Enhance Milk Production Research Articles

Enhancing oxytocin and prolactin levels to address oligogalactia through emotional management and massage in working mothers

Emotional management, combined with oxytocin massage and breast care, offers a comprehensive approach to boost prolactin release, enhance milk production, and improve breastfeeding outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combining emotional management with oxytocin massage and breast care in increasing oxytocin and prolactin hormone levels to address oligogalactia in working postpartum mothers. A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Kudus Community Health Center, Kudus Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, from January to March 2024. A total of 93 postpartum mothers were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) emotional management with oxytocin massage; (2) emotional management with breast care; and (3) lactation education only. Blood samples were collected before and after the interventions to measure oxytocin and prolactin levels. The present study found that emotional management combined with oxytocin massage significantly increased oxytocin levels from 505.0±264.0 pg/mL to 600.0±231.3 pg/mL (mean difference: 103 pg/mL; p=0.002) and prolactin levels from 191.0±67.3 ng/mL to 233.0±86.8 ng/mL (mean difference: 27 ng/mL; p=0.001). The emotional management and breast care group showed a smaller increase in oxytocin (362.0±175.1 pg/mL to 418.0±185.1 pg/mL; mean difference: 23 pg/mL; p=0.048) and a significant increase in prolactin (195.0±48.8 ng/mL to 255.0±82.3 ng/mL; mean difference: 38 ng/mL; p=0.049). In contrast, the lactation education group showed no significant changes in oxytocin (p=0.756) or prolactin levels (p=0.341). In conclusion, emotional management combined with oxytocin massage significantly increased both oxytocin and prolactin levels, suggesting that integrating emotional management and oxytocin massage may be an effective strategy for postpartum lactation support.

Effects of Using Mechanical Brushes on the Productive Performance of Dairy Cows

Intensive farming can reduce production costs and maximize animal production efficiency; however, it also causes many adverse effects on the welfare of dairy cows. A mechanical brush is an automated grooming device that promotes the grooming behavior of dairy cattle, thereby helping to alleviate stress. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of using mechanical brushes on the production performance of dairy cows by comprehensively analyzing their milk production, health status, and reproductive performance. The cows were assigned to 6 groups: 109 lactating dairy cows (brush treatment) and 105 controls (without brush treatment), 64 dry milk dairy cows (brush treatment) and 49 controls (without brush treatment), and 198 perinatal cows (brush treatment) and 65 controls (without brush treatment). We found an increasing trend in the daily utility time and usage frequency of mechanical brushes for each cow during the lactating period (7.73 ± 4.02 min/d and 2.90 ± 1.22 times/d, respectively), dry period (15.97 ± 14.16 min/d and 4.21 ± 2.91 times/d, respectively), and perinatal period (25.15 ± 19.05 min/d and 5.45 ± 3.83 times/d, respectively) (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). The installation location of the mechanical brush significantly affected the frequency of its usage during the different periods. The head was the preferred body part for using the mechanical brush during the lactation and dry periods (59.32% and 44.54%, respectively), while the hip was the main preferred grooming part during the perinatal period (40.17%). Overall, the time, frequency, and preferred body part of dairy cows that used mechanical brushes varied across different physiological stages. Additionally, mechanical brush use in lactating and dry dairy cows significantly improved cleanliness of the body’s surface (p < 0.05) and enhanced milk production of lactating cows (p < 0.01), particularly for cows with four and five parities. Thus, the use of mechanical brushes could improve the production performance of dairy cows and enhance sustainability of large-scale farms.

