Cross-bred Cows Research Articles

Serum Biochemical Profile In Normally Calved and Retained Foetal Membranes Crossbred Cows

Serum biochemical profile revealed that the serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, total protein and serum glucose in cross-bred cows were significantly (P less than 0.05) lower after 12 hrs post-partum and 7th day post-partum in cows having RFM as compared to normally calved cows. Lower levels of serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, total protein and glucose may responsible for retention of foetal membranes.

Efficacy of Estrus Synchronization Protocols during Summer and Winter Seasons together with Biochemical and Minerals Profile in Anoestrus Crossbred Cows

The estrus induction and fertility response along with biochemical and minerals profile of >90 days postpartum anoestrus crossbred cows following use of different estrus synchronization protocols was investigated during summer and winter seasons. The true anoestrus cows selected (n=43 in summer, n=40 in winter) were randomly treated with Ovsynch, Heatsynch and PRID protocols keeping 10 animals as control in both the seasons. During summer season, the estrus induction response with Ovsynch, Heatsynch and PRID protocol was 80, 90 and 80 %; while in winter season, the response was 100% with all three protocols. In summer season, the conception rates with Ovsynch, Heatsynch and PRID protocols at induced estrus were 30, 20 and 20 %and those of 3 cycles 60, 40 and 50 %, respectively, while in winter season, the conception rates at induced estrus were 45.45, 27.27 and 36.36 % and overall of 3 cycles 72.72, 45.45 and 63.64%, respectively. The overall mean plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (mg/dl) in anoestrus cows under Ovsynch, Heatsynch and PRID protocols were 171.57±4.75, 190.97±4.90 and 184.93±3.10 during winter and 163.73±4.96, 162.87±11.24 and 177.63±7.98 during summer, respectively. The corresponding values for plasma total protein (g/dl) during winter season were 7.77±0.11, 7.90±0.12and7.51±0.14, and in summer season 7.90±0.14, 8.02±0.67 and 8.32±0.10, respectively. The cholesterol levels were insignificantly lower and protein levels were significantly higher in summer than winter season, particularly in non-conceived cows. Among the minerals profiles, i.e. calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, only the calcium levels were significantly higher during winter and in conceived cows as compared to counter parts. In conclusion, the results showed that estrus synchronization with fixed time insemination protocols can augment fertility in anoestrus crossbred cows under favorable as well as heat stress condition, and the response is better with Ovsynch and PRID protocols without influencing much the blood metabolic profil

Effect of Season of Calving and Mastitis on Reproductive Performance of Baladi and Crossbred Cows (Baladi X Friesian) under the Environmental Conditions of Aswan Governorate in South Egypt

