Efficiency Of Milk Production Research Articles

STATISTICAL STUDY OF SOME INDICATORS IN THE LIVESTOCK SECTOR

In this paper, some indicators covering milk production, weight gain and feeding efficiency are studied, such as the duration of lactation, total amount of milk, daily amount of milk, percentage of fat, protein, lactose in milk, for a representative sample taken from S.C.D.A Simnic. In the first part, a descriptive statistical analysis is made of the indicators in the zootechnical field presented, followed by econometric methods regarding confidence intervals for the average of the entire population, at a threshold of 5%. Also, the correlation matrix between the indicators is analyzed and three validated linear regression models are presented with the interpretation of the results. These results help to optimize management in the zootechnical field by making decisions based on quantitative analyses.

Regulatory impacts of PPARGC1A gene expression on milk production and cellular metabolism in buffalo mammary epithelial cells

The PPARGC1A gene plays a fundamental role in regulating cellular energy metabolism, including adaptive thermogenesis, mitochondrial biogenesis, adipogenesis, gluconeogenesis, and glucose/fatty acid metabolism. In a previous study, our group investigated seven SNPs in Mediterranean buffalo associated with milk production traits, and the current study builds on this research by exploring the regulatory influences of the PPARGC1A gene in buffalo mammary epithelial cells (BuMECs). Our findings revealed that knockdown of PPARGC1A gene expression significantly affected the growth of BuMECs, including proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Additionally, we observed downregulated triglyceride secretion after PPARGC1A knockdown. Furthermore, the critical genes related to milk production, including the STATS, BAD, P53, SREBF1, and XDH genes were upregulated after RNAi, while the FABP3 gene, was downregulated. Moreover, Silencing the PPARGC1A gene led to a significant downregulation of β-casein synthesis in BuMECs. Our study provides evidence of the importance of the PPARGC1A gene in regulating cell growth, lipid, and protein metabolism in the buffalo mammary gland. In light of our previous research, the current study underscores the potential of this gene for improving milk production efficiency and overall dairy productivity in buffalo populations.

Characterizing Spatial and Temporal Variations in N2O Emissions from Dairy Manure Management in China Based on IPCC Methodology

The emission factor method (Tier 1) recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is commonly used to estimate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock and poultry farms. However, the estimation accuracy may vary due to practical differences in manure management across China. The objectives of this study were to estimate the direct and indirect nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from dairy manure management between 1990 and 2021 in China and characterize its spatial and temporal variations following IPCC guideline Tier 2. The N2O emission factor (EF) of dairy cow manure management systems was determined at the national level and regional level as well. The results showed that the national cumulative N2O emission of manure management from 1990 to 2021 was 113.1million tons of CO2 equivalent, ranging from 90.3 to 135.9 million tons with an uncertainty of ±20.2%. The annual EF was 0.021 kg N2O-N (kg N)−1 for total emissions, while it was 0.014 kg N2O-N (kg N)−1 for direct emissions. The proportions of N2O emissions in North China, Northeast China, East China, Central and Southern China, Southwest China and Northwest China were 32.3%, 18.6%, 11.4%, 5.8%, 6.1% and 25.8%, respectively. In addition, N2O emissions varied among farms in different scales. The respective proportions of total N2O emissions from small-scale and large-scale farms were 64.8% and 35.2% in the past three decades. With the improvement in farm management and milk production efficiency, the N2O emissions per unit mass of milk decreased from 0.77 × 10−3 kg to 0.48 × 10−3 kg in 1990–2021. This study may provide important insights into compiling a GHG emission inventory and developing GHG emission reduction strategies for the dairy farming system in China.

Fused in sarcoma (FUS) inhibits milk production efficiency in mammals

Efficient milk production in mammals confers evolutionary advantages by facilitating the transmission of energy from mother to offspring. However, the regulatory mechanism responsible for the gradual establishment of milk production efficiency in mammals, from marsupials to eutherians, remains elusive. Here, we find that mammary gland of the marsupial sugar glider contained milk components during adolescence, and that mammary gland development is less dynamically cyclic compared to that in placental mammals. Furthermore, fused in sarcoma (FUS) is found to be partially responsible for this establishment of low efficiency. In mouse model, FUS inhibit mammary epithelial cell differentiation through the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p57Kip2, leading to lactation failure and pup starvation. Clinically, FUS levels are negatively correlated with milk production in lactating women. Overall, our results shed light on FUS as a negative regulator of milk production, providing a potential mechanism for the establishment of milk production from marsupial to eutherian mammals.