Genetic improvement and conservation of goats in tropic

Goats indeed have a significant historical and contemporary importance in human civilization, particularly in the realm of agriculture and food production. Their adaptability and widespread distribution have made them crucial for various societies across the world. Goats have played a central role in the Neolithic agricultural revolution, aiding in the spread of human civilization globally. Their adaptability allowed them to thrive in diverse environments, contributing to the sustenance and expansion of human settlements. Goats are highly adaptable and are found in a wide range of geographical regions. Their presence spans across continents, from tropical to temperate climates, showcasing their ability to thrive in various environmental conditions. There is diversity in the production performance of goats based on the region of the world and the specific breeds. Genetic improvement programs aim to enhance economically important traits such as milk production, growth rates and fiber production, thereby increasing productivity and income for goat farmers. Understanding the genetic parameters such as heritabilities and repeatabilities for various traits is crucial for designing effective breeding programs. These parameters provide insights into the genetic potential of goats for traits like milk production, growth and fiber quality. Heritability estimates for reproductive traits, body weight, daily gain and direct and maternal heritability are important for implementing selective breeding strategies aimed at improving overall productivity and efficiency in goat farming. Genetic improvement programs have been implemented in tropical environments to enhance milk production traits in goats. Genetic improvements have also targeted fiber production in goats, with a focus on traits such as grease fleece weight and average fiber diameter. These efforts aim to enhance the quality and quantity of fiber produced by goats for various commercial purposes. Despite the importance of conserving goat breeds with unique characteristics, planned conservation programs in tropical regions are often neglected. It’s emphasized that preserving indigenous goat breeds in their native habitats is essential for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring future resilience in goat farming.

The Aqueous Extract of Hemerocallis citrina Baroni Improves the Lactation-Promoting Effect in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells through the PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathway.

Insufficient milk supply is a widespread issue faced by women globally and associated with a higher risk of health problems in infants and mothers. Hemerocallis citrina Baron, commonly known as daylily, is a perennial edible plant often used in traditional Asian cuisine to promote lactation. However, the active compound(s) and mechanism of its lactation-promoting effect remain unclear. This study aimed to confirm the traditional use of daylily in promoting lactation and investigate its potential active components and underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results showed that the aqueous extracts of H. citrina Baroni (HAE) significantly enhanced milk production, and the serum levels of lactation-related hormones, and promoted mammary gland development in lactating rats, as well as increased the levels of milk components in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) (p < 0.05). UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS analysis revealed that hexamethylquercetin (HQ) is the representative flavonoid component in HAE, accounting for 42.66% of the total flavonoids. An integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis suggested that HQ may be the potential active flavonoid in HAE that promotes lactation, possibly supporting lactation by binding to key target proteins such as STAT5A, PIK3CA, IGF1R, TP53, CCND1, BCL2, INS, AR, and DLD. Cell experiments further demonstrated that HQ could promote cell proliferation and the synthesis of milk proteins, lactose, and milk fat in BMECs. Transcriptomic analysis combined with a quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) revealed that both HAE and HQ exert a lactation-promoting function mainly through regulating the expression of key genes in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

Comparative Study of Lactogenic Effect and Milk Mutritional Density of Oral Galactagogues in Female Rabbit.

Hypogalactia and agalactia in lactating mothers are the major causes of child malnutrition, mortality, morbidity, and overall ill health. The development of such treatments requires a well-designed preclinical study with suitable laboratory animals, which needs to be improved. Thus, a suitably designed study with a laboratory animal to analyse galactagogue activity, along with an assessment of the quality and quantity of milk, is required. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of rabbits as an animal model for studying lactogenic activity. The structural homology of prolactin, prolactin, and prolactin in humans, rabbits, and rats was studied using BLAST and PyMol to assess similarity in the lactogenic system. Daily and cumulative milk production and pre-treatment (control) and post-treatment (three drugs) in rabbits were recorded and evaluated by analysing protein, fat, lactose, solid non-fat, and ash values. All parameters were recorded on the 0th day and at the end of weeks 1, 2, and 3. Mammary gland histopathology was performed to evaluate the effects on mammary glands. Homology studies revealed that the sequences of the human and rabbit prolactin genes, receptors, and hormones had a high similarity index. Treatment with Domperidone, Metoclopramide, and Shatavari significantly enhanced milk production by enhancing prolactin secretion; only Shatavari increased milk nutrition. Enlargement of the tubuloalveolar ducts of the mammary glands was observed. Our findings suggest that rabbits are robust, reproducible, ethically superior, and preclinically relevant animals for assessing lactogenic activity.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN SUSU KEDELAI TERHADAP PENINGKATAN PRODUKSI ASI PADA IBU POSTPARTUM