The current work was carried out on two hundred of Baladi and crossbred (Baladi x Friesian) cows to estimate effect of season of calving and mastitis on the reproductive performance under the environmental conditions of Aswan governorate in south Egypt. The cows follow up after one month post-partum and the California Mastitis Test was performed for all experimental cows by (California Mastitis Test). According to season of calving the cows were divided into two groups. The first group that calved during the cold season and the second group calved during the hot season. The cows Baladi and crossbred cows that calved during the cold and hot seasons were divided into two groups according to suffering of mastitis healthy cows and cows with mastitis (sub-clinical mastitis). The results demonstrated that the interval from calving to first service was longer (75.56± 12.3, 82.63±7.51days) (P <0.05) in cows that calved during the hot season than cows that calved during the cold season ( 65.71± 14.27, 74.58± 8.94 days) in healthy Baladi and crossbred cows respectively. The interval from calving to the first service was longer in Baladi cows that suffer from mastitis (78.96± 15.08, 84.95±8.4 days) compared with healthy cows (65.71± 14.27, 75.56± 12.3days) during the two seasons cold and hot respectively. The interval from calving to the first service was longer in crossbred cows that suffer from mastitis (85.89± 6.81, 87.09±7.11 days) compared with healthy cows (74.58± 8.94, 82.63±7.51 days) during the two season cold and hot respectively. The interval from calving to conception was greater in cows that calved in the hot season (96.93±10.66, 101.26±13.65days) (P <0.05) than cold season (90.38±11.44, 93.16±11.37days) in healthy Baladi and crossbred cows respectively. The interval from calving to conception was higher in cows with mastitis than healthy cows in Baladi and crossbred cows in two seasons. Number of services pre conception were greater in Baladi and crossbred cows that suffer from mastitis (2.1±0.62, 2.05±0.22 and 2.08± 0.63, 2.13± 0.67 services) compared with healthy cows (1.95± 0.58, 1.89±0.42 and 2.0± 0.63 , 1.92± 0.67 services) during the two season cold and hot respectively. Conception rate in Baladi and crossbred cows that suffer from mastitis was lower (37.9, 15.0, 15.8and 16.1%) compared with healthy cows (66.7, 36.7, 66.7and 42.1%) during the two season cold and hot respectively. The percentage of mastitis cases were more frequent in cows during the cold season (58, 76%) compared to hot season (40, 62%) in Baladi and crossbred cows respectively. The rates of short estrous cycles were higher in cows with mastitis during the hot season (42.9, 38.5%) than cold season (33.3, 25%) in Baladi and crossbred cows respectively. The present study clarified that there is a negative effect of hot season and mastitis on the reproductive performance of Baladi and crossbred cows under the environmental conditions of south Egypt. Thus, the present study recommended must preparing effective defense programs in order to decreasing proportion of infection by mastitis for betterment the reproductive performance of Baladi and crossbred cows especially during the hot season of Aswan governorate

Establishment of fetal age equations based on ultrasound measurements in cross-bred Holstein cows

Objective: To establish fetal age equations based on ultrasound measurements in cross-bred Holstein cows in Thailand. Methods: The animals were bred for 30-120 d before pregnancy diagnosis using transrectal ultrasonography with real-time B-mode and specify 5 or 7.5 MHz linear array transducer. Parameters examined included crown rump length (CRL), trunk diameter (TrD) and eye diameter (ED). Results: One hundred and two cows had been examined, 80 of them were pregnant and contained at least one measurable characteristic as defined in the methods. Regression analysis and curve estimation were implied. The most frequently visualized parameters were TrD (42/80; 52.50%) and CRL (41/80; 51.25%) whereas ED (13/80; 16.25%) was least frequently detected. In our study, the equations to estimate fetal age (indicated as Y) from CRL and TrD were established with very high correlation coefficients as follows, Y = 22.679+12.005 (CRL)-1.042 (CRL)2, R2 = 0.950, P

Productivity of Different Species of Dairy Animals in High Altitude Regions: A Geographical Analysis in Pulwama District of Jammu &amp; Kashmir

The study was conducted to assess the existing productivity performance of indigenous and cross-bred cows like Holstein Friesians and Jersey cows in terms of milk yield, age at first calving, post-partum heat, lactation length, dry period, calving interval and lactation yield across different agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Pulwama district, as these aspects have a profound influence on the efficiency of milk production. For this study, a total of 72 dairy cows were selected randomly from three agro-ecological zones of Pulwama district i.e., Flood Plain, Karewa and Kandi. Significant difference was found within the milk yield (p<0.01), age at first calving (p<0.01), post-partum heat (p<0.01), lactation length (p<0.01), dry period (p<0.01), calving interval (p<0.01) and lactation yield (p<0.01). It was observed that productive and reproductive efficiency of exotic species mainly Jersey and Holstein Friesian remain at the top followed by local/indigenous species. The study concludes that the cross-bred cows are better performers than the indigenous cows in dairy potentialities in the study area. It also reflects that due to robust launching of livestock hybridisation programme in the district, the number of livestock is rapidly being replaced by the cross-breeding animals in order to meet the growing milk demand of the population.