Effect of commercial fibrolytic enzymes application to normal- and slightly lower energy diets on lactational performance, digestibility and plasma nutrients in high-producing dairy cows.

The inclusion of fibrolytic enzymes in the diet is believed to have positive effects on animal production. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of supplementing diets with a commercial fibrolytic enzyme preparation (Vistamax; mixture of xylanase and cellulase) derived from Trichoderma reesei on lactational performance, digestibility, and plasma nutrient levels in high-producing dairy cows. Two dietary energy levels were considered: a normal energy diet (metabolizable energy = 2.68 Mcal/kg) and a slightly lower energy diet (metabolizable energy = 2.55 Mcal/kg). A total of 120 lactating Holstein cows (parity = 2; Days in Milk = 113 ± 23) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups using a 2 * 2 factorial arrangement. The dietary treatments consisted of: (1) normal energy diet without enzyme supplementation (NL); (2) normal energy diet with enzyme supplementation (NLE); (3) slightly lower energy diet without enzyme supplementation (SL); and (4) slightly lower energy diet with enzyme supplementation (SLE). The amount of enzyme added to the diets was determined based on previous in vitro studies and supplier recommendations. The enzyme and premix were mixed prior to the preparation of the total mixed ration, and the trial lasted for a duration of 42 days. The results indicated that the application of the fibrolytic enzyme did not have a significant effect on dry matter intake (DMI), but it did enhance the digestibility of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), potentially digestible NDF (pdNDF), organic matter (OM), milk production, milk urea nitrogen (MUN), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). On the other hand, the slightly lower energy diet resulted in a decrease in DMI, milk production, milk protein yield, plasma free amino acids (FAA), and an increase in plasma B-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA). In conclusion, the inclusion of the fibrolytic enzyme in the diets of dairy cows led to improvements in the digestibility of DM, NDF, pdNDF, OM, milk production, and feed efficiency. Furthermore, the application of the enzyme to the slightly lower energy diet resulted in milk production levels comparable to those observed in cows fed the untreated normal energy diet.

Effect of exogenous oestrogen treatment frequency on induction of artificial lactation in pseudopregnant sows.

In this study, we examined whether the frequency of exogenous oestrogen treatment affects the induction of artificial lactation and milk production. Furthermore, we analysed changes in milk components obtained from artificially lactating sows. Pseudopregnant induced by treatment with 30 mg of estradiol dipropionate (EDP) on Day 10 (Day 0 = the last day of estrus) were divided into three groups: those administered 5 mg of EDP once on Day 39 (n = 5), twice on Days 32 and 39 (n = 5) and three times on Days 25, 32 and 39 (n = 6). All animals were treated with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on Day 46 for induced lactation. Artificial lactation was induced in 66.7%-80.0% of sows, and the EDP treatment frequency before PGF2α administration had no significant effect on either the induction rate of artificial lactation or the milk yield during the experimental period. The milk composition (levels of crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, lactose and immunoglobulin) did not differ among the groups. In conclusion, the number of EDP treatments prior to PGF2α administration had no effect on either the efficiency of artificial lactation induction or milk production.

Stanniocalcin 2 Regulates Autophagy and Ferroptosis in Mammary Epithelial Cells of Dairy Cows Through the Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 Pathway