Maternal deaths occur after childbirth in around 60% of cases, and postpartum obstetric care with monitoring eliminates 50% of these deaths. The puerperium is a critical time for mothers. Breast milk is essential for preserving an infant's health and survival. Breastfeeding should begin as soon as possible, ideally in the first 30 to 60 minutes following delivery.The goal of the baby's suction on the mother's nipple is not to extract a large amount of milk. Soy milk or soy beans are commonly available and reasonably priced, and they can facilitate a smoother nursing experience. This study aimed to ascertain whether providing soy milk to postpartum moms could enhance their supply of breast milk. In this work, a case study methodology was combined with descriptive research techniques. Mrs. "D," who is receiving care at Hj. Bunda Halimah Hospital in Batam City, has an enhanced milk production that is measured by using observation sheet with LATCH scores. The results of the study after being given soy milk 2 times in 3 consecutive days with a LATCH score of 9 (good). The conclusion of midwifery care in postpartum mothers by giving soy milk times in 3 consecutive days has an effect on increasing Mrs. D's milk production

Mitochondrial DNA D-loop SNPs unveil molecular signatures of milk production variation in Murrah buffalo.

The Murrah buffalo, pivotal in Asian agriculture, faces challenges in maximizing milk production despite significant breeding efforts. Recognizing its economic importance, this studyinvestigates mtDNA D-loop variations in Murrah buffalo as potential indicators of milk production variability, addressing challenges in maximizing yield despite significant breeding efforts. Analyzing mtDNA D-loop sequences from 50 buffaloes, we categorized them into Low (Group 1), Medium (Group 2), and High ECM (Group 3) groups based on milk yields, fat and protein percentage of a 30-day period data. Somatic cell mtDNA D-loop analysis revealed distinct genetic variations, with significant differences among ECM groups. Group 2 showed higher SNP prevalence, group 3 had more insertions/deletions, and Group 1 exhibited the highest transition frequency. Notably, a consistent "C" deletion at the 714th position occurred in Groups 1 and 3, prevalent in 68% of Group 2. A G-A variation at the 93rd position was specific to the medium ECM group. Negative Tajima D values indicated unique variations in each group, with Group 1 having the highest number, and a specific SNP linked to Group 2 was identified. These SNPs in the D-loop region could impact mtDNA replication, influencing mitochondrial content among animals. Our results provide valuable insights into the role of mtDNA D-loop polymorphisms in milk production traits in Murrah buffalo. Our research highlights the potential for valuable markers of cellular energy efficiency in Murrah buffalo. Exploring diverse cytoplasmic backgrounds opens avenues for mtDNA-based selection strategies, enhancing milk production and optimizing genetic traits for the dairy industry.

Effects of lysine and threonine on milk yield, amino acid metabolism, and fecal microbiota of Yili lactating mares.

The nutritional benefits of mare milk are attracting increasing consumer interest. Limited availability due to low yield poses a challenge for widespread adoption. Although lysine and threonine are often used to enhance protein synthesis and muscle mass in horses, their impact on mare milk yield and nutrient composition remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of lysine and threonine supplementation on 24 healthy Yili mares, mares at day 30 of lactation, over a 120-day period. The mares were divided into control and three experimental groups (six mares each) under pure grazing conditions. The control group received no amino acid supplementation, while experimental groups received varying daily doses of lysine and threonine: Group I (40 g lysine + 20 g threonine), Group II (60 g lysine + 40 g threonine), and Group III (80 g lysine + 60 g threonine). Supplementation in Group II notably increased milk yield, while Groups I and II showed higher milk fat percentages, and all experimental groups exhibited improved milk protein percentages. Additionally, blood levels of total protein, albumin, triglycerides, and glucose were reduced. Detailed analyses from Group II at peak lactation (day 60) included targeted metabolomics and microbial sequencing of milk, blood, and fecal samples. Amino acid metabolomics assessed amino acid content in mare milk and serum, while 16S rRNA gene sequencing evaluated rectal microbial composition. The results indicated that lysine and threonine supplementation significantly increased levels of threonine and creatine in the blood, and lysine, threonine, glutamine, and alanine in mare milk. Microbial analysis revealed a higher prevalence of certain bacterial families and genera, including Prevotellaceae, p_251_o5, and Rikenellaceae at the family level, and unclassified_p_251_o5, Prevotellaceae_UCG_001, and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group at the genus level. Multi-omics analysis showed positive correlations between specific fecal genera and amino acids in mare milk. For instance, Prevotellaceae_UCG_003, unclassified Bacteroidetes_BS11_gut_group, and Corynebacterium were positively correlated with lysine, while unclassified Prevotellaceae was positively correlated with alanine and threonine, and Unclassified_Bacteroidales_BS11_gut_group was positively correlated with glutamine. In summary, lysine and threonine supplementation in grazing lactating mares enhanced milk production and improved milk protein and fat quality. It is recommended that herders, veterinarians, and technicians consider amino acid content in the diet of lactating mares. The optimal supplementation levels under grazing conditions for Yili horses were determined to be 60 g lysine and 40 g threonine per day. Future research should explore the molecular mechanisms by which these amino acids influence milk protein and lipid synthesis in mare mammary epithelial cells.

