Dairy Research Research Articles

CattleReview

Introduction: In this Cattle Review we look at a review of research on the bovine respiratory microbiota, a survey of calf management practices and farmer perceptions of calf housing on UK dairy farms and research considering farmers' perspectives on the provision of cow-calf contact in New Zealand pasture-based dairy systems. All three papers are open access.

Estimates of breed additive, heterosis and epistasis genetic effects on milk production and reproductive traits from indigenous Borena and crosses with Holstein Friesian dairy cows at Holetta dairy research farm, Ethiopia

Estimates of breed additive, heterosis and epistasis genetic effects on milk production and reproductive traits from indigenous Borena and crosses with Holstein Friesian dairy cows at Holetta dairy research farm, Ethiopia

Milk Productive Performances of Pure Jersey Dairy Cattle at Adea-Berga Dairy Research Center, Central Highland of Ethiopia

Performance evaluations for economically important milk production traits are the bases for genetic evaluation, planning breeding program and selection for dairy cows. This study was intended to evaluate milk production traits of pure Jersey dairy cows at Adea-Berga Dairy research center. The data collected from 1986 to 2019 from a herd maintained at Adea-Berga dairy research center was used to estimate milk production traits (lactation milk yield (LMY), daily milk yield (DMY) and lactation length (LL)). A general linear model procedure of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, version 9.0) was used to analyse the milk performance data. The result of fixed-effect analysis revealed that the influence of year and parity caused significant (p<0.0001) variation in all milk production traits. However, season of calving does not significantly affect milk production traits. Knowledge on the effect of these non-genetic factors for milk production would help in making management decisions for improvement of the herds. The overall least squares mean (LSM±SE) for LMY, DMY and LL were 2166.10±26.71 Litres, 6.37±0.05 Litres and 344.89±3.81 days, respectively. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the improvement of milk production traits of the pure Jersey cattle population at Adea-Berga dairy research center is possible through improving the level of feeding, breeding and health management than through genetic selection.

Economic Performance of Crop based Intervention under Farmer FIRST Programme of National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal

Farmer FIRST programme is a new approach for project development initiated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The present study entitled ‘Impact Assessment of Selected Interventions under farmers FIRST programme of NDRI’ was conducted in the farmer FIRST project area in five villages namely KamalpurRoran, GarhiGujran, NagalaRoran, Churni and Samourafrom Indri and Karnal blocks of Karnal district of Haryana state. This paper is about economic performance of crop-based intervention under this project. Total three crops-based interventions were selected and 42 respondents were selected in proportionate to the intervention. Informal’ experimental design (before and-after without control design) was used. The results shows that respondents were getting benefit-cost ratios of Integrated Pest Management in paddy (2.08), Integrated Weed Management in wheat (1.97) and integrated nutrient management in wheat (2.05), respectively, with increased yields, effective pest management in paddy, better weed management and balanced nutrient management in wheat crop under these interventions. Overall project has made good impact in the study area.

Genotype Environment Interaction on Milk Production Traits of Crossbred Dairy Cows under Tropical Climatic Condition of India

Background: Genotype environment interaction plays vital role in animal productivity. Heat stress is one of the major environmental stressor affecting milk production and measured in terms of temperature humidity index (THI). Indian milk industry largely depends on crossbred cows bearing different degree of exotic inheritance. Thus, the role of genotype (genetic group) of the crossbred cows and environment (THI) interaction plays vital role in Indian climate which is mostly tropical in nature. Therefore, study was undertaken to examine the existence of genetic group × THI in crossbred dairy cows reared at institute herd of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Eastern Regional Station, Kalyani, West Bengal. Methods: A total of 12364 records each of monthly milk yield (MMY) and average daily milk yield in a month (AMY) of crossbred cows spanned over twenty two years (1994-2015) and weather parameters(temperature and relative humidity) for the corresponding years were collected from institute records. The data were classified into 8 genetic groups according to the genetic composition and 3 THI groups (THI less than 72, THI 72-78 and THI above 78). The interaction model was used to study the G×E interaction study using least squares analysis. Result: Effect of non-genetic factors (parity, period of calving and stage of lactation) was found to be highly significant (P less than 0.01) and genetic group × THI was significant (P less than 0.05) of on both MMY and AMY. Genetic group bearing 50% Jersey and 50% Red Sindhi or Tharparkar were the most heat tolerant breeds. Jersey crossbred cows were more heat tolerant than Holstein crossbred cows. Crossbred cows with 50% Jersey inheritance performed better than higher Jersey inheritance during periods of THI above 72.