BackgroundStanniocalcin 2 (STC2), a glycoprotein hormone, is extensively expressed in various organs and tissues, particularly in the mammary gland. STC2 plays a crucial role in enabling cells to adapt to stress conditions and avert apoptosis. The efficiency of milk production is closely linked to both the quantity and quality of mammary cells. Yet, there remains a dearth of research on the impact of STC2 on mammary cells’ activity in dairy cows. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the effects of STC2 on the viability of mammary epithelial cells in dairy cows and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. MethodsFirst, the Gene Expression Profiling and Interactive Analysis database was employed to perform survival analysis on STC2 expression in relation to prognosis using The Cancer Genome Atlas and GETx data. Subsequently, the basic physical and chemical properties, gene expression, and potential signaling pathways involved in the growth of dairy cow mammary epithelial cells were determined using STC2 knockdown. ResultsSTC2 knockdown significantly suppressed autophagy in mammary epithelial cells of dairy cows. Moreover, STC2 knockdown upregulated glutathione peroxidase 4 protein expression, elicited an elevation in lipid ROS concentrations, and inhibited the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway, consequently repressing downstream genes involved in lipid synthesis regulated by mTORC1 and ultimately inducing ferroptosis. ConclusionsThe findings of our study suggest that STC2 suppresses autophagy and ferroptosis through the activation of mTORC1. Mechanically, STC2 exerts an inhibitory effect on ferroptosis by activating antioxidative stress-related proteins, such as glutathione peroxidase 4, to suppress lipid ROS production and stimulating the mTORC1 signaling pathway to enhance the expression of genes associated with lipid synthesis.

Composition of the rumen microbiome and its association with methane yield in dairy cattle raised in tropical conditions

BackgroundMethane (CH4) emissions from rumen fermentation are a significant contributor to global warming. Cattle with high CH4 emissions tend to exhibit lower efficiency in milk and meat production, as CH4 production represents a loss of the gross energy ingested by the animal. The objective of this study was to investigate the taxonomic and functional composition of the rumen microbiome associated with methane yield phenotype in dairy cattle raised in tropical areas.Methods and resultsTwenty-two Girolando (F1 Holstein x Gyr) heifers were classified based on their methane yield (g CH4 / kg dry matter intake (DMI)) as High CH4 yield and Low CH4 yield. Rumen contents were collected and analyzed using amplicon sequencing targeting the 16 and 18S rRNA genes. The diversity indexes showed no differences for the rumen microbiota associated with the high and low methane yield groups. However, the sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA) revealed different taxonomic profiles of prokaryotes related to High and Low CH4, but no difference was found for protozoa. The predicted functional profile of both prokaryotes and protozoa differed between High- and Low CH4 groups.ConclusionsOur results suggest differences in rumen microbial composition between CH4 yield groups, with specific microorganisms being strongly associated with the Low (e.g. Veillonellaceae_UCG − 001) and High (e.g., Entodinium) CH4 groups. Additionally, specific microbial functions were found to be differentially more abundant in the Low CH4 group, such as K19341, as opposed to the High CH4 group, where K05352 was more prevalent. This study reinforces that identifying the key functional niches within the rumen is vital to understanding the ecological interplay that drives methane production.

Full-fat corn germ improves the performance and milk fat yield of Girolando cows fed sugarcane bagasse and cactus cladodes as forage sources.

We investigated the effects of replacing ground corn with full-fat corn germ (FFCG) on milk production, milk composition, and nutrient use in cows fed sugarcane bagasse and cactus cladodes. Ten multiparous Girolando cows (average body weight 500 ± 66kg, 90 ± 15 days in milk) were distributed in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin Square and assigned to five dietary treatments containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of full-fat corn germ in substitution to ground corn. Full-fat corn germ increased fat-corrected milk yield by 2.2kg/day and the synthesis of fat, lactose, and total solids in milk by 94.4, 60.0, and 201.10g/day, respectively (p < 0.05). Cows fed corn germ quadratically increased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake by 1.01kg/day, with the intake of crude protein and total digestible nutrients following the same pattern. Conversely, the substitution of corn for full-fat corn germ linearly reduced (p < 0.05) the total non-fiber carbohydrate intake from 5.79 to 4.40kg/d. Except for ether extract and non-fiber carbohydrates, full-fat corn germ did not alter (p > 0.05) nutrient digestibility. Cows fed corn germ excreted less (p < 0.05) urea-N in milk and urine N. These results demonstrate that full-fat corn germ can partially replace ground corn to enhance the milk production efficiency of crossbred cows fed cactus cladodes and sugarcane bagasse. Furthermore, including sugarcane bagasse in FFCG-supplemented diets prevents milk fat depression in cows fed cactus cladodes.

