Dairy Cow Breeding Research Articles

Bta-miR-125a Regulates Milk-Fat Synthesis by Targeting SAA1 mRNA in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells

The nutritional value of cow milk mainly depends on its fatty acid content and protein composition. The identification of genes controlling milk production traits and their regulatory mechanisms is particularly important for accelerating genetic progress in the breeding of dairy cows. On the basis of mammary gland transcriptome analyses, in this study we identified an miRNA, bta-miR-125a, that could control bovine milk-fat production by targeting the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the serum amyloid A-1 (SAA1) mRNA. The presence of synthetic bta-miR-125a (i.e., an miR-125a mimic) significantly down-regulated the expression of luciferase from mRNAs containing the binding sequence for bta-miR-125a in the 3′-UTR in a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, the presence of the miR-125a mimic decreased the steady-state level of the SAA1 protein, but increased the accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol content in bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-Ts). Blocking the function of bta-miR-125a using a specific inhibitor decreased the level of triglycerides and cholesterol content in the cells. These results indicate that bta-miR-125a can serve as a positive regulator of lipid synthesis in mammary epithelial cells, which acts by targeting SAA1 gene expression.

Host Genome-Metagenome Analyses Using Combinatorial Network Methods Reveal Key Metagenomic and Host Genetic Features for Methane Emission and Feed Efficiency in Cattle.

Cattle production is one of the key contributors to global warming due to methane emission, which is a by-product of converting feed stuff into milk and meat for human consumption. Rumen hosts numerous microbial communities that are involved in the digestive process, leading to notable amounts of methane emission. The key factors underlying differences in methane emission between individual animals are due to, among other factors, both specific enrichments of certain microbial communities and host genetic factors that influence the microbial abundances. The detection of such factors involves various biostatistical and bioinformatics methods. In this study, our main objective was to reanalyze a publicly available data set using our proprietary Synomics Insights platform that is based on novel combinatorial network and machine learning methods to detect key metagenomic and host genetic features for methane emission and residual feed intake (RFI) in dairy cattle. The other objective was to compare the results with publicly available standard tools, such as those found in the microbiome bioinformatics platform QIIME2 and classic GWAS analysis. The data set used was publicly available and comprised 1,016 dairy cows with 16S short read sequencing data from two dairy cow breeds: Holstein and Nordic Reds. Host genomic data consisted of both 50 k and 150 k SNP arrays. Although several traits were analyzed by the original authors, here, we considered only methane emission as key phenotype for associating microbial communities and host genetic factors. The Synomics Insights platform is based on combinatorial methods that can identify taxa that are differentially abundant between animals showing high or low methane emission or RFI. Focusing exclusively on enriched taxa, for methane emission, the study identified 26 order-level taxa that combinatorial networks reported as significantly enriched either in high or low emitters. Additionally, a Z-test on proportions found 21/26 (81%) of these taxa were differentially enriched between high and low emitters (p value <.05). In particular, the phylum of Proteobacteria and the order Desulfovibrionales were found enriched in high emitters while the order Veillonellales was found to be more abundant in low emitters as previously reported for cattle (Wallace et al., 2015). In comparison, using the publicly available tool ANCOM only the order Methanosarcinales could be identified as differentially abundant between the two groups. We also investigated a link between host genome and rumen microbiome by applying our Synomics Insights platform and comparing it with an industry standard GWAS method. This resulted in the identification of genetic determinants in cows that are associated with changes in heritable components of the rumen microbiome. Only four key SNPs were found by both our platform and GWAS, whereas the Synomics Insights platform identified 1,290 significant SNPs that were not found by GWAS. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis found transcription factor as the dominant biological function. We estimated heritability of a core 73 taxa from the original set of 150 core order-level taxonomies and showed that some species are medium to highly heritable (0.25–0.62), paving the way for selective breeding of animals with desirable core microbiome characteristics. We identified a set of 113 key SNPs associated with >90% of these core heritable taxonomies. Finally, we have characterized a small set (<10) of SNPs strongly associated with key heritable bacterial orders with known role in methanogenesis, such as Desulfobacterales and Methanobacteriales.