131 Can Maternal Nutrition in Dairy Cattle Impact Gut Health in Dairy Calves?

Abstract The nutritional management, health and welfare of the dairy calf has historically received less attention due to limited research, and recommendations largely focused on passive transfer of immunity and early weaning strategies. Gastrointestinal diseases and disorders remain the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in dairy calves worldwide. Despite the recent thrust in dairy calf nutrition research, major knowledge gaps still exist regarding how maternal nutrition during pregnancy and postpartum impact gastrointestinal health and function, especially during the fetal and neonatal stages when the developmental plasticity is highest. Recent research has focused on how prepartum nutrition and management can influence colostrum quality and has characterized numerous bioactive proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates that may play a critical role in gastrointestinal function and development. It has also been shown that colostrum plays a fundamental role in promoting colonization with commensal bacteria; however, delaying colostrum feeding or abruptly transitioning calves from colostrum to milk decreased the colonization of beneficial bacteria and impaired gastrointestinal development. With respect to the maternal nutrient supply via milk, it is important to note that calves have been traditionally fed less than half of voluntary intake or fed milk replacer formulations that can largely differ in composition from that of maternal milk. Recent research indicated that common milk replacer formulations may impair gastrointestinal function, highlighting the need to question existing nutritional regimens. In addition, feeding prophylactic antibiotics in milk, as well as waste milk containing antibiotic residues, are common practices in the dairy industry, despite recent studies reporting that these practices can increase calf susceptibility to infections by disrupting gut microbiome and gut function. Although our knowledge how maternal factors impact the gastrointestinal tract of calves is limited, it is clear there are great opportunities to further develop prenatal and postnatal nutritional programs to improve dairy calf gastrointestinal health.

Appraisal and simulation of expected genetic gain for production and reproduction traits in Sahiwal cattle

The present study was undertaken with an objective to assess the expected genetic gain for production and reproduction traits, viz. 305-day milk yield (305DMY), average daily milk yield (ADMY), and calving to first insemination interval (CFI) in Sahiwal cattle. Data spread over a period of 29 years pertaining to production and reproduction traits of Sahiwal cattle maintained at an organized herd of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, were utilized. Expected genetic gain per generation was assessed based on first and pooled 6 lactation records using 2 different methods, i.e. method I (ΔG = h2S) and II (ΔG = iσph2). Method II, which considered selection intensity and phenotypic standard deviation of the traits led to better estimation in Sahiwal cattle. Further, different parameters involved in methods I and II were simulated to evaluate the expected genetic gain in first lactation traits, viz. 305DMY, ADMY, and CFI. In method I, generation interval was decreased as well as increased for estimating expected genetic gain. Using method I, expected genetic gain increased by about 33, 33, and 43% for 305DMY, ADMY, and CFI with the reduction of generation interval (GI) from 5.31 to 4 years, whereas the expected genetic gain decreased by about 11, 17 and 14% for the above-mentioned traits, respectively, with the increase of GI from 5.31 to 6 years. In method II, with the increase of selection intensity and reduction of GI, a significant increase in ΔG/year for 305DMY, ADMY, and CFI was observed. Present study indicated that generation interval and proportion of Sahiwal animals selected should be less than 5 years and 75%, respectively, for achieving more than 50% expected ΔG/year for 305DMY, ADMY, and CFI in an organized herd.

