Entire Lactation Period Research Articles

Productive features of the first heifers of the red steppe breed under different systems of housing and forming of production groups

Abstract The purpose of the research is to establish the productive qualities of the first heifers of the red steppe breed with different technologies of housing and forming a production group of newly-calved cows. Intergroup differences in the milk yield of the first heifers were established, which amounted to 176 kg of milk in favor of individuals who lactated separately from adult cows (P>0.95). The yield of protein and fat during lactation also prevailed in the experimental group of heifers by 3.5-3.8%. According to the milk content index, the first heifers kept together with adult livestock were inferior to the individuals of the experimental group by an average of 1.4%. The differences in the content of first heifers in the summer period were expressed in the superiority of milk yield of first heifers, which were grazed on pastures, during the pasture period at the level of 262 kg (P>0.95), provided them with superiority in milk production for the entire period of first lactation by an average of 289 kg of milk (P>0.95), as well as in yield milk fat and protein. As a result, the milk content index of the first heifers of the experimental group reached 1225 kg against 1161 kg in the control (P>0.95).

270 Prenatal stress programming: Impact on dam and offspring immune phenotype and performance

Abstract Maternal stress during critical periods of fetal development is linked to the modified expression of several physiological processes. Despite attempts to minimize chronic stress and enhance sow well-being, some animals still experience stress, which can have short and long-term effects on future progeny. Therefore, we evaluated the impact of maternal stress on the immune phenotype and performance of pregnant gilts who had experienced pre- and post-natal stress and whether their offspring were affected. A total of 11 primiparous females (201.32 ± 17.18 kg at farrowing) clustered into treatment groups based on the treatment of their dams were used in this study. Their dams had been randomly allotted to receive either a placebo (CON) or Hydrocortisone Acetate capsules twice per day for 21 d during either mid (MID; d 51 to 72) or late (LATE; d 81 to 102) gestation. Prenatally stressed dams were sampled on gestational d 45, 60, 75, and 105 to determine descriptive and functional immune analysis. Productivity measures were assessed, including farrowing duration and the interval between piglets. Blood samples were taken from a subset of piglets born to these dams on d 7, 14, and 21 of lactation and then 24 h, 7, and 14 d post-wean. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS with repeated measures. Numbers of lymphocytes were elevated in gilts from LATE-treated dams compared with those from MID or CON dams for the entire study period (P < 0.05). All other descriptive immune measures, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, were not different between groups during the gestational period. Mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation did not differ across treatments for prenatally stressed dams. No maternal treatment effects for any litter traits, farrowing duration, or interval between each piglet, but there was a tendency (P < 0.10) for piglets born to MID-stressed dams to be heavier than those born to CON dams. Total lymphocyte numbers were least in the progeny of MID-treated dams compared with piglets from LATE and CON dams for the entire lactation period. Over time, progeny from LATE-treated gilts had a more stimulated B-cell proliferation index during lactation (P < 0.05). Conversely, Concanavalin-A-induced lymphocyte proliferation tended to be least in offspring from MID-treated dams compared with CON. They also tended to have less percentage and numbers of lymphocytes than offspring from LATE and CON dams for the entire post-wean period. The offspring from MID-treated dams also had the greatest (P < 0.05) neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for the entire period. While prenatal stress had minimal impact on the immune expression of the dam, its influence was evident in their progeny, particularly with MID. Results indicate that the programming effects may only be apparent in later generations. The study also suggests that mid-gestation is a more sensitive period for maternal stress in fetal development.

