume, they reliably surpass Black Pied cows at P≤0.05 - P≤0.01, respectively, in terms of indicators. Holstein cows were also the best in the udder index. Correlation coefficients between the productive qualities, as well as between the quantitative indicator of productivity and the qualitative indicators of the suitability of cows for machine milking, were the same or did not differ significantly. A positive correlation was established between milk yield and the duration of the service period from 0.1 to 0.05, depending on the breed.

11 Effect of breed type on production of bovine embryos: Experience in Paraguay

One of the parameters that has the most influence on invitro embryo production programs is the number of oocytes obtained in each follicular aspiration session (ovum pickup; OPU). A significant impact of the breed of the donor on this parameter has been reported. The objective of this work was to compare the parameters of an invitro embryo production program of cows of different breeds in Paraguay. A total of 4811 OPU sessions were performed between 2016 and 2019 in cows classified according to breed and type. Beef-type breeds: Nelore (Bos indicus): n=1569; Aberdeen Angus (Bos taurus): n=1276; and Brangus (Cross): n=182 OPU, and Gyr (Bos indicus): n=1086; dairy breeds: Holstein (Bos taurus): n=401, and Girolando (Cross): n=297. The oocytes were aspirated and transported to the same laboratory located in Asunción, Paraguay. The invitro embryo production protocol was similar in all types. Bull semen tested for IVF was used. The number of oocytes, percentage viability, and percentage embryo production were evaluated. Additionally, the mean and standard deviation of the variables were calculated to show the efficiency of the processes, according to the production aptitude of the donors (meat or milk) and the breed type (Bos indicus, Bos taurus, or crosses). Continuous data were analysed with ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc comparisons. Categorical data were analysed using Chi-squared at a significance level of 0.05. In this work, the production aptitude had no significant effect over the studied variables. However, some significant differences were found considering the breed type of the oocyte donor cow, as shown in Table 1. When crosses with the pure breeds are compared with their crosses, we found that Brangus produced more pregnancies and a greater number of oocytes/OPU compared with Angus (P&amp;lt;0.05). When the same comparison was made between Girolando and Holstein, no significant differences were found. The results show that Bos indicus breeds and their crosses have a greater capacity to produce more oocytes and embryos and that Bos indicus and crossbreeds were more efficient in producing pregnancies (2-fold) per OPU session than Bos taurus breeds. Additionally, crossing with meat indicus breeds generates better quality embryos and increases efficiency in the system of embryo production. Table 1. Comparison of embryo production parameters Item Breed type Bos indicus Cross Bos taurus Oocytes/OPU (mean±SD) 29.8±2.7a 26.3±7.8a 14.6±1.4b Viable oocytes, % 64.7±3a 64.6±3.4a 60.1±3.1a Embryo produced/OPU, % 35.2±4.7a 32.8±9.4a 26.2±4a Embryo/OPU 6.9±1.7a 5.4±1.7a 2.3±0.4b Pregnancy rate, % 29.6±5.5a 33.1±6.3a 25.3±5a Pregnancies/OPU 2.1±0.9a 1.9±1a 0.6±0.2b a,bValues within a row different letters differ (P&amp;lt;0.05).

Improved measures for the prevention of mass mastitis in cows in the Vologda region farms

The fight against mastitis was and remains one of the most serious problems in the dairy farming. The disease is widespread throughout Russia among cows of different breeds. According to our data, more than a half of the number of cows, up to 68.5% in a herd, go through mastitis during a year in the farms examined by us; 55.0% of them go through it from two to seven times. The coccal microflora has the decisive importance according to the frequency of isolation rate from the secretion of the udder of cows with mastitis -87.5% of the total number of isolated cultures with farm fluctuations from 40.0% to 100.0%. The test results of the vaccine “Streptostaphus” in three farms of the region made it possible to determine the most effective vaccination scheme for animals and to develop a “Method of specific prophylaxis of mastitis in cows.” The employees of the branch proposed a pattern of use of the complex drug “Amber-splenivitis” on pregnant animals with the aim of preventing mastitis in cows in the dry and postpartum periods. The use of antimicrobial drugs of prolonged action during the cows drying off period is advisable to take into account the sensitivity of microflora to them, released from the secretion of the udder of lactating cows of a single farm (complex). The prevention of massive mastitis in cows should include the implementation of measures aimed at increasing both the general resistance and specific reactivity of the cows organism.