THE PERFORMANCE OF MILK PRODUCTION, TOTAL MILK REVENUE AND REPRODUCTION INDICATORS ON DAIRY SMALLHOLDERS IN YOGYAKARTA AND EAST JAVA, INDONESIA

The purpose of this study was to analyze the performance of milk production, total milk revenue and reproduction indicators of Friesian Holstein Crossbred cows maintained under smallholder’s management system of 122 cows in DIY Province and 345 cows in East Java Province, Indonesia. The study was conducted with survey method and direct observation. A total of 180 Friesian Holstein Crossbred farmers (90 farmers were in DIY and another 90 farmers were from East Java Province) was randomly selected and interviewed used structured questionnaire to assess the milk production, total milk revenue and indicators of reproduction of Friesian Holstein Crossbred cows. The result of the study showed that the average mature equivalent of milk production was 3,810.21±920.10 L/lactation in DIY and 3,717.79±818.44 L/lactation in East Java Province, and the total milk revenue was 12,401,917.87±2.48 IDR per lactation in DIY and 14,647,217.80±3.05 IDR per lactation in East Java Province; day to first mating (postpartum mating), services per conception and days open were 62.34±29.24 days, 2.60±1.32 and 88.58±34.43 days in DIY and 60.62±23.07 days, 2.46±1.26 and 88.67±28.86 days in East Java Province. Based on total milk revenue, the conclusion of this study was Friesian Holstein Crossbred cows maintained under smallholder’s management system in East Java Province better than those in Yogyakarta province (DIY). The mature equivalent of milk production and reproduction indicators of dairy cows (postpartum mating, service per conception and days open) from both provinces showed no significant differences and the value of each parameter reproduction indicators is still within the normal range.

Association of Retained Fetal Membranes with Haematological Profile in Crossbred Cows

This study was carried out on clinical cases of retained fetal membranes in crossbred cows presented at College Clinics and College dairy farm and from Villages in and around Mhow. The blood samples were collected from jugular vein just before 12 hr. postpartum and on 7th day postpartum. Haematological profile revealed that the mean values of haemoglobin, neutrophil and monocyte count after 12 hrs and 7th day postpartum were significantly lower and lymphocyte count was significantly higher in RFM cows (n=18) than normally calved cows (n=6). The differences in mean TLC, eosinophil and basophil counts were non-significant at 12 hrs postpartum, however on 7th day postpartum the TLC and eosinophil count were significantly higher and basophil count was non-significantly different in RFM cows than the normally calved cows.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Crushed Flaxseed and Soybean Oil on Ovarian Functions in Postpartum Jersey Crossbred Cows

The effect of dietary supplementation of crushed flaxseed and soybean oil on ovarian function in postpartum Jersey crossbred cows was studied. Total 30 postpartum normally calved cows from 2nd to 4th lactation were randomly divided into three equal groups. Cows from group T1 and T2 were fed with dietary supplementation of crushed flaxseed @ 15% of DM requirement from day 25 to day 70 postpartum and with soybean oil @ 3% of DM requirement of animal from day 50 to day 70 postpartum in addition to routine feed respectively, whereas cows from Group T3 was considered as control, supplemented with routine feed. Follicular dynamic study with the help of USG was carried out at 24 hrs interval before the first injection of GnRH of Ovsynch protocol and during Ovsynch protocol (Day 0 to Day 9) of synchronization, which was implemented from day 60 postpartum in all the groups. It was observed that mean number of class I follicles was significantly increased in T2 group, whereas the mean number of class II and total number of follicles were significantly increased in T1 and T2 groups on day 0. During the synchronization period the mean number of class I, class II, total numbers of follicles and preovulatory follicles size were significantly larger in T1 and T2 groups. It was concluded that dietary supplementation of crushed flaxseed and soybean oil helps in increasing class I, class II, total number of follicles and size of preovulatory follicle in crossbred cows.