PSI-3 Effect of feed and water consumption patterns during the lactation period on wean-to-estrus interval in weaned sows

Abstract There is sufficient evidence that adequate feed and water consumption during the lactation period positively influences sow body condition at weaning. Optimum body condition score after the lactation period decreases sow wean-to-estrus interval and non-productive sow days and promotes sow reproductive performance in the following reproductive cycle, in general. However, feed and water intake patterns have not been extensively studied in commercial sow research; thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of feed and water consumption patterns in the lactation period on wean-to-estrus interval in weaned sows. This trial was conducted in a commercial sow farm located in southwestern Minnesota in March 2023. Each lactation feeder was outfitted with a MealMeter 2.0 device (PigEasy, LLC, Templeton, IA), which uses a rotating feed dispenser to release feed ad libitum at the request of each sow. In addition, the MealMeter 2.0 device utilizes sensors to track the number of times feed and water were accessed at 15-min time intervals across the entire lactation period. Average daily feed (ADF) and water accessions (ADW) were summarized for each sow during the lactation period (n = 84 sows). Root mean squared error (RMSEF and RMSEW for feed and water accessions, respectively) was calculated from the residuals of the regression between days post-farrowing and ADF and ADW for each sow and was considered a measure of variation in feed and water accessions during the lactation period. Moreover, the number of days from weaning to the first estrus was recorded and defined as the wean-to-estrus interval (WTE). Due to the distribution of WTE, sows with a WTE ≤ 5 d and WTE > 5 d were separated into a binary classifier (0 = WTE ≤ 5 d and 1 = WTE > 5 d). The relationship between each feed and water measurement and WTE class was estimated using a logistic regression model fit with R Statistical Software. Average daily feed and water accessions were negatively associated with WTE class (P- = 0.07 and 0.04, respectively; Table 1), indicating that as feed and water accessions increase, the probability of observing a WTE greater than 5 d decreases. In addition, RMSEF and RMSEW were also negatively associated with WTE class, which suggests that as the variation in each measure across the lactation period increases, the probability of observing a WTE greater than 5 d is reduced. This result was not expected and, thus, requires further investigation. Nonetheless, results from this study suggest that the mean and variation of daily feed and water accessions are associated with WTE and sufficient consumption of nutrients during the lactation period is critical to reducing the number of days to first estrus in weaned sows.

Getting clues from nature: the impact of grass hay on suckling piglets' gastrointestinal growth and colonic microbiota.

The effect of dietary fiber on pig production has been extensively evaluated. Inspired by observations of the diet of wild, young piglets, this study aimed to examine the possibility of feeding grass hay to suckling piglets besides concentrated creep feed. The sow-nursed piglets in this study were divided into two groups based on balanced sow parities. The control group (CON, n = 7 sows) only received a regular, concentrated creep feed, while the treatment piglets (GH, n = 8 sows) were also provided with chopped grass hay from 2 days of age until weaning (28 days). At weaning, one piglet with a median weight was selected from each litter for post-mortem evaluation. Subsequently, six pigs around median weight per sow were grouped into nursery pens and monitored for their feed intake and body weight gain until 9 weeks of age. Piglets in GH consumed, on average, 57 g of grass hay per piglet during the entire lactation period. The emptied weight of the small and large intestine was significantly greater in GH (280 vs. 228 g, 88.8 vs. 79.3 g, respectively, p < 0.05), and the length of the large intestine was stimulated by the grass hay (164 vs. 150 cm, p < 0.05). Morphologically, the villus height in the jejunum was higher in GH (p < 0.05). In the large intestine, the crypt depth of the mid-colon was lower in GH. Moreover, the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations in the cecum were increased in GH compared to CON (1,179 vs. 948 µmol/g dry matter, p < 0.05), whereas in the colon, SCFA concentrations were lower in CON (341 vs. 278 µmol/g dry matter, p < 0.05). There was no major impact of grass hay inclusion on the colonic microbiota composition. Only a trend was observed for a lower inverse of the classical Simpson (InvSimpon) index and a higher abundance of Lactobacillus genera in GH. After weaning, no significant differences in feed intake and body weight gain were observed. Inconclusion, supplementing the grass hay to suckling piglets led to alterations in intestinal morphology, increased SCFA fermentation in proximal sections of large intestine, stimulation of gastrointestinal tract growth, and subtle modifications in colonic microbiota.