Comparative analysis of the exterior of culled cows of different breeds in the Baikal Region

This article provides an analysis of the exterior of cows by physique indices. The purpose of this work is a comparative study of the exterior of cows of black-and-white, Simmental breeds and their crossbreeds. When comparing the physique indices, it was found that the culled cows of Simmental breed and crossbreeds after fattening had the highest indices: elongation, plumpness, chest, pelvic and massiveness. The results show that cross-breed cows (black-and-speckled x Simmental) are the largest among the breeds. The smallest cows of these represented breeds are black-and-speckled.

МОЛОЧНАЯ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ КОРОВ ГОЛШТИНСКОЙ ПОРОДЫ В ЮЖНО-ЛЕСОСТЕПНОЙ ЗОНЕ ПРЕДУРАЛЬЯ

The purpose of the research is to increase the efficiency of Holstein cows of different breeds in the southern forest-steppe zone of the Pre-Urals. Due to the lack of highly productive dairy cattle, Holstein cows are imported to Russia from different countries. Imported animals have different adaptability, productivity, terms of economic use, and prof-itability. For the first time on the stud farm «Alekseevsky» state owned located in Ufa district Republic of Bashkorto-stan a comparative evaluation of body conformation, lactation yield and physical and chemical indicators of Hol-stein milk of different selections in terms of adaptive technology. Cows of Hungarian selection have a stronger con-formation, proportion, length, well-developed body, as evidenced by boniness and lengthiness. Hungarian cows dominate over German and Finnish cows in body weight by 11.2 and 22.5 kg (P&lt;0.05). These features led to the superiority of animals of Hungarian origin in milk productivity with the same adaptive technology of keeping and feeding. During the third lactation, milk yield of Hungarian origin was 736.6 kg (P&lt;0.05) more than that of German-bred, and 766.7 kg than that of Finnish cows. Hungarian average milk yield of Hungarian breed for three lactation periods was bigger 521.5 kg (P&lt;0.05) and 625.1 kg (P&lt;0.05), respectively. German breed had the highest fat con-tent (3.3%), and Hungarian cows the highest protein content (3.3%). There were no significant differences between the animals of the studied groups in terms of productive longevity (3.26-3.38 lactations). Cows of Hungarian origin for all the time of use had basic fat content and protein more by 5.5 and 6.0%, compared with their herdmate, which increases revenue by 9.9 and 10.8 thousand rubles more than from cows of German and Finnish selection.

Показатели молочной продуктивности коров разных пород в зависимости от их живой массы