Exploiting genetic variability in the trajectory of lactation yield and somatic cell score with each progressing parity

The inclusion of reproductive performance in dairy cow breeding schemes has resulted in a cumulative improvement in genetic merit for reproductive performance; this improvement should manifest in longer productive lives through a reduced requirement for involuntary culling. Nonetheless, the average length of dairy cow productive life has not changed in most populations, suggesting that risk factors for culling, especially in older cows, are possibly more associated with lower yield or high somatic cell score (SCS) than compromised reproductive performance. The objective of the present study was to understand the dynamics of lactation yields and SCS in dairy cows across parities and, in doing so, quantify the potential to alter this trajectory through breeding. After edits, 3,470,520 305-d milk, fat, and protein yields, as well as milk fat and protein percentage and somatic cell count records from 1,162,473 dairy cows were available for analysis. Random regression animal models were used to identify the parity in which individual cows reached their maximum lactation yields, and highest average milk composition and SCS; also estimated from these models were the (co)variance components for yield, composition, and SCS per parity across parities. Estimated breeding values for all traits per parity were calculated for cows reaching ≥fifth parity. Of the cows included in the analyses, 91.0%, 92.2%, and 83.4% reached maximum milk, fat, and protein yield in fifth parity, respectively. Conversely, 95.9% of cows reached their highest average fat percentage in first parity and 62.9% of cows reached their highest average protein percentage in third parity. In contrast to both milk yield and composition traits, 98.4% of cows reached their highest average SCS in eighth parity. Individual parity estimates of heritability for milk yield traits, milk composition, and SCS ranged from 0.28 to 0.44, 0.47 to 0.69, and 0.13 to 0.23, respectively. The strength of the genetic correlations per trait among parities was inversely related to the interval between the parities compared; the weakest genetic correlation was 0.67 (standard error = 0.02) between milk yield in parities 1 and 8. Eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the additive genetic covariance matrices for all investigated traits revealed potential to alter the trajectory of parity profiles for milk yield, milk composition, and SCS. This was further demonstrated when evaluating the trajectories of animal estimated breeding values per parity.

Income analysis of integrated farming system of dairy cow breeding farm, earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus), andcitrus sinensis Valenciafarm. Case study in Dau District, Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia

The integrated farming system between dairy cow breeding, earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus), and citrus (Citrus sinensis valencia) plantations provides regular income for farmers and sustainable farming. This research aims to analyze farmers’ income based on the integrated farming system that has been done on these three commodities. This study utilized quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze data. Data were collected through questionnaires to 15 farmers who are members of Gading Kulon Farmer Group in Dau District, Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia followed by in-depth interviews with key respondents. The study showed that dairy cow breeding provided annual income which contributed up to 58% of household income. Meanwhile, earthworm farming provides weekly income and twice a year income for citrus farming. Depending on the land area, Earthworms farming contributed up to 10% of household income, and citrus plantation was 33%, depending on the land area owned by farmers. The average income of Dairy cow breeding was Rp. 163,308,000 per year; the Average Income of earthworms was Rp. 27,058,000 per year, and the average income of citrus plants was 92,480,000 per year. However, integrated farming of these commodities does not work well in the community due to farmers’ lack of land and capital. Moreover, most respondents indicated that they were interested only in citrus farming because it is easier compared to dairy cow breeding and earthworm farming. Good cooperation from various parties is needed to increase the importance of integrated farming with these three commodities for sustainable farming in Indonesia.