Effects of Dietary Selenium Yeast Supplementation on Lactation Performance, Antioxidant Status, and Immune Responses in Lactating Donkeys.

Donkey milk is a traditional medicinal food with various biological activities. However, its production is very low, and lactating donkeys often experience oxidative stress, leading to a further decline in milk yield. In this study, we supplemented the diets of lactating donkeys with yeast selenium (SY) to investigate its effects on lactation performance, antioxidant status, and immune responses, and we expected to determine the optimum additive level of SY in the diet. For this study, 28 healthy lactating Dezhou donkeys with days in milk (DIM, 39.93 ± 7.02 d), estimated milk yield (EMY, 3.60 ± 0.84 kg/d), and parity (2.82 ± 0.48) were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups of 7 donkeys in each: Group SY-0 (control), Group SY-0.15, Group SY-0.3, and Group SY-0.5, with selenium supplementation of 0, 0.15, 0.3, and 0.5 mg of Se/kg DM (in form of SY) to the basal diet, respectively. The results showed a dose-dependent increase in milk yield, milk component yield, milk protein production efficiency, milk production efficiency, the activities of glutathione peroxidases (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), as well as the content of serum interleukin-10 (IL-10), white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes (LYM), red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit, plasma selenium, and milk selenium. Conversely, it presented a dose-dependent decrease in the activity of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). In conclusion, the results confirmed that dietary supplementation with SY can improve lactation performance, antioxidant status, and immune responses in lactating donkeys, and the recommended dose of SY was 0.3 mg/kg.

Determinants of Technical Efficiency in Cow Milk Production in Kurunegala District: An Application of Data Envelopment Analysis

The aim of this study was to determine the level of technical efficiency scores under the assumptions of both constant returns and variable returns to scales on a sample of 150 cow milk producers in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka. A structured questionnaire was used to gather the data during 2022 in the study and those data were analysed by Data Envelopment Analysis and Tobit regression model. Results of the data envelopment analysis based on input - oriented reveal that, mean technical efficiency scores estimated for constant returns and variable returns to scales were 0.782 and 0.887, respectively, indicating that substantial inefficiencies occurred in operations among the sample farmers. Further, with respect to returns to scale, out of the 150 dairy farmers, 21 were found to be operating at the constant returns to scale while, 122 and 7 were operating at an increasing return to scale and decreasing returns to scale respectively. Tobit regression model was applied to examine the factors influencing the technical efficiency under the specifications of constant returns to scale, variable returns to scale, and scale effects. The study found that age, sex, family size, credit accessibility, and milking frequency were significantly influence the technical efficiencies in dairy farming. These findings could help to increase the milk production and technical efficiency of cow milk production in the study area.

Estimating milk production and energy-use efficiency of pasture-grazed Holstein and Jersey cows using mathematical models

The efficiency of feed use for milk production is critical for sustainable and profitable pasture-based dairy systems. The aim of this study was to estimate milk production and energy-use efficiencies of pasture-grazed Holstein and Jersey cows. Lactation records of 122 Holstein and 99 Jersey cows varying from parities 1 to 6 that were managed under similar feeding and environmental conditions were collected from 2005 to 2014. Feed intake and nutrient requirements of the cows were calculated using the National Research Council and the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System equations. Holsteins had a higher milk yield/kg dry matter intake (1.36±0.01 vs. 1.27±0.01 kg), whereas Jerseys had higher efficiencies in milk fat (52.4±0.3 vs. 58.4±0.4 g), milk protein (42.7±0.3 vs. 45.1±0.3 g), and energy-corrected milk (1.30±0.01 vs. 1.36±0.01 kg) per kg dry matter intake. Jersey cows also had a higher dry matter intake/kg body weight (3.13±0.02 vs. 3.51±0.02%). During transition and early lactation stages, Holstein and Jersey cows were in negative energy balance for 102.4±2.3 vs. 74.2±2.3 days, with the lowest energy reserves (-53.9 MJ vs. -39.7 MJ) reached at 22.3±0.9 vs. 24.6±0.9 days post-calving, respectively. Compared to Holsteins, Jersey cows used proportionally less net energy intake to produce 100 g milk fat (13.7±0.10 vs. 12.5±0.10), 100 g milk protein (16.7±0.14 vs.16.2±0.15) and a 1-kg energy-corrected milk (5.52±0.04 vs. 5.35±0.04), making them a better breed for pasture-based dairy systems as they possess more production and feed-use efficiency traits, which are desirable in pasture-based production systems.