Effect of brewer’s yeast or beta-glucan on breast milk supply following preterm birth: the BLOOM study – protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial

BackgroundMany individuals who experience preterm birth struggle with early breast milk supply, which can translate into suboptimal longer-term breastfeeding outcomes. Further investigations into the potential role of early non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions in improving breast milk production soon after birth is growing. While natural galactagogues, such as brewer’s yeast, are widely perceived by women to be safer than pharmaceutical galactagogues and are taken by many women, evidence to support their efficacy is largely absent. The BLOOM study has been designed to determine the efficacy and safety of brewer’s yeast and beta-glucans, derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, when administered soon after birth for increasing early breast milk supply in mothers who have delivered preterm.MethodsThe BLOOM study is a multicentre, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial that will assess if brewer’s yeast or beta-glucan can increase early breast milk production following preterm birth. Target population are mothers of preterm infants born at less than 34 weeks’ gestation who intend to provide breast milk for their infant, are less than 72 h following birth and able to give informed consent. Participants will be randomly allocated into three parallel groups at 1:1:1 ratio (n = 33 per group) to receive either brewer’s yeast, beta-glucan or placebo capsules for seven days. The primary outcome is total expressed breast milk volume over a 24-hour period on day 7 of intervention. Participants and their infants will be followed until the infant reaches term corrected age or is discharged home from the neonatal unit (whichever occurs first).DiscussionThe use of brewer’s yeast as a galactagogue to enhance milk production is extremely common amongst breastfeeding mothers, however, there are no trials evaluating its efficacy and safety. This will be the first randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two commonly used galactagogues, brewer’s yeast and beta-glucan, compared with placebo in improving maternal breast milk supply following preterm birth. The trial will also evaluate whether early intervention with galactagogues soon after a preterm birth improves longer-term breastfeeding outcomes.Trial registrationAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12622000968774 (registered on 8 July 2022) and UTN U1111-1278-8827.

Influence of supplemental choline on milk yield, fatty acid profile, and weight changes in postpartum ewes and their offspring.

The most intensive nutritional requirements occur during milk production's peak. Ewe milk contains more protein and fat than cow milk. The nutritional factors significantly determine the composition. The liver undergoes high stress during lactation but is relieved by essential nutrients. Choline acts metabolically as a lipotrope. This compound functions in cell structure construction, maintenance, and acetylcholine synthesis. The animal nutrition industry provides choline from various sources, such as synthetic and natural kinds. This study evaluated the influence of two distinct choline sources on dairy ewes' peripartum and postpartum milk production, composition, and offspring growth. Twenty-four Rambouillet ewes, each weighing around 63.7 ± 1.7 kg, aged three with two previous births, spent 30-day pre-partum and post-partum in individual pens (2 × 2 m). They were given different experimental treatments 30 days before and after birth according to a randomized design; no choline (a), 4 g/day rumen-protected choline (RPC) (b), or 4 g/day thiocholine (c). Milk samples for milk composition and long-chain fatty acid (FA) analysis were taken every 30 days during milk collection. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in ewe body weight, lamb birth weight, and 30-day-old lamb body weight were observed at lambing and on day 30 of lactation due to choline treatment. Milk yield was significantly higher (1.57 kg/day) compared to the control (1.02 kg/day) and RPC (1.39 kg/day), due to the herbal choline source. There was no significant difference in the milk's protein, lactose, fat, non-fat solids, and total milk solids content between the treatments. Herbal choline lowers (p < 0.05) the concentrations of caproic, caprylic, capric, lauric, and myristic acids while boosting (p < 0.05) those of oleic and cis-11-eicosenoic acid, the changes influencing long-chain FA levels (p < 0.05). Providing choline from both sources to ewes enhanced milk production and body weight at lambing and on 30-day post-lambing. The herbal choline supplement altered short-chain milk FAs, while representative concentration pathways affected medium-chain ones.