Milk productivity parameters of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed cows with different genotypes by TLR1 and CSN2 loci

Milk productivity parameters of Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy breed cows with different genotypes by TLR1 and CSN2 loci

Impact of Phytogenic Feed Additive on Milk Production and Milk Components in Holstein Friesian Cross Breed Dairy Cows Under Field Conditions

Impact of Phytogenic Feed Additive on Milk Production and Milk Components in Holstein Friesian Cross Breed Dairy Cows Under Field Conditions

Siyah Alaca Süt Sığırlarında Vücut Ölçülerinin Birbirlerine Oranlarının Verim Özellikleri ile İlişkisi

The objective of this study was to determine Holstein Cattle body measurements using digital imaging DIPM methods. The ratios were calculated by dividing each measurement by another and the relationship between the ratios and the output characteristics were evaluated. For this reason, the body measurements of the 198 heads of Holstein cattle breed dairy cows were calculated by the Set Object Video System (SOVS) process. The ratios were calculated by dividing each body measurement to another then the relationship between these ratios and the characteristics including the daily average milk yield (DAMY), the number of inseminations per calving (NIPC), the age at insemination (AFI) and the age at first calving (AFC) were evaluated. The relationship between DAMY, NIPC, AFI, AFC and body measurements were; withers height (WH), back height (BH), rump height (RH), pin bone height (PBH) ), chest depth (CD), body length (BL), trunk length (TL), body area (BA) and body perimeter (BP) was low, negative and not statistical significantly (p&gt;0.05). The highest R2 measured for DAMY by WH (0.389 (p

Introduction of the Modern Methods of Assessing the Breeding Value of Cows in the Selection of Dairy Cattle in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

On the genetic improvement of animals, the need for decision-making takes place at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels. At the strategic level, this means defining a breeding goal, selecting a breeding system (selection or crossbreeding), as well as crossbreeding patterns, breeds, and lines. The current study aimed to analyze the breeding and genetic parameters of the dairy cattle in the Republic of Kazakhstan and introduce modern methods for assessing the breeding value of domestic and imported breeds of dairy cows. Research data were collected from primary zootechnical and breeding accounting (from the information and analytical system [IAS]), as well as experimental studies, visual assessment, measurements, and control milking of animals. In addition, biochemical studies of milk were conducted in this study. All animals were in the same conditions of feeding. The average milk yield per cow was 5,712±97 kg, with an average fat content of 3.83±0.02%, protein content of 3.28±0.01%, with the content of 339.6±54 thousand somatic cells. However, these data are obtained based on quarterly quality indicators of milk (fat content, protein, and the number of somatic cells), which raises doubts about the reliability of the results. It was found that the average index of the total estimated breeding value (EBV) for all breeds was 81. Among all breeds, the highest EBV was estimated at 84 in the Holstein cows (imported to the country).

Assessment of different diagnostic methods for the identification of subclinical endometritis in dairy cows with pathological puerperium and their reliability to conceive

Abstract The aim of study was to evaluate different methods for subclinical endometritis (SCE) diagnoses and their accuracy to predict pregnancy. The study was performed on 51 postpartum cross breed dairy cows with pathological puerperium. Artificial insemination (AI) was done in spontaneous estrus. Endometrium samples were taken by cytotape (CT), cervical mucus (CM) samples by Metricheck and smears for crystallization degree were obtained at AI day. Blood serum samples for progesterone (P4) concentration determination were taken at AI day and 17 days later. Cows were examined by ultrasound 35 days after AI to confirm pregnancy. Percent (%) of polymorphnuclear leukocytes (PMNs) taken by CT were expressed by ROC curve (with cut-off point set at 1%). Out of the total of 51 cows involved in the study, 13.73% true positive and 41.17% true negative cows were found (54.90%). The content of CM sampled with Metricheck was altered in 11 cows (21.57%), and one of them was pregnant (1.96%). An average macroscopic CM value for pregnant cows was 0.06±0.24 vs. 0.39±0.79 for non-pregnant (p&lt;0.05). An average value of CM crystallization in pregnant cows was 2.50±1.04 vs. 1.85±1.15 in non-pregnant (p&lt;0.05). P4 concentration was not statistically different at AI day, but was statistically significantly higher 17 days later in pregnant cows (p = 0.002). CT alterations may be a reliable diagnostic tool for SCE diagnosis, while macroscopic CM alterations may be used for CE detection. P4 determination is beneficial in pregnancy diagnosis while CM crystallization degree is helpful in determination of best time for AI.