Protein-caloric-restriction diet during lactation programs lean phenotype and improves the antioxidative system in adult female rat offspring.

Nutritional insults early in life, such as during the suckling phase, are associated with phenotypic alterations and promote adverse permanent effects that impair the capacity to maintain energy balance in adulthood. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of a low-protein (LP) diet during lactation on the metabolism and antioxidant systems of adult female rat offspring. Dams were fed a low-protein diet (4% protein) during the first two weeks of lactation or a normal-protein (NP) diet (20% protein) during the entire lactation period. The female offspring received a standard diet throughout the experiment. At 90 days of age, female LP offspring exhibited decreased body weight, feeding efficiency, and fat pad stores. The adult LP female offspring displayed brown adipose tissue hyperplasia without alterations in glucose homeostasis. The LP diet decreased liver triglyceride content and improved the antioxidant system compared to the NP group. The LP diet during the suckling phase promotes a lean phenotype and improves the hepatocyte antioxidant system in adult female offspring. Thus, the LP diet may play an important role in homeostasis and the prevention of metabolic damage.

215 Optimizing the Standardized Ileal Digestible Lys-To-Net Energy Ratio for Nitrogen Utilization of Sows Throughout a 24-Day Lactation Period

Abstract Fifty multiparous sows (average parity 3.7±0.9 and initial BW 245.6±32.5 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of dietary standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys-to-net energy (NE) ratios on nitrogen utilization throughout a 24-day lactation period. Sows were randomly assigned to one of five isoenergetic feeding programs that provided equally spaced and increasing Lys-to-NE ratios between 2.79 and 5.50 g SID Lys/Mcal NE. The feeding programs were generated by blending the two extreme diets in varying proportions using a precision feeding system and were provided to sows immediately after farrowing (d1) and until weaning at d 24 ± 1. At farrowing, litters were standardized to 12 piglets. Three nitrogen balances were conducted from d 4 to 7±1 (NB1), 12 to 15 ± 1 (NB2), and 20 to 23 ± 1 (NB3) using total urine collection and fecal grab sampling. Contrast statements were used to determine linear and quadratic effects of increasing Lys-to-NE ratios. Linear (LBL) and quadratic (QBL) broken-line and polynomial quadratic (QPM) models were used to determine the optimum dietary Lys-to-NE ratios for N retention. The Bayesian information criterion was used to assess best fit. Feeding program did not influence sow ADFI (5.96 ± 0.19 kg/d), BW change (-5.4 ± 4.1 kg) or change in backfat thickness (-2.0 ± 1.1 mm) over the entire 24-d lactation period, but piglet ADG increased with dietary Lys-to-NE ratio (linear; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Sow N intake increased with dietary Lys-to-NE ratio in NB2 and NB3 (linear; P&amp;lt; 0.001). Nitrogen retention (N intake – N output in urine and feces) increased with dietary Lys-to-NE ratio in all NB (linear; P = 0.05, P &amp;lt; 0.001, and P &amp;lt; 0.001 for NB1 -to 3, respectively). The QPM showed an inflection point at 3.75 g Lys/Mcal NE during NB1 and the QBL model showed break points at 2.87 and 4.83 g Lys/Mcal NE in NB2 and NB3, respectively. Nitrogen retention in milk increased with dietary Lys-to-NE ratio only in NB1 (linear; P &amp;lt; 0.05) and the QPM showed inflection points at 4.31, 4.37, and 4.90 g Lys/Mcal NE for NB1-to-3, respectively. Maternal nitrogen retention (N intake – N output in urine, feces, and milk) decreased and then increased in NB1 (quadratic; P &amp;lt; 0.01) and increased in NB2 and NB3 (linear; P &amp;lt; 0.01) with dietary Lys-to-NE ratio. The QPM showed inflection points at 4.01 and 3.01 g Lys/Mcal NE for NB1 and NB2, respectively, and the QBL model showed a breakpoint at 4.83 g Lys/Mcal NE for NB3. To optimize N retention, feeding programs with a Lys-to-NE ratio between 3.75 and 4.31, 2.87 and 4.37, and 4.83 and 4.90 g SID Lys/Mcal NE should be considered during early, mid, and peak lactation, respectively. Therefore, precision feeding programs can be developed to match the ideal SID Lys-to-NE ratio more closely at different stages of lactation to improve sow performance and reduce nitrogen excretion to the environment.