A carbon footprint assessment for pasture-based dairy farming systems in South Africa

Environmental impact evaluation of intensive dairy farming systems has been of growing interest recently as agriculture has several negative influences on the surrounding environment, including eutrophication, declines in biodiversity, and pollution of nearby waterbodies. Dairy production in particular is characterized by the emission of greenhouse gasses (GHG) contributing toward climate change. In this study, the carbon footprint of South African pasture-based dairy farming systems was assessed using a farm-gate life-cycle assessment (LCA) approach. A total of 82 pasture-based dairy farms across South Africa were assessed (2012–2022). The average carbon footprint across all dairy farming systems was 1.36 ± 0.21 kg CO2eq kg−1 fat- and protein-corrected milk produced (FPCM), which is higher than similar studies performed outside South Africa. Enteric fermentation had the largest influence on the carbon footprint, indicating the key role of methane as an emission source in ruminant dominated livestock systems. A difference in milk production efficiency was found between farming systems with the lowest and highest carbon footprints. Pasture-based dairy farming systems must be managed with adaptive management such as regenerative agriculture. Future research agendas should explore modeling approaches to assess the economic and environmental impact of dairy production, formulating a holistic understanding of the system dynamics while also quantifying net carbon emissions or sinks.

An artificial intelligence approach of feature engineering and ensemble methods depicts the rumen microbiome contribution to feed efficiency in dairy cows

Genetic selection has remarkably helped U.S. dairy farms to decrease their carbon footprint by more than doubling milk production per cow over time. Despite the environmental and economic benefits of improved feed and milk production efficiency, there is a critical need to explore phenotypical variance for feed utilization to advance the long-term sustainability of dairy farms. Feed is a major expense in dairy operations, and their enteric fermentation is a major source of greenhouse gases in agriculture. The challenges to expanding the phenotypic database, especially for feed efficiency predictions, and the lack of understanding of its drivers limit its utilization. Herein, we leveraged an artificial intelligence approach with feature engineering and ensemble methods to explore the predictive power of the rumen microbiome for feed and milk production efficiency traits, as rumen microbes play a central role in physiological responses in dairy cows. The novel ensemble method allowed to further identify key microbes linked to the efficiency measures. We used a population of 454 genotyped Holstein cows in the U.S. and Canada with individually measured feed and milk production efficiency phenotypes. The study underscored that the rumen microbiome is a major driver of residual feed intake (RFI), the most robust feed efficiency measure evaluated in the study, accounting for 36% of its variation. Further analyses showed that several alpha-diversity metrics were lower in more feed-efficient cows. For RFI, [Ruminococcus] gauvreauii group was the only genus positively associated with an improved feed efficiency status while seven other taxa were associated with inefficiency. The study also highlights that the rumen microbiome is pivotal for the unexplained variance in milk fat and protein production efficiency. Estimation of the carbon footprint of these cows shows that selection for better RFI could reduce up to 5 kg of diet consumed per cow daily, potentially reducing up to 37.5% of CH4. These findings shed light that the integration of artificial intelligence approaches, microbiology, and ruminant nutrition can be a path to further advance our understanding of the rumen microbiome on nutrient requirements and lactation performance of dairy cows to support the long-term sustainability of the dairy community.

Improving milk yields and milk production efficiency

Improving milk yields and milk production efficiency

Replacing conventional concentrates with sprouted barley or wheat: Effects on lactational performance, nutrient digestibility, and milk fatty acid profile in dairy cows.