Analysis of the Non-genetic Factors Influencing the Performance of High-grade and Inter se Mated Crossbred Dairy Cows at Holetta Dairy Research Farm, Ethiopia

Background: The effect of non-genetic factors including feeding, management, climate, calving year, season and others on animal production improvement has attracted considerable attention in recent years. In addition to improving animal genetics, the importance of optimum environmental conditions in enhancing animal production is recognized. Methods: Data collected from 2008 to 2018 on 2036 records from crossbreeding dairy cattle herd at Holeta Agricultural Research Center were analyzed to evaluate the genetic and non-genetic environmental effect on lactation milk yield (LMY), lactation length (LL) and calving interval (CI). The fixed effect used in the data analysis were breed group, parity, years group of calving and seasons of calving. GLM procedure of SAS was used to analyze the data. Result: Results of data analysis indicated that breed group and year group of calving had a significant (P less than 0.05) effect on LMY, LL and CI. Parity significantly (P less than 0.05) affected LMY and CI but had no significant effects on LL. While, season of calving had no significant influence on all traits. Least square mean LMY was significantly (p less than 0.05) highest (3191 kg) for 75% first generation breed group and significantly (P less than 0.05) lowest for pure Ethiopian Borena breed (124 kg LMY). Mean LL was significantly (p less than 0.05) highest (354 days) for 75% first generation breed group and significantly (P less than 0.05) lowest for pure Ethiopian Borena breed (178 days). Least square mean CI was significantly (p less than 0.05) longest (477 days) for 75% first generation breed group and significantly (P less than 0.05) shortest (422 days) for 75% inter se mated breed group. Among 75% crosses, the 75% inter se mated breed group had lower LMY (2553 kg) and shorter CI (422 days) compared to 75% first generation breed group. The decline in LMY and CI for 75% inter se mated breed group by 637 kg (25%) and 54 days (13%), respectively compared to 75% first generation, which can be attributed to recombination effect.

Conformational and physicochemical characteristics of bovine skim milk obtained from cows with different genetic variants of β-casein

This study highlights differences in conformational and physicochemical characteristics of bovine skim milk and micellar casein from cows of different β-casein phenotypes. These genetic variants have been one of the predominant topics among dairy researchers due to their differences in β-casein structure, and thus their potential effects on dairy processing and human health. For characterising differences in milk protein structure, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopies combined with chemometric analysis were used. Additionally, physiochemical properties such as mineral content, particle size, and electrostatic charge in skim milk and micellar casein samples were analysed at 4 and 20 ᵒC. Results showed variation in the secondary structure of all three genetic variants independent of temperature. Moreover, the main differences involved a higher level of β-turn and α-helical structures in A1/A1 β-casein milk, while intermolecular β-sheets were more numerous in A1/A2 β-casein milk, whereas random or polyproline II (PPII) structures were more common in A2/A2 β-casein milk. Temperature slightly affected these differences, which was due to the dissociation of β-casein from the micelle at low temperature. In addition, A2/A2 β-casein milk and its micellar casein had a larger average particle size, which resulted in a lower negative ζ-potential. The A2/A2 β-casein samples contained greater amounts of phosphorus and less calcium compared to the other genetic variants of milk and their micellar caseins. The results also indicated that a combination of FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopies could be used to establish conformational differences in milk and micellar caseins of different genetic variants.

SNP Identification in Sperm Associated Antigen 11B Gene and Its Association with Sperm Quality Traits in Murrah Bulls