Udder Hygiene and Mastitis Indicators in Contrasting Environmental Conditions during Half-Time Confinement in Pasture-Based Dairy Systems.

This study aimed to compare the association between two types of housing, compost barns (CB) vs. outdoor soil-bedded yard (OD), and udder hygiene and mastitis indicators in Holstein dairy cows calving in autumn (n = 31) and spring (n = 27). After calving, cows were transferred to a pasture-based system with half-time confinement in one of two treatments: CB or OD. The udder hygiene score (UHS) was evaluated monthly and on days after rainfall over the entire lactation period. Individual somatic cell count (SCC) was determined throughout lactation, and the prevalence of intramammary infection (IMI) was estimated. Cows confined in OD presented higher UHS compared to cows in CB (p < 0.05) in both calving seasons. After rains, autumn-calving cows in OD were dirtier than on days without previous rain (OR = 1.85, CI 95%: 1.1-3.1; p < 0.02). However, no differences in IMI and clinical mastitis were found between OD and CB cows in either calving season.

Optimal Parameters to Milk Murciano-Granadina Goats in Mid and Low-Line Milking Parlours.

Recent short-term studies on Murciano-Granadina goats have established that the optimal parameters to set up the milking machines are different according to the milk pipes height. Two groups of 52 fresh goats each were employed in 2 different experiments to confirm during an entire lactation period the best combinations of system vacuum pulsation rate and pulsator ratio in low-line and mid-line milking parlours. The experiment performed in the low-line milking parlour included one group milked with 40 KPa vacuum system level, 90 puls/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsation and a second group milked with 38 KPa vacuum system level, 90 puls/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsation ratio. The experiment carried out in mid-line included one group milked with 40 KPa vacuum system level, 90 puls/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsation ratio and a second group milked with 40 KPa vacuum system level, 120 puls/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsation ratio. Variables studied included milking efficiency, milk composition, cortisol, SCC and intramammary infections, teat-end oedema after milking and vacuum dynamics during milking. Considering the results of an entire lactation period, it was confirmed that when milking in mid-line, the combination of 40 KPa system vacuum, 90 cycles/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsator ratio showed optimal results of the above-mentioned variables. On the other hand, the use of 40 KPa in a low-line system increased the milk cortisol values (0.34 ± 0.1 vs. 0.44 ± 0.1 ng/mL) without any other advantage. Thus, the recommendation is to use a combination of 38 KPa system vacuum, 90 cycles/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsator ratio to enhance animal welfare.

Ways to increase the productivity of sheep of the Tsygay breed in the conditions of southern Ukraine