Рассмотрены показатели молочной продуктивности по третьей лактации в зависимости от живой массы коров ярославской (64 гол.), чёрно-пёстрой (31 гол.) и айрширской пород (39 гол.). Отбор животных проведён методом случайной выборки из генеральной совокупности стада одного из сельскохозяйственных предприятий Ярославской области, был использован выборочный метод исследования. В качестве основных изучаемых признаков использовались показатели молочной продуктивности за исследуемый период (удой, кг; МДЖ, %; МДБ, %; живая масса, кг). В ходе исследования выявлено, что среди коров ярославской породы наиболее обильномолочными являются животные с живой массой в пределах 427–477 кг, по уровню удоя они достоверно превосходят коров с живой массой 426 кг и менее на 972 кг молока (Р ≥ 0,99). Среди коров чёрно-пёстрой и айрширской пород достоверно самые высокие удои отмечаются в группе с живой массой 478 кг и более, при этом коровы айрширской породы оказались самыми высокопродуктивными. При отборе коров по надою рекомендуется учитывать живую массу, которая у коров ярославской породы должна быть не менее 426 кг, у коров чёрно-пёстрой и айрширской пород – не менее 478 кг. The indicators of lactation performance according to the third lactation depending on the live weight of cows of the Yaroslavl (64 cattle), Black-and-White (31 cattle) and Ayrshire breeds (39 cattle) are considered. Animal selection was carried out by random sampling from the general population of a herd of one of the agricultural enterprises of the Yaroslavl region, a selective research method was used. The main characteristics studied were the indicators of lactation performance for the researched period (milk yield, kg; fat weight content, %; protein weight content, %; live weight, kg). It was in studies revealing that among the cows of the Yaroslavl breed, the most abundant are animals with a live weight in the range of 427–477 kg, in terms of milk yield they reliably exceed cows with a live weight of 426 kg and less by 972 kg of milk (P ≥ 0.99). Among cows of Black-and-White and Ayrshire breeds the highest yields are reliably noted in the group with a live weight of 478 kg or more, while cows of the Ayrshire breed turned out to be the most highly productive. When selecting cows according to the milk yield it is recommended to take into account the live weight which in cows of the Yaroslavl breed should be at least 426 kg, in cows of Black-and-White and Ayrshire breeds – at least 478 kg.

Growth of beef cattle as prediction for meat production: A review

Growth of beef cattle as prediction for meat production: A review

ESTIMATION OF HOLSTEIN BREED BULLS BY DAIRY PRODUCTIVITY OF THEIR DAUGHTERS

The scientific community has shown that the genetic improvement of dairy cattle depends on many genotypic factors, including paternal ancestry and lineage. With this in mind, the purpose of our research was to evaluate the Holstein bulls of black-and-white and red-and-white suits of different lines for the milk productivity of their daughters.&#x0D; The research was carried out on the basis of primary breeding records of 10 breeding herds of Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed, 3 – Ukrainian Red-and-White Dairy breed and one – Ukrainian Red Dairy breed, which are subordinated to NAAS. Cows of the studied breeds has divided into groups according to lineage and paternal origin.&#x0D; Studies have revealed a significant differentiation of milk yield of cows of the first and highest lactation not only of one breed, but also of linear affiliation and paternal origin. It was found that the yield of the first lactation in cows of the Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed varied from 3211 kg (Damir 7100354042) to 7884 kg (Dzhokus 113080315) of milk. Noteworthy are the daughters of Dzhokus 113080315, from which 9143 kg of milk were obtained for higher lactation, Polyarsten 342347941 and Manteno 344222859 – 8248 kg and 8290 kg of milk, respectively. The significant influence of paternal origin on the yield of Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed cows of the first and higher lactation (31.0%; P &gt; 0.999) and 37.3% has been proved; P &gt; 0.999). The influence of genealogical formation on the milk productivity of cows was significant and amounted to 10.8% for the first lactation, higher – 10.2%. Some of the first-born Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy breed has characterized by high milk productivity, which steadily increased until the third and higher lactation.&#x0D; The yield of cows of the Ukrainian Red-and-White Dairy breed of the first lactation varied from 5414 kg (Dialog 2009) to 6689 kg (Larets 6177), testifying to better homogeneity of herds in terms of milk productivity compared to the Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed. The highest yield of the third and highest lactation – 7626 kg, had cows-daughters of the bull Roman 660886883 Starbuck line 352790. The variability of milking cows of Ukrainian Red-and-White Dairy breed of the first and highest lactation by 25.0% and 15.2%, respectively, was due to the influence of the father offspring and to a lesser extent – belonging to the line.&#x0D; A very high (6517–8013 kg) realization potential of milking cows of the Ukrainian Red Dairy breed was established, but it also depended on the paternal origin and linear affiliation. The highest yield of the first lactation were shown by the daughters of the bull Belisar 365235897, Dzhorin 114414759 and Tumpi 112367468, who produced 8013 kg, 7323 kg and 7170 kg of milk, respectively. In cows of this breed it was found that yield increased with increasing serial number of lactation, with the third and higher lactation cows produced more than 8000 kg of milk per lactation, and the daughters of bull Dzhorin 114414759 – more than 9000 kg. The influence of the bull on the milk productivity of the first-born cows of the Ukrainian Red Dairy breed (16.7%; P &gt; 0.999) is almost three times higher than this linear affiliation. Significant phenotypic variability of milk productivity of cows of different breeds of half-sisters by the father is established. The advantage of the daughters of the bull Belisar 365235897 of the Ukrainian Red Dairy breed on milking of the first lactation over the representatives of the Ukrainian Red-and-White Dairy breed was 1932 kg (p &lt; 0.001). The difference in milk yield of the first lactation of the half-sisters by the father, the bull Konbeo 579810507 was 1007 kg (p &lt; 0.01), and Roman 660886883 – 717 kg.&#x0D; Thus, a significant phenotypic variability of milk productivity of cows of different breeds of half-sisters by father was established. At the same time, regardless of the breeder, the cows of the Ukrainian Red Dairy breed were characterized by higher milk yield of the first lactation in comparison with the Ukrainian Red-and-White Dairy breed.