COMMUNICATION STRATEGY TO ENCOURAGE EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION FOR OSH PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT AT PT GLOBAL DAIRI ALAMI SUBANG WEST JAWA PROVINCE INDONESIA

Indonesia with total population reaching 264 million persons is a very potential market&nbsp;share&nbsp;for&nbsp;food&nbsp;products.&nbsp;To&nbsp;meet&nbsp;nutrition&nbsp;needs,&nbsp;PT&nbsp;GLOBAL&nbsp;DAIRI&nbsp;ALAMI&nbsp;was&nbsp;established&nbsp;in&nbsp;2017 as a milk producer in Indonesia. This company engages in two main activities, i.e. land&nbsp;farming for dairy cow breeding and factory to process the milk with pasteurization and Ultra&nbsp;High Temperature methods before the products are launched to the markets for public&nbsp;consumption&nbsp;via&nbsp;sale&nbsp;representatives. As&nbsp;a&nbsp;new&nbsp;venture,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Company&nbsp;encounters&nbsp;a&nbsp;lot&nbsp;of&nbsp;problems,&nbsp;which&nbsp;include&nbsp;in&nbsp;relation&nbsp;to organization communication in performing Occupational Safety and Health Management&nbsp;System. This Safety and Health Management System is not yet soundly implemented and no&nbsp;communication&nbsp;procedure&nbsp;has&nbsp;been put&nbsp;in&nbsp;place. The objective of this study is to select the most appropriate communication strategy in&nbsp;improving Occupational Safety and Health performance subject to the existing objective&nbsp;conditions using Analytical Hierarchy Process method. Data is collected from discussion with&nbsp;the experts including the owner, board of directors, managers, section heads, and local&nbsp;government&nbsp;officials.&nbsp;The&nbsp;study&nbsp;results&nbsp;show&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;owner&nbsp;of&nbsp;company&nbsp;becomes&nbsp;the&nbsp;leading&nbsp;actor&nbsp;in&nbsp;building&nbsp;communication&nbsp;strategies,&nbsp;followed&nbsp;by&nbsp;employees&nbsp;with&nbsp;scores&nbsp;0.368&nbsp;and 0.348&nbsp;respectively.&nbsp;Factor&nbsp;that&nbsp;becomes&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;priority&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;company&nbsp;is&nbsp;business&nbsp;continuity with budget availability to follow. Occupational Safety and Health training is a&nbsp;priority&nbsp;program&nbsp;necessary&nbsp;to&nbsp;implement&nbsp;Occupational&nbsp;Safety&nbsp;and&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Management&nbsp;System. Based on&nbsp;multi&nbsp;criteria : actor, factor and program, priority strategy necessary to&nbsp;improve&nbsp;OSH&nbsp;performance&nbsp;is&nbsp;to&nbsp;encourage&nbsp;employee&nbsp;participation.

Animal as the Solution: Searching for Environmentally Friendly Dairy Cows

There is increasing societal concern surrounding the environmental externalities generated from ruminant production systems. Traditional responses to address these externalities have often been system-based. While these approaches have had promising results, they have served to view the animal as a problem that needs solving, rather than as a potential solution. This review attempts to answer the question: can we breed animals that are more environmentally friendly to address environmental outcomes and satisfy consumer demand? This was done by exploring the literature of examples where animals have been specifically bred to reduce their environmental impact. The use of milk urea nitrogen breeding values has been demonstrated as a tool allowing for selective breeding of dairy cows to reduce nitrogen losses. Low milk urea nitrogen breeding values have been documented to result in reduced urinary nitrogen concentrations per urination event, which ultimately reduces the level of nitrogen that will be lost from the system. The ability to breed for low methane emissions has also shown positive results, with several studies demonstrating the heritability and subsequent reductions in methane emissions via selective breeding programs. Several avenues also exist where animals can be selectively bred to increase the nutrient density of their final product, and thus help to address the growing demand for nutrient-dense food for a growing human population. Animal-based solutions are permanent, cumulative, and often more cost-effective than system-based approaches. With continuing research and interest in breeding for more positive environmental outcomes, the animal can now start to be viewed as a potential solution to many of the issues faced by ruminant production systems, rather than simply being seen as a problem.