Effect of feeds and hygienic practices on milk production and its nutritional and microbiological quality

Abstract The review emphasizes that factors such as feed type, diet composition, and hygiene standards during milking significantly impact milk yield, composition, and microbial population. A comprehensive methodology was employed to gather relevant literature from diverse sources, including textbooks, academic journals, and databases. The review focused on research articles investigating the impact of feed type and nutrients on dairy cattle milk yield, and quality. The search terms used to organize this article were breed, feed, hygienic practices, sources of microorganisms, and milk production, and by synthesizing findings from these studies; key factors influencing milk production and quality were identified. The review highlights the significance of breed selection, feeding practices, and hygienic measures in dairy farming. Optimizing these factors can enhance milk production, nutritional quality, and microbial safety, ensuring the delivery of high-quality milk to consumers. Overall, the review provides valuable insights into the relationship between animal breed, nutrition, and hygiene practices in dairy cattle production.

5 Rumen microbiome and metabolome in dairy cattle performance

Abstract Cattle rumen microbiome converts fibrous feed to nutrients that directly influence cattle’s growth and performance. Recent research has revealed the composition and function of rumen microbiome can affect many economically important traits in cattle such as feed efficiency, milk/meat yield and quality, methane emission, metabolic health and so on. In this presentation, the research on the assessment of to what extent the rumen microbiome and its metabolites, as well as host metabolites contribute to milk production and quality traits will be focused and discussed. It has been evident that some dairy cows can produce large amounts of milk under the same nutritional and management conditions. Recent research has revealed that in addition to host genetics and diet, parity and days in milk of dairy cows can affect the rumen microbiota, and both core and pan rumen bacteriome can potentially contribute to variations of milk production traits. Additionally, the analysis of rumen metagenomics and metabolomics of dairy cows with varied milk production yield showed that some key bacterial taxa (for example, Prevotella species), and their functions (such as branched-chain amino acids biosynthesis, methanogenesis), some rumen microbial metabolites (mainly amino acids, carboxylic acids, and fatty acids) significantly differed between high and low production cows. Further integrated analysis with serum metabolomics of the cos revealed the varied contributions of rumen microbial composition, functions, metabolites, and the serum metabolites to the milk protein yield of a dairy cow, a potential new trait that can be used for high-quality milk production, respectively. The fundamental understanding of the role of rumen microbiome and its metabolome contributing to milk yield and protein yield traits can provide novel insights into future manipulation of rumen microbiome to enhance milk production and quality.

Prolactin gene (C576A) polymorphism is associated with milk production performance in crossbred Anglo-Nubian dairy goats

Crossbred Anglo-Nubian goats (Anglo-Nubian × native goat breeds), are valued for exceptional milk production and adaptability. In-depth research on these goats is imperative to propel advancements in dairy goat breeds and enhance milk production efficiency within the region. The present study aims to assess polymorphism in prolactin (C576A) gene and determine the influence of different prolactin (PRL) genotypes to milk yield performance in crossbred Anglo-Nubian dairy goats raised from Awang, Opol, Misamis Oriental and Talay, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. Genomic DNA was extracted from hair follicles using commercial DNA extraction kit and PCR-RFLP was performed for the genotyping of the C576A polymorphism located in exon 5 of goats’ prolactin gene using Eco241 restriction enzyme. Genotypic frequencies of 0.56 for AA, 0.44 for AB, while allelic frequencies of 0.78 for A, and 0.22 for B were recorded. All populations followed the Hardy–Weinberg principle, except for dairy goats from Farm A located in Opol, Misamis Oriental. A two-way factorial (2 × 4) in a Randomized Complete Block Design was used to evaluate the relationship between genotypes and milk yield performance. AB genotype goats produced significantly higher milk yield traits (average daily milk yield and total milk production) than AA genotype, an indication that the polymorphism in the caprine PRL (C576A) gene influenced milk yield performance in the population of studied crossbred Anglo-Nubian goats. These results have to be validated in other dairy goat breeds.