QUALITY OF MILK PRODUCTION OF THE HOLSTEIN COWS DEPENDING ON DIFFERENT FACTORS

Studies have revealed that despite the selection, the Holstein cows have a high genetic potential of milk production and in all lactations it is good in the specific conditions of the hot climate of Uzbekistan. The milk production level of German cows for the first lactation was 6511.2 kg of milk with a fat content of 3.84%, the Dutch — 6653.0 kg with fat content of 3.95%, and local breed — 6495.2 kg with a fat content of 3.95%. All mature cows retained high milk production, for III lactation and older it was 7112.5 kg and 3.90%, 7266.0 kg and 3.90%, 6847.5 kg and 3.94%, respectively. The yield of Dutch breeding cows was higher for 1 lactation by 141.80–157.8 kg, for III lactation and older by 153.5–418.5 kg, the yield of milk fat by 12.8–6.3 kg, respectively, of indicators peers of German and local selection. The cows of the studied selections combined well with high milk yield and fat content. The level of 4% milk for the studied lactation in all cows was quite high and testified to its good nutritional value. Holstein cows of different breeds are distinguished by a strong dairy type. For I lactation, for every 100 kg of live weight, 1,159.0–1265.5 kg of milk was produced, for III lactation and older - 1200.0–1308.6 kg. It is revealed that milk productivity depends on the level of live weight of cows. The increase in body weight of cows in all groups provides an increase in milk yield, milk fat yield, milk yield of 4% milk. Milk productivity is interrelated with the duration of the service period. In group I, cows with a service period of 91–100 days were more productive, in group II, 81–90 and in group III, up to 80 days. The use of Holstein cows for the production of milk is effective and ensures an increase in its production, the creation of highly productive dairy herds and the production of high-quality maintenance stock. KEYWORDS: Holstein breed, herd, milk yield, milk, fat, selection.

INFLUENCE OF GENETIC FACTORS ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF COWS