Background: The beta-defensin family antigens present on sperm surface suggestively play pivotal role in sperm fertility by aiding in various steps of sperm maturation, motility, capacitation, immune recognition and sperm-oocyte interaction in female tract. It is imperative to explore genetic polymorphisms to build a better understanding of individual variation in male fertility. The experiment was designed to identify DNA polymorphism in Sperm Associated Antigen 11B (SPAG11B) gene and to analyze association between genetic variants with sperm quality traits in buffalo bulls (Murrah) in ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from hundred and thirty Murrah bulls. A 395 base pair region covering partial Intron 2, Exon 3 and Partial Intron 3 of bovine SPAG11 gene was amplified and genotyped using PCR-RFLP method. The PCR amplified product was purified, sequenced and further ClustalW analysis was done to align edited sequence with reported Bos taurus sequence (AC_000158.1). Gene and genotype frequencies, effective number of alleles, level of heterozygosity and polymorphic information content of various genotypes were estimated by standard procedure. Seminal parameters (Post thaw sperm motility, sperm viability, acrosomal integrity, HOST and abnormality) were estimated and statistical analysis was carried out. Result: A novel SNP (G greater than A substitution) at 2266 base of the SPAG11B gene was identified by sequencing. The fragment of SPAG11 gene containing 395 base pairs was amplified using PCR and digested with restriction enzyme i.e. MunI which showed three distinct genotypes viz., AA (266 bp and 107 bp fragment), AG (307 bp, 266 bp and 107 bp) and GG (373 bp fragment). Least squares means of seminal parameters for the SNP was estimated and compared after correction for non-genetic factors. Between genotypes, significant differences were found only for acrosomal integrity and was highest in AG (74.22±0.72) followed by AA (72.6±0.89) and GG (71.12±0.97), respectively. The identified novel SNP of SPAG11 gene showed significant association with acrosome integrity with genotype AG being superior to other genotypes. However, an association cannot be established with other seminal parameters with this SNP, further studies are required in order to validate the impact of g.2266G greater than A on sperm quality traits in a large population.

Professor H. Gutfreund, FRS (21 October 1921 to 21 March 2021)

Professor H. Gutfreund, FRS (21 October 1921 to 21 March 2021)

Genetic parameter estimation for growth traits in males of Karan fries cattle

The significance of sire selection in the herd is reflected by the total genetic gain through sire-to-sire and sireto- dam pathways contributing greater than 50% contribution. The present investigation was carried out to estimate genetic parameters of males of Tharparkar (TP) and Karan-Fries (KF) cattle. Data on body weights of Tharparkar and Karan Fries males born during the period 199-2012 at ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR-NDRI), Karnal, India were utilized in the present study. The genetic and phenotypic correlations among different body weights were estimated from the analysis of variance and covariance among sire groups. Paternal half-sib correlation method was used to estimate heritability of growth traits. Heritability estimates in KF were found to be of moderate to high magnitude, as 0.23±0.06, 0.43±0.10, 0.28±0.10, 0.36±0.11, 0.39±0.12, 0.38±0.14, 0.27±0.19 for weight at birth and weight at monthly interval up to six months, respectively. Genetic and phenotypic correlations were found to vary from moderate to high among the traits. Our study revealed that the magnitude of heritability indicates a high scope of further improvement in Karan Fries. Selective breeding and positive genetic correlations should be considered while designing selection programs.

Effect of bypass fatty acid and Tinospora cordifolia supplementation on production performance and milk fatty acid profiling in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

Buffaloes contribute about 49% of total milk production and are considered as major milk-producing animals in India. During the early stage of lactation, mostly high producing animals suffer from negative energy balance (NEB) due to imbalance between the needs and availability of energy, and this NEB has a negative impact on production and health of buffaloes. Taking this into consideration, a study was conducted at National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal on 20 freshly calved healthy Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Buffaloes were grouped depending on their previous milk yield, body weight, and parity as T0 (control), T1 (fatty acids), T2 (Tinospora), and T3 (mix) groups having five animals each. Supplementation of 150g of bypass fatty acids in T1 group, 150g of Tinospora powder in T2 group, and combination of 150 of bypass fatty acid and 150g of Tinospora powder in T3 group over and above the standard feeding schedule was done for a duration of 90days whereas standard feeding schedule was followed in T0 group. A significant (P < 0.05) increase in average daily milk yield was observed in T1 (10.06 ± 0.56kg/d/h), T2 (10.30 ± 0.53kg/d/h), and T3 (10.11 ± 0.48kg/d/h) in comparison to control group (8.05 ± 0.38kg/d/h). Significantly (P < 0.05) higher milk fat percent and total solids were also recorded in treatment groups over the control group. Other milk constituents (SNF, protein, lactose, ash) and milk properties (pH, conductivity, freezing point, density) remained unaffected by the supplementations. The somatic cell count values were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in T2 and T3 with the advancement in the lactation in comparison to T0 and T1. Supplementation also leads to significantly (P < 0.05) higher MUFA and PUFA contents in milk of treatment group buffaloes in comparison to control group. The study outcomes state that combination of bypass fatty acids and Tinospora cordifolia supplementation improves milk production and its composition in lactating Murrah buffaloes.