Analysis of Longevity Traits in Holstein Cattle: A Review.

Dairy cow longevity is an essential economic trait that can supplement the breeding value of production traits, which is related to the herd time and lifetime milk yield of dairy cows. However, longevity is a relatively difficult trait to select for dairy cow breeding due to low heritability and numerous influence factors of the longevity in dairy cows. Longevity trait has been used as an important breeding target of a comprehensive selection index in many dairy developed countries; however, it has not been included in performance index in many developing countries. At present, cows in these countries are still in the primary stage of “large quantity, low quality, high cost, and low yield.” The average parity of dairy cows is less than 2.7, which is difficult to maintain the production efficiency to meet the demands of the dairy industry. Therefore, there is an urgent need to select and breed for the longevity of dairy cows. The various definitions and models (including linear, threshold, random regression, sire, and survival analysis) of longevity were reviewed and standardized. Survival analysis is the optimal model to evaluate longevity, and the longevity heritability is 0.01–0.30 by using different definitions and models. Additionally, the relationship between longevity and other traits was summarized, and found that longevity was regulated by multiple factors, and there were low or medium genetic correlations between them. Conformation traits, milk production traits, reproductive traits, and health traits may be used as indicators to select and breed the longevity of dairy cows. The genetic assessment methods, heritability, influencing factors, importance, breeding, and genetics of longevity were reviewed in the manuscript, which could provide a valuable reference for the selective breeding to extend the productive life of Holstein cattle.

ANALISIS FEASIBILITY STUDY BALAI PENGEMBANGAN TERNAK SAPI PERAH DAN HIJAUAN MAKANAN TERNAK MENUJU BADAN LAYANAN UMUM DAERAH

This research was carried out at the Center for Dairy Cattle and Forage Animal Feed, the Department of Food Security and Animal Husbandry, West Java Province. The purpose of this study is to identify potential revenues and costs from the production of dairy cow breeds and milk production from the Center for Dairy and Forage Cattle Development, and to identify potential opportunities for centers to become BLUDs based on their financial capabilities. The data used are secondary data from the center. The analysis method used in this research is the method of financial analysis which focuses on the net present value (NPV) and the internal rate of return (IRR) to see the business feasibility of this center. The results of this study indicate that dairy cows have not been used optimally but in this analysis, the capacity of the cowshed is used optimally. The projected investment and operational costs reach Rp. 16.8 billion and Rp. 3 billion, respectively. The projected revenue has a potential of more than IDR 5 billion per year. The results of the feasibility analysis show that the NPV value is IDR 237 million and an IRR of 12.24%. The Center for Dairy Cattle and Forage Forage can be upgraded to BLUD based on the criteria of the feasibility study.

Bta-miR-34b controls milk fat biosynthesis via the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway by targeting RAI14 in bovine mammary epithelial cells

BackgroundThe biosynthesis of milk fat affects both the technological properties and organoleptic quality of milk and dairy products. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small non-coding RNAs that inhibit the expression of their mRNA targets and are involved in downstream signaling pathways that control several biological processes, including milk fat synthesis. miR-34b is a member of the miR-34 miRNA cluster, which is differentially expressed in the mammary gland tissue of dairy cows during lactation and dry periods. Previous studies have indicated miR-34b is a potential candidate gene that plays a decisive role in regulating milk fat synthesis; therefore, it is important to focus on miR-34b and investigate its regulatory effect on the biosynthesis of milk fat in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs).ResultsIn this study, elevated miR-34b levels reduced milk fat synthesis, upregulated 1,999 genes, and downregulated 2,009 genes in BMECs. Moreover, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of differentially expressed genes suggested that miR-34b may play an inhibitory role in milk fat synthesis via the protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway by reducing phosphorylation levels. Notably, the mTOR activator MHY1485 rescued the inhibitory effect of miR-34b. Furthermore, we demonstrated that retinoic acid-induced protein 14 (RAI14) is a target of miR-34b via TargetScan and immunofluorescence assays. RAI14 mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased by the miR-34b mimic and increased by the miR-34b inhibitor. Moreover, the reduction in RAI14 levels led to the inhibition of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.ConclusionsOverall, our results identified a miR-34b-RAI14-Akt/mTOR regulatory network, while also providing a theoretical basis for the molecular breeding of dairy cows.