The study was conducted on the materials of primary breeding records in the herd of Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed of the State Enterprise of the State Enterprise experienced farm “Khristinovske” of the Institute of animal breeding and genetics nd. a. M.V.Zubets of National Academy of Agrarian Science. The calculations were performed by the methods of mathematical statistics by means of software package "STATISTICA-12,0" on the PC. Observed matrix of observations in the format “*.sta”, which contains data on 448 variables of 1540 cows&#x0D; Breeding work has provided a gradual increase in dairy productivity of the herd. The average hope for the 305 days of lactation of the firstborn herds in the last 18 years ranged from 2571 kg in 1999 calving to 7106 kg in 2015 year. The fat content of milk ranged from 3.34% (2000 year) to 4.02% (2013 year). In general, the curvilinear increase in milk yields of the firstborn in the analyzed years reaches more than 4500 kg or almost 2.8 times. The biological regularity of increase of dairy productivity of cows with age is realized. The experimental animals that were calved during the control period are the daughters of 31 boogies, belonging mainly to 12 lines and related groups and related to two (Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy and Holstein) breeds. The deterioration of the firstborn's yield in the studied herd was the Holstein breed Ingibitor EТ Red 402151, Jupy Red TV TL 114386090 and the sire of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed May 5573.&#x0D; Firstborns demonstrate the realization of the genetic potential of the breed, however, with age, the influence of environmental factors leads to the elimination of intergenerational differences in productivity. In mature age cows, this advantage is offset. No qualitative milk indicators of probable unidirectional patterns of intergroup differentiation of cows of different breeds and conditional blood were found.&#x0D; Belonging to a lineage or kinship group has a relatively low but significant effect on the phenotypic variability of milk yield and protein content of firstborn milk. By protein content, the influence of the specified genetic factor prolongs (even doubles) to the second lactation. The effect of linear affiliation on the live weight of heifers and cows after the first two calves, the age of the first calving and the length of time between the first two calves were statistically significant.&#x0D; A statistically significant influence of linear affiliation (on average 8.3%) and paternal ancestry (13.1%) on the variability of individual signs of live weight, dairy productivity and reproductive capacity of cows was established. The influence of the father in the herd under study is 1.58 times more significant than the linear membership of the animals. Revealed a significant level of differentiation of cow groups of different lines, related groups, and half-sisters by paternal father for the first lactation.&#x0D; For the firstborn, there was a tendency for curvilinear productivity increase with an increase in the conditional share of heredity in the Holstein breed. In the interspecific comparison, a statistically significant excess of the Holstein milk yields over such cows of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed (404 ± 158.0 kg, td = 2.57, P &lt; 0.02) was established, which is leveled by the third lactation.&#x0D; A significant level of differentiation of groups of cows of different lines, related groups and half-sisters by father for milk yield for the first lactation was revealed. Combining estimates of enhancing effect and phenotypic consolidation, the most desirable for further use in the herd are the prepotent enhancers Tumpy EТ Red Tl 112367468 and Michel Red 402213, and the most undesirable are the pretentious tadpill Inhibitor EТ Red 403860 and Jupy Red TV TL 114386090.

The content of heavy metals in cows of different breeds

Nowadays, one of the environmental problems is the pollution of the environment with heavy metals, the release of which leads to accumulation in the body of animals. The aim of the research was to study the content of heavy metals in the body of cows of different breeds in a separated agricultural enterprise. Researches were held in LLC "EIF Solyanskoe" of Krasnoyarsk region. The objects of research were the blood, urine and milk of cows Red-Motley breed and Black-Motley breed at the age of the second lactation. The result of research determined that concentration of Cu, Zn and Pb in milk and blood serum of Red-Motley cows was more than in Black-Motley cows; on the contrary, in urine the concentration of the studied metals was higher in Black-Motley cows. In general, the content of heavy metals in milk, blood serum and urine of cows of both breeds did not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations, with the exception of Pb in milk, the existence of which was slightly higher than the hygienic norm by 0.02–0.03 mg/kg.

Serum biochemistry in cows of different breeds presented with reproductive conditions.