Date Fruit and Seed in Nutricosmetics

Many recent studies in the field of cosmetics have focused on organically sourced substances. Products made from organic materials are safe, high quality, cruelty-free, and more effective than those made from synthetic materials. Many organic compounds are known to be physiologically active in humans and have an extended storage capacity and long-lasting environmental effects. Agro-industrial waste has recently increased substantially, and the disposal of date palm waste, often performed in primitive ways such as burning, is harmful to the environment. Fruit processing industries generate over 10% of the total date seed waste daily, which could be converted into useful food products. Date fruit and seed are rich in sugar, vitamins, fiber, minerals, and phenolic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that significantly promote human and animal health. This waste is rich in bioactive compounds and essential oils used in many kinds of food, medicine, and cosmetics. Most active cosmetic ingredients come from natural sources such as fruit, fish, and dairy, and recent research shows that date extract and seed oil help to reduce melanin, eczema, acne, and dry patches, while increasing skin moisture and elasticity. This review details the bioactive compounds and nutraceutical properties of date fruit and seed, and their use as cosmetic ingredients.

Estimation of genetic parameters for production and reproductive traits in Indian Karan-Fries cattle using multi-trait Bayesian approach.

Estimates of variance components are needed for implementing genetic selection. This study was conducted to genetic parameters for production and reproductive traits on Indian Karan-Fries cattle using multi-trait repeatability animal model. Data collected from ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India (from 1988 to 2019) were used. Single-trait and multi-trait repeatability animal models were used for parameter estimation. The posterior mean of Heritability estimates for 305-day milk yield (305-DMY), lactation milk yield (LMY), lactation length (LL) were 0.20 ± 0.03, 0.19 ± 0.03 and 0.06 ± 0.02, respectively. For age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), and days open (DO), the posterior mean of heritability estimates were 0.24 ± 0.08, 0.06 ± 0.01, and 0.07 ± 0.02, respectively. The repeatability estimates for 305-DMY, LMY, LL, CI, and DO were 0.37 ± 0.02, 0.34 ± 0.02, 0.15 ± 0.02, 0.09 ± 0.02, and 0.12 ± 0.02, respectively. Genetic correlation between milk production traits (305-DMY, LMY, and LL) was positive and strong (> 0.80). However, the genetic correlation between milk production trait and AFC ranges from - 0.31 to 0.12. Unfavorable strong genetic correlations were observed between production and reproductive traits (CI and DO) with values ranged from 0.5 to 0.7. Phenotypic correlations among 305-DMY, LMY, and LL were generally positive and high. The moderate heritability estimates and potential genetic variation for 305-DMY, TMY, and AFC suggested that genetic gain can be obtained for these traits through genetic selection. Low heritability estimates found for LL, CI and DO, indicating that the possibility of changing these traits through genetic selection is small. High genetic correlation observed between productive and fertility traits were unfavorable. The existed strong genetic and phenotypic correlation estimates between CI and DO indicates that recording only one of them would be sufficient in the herd. As the multi-trait model showed slight improvements in the h2 as well as r estimates for both productive and reproductive traits over univariate analysis, future selection with a multi-trait animal model applying Bayesian approach would be recommended.