NATURAL GALACTAGOGUES IN NIGERIA AND THE US: MECHANISMS, EFFICACY, AND SAFETY

Natural galactagogues are substances that are believed to promote lactation by increasing milk production in breastfeeding mothers. This review examines the use, scientific evidence, and regulatory status of natural galactagogues in Nigeria and the US, focusing on their mechanisms, efficacy, and safety. In both Nigeria and the US, various natural substances have been traditionally used to support lactation. These substances include herbs such as fenugreek, blessed thistle, and fennel seed, as well as foods like oats and barley. While these substances have been used for centuries and are believed to have lactogenic properties, scientific evidence supporting their efficacy is limited. In Nigeria, traditional healers and herbalists often prescribe natural galactagogues to breastfeeding mothers to enhance milk production. These practices are deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and are often passed down through generations. However, the scientific evidence supporting the use of these substances is scarce, and their safety and efficacy remain uncertain. In the US, natural galactagogues are also commonly used by breastfeeding mothers seeking to increase milk supply. While some studies have suggested that certain herbs and foods may have lactogenic effects, the overall evidence is inconclusive. Additionally, the regulatory status of natural galactagogues in the US varies, with some substances being classified as dietary supplements and others as foods. Overall, the use of natural galactagogues in Nigeria and the US reflects a cultural and historical belief in their efficacy. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms, efficacy, and safety of these substances. Regulatory agencies in both countries should also continue to monitor the use of natural galactagogues and provide guidance to ensure their safe and appropriate use by breastfeeding mothers.&#x0D; Keywords: Natural, Galactagogues, Mechanism, Efficacy, Safety.

Enhancing growth and milk production of dairy buffaloes through home-grown forages and complete nutrient diet

This study aimed to boost the growth and milk production of dairy buffaloes while increasing farmers' income in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. The approach involved utilizing home-grown forages (HGF), such as napier grass and various legumes (Leucaena, Rensonii, and Indigofera), along with a complete nutrient diet (CND). For growing buffaloes, the CND consisted of 23 kg chopped napier grasses, 3 kg legumes, and 1 kg grower concentrates. For lactating buffaloes, the CND comprised 45 kg napier grass, 5 kg legumes, and 2 kg dairy concentrates. Sixty farmers, collectively raising 348 buffaloes, were trained in HGF production and CND preparation. In a 120-day feeding trial for growing buffaloes, a subset of 20 farmers participated, with 10 feeding their buffaloes CND and the other 10 serving as controls. The control group employed traditional feeding practices, involving tethered grazing on native pasture supplemented by cut-and-carry feeding of mixed native grasses. Implementing CND for growing buffaloes resulted in an average daily gain (ADG) of 0.46 kg or an improvement of 53.33% compared to the 0.30 kg ADG observed with traditional feeding. Moreover, CND implementation reduced feed costs, leading to a 98.54% increase in income per growing animal. In a separate feeding trial for lactating buffaloes, another subset of 20 farmers participated, with 10 feeding CND and the remaining 10 serving as controls (traditional feeding). Feeding CND to lactating buffaloes increased daily milk yield from 4.6 kg to 6.0 kg per animal, reflecting a 30.43% improvement compared to those fed with the control diet. This translated to a 41.31% increase in farmers’ income over a 180-day lactation period. The findings underline the effectiveness of HGF production and CND feeding in improving the performance of dairy buffaloes and increasing the financial well-being of farmers in Nueva Ecija, marking a significant advancement in sustainable dairy farming practices.