Finite natural resources, rising human population, and climate change pose challenges to traditional crop production. Hydroponically grown fodder (i.e., sprouted grains) can be an alternative feed source for dairy cows; however, only sprouted barley has been investigated in low-producing cows. We aimed to evaluate the impact of replacing conventional concentrates with sprouted barley or wheat, grown using hydroponics, on milk production, nutrient digestibility, and milk fatty acid profile in high-producing cows. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows [3.25 ± 1.33 lactations; 102 ± 23 d in milk (DIM); 49 ± 4 kg/d of milk] were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 21-d experimental periods. Following a 2-wk covariate period, cows were fed 1 of 3 experimental diets: a total mixed ration (1) without sprouted grains (Control), or with (2) 10% sprouted barley (Barley) or (3) 10% sprouted wheat (Wheat) on a dry matter (DM) basis. Experimental diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous with sprouted grains that replaced ground corn, soybean meal, canola meal, and dextrose. Sprouted grains were grown using a semi-automatic hydroponic system and harvested after 6 d of growth. Data and sample collection occurred during the last 3 d of the covariate and experimental periods. Wide ranges were observed for the DM percent of sprouted grains (12.1 to 22.9% and 13.3 to 25.7% for barley and wheat, respectively) and the ratio of sprouted fodder to seed (0.67 to 1.07 for both barley and wheat). Feeding sprouted grains did not modify yields of milk or energy-corrected milk (ECM); however, dry matter intakes (DMI) were lower for Barley, relative to Control. Feed efficiencies were greater for Barley than for Control (1.49 ± 0.03 vs. 1.43 ± 0.03 for milk yield/DMI; 1.85 ± 0.03 vs. 1.73 ± 0.04 for ECM/DMI). Yields and concentrations of milk components (i.e., fat, true protein, and lactose) were not impacted by treatment. Milk urea-N concentrations were greater for Wheat, relative to Control or Barley. Body weight (BW; 752 ± 3 vs. 742 ± 3 kg) and BW gain (6.53 ± 2.99 vs. -9.33 ± 2.91 kg/21 d) were higher for Wheat than for Control. Apparent total-tract digestibility of organic matter was greater for Wheat, relative to Barley. Digestibilities of neutral detergent fiber and starch were higher for Wheat and Control, relative to Barley, and crude protein digestibility was greater for Wheat, relative to Barley and Control. Rumination and physical activity were not impacted by treatment. In summary, replacing traditional concentrates with sprouted grains grown using hydroponics improved milk production efficiency (barley sprouts) or enhanced body weight gain (wheat sprouts). A life cycle assessment needs to be conducted to determine the net impact of this feeding strategy for the dairy industry.

Influence of Dietary Cation-Anion Differences (DCAD) on Nutrient Intake, Milk Yield and Metabolic Parameters of Transition Buffaloes

The study was divided into 2 phases. During 1st phase, 20 pre-partum buffaloes were divided into two groups, given -100 (high negative; HN) and -50 (low negative; LN) mEq/kg of dry matter (DM) diets. In the second phase, +200 (low positive; LP) and +400 (high positive; HP) mEq/kg of DM diets were formulated for postpartum buffaloes. Buffaloes that received LN DCAD were divided into 2 groups (LN-LP and LN-HP), and those that received HN DCAD were also divided into 2 groups (HN-LP and HN-HP). In the first phase, the group fed the HN DCAD diet had significantly lesser DM, nutrient intake, and urine pH (p&lt;0.05) but higher ME intake and ADF digestibility. Also, higher serum phosphorus levels (p&lt;0.05), fewer cases of hypocalcemia and ketosis, and a relatively smaller decrease in body weight were reported with the HN group. In the second phase, DM, organic matter, and NDF intakes were higher (p&lt;0.05) in HN-HP and LN-LP groups, whereas ME intake and nutrient digestibility were higher in HN-LP and LN-HP (p&lt;0.05). Daily milk, solid not fat (SNF), fat, protein, lactose yields, and plasma total protein, urea, and cholesterol concentrations were the highest in the HN-HP group (p&lt;0.05), but the highest fat content and fat yield were recorded in the HN-LP group (p&lt;0.05). Better efficiency of milk production and the lowest cases of hypocalcemia and ketosis were observed for both groups. In conclusion, for transition buffaloes, the HN and LN DCAD (-100 and +200 mEq/kg of DM, respectively) diets showed a beneficial impact.

Perspective: science and the future of livestock industries.