No Associations Between Dairy Intake and Markers of Gastrointestinal Inflammation in Healthy Adult Cohort

ObjectivesWe examined associations between reported dairy intake and markers of gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation in a healthy human adult population. We hypothesized there would be a negative association of yogurt intake with GI inflammation, suggesting a protective effect, and no associations of total dairy, fluid milk, and cheese intake with GI inflammation. MethodsParticipants completed up to 3 unannounced 24-hour dietary recalls using ASA24 and a Block 2014 Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to assess recent and habitual intake, respectively. Those who also provided a stool sample were included in this analysis (n = 342). Stool samples were stored on ice immediately after collection and homogenized within 24 hours. Inflammatory markers from stool, including calprotectin, neopterin, and myeloperoxidase were measured by ELISA along with LPS-binding protein (LBP) from plasma. Regression models tested associations between dairy intake variables and inflammatory markers with and without covariates: sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). As yogurt is episodically consumed, t-tests were used to examine differences in inflammatory marker levels between consumers (>1 cup per month reported in FFQ) and non-consumers. Each dairy variable was also expressed as a percentage of mean energy intake from 24-hour recalls and regressed with inflammatory markers. ResultsWithout covariates, we found no associations between total dairy, fluid milk, and yogurt from both dietary assessments with any inflammatory markers. Cheese intake reported in the FFQ was positively associated with plasma LBP (P = 0.02). However, this association was not significant after covariate adjustment. There were no significant differences in GI inflammatory marker levels between yogurt consumers and non-consumers (P > 0.05). When expressed as a percentage of mean energy intake, cheese from ASA24 was associated with increased LBP (P = 0.03), but this was not significant after adjustment for covariates. There were no other associations of dairy variables as a percentage of energy intake with GI inflammatory markers. ConclusionsWe found no clinically relevant associations between dairy intake and markers of GI inflammation in a healthy human adult cohort. Funding SourcesCalifornia Dairy Research Foundation, USDA ARS 2032–51,530-026–00D.

38-LB: Reduced Carbohydrate and Increased Protein and Fat during Weight Loss Improve the Atherogenic Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: Elevated triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL), excess small dense LDL particles (LDL5) and decreased HDL2/HDL3 ratio promote atherogenesis in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Carbohydrate restriction reduced intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content beyond the positive effect of weight loss in a group of T2D patients, the present study sought to determine whether parallel improvements in lipoprotein density profiles occurred in these same patients. Research Design and Methods: Seventy-two adult T2D patients with a mean BMI of 33 kg/m2 were assigned to 6 weeks of fully-provided hypocaloric dietary treatment aimed at ~6% weight loss, either with a carbohydrate-reduced high-protein (CRHP, C30E%/P30E%/F40E%) diet or a conventional diabetes (CD, C50E%/P17E%/F33E%) diet. Density profiles of lipoproteins were determined by ultracentrifugation of fluorescently labelled plasma. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to assess IHTG. Results: Body weight decreased by 5.8 kg (~6%) in both groups. Compared with the CD diet, the CRHP diet reduced TRL (mean [95% CI]) by -16 [-30;1]% (p=0.07) and LDL5 by -13 [-22;-3]% (p=0.01), and increased HDL2/HDL3 by 11 [1;22]% (p=0.04). The CRHP diet also decreased IHTG more than the CD diet (-26 [-45;0]%, p=0.05), and changes in IHTG including both groups correlated significantly with changes in TRL and LDL5 (Spearman’s ρ 0.39 and 0.38, p&amp;lt;0.01). Conclusions: Carbohydrate restriction adds to the positive effect of weight loss in T2D patients by inducing greater improvements in atherogenic lipid profile, maybe facilitated by a reduction in intrahepatic fat. Disclosure M. N. Thomsen: None. S. Madsbad: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca; Boehringer Ingelheim; Eli Lilly; Merck Sharp &amp; Dohme; Novo Nordisk; Sanofi, Research Support; Self; Novo Nordisk, Boehringer Ingelheim, Speaker’s Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca; Boehringer Ingelheim; Merck Sharp &amp; Dohme; Novo Nordisk; Sanofi. F. Magkos: None. H. S. Thomsen: None. R. Walzem: None. S. B. Haugaard: None. T. Krarup: None. M. J. Skytte: None. A. Samkani: None. A. Astrup: Consultant; Self; Groupe Éthique et Santé, France, Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk Foundation, Other Relationship; Self; Flaxslim ApS, Denmark, Gelesis, Personalized Weight Management Research Consortium ApS (Gluco-Diet. dk). J. Frystyk: None. E. Chabanova: None. B. Hartmann: None. J. J. Holst: Consultant; Self; Novo Nordisk, Other Relationship; Self; Antag Therapeutics, Bainan Biotech, MSD Corporation, Novo Nordisk, Other Relationship; Spouse/Partner; Antag Therapeutics, Bainan Biotech, Synklino ApS. T. M. Larsen: None. Funding Arla Foods; Danish Dairy Research Foundation