Influence of Retained Fetal Membranes on Reproductive Health of Crossbred Cows

A study was carried out to compare the effect of retained fetal membranes on reproductive health of crossbred cows. 24 crossbred cows selected were divided into control group (consisted of 6 cows which had normal 3rd phase of parturition) and RFM group (consisted of total 18 cows with retained fetal membranes for more than 12 hrs). The time required for expulsion fetal membranes, cessation of lochial discharge, gross uterine involution, service period and number of AI required per conception was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher and appearance of first postpartum estrus was nonsignificantly higher in retained fetal membranes (RFM) cows than normally calved cows.

Impaired milk quality and cheese making properties is not a concern for managing cows for 15 or 18 months calving intervals

The effect of extended lactation on milk quality was investigated. Of special focus were changes in composition, cheese making qualities and sensory properties as affected by calving interval (CInt), or gestation stage, expressed as days before calving (DBC). Late lactation milk from cross-breed cows managed for 15 or 18 months CInt was sampled at 180, 90 and 60 DBC, and investigated in relation to overall composition, indicators of udder integrity, sensory quality, cheese making properties and detailed protein composition by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry, including posttranslational modifications. Protein-related traits, including casein:protein ratio, the relative amount of κ-casein and the level of glycosylated relative to total κ-casein were affected by DBC, indicating enhanced cheese making properties with decreasing DBC. In contrast, CInt did not exert any major impact on late lactation milk composition and cheese making properties. Moreover, milk sensory quality was not affected by either DBC or CInt.

Alterations in the relative abundance of Haptoglobin (Hp) transcripts in total milk somatic cells during different stages of lactation cycle in high yielding cross-bred cows

The expression profile of Haptoglobin (Hp) gene in total milk somatic cells (SCC) of high-yielding cross-bred Karan Fries (KF) was studied during early, mid, and late lactation cycle. Milk samples (200 ml/animals) were collected from 10 high-yielding and 10 low-yielding cows throughout the lactation cycle (from day 7 to day 300) with an interval of one month. Relative mRNA expression profiles of Hp by RT polymerase chain reaction was studied in high-yielding cows, whereas low-yielding cows were taken as control. The folds of induction of Hp was significantly (p < 0.001) downregulated by a mean factor of 0.207 in milk SCC during early lactating cows. Whereas, it was significantly (p < 0.01) upregulated by a mean factor of 20.888 during mid lactation. The expression was unaltered during the late lactation. The study demonstrates that Hp is synthesized within the mammary gland and significantly upregulated during mid-lactation period compared to other stages of lactation cycle.

Milk Production, Marketing and Processing Practices of Dairy Cattle in Debremarkos Woreda of East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional State

Introduction: The study was conducted in Debremarkos Woreda, Amhara National Regional State, from October 2007 to May 2008. Objectives: The objective of milk production, marketing and processing practices of dairy cattle in debremarkos woreda of east gojjam zone, amhara regional state and to get base line data on the status of dairy cattle production levels in the study area. Methods: All 7 kebeles of Debremarkos were included in the study. A total of 200 households were selected randomly based on the proportion of total households in each kebele site using random number table. In formations were collected by key informant group discussion, household level questionnaire survey, farm visit and personal observations. The data were analyzed using the SPSS computer software and Excel programs. Results: The mean land holding in rural farms were 1 ha and except 5 persons the rest of urban area farms were landless. The mean livestock holding was 8.36 TLU in rural areas and 5.32 TLU in urban areas. Cattle constituent 98.86% and 92.44% of total TLU per household in Urban and rural sites respectively. In urban sites cows constitute 41.20% of cattle herd and steers 0.60% and in rural sites steers constitute 20.31% and cows 29.00% of cattle herd. The proportion of cross breed and local breed cows in urban areas was 31.10% and 69.90% and for rural areas it was 3.38% and 96.62% respectively. Main feed resources were crop residues and communal grazing land and most common supplements include hay, atela, wheat bran and noug cake mix as concentrates. For the last two years AI service was not available in the Woreda. During the survey period 72.0% of urban area and 93.2% of rural area households used uncontrolled natural mating. Common animal health problems were black leg, anthrax, abortion, foot and mouth disease, ticks, liver fluke. Animal health service (treatment and vaccination) for the last two years was not available in the Woreda. Only 7.5% of urban area households used private veterinary service. The average daily milk yield was 1.50 ± 0.68 and 7.30 ± 4.65 litters for local and cross bred cows respectively. Conclusion: There was a significant difference in mean daily milk yield, lactation length, age at first calving and calving interval, for local breed cattle between urban and rural areas but there was no significant difference for cross breeds except calving interval in between urban and rural areas. Main milk processing milk products include butter, ayib, sour milk, butter milk, whey and “Metata.” The main milk market outlet was contractual type of informal marketing either for hotels and restaurants or neighboring consumers. Lack of improved breed cattle, disease, feed shortage, milk market, space and water were identified in decreasing order of importance as constraints for dairy production. Recommendation: From this study, it was recommended that: Extension service should be improved; dairy cooperatives and bull service should be established.