Can the Inclusion of Forage Chicory in the Diet of Lactating Dairy Cattle Alter Milk Production and Milk Fatty Acid Composition? Findings of a Multilevel Meta-Analysis.

In traditional ryegrass/white clover (Lolium perenne L./Trifolium repens L.) pastoral systems, forage herbs such as chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) present an opportunity to fill feed deficits during late spring and summer. Although multiple research publications have evaluated the efficacy of chicory for enhancing milk production and milk fatty acid (FA) profile, no publication has quantitatively synthesised the body of research. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effect of chicory on milk production and composition, as well as on the milk fatty acid composition of dairy cattle. A total of 29 comparisons from 15 unique research publications involving 597 dairy cattle were used to develop a dataset for analysis. Three-level random-effect and robust variance estimator models were used to account for the hierarchical structure of the data and the dependency of effect sizes within publications. Chicory inclusion increased milk yield when compared to grass-based diets {weighted mean difference (WMD) = 1.07 (95% CI 0.54-1.60) kg/cow/d, p < 0.001}, but it provided a similar milk yield when compared to other forages such as legumes and herbs {dicots; WMD = -0.30, (95% CI -89-0.29) kg/cow/day, p = 0.312}. Increases in milk yield were congruent with differences in DM intake (p = 0.09) and ME intakes (p = 0.003), being similar in chicory-fed and dicot-fed cows but higher than grass-fed cows. Chicory feeding's effect on milk solids was twice as high during mid lactation {154 days in milk; WMD = 0.13, (95% 0.081-0.175) kg/cow/day, p < 0.001} as during late lactation {219 days in milk; WMD = 0.06, (95% 0.003-0.13) kg/cow/day, p = 0.041}. In line with milk yield, greater and more significant effect sizes were found for alpha linolenic acid {ALA; WMD = 0.20 (95% CI 0.06-0.35) g/100 g FA, p = 0.011} when chicory was compared to grass species only. Comparing chicory with dicots suggests that chicory inclusion did not impact ALA concentrations {WMD = 0.001 (95% CI -0.02-0.2) g/100 g FA, p = 0.99}. There were no differences in conjugated linoleic acid concentration in the milk of cows fed chicory or control diets. The study provides empirical evidence of chicory's efficacy for improved milk production and milk fatty acid composition.

Adapted Machinery and Technology for Alpine Pasture Dairy Farming

The paper highlights that grazing a dairy herd on ecologically pristine mountain pastures facilitates the production of raw milk at reduced costs. Preserving the native properties of milk and achieving superior product quality necessitates prompt milk processing, particularly through efficient cooling and storage at low temperatures. (Research purpose) The primary objective of this research is to substantiate the methodology for dairy cattle management and to develop technological solutions for milking and primary milk processing in mountainous pastures. (Materials and methods) Prototypes of milking machines and cooling equipment utilizing natural cold sources were developed and produced. Trials were conducted on farms in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. A methodology to produce consumable milk has been developed considering the natural and climatic conditions inherent in grazing dairy cattle on mountain pastures and existing machinery for milking and primary processing of raw materials. The technology includes the basic operations such as dairy herd feeding and management, milking, primary milk processing and storage of drinking cow’s milk. (Results and discussion) The technology is poised to enhance milk production by 10 percent, elevate the fat content by 3 percent, and decrease the incidence of mastitis in cows attributed to conventional machine milking tailored for lowland conditions by 40 percent. Moreover, it promises a 15 percent reduction in energy consumption for operating milking and refrigeration equipment as well as an increase in labor productivity. These technical and technological advancements are fortified with patent protection. (Conclusions) The development of dairy farming in mountainous regions, rich in naturally growing, ecologically pristine pasture lands, is an economically attractive direction to produce premium domestic dairy products. Comparative analyses conducted through laboratory assessments and field trials substantiate the viability of employing the proposed technological methodologies and machinery.