Minimising health problems and increasing yield have always been the objectives in livestock agriculture. Hence, increases in incidences of reproductive conditions in cattle farming pose a great threat to productivity and impose undesirable economic implications. This study aimed to examine the concentrations of different biochemical compounds in cows with reproductive conditions. Seventy-seven blood samples were collected from cows at different rural areas around Mafikeng, following cases of downer cow syndrome, dystocia, retained placenta, vaginal prolapse and abortion. Means of serum metabolites across the different reproductive conditions were statistically compared using Pearson’s chi-square test to determine variations of serum metabolites in cows of different breeds. In mixed breed cows, higher than normal calcium concentrations were observed in downer cow syndrome (25.25 ± 8.47) and dystocia (85.50 ± 8.46) cases. It was also observed that cholesterol concentrations were significantly low in abortion (2.52 ± 0.79), retained placenta (3.18 ± 0.61) and vaginal prolapse (2.37 ± 0.97) cases in Afrikaner cows. The study showed that Brahman (43.1%) and Afrikaner (43.1%) breeds were mostly affected by downer cow syndrome. Additionally, the occurrences of downer cow syndrome (53.9%) and abortions (60%) were mostly observed in cows of 1–3 years, in second and first parities, respectively. This study proves that concentrations of calcium, urea or blood urea nitrogen (BUN), magnesium and cholesterol are significantly altered in incidences of reproductive conditions in cows of different breeds. It is also shown that serum biochemistry is affected by reproductive conditions in cows of different ages and parity. This data serves as a tool that could be used to enhance research in animal production and reproduction.

Cow Milk Lactoferrin Possesses Several Catalytic Activities.

Lactoferrin (LF) is a Fe3+-binding glycoprotein, that was first recognized in milk and then in other epithelial secretions and barrier body fluids to which many different functions have been attributed to LF including protection from iron-induced lipid peroxidation, immunomodulation, cell growth regulation, DNA and RNA binding, as well as transcriptional activation, etc. The polyfunctional physiological role of LF is still unclear, but it has been suggested to be responsible for primary defense against microbial and viral infections. It was shown previously that human milk LF possesses several enzymatic activities: DNase, RNase, ATPase, phosphatase, and amylase. Analysis of human, cow, horse, buffalo and camel LF showed a highly conserved three-dimensional (3D) structure including only detail differences in the species. Recently, it was shown that similar to human cow LF possesses DNase and RNase activities. Using different methods here we have shown for the first time that LFs from the milk of seven cows of different breeds possess high peroxidase, protease, amylase, protease, and phosphatase activities. Protease activity of cow LFs was activated by Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions. In contrast to human LFs, ATPase activity was revealed only in three of seven cow LF preparations. The discovery that LF possesses these activities may contribute to understanding the multiple physiological functions of this extremely polyfunctional protein including its protective role against microbial and viral infections.

Urinalysis and determination of the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio reference interval in healthy cows.

BackgroundThere are no reference intervals for urinalysis in cattle.Hypothesis/ObjectivesCharacterize the urine of healthy cows, establish urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (UPC) reference intervals, and test possible differences among dairy and beef cattle, age groups, or stage of lactation.AnimalsSeventy‐seven dairy and 74 beef 2.5 to 17 year‐old cows of different breeds housed mainly in free stall.MethodsIn this prospective study, urine specimens were collected by catheterization. Complete urinalysis was performed within 1 hour including specific gravity, dipstick evaluation, visual urine pH evaluation with 0.3 pH unit graded strips, and microscopic evaluation of the sediment. Urinary protein and creatinine concentrations and protein electrophoresis were determined on frozen aliquots.ResultsOverall reference intervals were 1.020 to 1.045 for USG, 7.0 to 8.7 for pH, and 0.04 to 0.25 for UPC; because of differences in creatinine concentration, UPC was lower in beef (0.04‐0.14) than in dairy (0.05‐0.25) cows and in the latter in dry than lactating cows. With dipstick evaluation, most analytes were absent except for blood, ketone, and protein in 24.7, 16.0, and 64.7% of cases, respectively. Microscopic evaluation revealed less than 3 red blood cells, leukocytes, and epithelial cells in 84, 99.3, and 100% cows, respectively. No band was observed at electrophoresis, except in 1 case at MW ~66 000.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCreatininuria is higher in beef than dairy cows and proteinuria is likely more efficiently characterized by protein concentration than by UPC.