The article presents the results of the research on feeding zoster, sea grass-urea (MTM) and urea in feeding Tsygay breed rams, as well as the effectiveness of using East Friesian rams on Tsygay breed ewes. The experimental part of the work was carried out in the agricultural formations of the Odesa region. In the main diet, a certain amount of digestible protein and mineral substances was replaced by an appropriate amount of zoster, nitrogen-containing feed product MTM and urea. The diet of the I experimental group contained 25 g of zoster, the II experimental group – 50 g of MTM, the III experimental group – 10 g of urea, the control group did not contain any impurities. 50 g of MTM contained 25 g of zoster and 10 g of urea. Research on meat and wool productivity (live weight, absolute live weight gain; wool shear in physical weight and washed fiber, wool length) was carried out according to generally accepted methods. In order to determine the effectiveness of the use of East Friesian rams on Tsigai ewes, an experiment was conducted to study the milk yield of crossbred ewes and the intensity of growth of newborn lambs. In cross-breed lambs obtained from rams of the East Friesian breed and ewes of the Tsigai breed, the intensity of growth of live weight in the age aspect, slaughter qualities and amino acid composition of the meat were studied. The milk yield of crossbred dams was studied by the amount of milk obtained during the suckling period, during the period after the lambs were weaned, and during the entire lactation period. Meat and dairy productivity were studied according to generally accepted methods. The digital material was processed by the method of variational statistics according to V. P. Kovalenko et al. (2010). It was established that balancing the diet in terms of protein, minerals and vitamins due to feeding zoster, MTM and urea ensures an increase in live weight of 10-month-old goats by 2.9–7.2%, wool shearing in physical weight by 52.8–55.5 %, in washed fiber by 51.1–53.5 %. The use of rams of the East Friesian breed on ewes of the Tsigai breed contributes to the production of cross-breed animals with well-developed economic and useful traits. In cross-breed rams, compared to Tsigai rams, the pulp yield per 1 kg of pre-slaughter mass is 5.2 % higher, and the slaughter yield is 5.11 %. The high milk yield of cross-bred mothers contributed to better growth and development of lambs. During the period of growth from birth to yearling, the local young outnumbered the purebred Tsygayskii in terms of live weight: lambs by 16.9 %, yaks by 22.7 %, and by average daily growth by 18.1 % and 24.6 %, respectively.

The influence of breed characteristics and the level of milk productivity on the quality of colostrum of cows

At the “Pchany-Denkovych” farm of the Stryi district of the Lviv region, the content of immunoglobulins in the colostrum of experimental cows was studied during the entire lactation period, according to lactations, depending on the level of productivity. We also studied the biochemical indicators of colostrum of cows of the Ukrainian black-spotted dairy, Simmental, and Ukrainian red-spotted dairy breeds. The dynamics of the content of immunoglobulins in the colostrum of the cows of the experimental groups and their content depending on the age and level of productivity were established. On the first day, the colostrum of experimental cows of the first, second, and third groups contained 67.4; 86.8; 69.5 g/l of immunoglobulins. On the third, fifth, eighth, and tenth days, its content in the colostrum of cows decreased in the experimental groups, respectively – on the third day, it was 3.6; 4.0; 3.7 times, the fifth – 6.3; 3.4; 5.7; 5.8 times, the eighth – 10.5; 7.9; 8.4 times and the tenth – 25.0; 24.1; 21.7 times. It has been proven that the colostrum of firstborns does not meet the physiological norm. In the dynamics of the content of immunoglobulins by lactation in all cows of the experimental breeds, there is an increase in their content by lactation. At the same time, its maximum rate in different breeds is manifested in different lactations. In cows of the Ukrainian black-spotted dairy breed of the first group and the Ukrainian red-spotted dairy breed of the third group, the entire content was found in the fourth lactation (68.4; 98.9 g/l), and in the Simmental breed of the second – in the fifth lactation (112.5 g/l). According to the maximum index of immunoglobulins, the advantage belongs to cows of the Simmental breed of the second group, which is 44.1 g/l (Р &lt; 0.001) and 13.6 g/l (Р &lt; 0.001) more than the index of cows of the Ukrainian black and red-spotted dairy breeds of the first and the third group. Among cows of different productivity levels, the highest content of immunoglobulins was in the colostrum of Simmental cows (87.83 g/l), with a productivity of up to 4,000 kg of milk per lactation. It was correspondingly low in animals of the Ukrainian black-spotted dairy breed (53.91 g/l) with a productivity of 5001–6000 kg of milk. In the colostrum of Simmental cows belonging to the second group, the maximum absolute content of fat (5.89 %), protein (7.25 %), and dry skimmed milk residue (10.70 %) were determined, and the minimum indicators were found (respectively – 5.42; 6.81 and 10.24 %) in analogs of the Ukrainian black and spotted dairy breed from the first group.