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 &lt; 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.

Pengenalan Rumput Mulato sebagai Potensi Sumber Hijauan Sapi Perah di Kelompok Peternak Tunas Mekar, KSU Tandangsari, Sumedang

The Tunas Mekar Farmer Group (TMFG) is a group of farmers belong to dairy farming cooperation (KSU) Tandangsari with the commodity of Friesian Holstein (FH) dairy cattle whose business objectives are to produce cow's milk and breeding of dairy cows. One of the problems that may have caused the low milk production was the result of the low quality and availability of the forage provided by the KPTM members. It is necessary to look for forage alternatives that have advantages in biomass and protein and fiber content, in the hope that it can help meet the nutritional needs of livestock. One of the forages that has advantages in protein and fiber content is mulato grass (Brachiaria hybrid cv. Mulato) which is reported to have the ability to live in a good dry season, easy to breed through tillers, and quite high palatability by ruminants. This community service is carried out to introduce and disseminate the potential benefits of mulato grass as a potential forage source for dairy cows. Community service activities are carried out with the exploratory stage, then the extension stage, and followed by the mentoring stage using an online platform (Whatsapp group). Community service activities regarding the potential of mulato grass as a forage for dairy cows were successfully implemented. With the enthusiasm of extension participants, extension activities can increase the insight of farmers participating in the extension, reflected in the success of farmers in planting and cultivating mulato grass.

The Effects of Unsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation to Ration on Superovulation Performance and Embryo Quality of Donor Cows

This study was conducted to determine the effects of omega-3 (α-linolenic acid) fatty acid supplementation to donor cow rations on superovulation performance, embryo number and quality, and blood-progesterone levels. The study was carried out with two groups, each consisting of 10 black-and-white breed dairy cows. Control group was fed with the basic ration prepared, and the experimental group was fed with the ration added with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) source at a level of 3.82% of the basic ration dry matter (DM) for 60 days training period. Thus, each of experimental group’s cow consumed 900 g-day feed additives consisting 149.4 g omega-3 daily. The superovulation protocol was started at the 40th day of feeding period. According to the findings of the study, the difference between the groups in terms of the response to superovulation was found to be insignificant (P>0.05). Similarly, there was no significant difference in blood progesterone levels between the groups (P>0.05). However, the difference between the control group and the experimental group in terms of transferable and non-transferable embryo rates was found to be significantly important (P<0.05). The total number of transferred embryos was determined as 37 in the experimental group and 79 in the control group. The total number of non-transferable embryos was recorded as 78 in the trial group and 43 in the control group. At the end of the study, it was concluded that supplementation to donor cow rations with omega-3 fatty acid sources might have a negative effects on transferrable embryo number and quality.