Since the 1990s, livestock industries have been forced to respond to major pressures from society, particularly with respect to methane emissions and animal welfare. These challenges are exacerbated by the inevitability of global heating and the effects it will have on livestock productivity. The same challenges also led to questions about the value of animal-sourced foods for feeding the world. The industries and the research communities supporting them are meeting those challenges. For example, we can now envisage solutions to the ruminant methane problem and those solutions will also improve the efficiency of meat and milk production. Animal welfare is a complex mix of health, nutrition and management. With respect to health, the 'One Health' concept is offering better perspectives, and major diseases, such as helminth infection, compounded by resistance against medication, are being resolved through genetic selection. With respect to nutrition and stress, 'fetal programming' and the epigenetic mechanisms involved offer novel possibilities for improving productivity. Stress needs to be minimized, including stress caused by extreme weather events, and solutions are emerging through technology that reveals when animals are stressed, and through an understanding of the genes that control susceptibility to stress. Indeed, discoveries in the molecular biology of physiological processes will greatly accelerate genetic progress by contributing to genomic solutions. Overall, the global context is clear - animal-sourced food is an important contributor to the future of humanity, but the responses of livestock industries must involve local actions that are relevant to geographical and socio-economic constraints.

Enhancing the Quality of Dairy Products by Reducing the Pilferage and Increase the Efficiency of Logistics Performance by Using Automated Dairy System.

Background: Dairy farming is a vital sector in developing countries, where small farmers contribute approximately 80% of the dairy milk supply. These farmers often rely on traditional practices and are disconnected from technological advancements. This gap highlights the necessity for technology integration to meet the increasing global demand for dairy products. Objective: This research paper aims to prevent water adulteration in milk and enhance the monitoring of the milk trade through an Automated Dairy System, ensuring the provision of pure milk to the public. Methods: Our Automated Dairy System incorporates several components and interfaces, including a Sensor Interface (I/O), Internet Connection Interface, Bluetooth Interface, and Audio Interface. The system enables dairy farmers to check milk quality for impurities before dispatching to vendors and upon arrival. Additionally, it tracks the transportation of milk containers from farms using GPS technology. Results: Initial tests on the prototype demonstrate the system's effectiveness in detecting changes in milk volume, indicating potential adulteration. The GPS tracking feature successfully monitors the transport process, ensuring the milk's purity during transit. Conclusion: The implementation of this Automated Dairy System in dairy farming, especially in Pakistan, represents a significant stride towards improving milk quality and quantity. This innovation not only meets the current technological gap in traditional farming practices but also aligns with the growing global demand for high-quality dairy products. Our system is expected to have a substantial impact on the dairy industry by ensuring the delivery of pure milk to consumers and enhancing the overall efficiency of milk production and trade.

The effects of residual energy intake on nutrient use, methane emissions and microbial composition in dairy cows

For sustainable food production selection and breeding of feed efficient animals is crucial. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether multiparous dairy cows, ranked during their first lactation based on residual energy intake (REI) as efficient (low; L-REI) or inefficient (high; H-REI), differ in terms of nutrient use efficiency, methane emissions, rumen fermentation, and gut microbiota composition. Six L-REI and 6 H-REI cows were offered two diets with either a low or high proportion of concentrates (30 vs. 50% of DM) on two consecutive periods of 21 d. Gas exchanges, milk yield, feces and urine excretions were measured in open-circuit respiratory chambers. The results indicated that L-REI cows had higher methane yields (22.6 vs. 20.4 g/kg DM intake) and derived more energy (energy balance − 36.6 vs. − 16.9 MJ/d) and protein (N balance − 6.6 vs. 18.8 g/d) from the tissues to support similar milk yields compared to H-REI cows. Nutrient intake and digestibility were not affected by REI, and there were no interactions between REI and diet. Milk yield, milk production efficiency, and milk composition were not affected by REI except for milk urea concentration that was higher for L-REI cows (14.1 vs. 10.8 mg/100 ml). The rumen and fecal microbiota community structure and function were associated with both the diet and REI, but the diet effect was more pronounced. The current study identified several physiological mechanisms underlying the differences between high and low REI cows, but further studies are needed to distinguish the quantitative role of each mechanism.