Rat developmental fluoride exposure affects retention memory, leads to a depressive-like behavior, and induces biochemical changes in offspring rat brains

Water is the principal source of human exposure to fluoride (F). The high permeability of the placenta and blood-brain barrier to F during the intrauterine life up to the end of lactation may be crucial to neurological fetus development.Therefore, this study explores the effects of 5 and 10 mg/l F exposure during entire gestation and lactation periods, through neurobehavioral and biochemical tests performed on 90-day-old male offspring rats. The present study shows that pre and peri-natal exposure to F doses that are in the range of those found in groundwater sources in Argentina affects long-term memory and leads to a depressive-like behavior in 90-day-old male pup.Furthermore, the purpose of the investigation was to find out the possible biochemical changes through which the pre and peri-natal F-administration could generate such behavioral variations. We found alterations in transaminases, acetylcholinesterase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes activity in specific brain areas (the prefrontal cortex, the striatum, and the hippocampus), together with findings regarding misbalanced oxidative stress.In conclusion, F exposure during the early stages of rat development alters brain-oxidative stress markers as well as the activity of enzymes implicated in cholinergic and glutamatergic systems. These molecular changes could contribute to the neurobehavioral alterations described in the present investigation.

EFFECT OF THE COMPLEX IODINE-SELENIUM-CONTAINING PROPHYLACTIC PREPARATION “IODIS-VET” ON THE IMMUNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF COLOSTRUM AND MILK PRODUCTIVITY OF COWS

The importance of microelements and vitamins in animal nutrition is extremely high, only with their sufficient amount the animal body is able to fully use the nutrients in the feed, maintain health and give the maximum productivity. We have established the positive effect of the complex iodine-selenium-containing prophylactic preparation “Iodis-vet” on the immunological properties of colostrum and milk productivity&#x0D; of cows in the interlactation period. The studied preparation also contributes to the increase of average daily milk yield. The best results were obtained when using it at a dose of 125 ml per head per day. The mass fraction of protein increased by 3.4%, the amount of immunoglobulins – by 8.04%, the milk yield for the entire period of lactation – by 7.09%.

Technological approaches in the production of soft cheeses using the milk of cows of the red-mottled breed of the Voronezh type of organic production

The main task of dairy cattle breeding is to increase the productivity of cows, which is closely related to the characteristics of processed raw materials and the expansion of the range of produced cheeses. The aim of the study is to study the influence of the genetic potential of the red-mottled cattle breed on the technological properties and cheese suitability of milk. The results of studies on the effect of the enzyme – probiotic additive "Rumifit" – on the chemical composition and amino acid balance of the milk of the red-mottled breed of cows of the Voronezh type are presented. The production of soft cheeses was from three groups of animals. The 1st group (control) received a standard feed ration, accepted in the conditions of LLC "Bolshevik". The 2nd group of animals received the enzyme-probiotic drug "Rumifit" in a dosage of 80 cm3 per animal head; the 3rd group of animals received the probiotic drug "Rumifit" in a dosage of 60 cm3 per animal head. The prospects of obtaining soft cheeses of a combined composition by including a protein concentrate of masha beans in a normalized mixture to increase their nutritional value are shown. The effect of the dosage of the mash bean concentrate on the duration of milk coagulation at different temperatures has been studied. A comparative assessment of the organoleptic and physico– chemical parameters of the obtained cheeses is presented. The conducted studies have shown that a sample of soft cheese obtained from the milk of first-calf cows receiving the enzyme-probiotic "Rumifit" in the diet at a dosage of 80 cm3 per head for 10 days with a cycle after 21 days during the entire lactation period had high organoleptic characteristics and increased nutritional value. This determines the ways of using this milk in cheese making.

The Effects of Maternal Intake of EPA and DHA Enriched Diet During Pregnancy and Lactation on Offspring's Muscle Development and Energy Homeostasis.