Reducing dairy data inconsistency through Regional Modeling Approach (RMA): a case from North-Western part of Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, the transformation of dairy farming from livelihood-oriented to enterprise-driven farming system might require deeper understanding on the regional differences in terms of regional potential for further dairy development. This, however, entails detailed data on dairy farm at regional level. Since the data are relatively very scarce in one hand and on the other hand, even available, are contradicting among various sources in terms of data accuracy and precision, the application of the regional modeling on the data and extrapolates to the national data and vice-versa is one of the ways to identify the possible options to improve the data availability and quality. Considering this, the current study was undertaken to assess the data inconsistency by comparing the dairy herd structure and its milk production at regional level and propose a validation tool to arrive at the national data by using the regional findings. The International Farm Comparison Network (IFCN) Regional Modeling Approach (RMA) along with the locally developed Integrated Dairy Research Network (IDRN) farm model was used. The primary data was collected from three divisions (9 districts) from the North-Western part of the country. The results revealed that proportion of household farm dominates over family and business farm while considering the total dairy cow as unit for defining the farm type. The share of the cross bred cows to the local cows is 74.6% and 24.4%, respectively. However, the proportion of lactating cows over dry cows and heifer seems to be higher in local cows (48.8%) than cross breed cows (34.2%). The average milk production for all regions is 4.49 lit/day/cow while that for cross breed is 6.23 lit and local 1.71 lit/day/cow. Using regional model and its coefficient on average milk production, herd composition, proportion of lactating cows on total milk production of DLS and IDRN revealed that IDRN new model estimates 36.5% lower milk than the DLS in 2019 and 33.5% lower in 2018. The IDRN version 1.0 and 2.0 model difference was found to 15.4% and 18.3% lower for 2018 and 2019, respectively. The model setup, calibration and validation are time-demanding and challenging tasks for these large set of data, given the scale intensive data requirements, and the need to ensure the reliability data from multiple regions. This study concludes that regional modeling is quite useful for validating the regional share of the milk production and national milk production. However, this study would recommend for using standardized for data collection, validation and thus conducting further study on the other regions and finally including all regions of the country.&#x0D; Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2020. 49 (2): 128-141

Ideas to improve Nutritional Properties in Dairy Research

Ideas to improve Nutritional Properties in Dairy Research

Enhancing root traits and quality of sorghum and guar through mixed cropping and nutrient management

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal during 2018-19 to study the effect of mixed cropping and nutrient management on root traits, nutritional quality and yield of sorghum and guar fodder crops. Experiment was laid out in factorial randomized complete block design with four seed rate combinations in different ratios of sorghum and guar along with six nutrient management treatments in three replications. Results showed that the root traits, viz. root length, volume and dry weight were higher under mixed cropping in comparison to sole crops however the difference was not significant, whereas the significant difference were observed in root traits under different nutrient management practices. Statistically higher green fodder yield was reported under sole sorghum but it was at par with 75% sorghum + 25% guar. Nutritionally enriched fodder with higher macro and micronutrients was also obtained under 75% sorghum + 25% guar treatment. Under mixed cropping nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status at crop harvest were higher in comparison to sole crops. Results pertaining to nutrient management practices revealed that higher supply of nutrients under 100% RDF, 100% RDF +PGPR, 100% RDF +seaweed extract and 75% RDF +seaweed extract treatments helped the crops to take up more nutrients besides leaving substantial balance in the soil at harvest. It was concluded that 75% sorghum + 25% guar mixed cropping with 75% RDF + seaweed extract was best combination to get higher and nutritionally enriched fodder and enriched soil at harvest.