Dairy village: the role of veterinary services in unlocking dairy industry potential through assisted reproductive technologies

The “Dairy Village” concept was designed to overcome the constraints of estrus synchronization and AI particularly associated with eletion of the breeding animals and subsequent management of estrous cows in Ethiopia. All necessary inputs, including sexed semen, were acquired before the fieldwork. The knowledge and skill gaps were identified and addressed with the active involvement of veterinarians and AI technicians who underwent specialized training to ensure proper physical and gynecological examinations during the selection of cows and heifers. Accordingly, a refresher training was delivered on topics of reproductive anatomy and physiology, assessment of ovarian status, semen handling, and insemination at the optimal time to establish pregnancy. Besides, awareness creation seminars were held every year on topics of benefits of reproductive technologies and management of breeding cows to 99 smallholder dairy farmers. Only 578 cows/heifers were found fit for breeding out of the 1262 cows/heifers that were brought for evaluation; including 81 animals that spontaneously showed estrus. A total of 497 cows/heifers were synchronized using a single IM injection of Lutalyse. Animals responding to the treatment (404 cow/heifers) and those spontaneously in estrus (81cows/ heifers) were inseminated using sex- sorted HF semen 18-24hrs into the standing estrus. Pregnancy rate was 80% (388/485) and 287 calves were born (96% female). Results of this project indicate that rigorous gynecological examination during the selection of cows prior to estrus synchronization and judicious application of hormonal treatments can yield improve the success of ES/AI projects under field conditions. Furthermore, the dairy village approach to enhanced milk production through efficient use of sex-sorted semen has generated replacement heifers from superior breed that will substantially improve the livelihoods of village farmers.

Enhancing milk quality and modulating rectal microbiota of dairy goats in starch-rich diet: the role of bile acid supplementation.

Diets rich in starch have been shown to increase a risk of reducing milk fat content in dairy goats. While bile acids (BAs) have been used as a lipid emulsifier in monogastric and aquatic animals, their effect on ruminants is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of BAs supplementation on various aspects of dairy goat physiology, including milk composition, rumen fermentation, gut microbiota, and BA metabolism. We randomly divided eighteen healthy primiparity lactating dairy goats (days in milk = 100 ± 6 d) into two groups and supplemented them with 0 or 4g/d of BAs undergoing 5weeks of feeding on a starch-rich diet. The results showed that BAs supplementation positively influenced milk yield and improved the quality of fatty acids in goat milk. BAs supplementation led to a reduction in saturated fatty acids (C16:0) and an increase in monounsaturated fatty acids (cis-9 C18:1), resulting in a healthier milk fatty acid profile. We observed a significant increase in plasma total bile acid concentration while the proportion of rumen short-chain fatty acids was not affected. Furthermore, BAs supplementation induced significant changes in the composition of the gut microbiota, favoring the enrichment of specific bacterial groups and altering the balance of microbial populations. Correlation analysis revealed associations between specific bacterial groups (Bacillus and ChristensenellaceaeR-7group) and BA types, suggesting a role for the gut microbiota in BA metabolism. Functional prediction analysis revealed notable changes in pathways associated with lipid metabolism, suggesting that BAs supplementation has the potential to modulate lipid-related processes. These findings highlight the potential benefits of BAs supplementation in enhancing milk production, improving milk quality, and influencing metabolic pathways in dairy goats. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore the broader implications of these findings.

The Healing Touch of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Fennel): A Review on Its Medicinal Value and Health Benefits

Foeniculum vulgare, commonly known as Fennel and Fenouil in English and French respectively. It is an annual shrub, herbaceous and fragrant plant of Apiaceae family with notched stems, alternating leaves, dark-colored feathery branches and enclosed petioles. It can grow up to 1-2m in height and native to Asia, Mediterranean and Europe. It exhibits diverse functional, therapeutic and antibacterial properties such as enhanced milk production and relieves anxiety, depression, diabetes and obesity. It is serving as an antioxidant, antifungal, acaricidal, anti-allergic and nootropic, hepato-protective properties and provides a broncho dilatory effect. It finds wide applications in animal husbandry and is used as food ingredients worldwide. bisexual, erratic or consistent, with golden canopies which mimic rectangular pearls. Their dimensions are approximately 8 mm long and 3 mm wide. slim, lengthy, ovoid and size of them vary with plant growth.