EPA and DHA are n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with a diversity of health benefits on offspring. The objective of this study was to test the in vivo effect of maternal ingestion of EPA and DHA on fetal and offspring muscle development and energy balance. Two groups of female C57BL/6 mice were fed EPA and DHA enriched diet (FA) and diet devoid of EPA and DHA (CON) respectively throughout the entire period of gestation and lactation. Embryos at E13 and offspring at age of D1 and D21 were selected for sample collection and processing. No change in birth number and body weight were observed between groups at D1 and D21. Transient increase in the expression levels of myogenesis regulating genes was detected at D1 (p < 0.05) in FA group. Most of the expression of muscle protein synthesis regulating genes were comparable (p > 0.05) between FA and CON groups at D1 and D21. The significant increase in MHC4, and IGF-1 was not linked to increased muscle mass. A persistent increase in ISR expression (p < 0.05) but not in GLUT-4 (p > 0.05) was detected in offspring. Up-regulation of adipogenesis regulating genes was accompanied by increasing intramuscular fat accumulation in the offspring of FA group. Considerable increase in transcripts of genes regulating lipid catabolism and thermogenesis in liver (p < 0.05) was noticed in FA group at D21; whereas, only the levels of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A (Cpt1α) and Enoyl-CoA Hydratase And 3-Hydroxyacyl CoA Dehydrogenase (Ehhadh) increased at D1. Similarly, genes regulating lipolysis were highly expressed at D21 in FA group. EPA and DHA treatment promoted BAT development and activity by increasing the expression of BAT signature genes (p < 0.05). Also, maternal intake of EPA and DHA enriched diet enhanced browning of sWAT. Taken together, maternal ingestion of EPA/DHA may be suggested as a therapeutic option to improve body composition and counteract childhood obesity- related metabolic disorders and confer lifelong positive metabolic impact on offspring.

Using High-Resolution Differential Cell Counts (HRDCCs) in Bovine Milk and Blood to Monitor the Immune Status over the Entire Lactation Period

Simple SummarySince leukocytes enter the mammary gland as part of the immune defense, they can be analyzed in raw milk samples and used for diagnostics. In our study, we differentiated and measured several subtypes of immune cells in blood and milk samples of eight dairy cows over their whole lactation to monitor their immune status. In addition to these so-called high-resolution differential cell counts (HRDCCs), we determined routine laboratory biomarkers. We found considerable differences between the documented cell count progressions in the blood and milk. Some cell populations remained mostly stable, while others showed a certain dynamic during the course of lactation. Moreover, two types of lymphocytes were also noticeable due to changes in the case of inflammation. These findings suggest that HRDCCs can be a promising tool for more efficient milk diagnostics, ensuring milk quality, and supporting cattle health and wellbeing.Differential cell counts in milk offer a deeper insight into the immunology of the mammary gland and might even provide information about the systemic health status of a dairy cow. Consequently, their potential as a diagnostic method to identify biomarkers has been a subject of research for quite some time. The objective of our study was to closely monitor the immune status of eight healthy dairy cows throughout their whole lactation. For this, high-resolution differential cell counts in milk and blood were determined by means of flow cytometry, which included 10 subpopulations of the 3 main populations of immune cells and their viability. Milk and blood samples were taken twice a week in the first 100 days after calving and once a week during the remaining lactation period: in total, 55 (52–57) blood and 55 (52–57) milk samples per animal. In addition, six well-established routine laboratory biomarkers, i.e., haptoglobin, calcium, and different metabolic parameters (non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyric acid, bilirubin, and glutamate dehydrogenase), were analyzed in all blood samples. Furthermore, a standard differential blood cell count was performed on all blood samples. We found substantial differences between cell count progressions in the blood and milk. The distribution of cell populations in the blood remained mostly stable throughout the lactation, albeit at different individual levels. Several cell populations in the milk showed a noticeable dynamic over time, which caused a separation of different lactation stages in clustering analyses. Gamma delta T cells and CD4+ T cells in the milk stood out as they showed characteristic fluctuations during the course of lactation as well as minor changes in the case of inflammation. The determination of a differential cell count has the potential to be a sensitive diagnostic and prognostic tool in bovine milk. Further studies need to show to what extent the method is suitable for routine diagnostics and how to deal with animal-specific differences.