Profile of Endometrial Secretory Proteins in Repeat Breeder Jersey Crossbred Cows

Profile of Endometrial Secretory Proteins in Repeat Breeder Jersey Crossbred Cows

EVOLUÇÃO APÓS QUATRO ANOS DE APLICAÇÃO DA CAPACIDADE ANDROLÓGICA POR PONTOS (CAP) EM TOUROS NELORE E ESTUDO DA RELAÇÃO COM A PRENHEZ EM ESTAÇÃO DE ACASALAMENTO

Resumo Estudou-se a evolução da capacidade andrológica por pontos (CAP) de 1092 touros Nelore, mantidos a pasto, durante quatro anos, e sua relação com a porcentagem de prenhez após uma estação reprodutiva. A cada ano, realizaram-se avaliações clínico-andrológicas em que mediu-se o perímetro escrotal (PE) e se coleou sêmen por eletroejaculação, para avaliação dos aspectos físicos e morfológicos dos ejaculados. A partir dos pontos obtidos pelo PE (PEP), motilidade progressiva (MOT) e morfologia espermática (MORF), computaram-se os CAP. Na estação de monta foram utilizadas 4319 fêmeas e 256 touros Nelore, em regime de pasto, para avaliação da fertilidade do rebanho. Após a escolha de 157 touros dentro das faixas A-C do CAP, foram estabelecidos, aleatoriamente, 15 grupos de touros para diferentes categorias e quantidade de fêmeas. Nos quatro anos de estudo houve aumento significativo do CAP, de 59,5 a 79,0. A PEP, MOT e MORF aumentaram no mesmo período de 17,5, 12,7 e 29,3 para 30,1, 14,8 e 34,4, respectivamente (P&lt;0,05). Foram observadas correlações entre o CAP com os seus componentes, o ano e as características reprodutivas estudadas. Houve aumento significativo de touros enquadrados nas categorias A e B do CAP de 9,0% e 46,9% vs. 43,5% e 44,8%, respectivamente. O CAP e a porcentagem de prenhez das fêmeas foram de 82,0 ± 13,2 pontos e 83,1 ± 8,4 %, respectivamente. Houve correlação (P&lt;0,001) entre o CAP e a taxa de prenhez (r=0,25). A utilização de grupos de touros das faixas A e B do CAP favoreceu o aumento da percentagem de prenhez no rebanho. A relação touro:fêmea observada sub-utiliza o potencial reprodutivo dos touros. A técnica empregada foi importante para avaliar a fertilidade potencial e modificar as características reprodutivas da população de touros estudada.