DNase and RNase activities of fresh cow milk lactoferrin

Lactoferrin (LF) is an Fe3+ -binding glycoprotein first recognized in milk and then in other epithelial secretions and barrier body fluids to which many different functions have been attributed to LF, including protection from iron-induced lipid peroxidation, immunomodulation, cell growth regulation, DNA and RNA binding, as well as transcriptional activation, еtс. The polyfunctional physiological role of LF is still unclear, but it has been suggested to be responsible for primary defense against microbial and viral infections. Here, we present the first evidence that LF preparations isolated from milk of 18 cows of different breeds possess various levels of metal-dependent DNase and metal-independent RNase activities. For univocal assignment of DNase and RNase activities to cow LF, it was subjected to SDS-PAGE using gels with copolymerized calf thymus DNA or polymeric yeast RNA. In situ analysis was revealed DNase and RNase activities only in the gel zones corresponding to homogeneous LF. In contrast to human LF, cow LF possesses a relatively low cytotoxicity towards human tumor cells. The discovery that cow LF has these activities may contribute to understanding the multiple physiological functions of this extremely polyfunctional protein, including its protective role against microbial and viral infections. The computational spatial model of cow LF complex with DNA was obtained: according to the model positively charged residues of LF contact with DNA.

Determining the influence of the composition of milk from cows of different breeds on quality indicators for the dutch-type cheese

The paper reports a comprehensive study into the impact of feeding rations and breed of cows on the technological properties of milk and quality characteristics of the Dutch type of cheese. Despite the abundance of information on the relationship between domestic animal feeding and technological parameters for the production of cheeses, a possible relationship between particular properties of animal breeds, changes in feed, and a positive influence on the quality of products requires in-depth research. That explains the relevance of studying the influence of an animal breed and the optimization of animal feed on a set of technological parameters and quality indicators for the Dutch type of cheeses. We manufactured the Dutch-type cheese in a series of experiments using milk from cows of different breeds, obtained at different rations of feeding. We compared the chemical composition of milk from three groups of cows ‒ the Ukrainian brown dairy breed, Lebedinskaya breed, and Simmental breed, at different feed. The results obtained demonstrate that the use of alfalfa haylage contributes to an increase in the mass share of a dry fat-free milk residue in milk, improves its suitability for cheese, as compared with milk obtained over a silage-hay period.We have worked out technological modes for producing the hard Dutch-type cheese from milk of three cow breeds at different feeding rations. It is shown that when applying alfalfa haylage to feed animals the duration of basic technological operations shortens. That helps reduce the share of dry substances (including fat) in whey, and increases the output of finished product. The samples of hard Dutch-type cheese, made from milk of all three groups of animals over a haylage-hay period are characterized by a high content of essential amino acids, as well as free amino acids, and soluble non-protein nitrogen. That predetermined their higher degree of ripeness, and the larger point-based assessment, in terms of organoleptic characteristics (by 7‒15 points), compared to the samples of cheese produced from milk received over a silage-hay period. The highest point-based estimate for organoleptic characteristics (99 points) was given to samples of the Dutch-type cheese made from milk of the Ukrainian brown dairy cow, milked over a haylage-hay period.It was established that an animal breed has a significant impact on the suitability of milk for cheese and yield of the finished product. The most significant influence of the optimized feeding was exerted on the organoleptic and sensorial indicators for a Dutch-type cheese. The proof are the indicators for proteolytic activity. There was an increase in the growth of nitrogen within soluble fractions, an accelerated maturation process, as evidenced by the accumulation of low-molecular nitrogenous fractions. The largest total amount of free amino acids was demonstrated by cheese made from milk of the cows that were fed the improved ration using alfalfa haylage.The developed feeding rations, as well as the improved technological parameters for making a Dutch-type cheese, could be recommended as the cost and product quality management methods for producing mass-market and craft cheese.