Increased teat wall thickness in response to machine milking

Transiently increased teat wall thickness in response to machine milking has been documented by various methods, including ultrasound. However, correlative ultrasonography and histology to detect the origin of this phenomenon is lacking. The first goal of the present study was to evaluate and compare milking-related changes of the teat tissue in 2 breeds of dairy cows (11 Simmental and 3 Holstein) using B-mode ultrasonography. Additionally, the observed changes were compared with ultrasonographic findings in a Holstein cow with periparturient udder edema. Finally, corresponding histological sections of the Simmental teats were analyzed and compared with those from a lactating nonmilked Angus cow. We hypothesized that the mechanical load of both stretching by the vacuum during phases of open teat cup liner and compression by the closed liner during machine milking results in a transient congestion of blood vessels in the teat wall. The barrel of 1 front teat of each cow was scanned immediately before and after machine milking (system vacuum: 42 kPa; pulsation rate: 60 cycles/min; pulsation ratio: 65:35). Shortly after milking (33 ± 6 min), the Simmentals were slaughtered, and their scanned teat was immediately removed and processed for investigation by light microscopy. Ultrasonography after milking revealed anechoic tubular structures mainly in the inner half of the teat wall. Histological examination revealed these structures to be thick-walled veins. The left front and hind teats of the nonmilked lactating cow, collected and prepared identically to those from the Simmental cows, showed the same histological features. Ultrasonographic measurements showed that the diameter of these veins significantly increased after milking compared with matching images before milking. This effect was most pronounced in the Holstein cows. Similarly, these veins were very prominent in the periparturient cow. However, neither the milked cows, including the periparturient cow, nor the lactating nonmilked cow provided any evidence of edematous extravasation on ultrasonography or histology. These findings corroborated our hypothesis that the increase in size of thick-walled veins in the teat tissue is the main reason for the thickening of the teat walls in response to machine milking.

Mitigating environmental impacts of milk production via integrated maize silage planting and dairy cow breeding system: A case study in China

Environmental impacts of milk production are depending on the production efficiency of livestock and cropland. A mode of integrated maize silage planting and dairy breeding system (IPBS) has been widely promoted in China, as a promising way to recycle manure, reduce chemical fertilizer consumption and improve soil quality. However, quantitative environmental impacts and mitigation potential of this system remains unclear. In this study, based on life cycle assessment (LCA), environmental performance of non-IPBS and IPBS were compared: non-IPBS only involved dairy cow breeding, whereas maize silage planting was incorporated in IPBS. Results indicated that, although 60% of the surveyed dairy farms adopted IPBS, the self-sufficiency rate of maize silage was 57%. Compared with non-IPBS, IPBS had apparent potential in reducing global warming potential (−14%), acidification potential (−10%), eutrophication potential (−18%), non-renewable energy use (−10%), water use (−8%) and land use (−13%). It is estimated that, in China, 81% of dairy farms could adopt IPBS, resulting in a reduction of approximately 21% in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to compared with current situation, but the premise is that 2.0 million ha cropland should be applied for maize silage cultivation. Interestingly, environmental performance of IPBS was affected by the self-sufficiency rate of maize silage and restricted by milk yield and maize silage yield. Thus, mitigation of environmental impacts of milk production could be realized by combining a short-term strategy of increasing maize silage planting area in dairy farms and a long-term plan for technological improvements in the yield of crop and milk.

Effect of low and high concentrate supplementation on health and welfare indicators in different breeds in small-scale mountain dairy farms.

We investigated and compared the effects of low and high concentrate supplementation in terms of animal welfare, health and reproductive performance in two different dairy cow breeds on small-scale mountain farms. 64 South Tyrolean dairy farms were evaluated using an on-farm assessment for animal-based and resource-based welfare indicators, data from test day records, and a questionnaire for the farmer. Farms were divided into four groups: low input Tyrolean Grey (L-TG), low input Brown Swiss (L-BS), high input Tyrolean Grey (H-TG) and high input Brown Swiss (H-BS). Effects of intensity level, breed and their interaction were calculated and analyzed statistically. The predominant husbandry system across all groups was tie-stall. The average energy-corrected milk yield increased with increasing concentrate level, with L-TG showing the lowest and H-BS showing the highest milk yield. Age at first calving was lowest in H-BS when compared to all other systems, while numbers of lactations were higher in L-TG compared to H-BS. Feed efficiency (percentage of milk out of roughage) was significantly higher in L-TG and L-BS when compared to H-TG and H-BS. L-BS showed the poorest results for most of the welfare indicators such as lean cows, lesions and percentage of dirty animals. In conclusion, a higher concentrate level in diets does not lead automatically to lower animal welfare for dairy cows in alpine regions. Indeed, keeping high yielding breeds in extensive systems seems to be challenging. The dual-purpose breed TG showed some clear advantages in that calving interval was lower and the number of lactations greater.