Comparative Studies on Blood Biochemical Profile of Jersey Cross-Bred Cows and Graded Murrah Buffaloes in Conditions of Green Fodder Scarcity and Climate Change

Comparative Studies on Blood Biochemical Profile of Jersey Cross-Bred Cows and Graded Murrah Buffaloes in Conditions of Green Fodder Scarcity and Climate Change

Comparative Studies on Blood Biochemical Profile of Anestrus and Normal Cyclic Jersey Cross-Bred Cows

Comparative Studies on Blood Biochemical Profile of Anestrus and Normal Cyclic Jersey Cross-Bred Cows

Succesfull Management of Dystocia due to Foetal Anasarca in Holstein Friesian Crossbred Cows

Succesfull Management of Dystocia due to Foetal Anasarca in Holstein Friesian Crossbred Cows

Antisperm Antibodies in Blood Serum and Cervical Mucus of Cross-Bred Cows With Respect to Age, Parity and Number of Inseminations

Role of antisperm antibodies in infertility of animals is still controversial. A study was planned with an objective to detect antisperm antibodies (ASA) by Immunoperoxidase assay (IPA), Sperm Mar test and ELISA in blood serum and cervical mucus of 53 cross-bred cows, which were interrelated with age, parity and number of inseminations. Cows were grouped according to age (years), parity- and insemination- number as G-1( 6.0, ≥ 3.0 and > 6.0). In Sperm Mar test, 40% reaction between motile spermatozoa and coated latex particles of IgG and IgA is considered as lower limit of significant activity. Therefore, percentage of cows with higher level of ASA (> 40% IPA / IgG / IgA, 3200 - 6400 / 200 - 800 titre) was calculated in each group. Proportion of cows with higher serum-IgG and ELISA-titre in cervical mucus and that with higher ELISA titre in serum / cervical mucus increased with increased age and parity, respectively. According to number of inseminations, percentage of cows with higher level of ASA (IPA), IgG and ELISA titre in blood serum was maximum in G-IV, whereas that with IgA in G-III in comparison to other groups. Percentage of cows with higher level of ASA (IPA), IgG, IgA and ELISA in cervical mucus was higher in G-III as compared to other groups. This study exposed a significant increase in ASA in serum /cervical mucus of cross-bred cows only with increase in number of inseminations.

Efficacy of Three Synchronization Protocols on the Pregnancy Rate in Lactating Dairy Crossbred Cows after Fixed Time Artificial Insemination

Efficacy of Three Synchronization Protocols on the Pregnancy Rate in Lactating Dairy Crossbred Cows after Fixed Time Artificial Insemination

Alteration in the in vitro activity of milk leukocytes during different parity in high yielding cross-bred cows

In vitro activity of milk leukocytes (viz. neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages) was evaluated in forty-eight (48) clinically healthy high-yielding cross-bred cows of mid-lactation stage (100–200 days of lactation), divided into four groups namely 1st parity (n = 12), 2nd parity (n = 12), 3rd parity (n = 12) and 4th and above parity (n = 12). Milk samples were taken (250 ml/cow) were taken. Milk somatic cell counts (SCC) and differential leukocyte counts (DLC) were performed microscopically. In vitro phagocytic index (PI) of milk neutrophils and macrophages was evaluated by colorimetric nitro blue tetrazolium reductive assay. Mitogen-induced milk lymphocyte blastogenic response was measured by colorimetric MTT (tetrazolium) assay after isolation of the milk leukocytes by density gradient centrifugation. Milk SCC differed significantly (p < 0.01) between different parity. Cows of 4 and above parity showed significantly (p < 0.01) higher milk SCC compared to primiparous cows. There was no significant difference in milk DLC during different parities in high-yielding cross-bred cows. There was a significant (p < 0.01) variation in lymphocyte blastogenesis amongst parity. The highest value of lymphocyte blastogenesis was seen at 3rd parity, whereas lowest value was obtained in the cows of both 1st and 4th or above parity. PI of milk neutrophils did not differ significantly between parity. PI of milk macrophages was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in 3rd parity and lower (p < 0.01) in 1st and 4th parities. The study indicated that depressed activity of milk lymphocytes and macropages was lower and SCC was higher in the cows of 4th and above parity indicating more mammary stress and hence susceptible to udder infection and mastitis. Therefore, better care and managemental interventions should be taken around these periods.