Milk protein and fat in Saanen goats

Dairy industry is one of the leading branches of animal husbandry. Dairy goat breeding is becoming more and more relevant each day; it has already acquired special significance for the agro‐industry of Russian Federation. In addition to the outstanding milk productivity of Saanen goats, it is worth noting the versatility of the milk processing, which is important for farms additionally engaged in manufacturing of goat cheese and other dairy products. Therefore, the chemical composition of goat milk depending on various physiological states of goats is of study interest.Research was conducted in North‐Western region of Russian Federation, in Saanen goats. Five groups included 30 Saanen goats each, from 1stto 5th lactations. The milk samples were taken once during control milking. Levels of milk fat and proteins were assessed. Results presented as mean±standard error of the mean. Student's t‐test was used after proving normal distribution. Level of significance is labeled as p&lt;0.05.As a result of presented study, it was revealed that, in goats of 1st lactation the milk protein level was 3.1±0.22% and milk fat was 3.8±0.98%, in animals of 2nd lactation the milk protein level was 2.9±0.21% and fat was 3.7±0.52%, in goats of 3rd lactation the protein level was 2.8±0.23% and milk fat was 3.3±0.58%, in animals of 4th lactation the milk protein level was 2.1±0.23% and fat was 3.3±0.53%, in animals of 5th lactation, the protein level was 3.1±0.27% and milk fat was 3.5±0.48%. The average values according to these indicators were 3.0±0.24% for milk protein, 3.6±0.73% for milk fat. When analyzing the milk protein obtained results level he minimum values were noted in goats of 4th lactation. This marker was significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower by 30% relative to the average protein content in milk. The maximum amount of milk protein was observed in goats of 1st and 5th lactations. There were no significant differences in animals of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th lactations when compared to the average value for the entire lactation period. When analyzing the amount of milk fat it was noted that there were no significant differences in the goats of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th lactations. There was a tendency to milk fat decreasing in animals of 3rd, 4thand 5th lactations relative to the average values for the entire lactation period, and a tendency to milk fat increasing in goats of 1st and 2nd lactations by 5.5% and 2.77%, respectively.Consequently this data is important to be taken into consideration keeping goats and planning further processing of milk depending on the prevalent number of presented goats in the herd.

Effects of exposure of chlorpyrifos-ethyl on metabolism and oxidative damage in rats and their offspring

Chlorpyrifos-ethyl (CE) is one of the most widely used organophosphorus insecticides for industrial, agricultural and public health purposes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of CE exposure via gavage on metabolic and redox status in pregnant, lactating rats and their pups at weaning. The oral administration of this pesticide at doses of 1 mg/kg of body weight No Observed Adverse Effects Level (NOAEL), 5.4mg/kg b.wt (1/25LD50) and 13.5 mg/kg b.wt (1/10LD50) was given 1day/2 to female rats during the entire gestation and lactation period. Plasma biochemical parameters as well as lipid profiles and oxidative stress markers were determined. Oral CE exposure induced an increase in plasma glucose, urea, creatinine and lipid status levels in mothers at parturition (day 0) and at the end of lactation (day21) and in their offspring at weaning (day21). An altered oxidant/antioxidant status marked in mothers treated by the insecticide at day 0 and day 21 and these disturbances were also seen in their offspring. In conclusion, different doses CE exposure induced several metabolic and redox alterations leading to maternal physiological impairments and to offspring metabolic changes. CE should be used with caution especially during pregnancy and lactation period.

A Comparative Study of Cadmium Levels in Brain Tissue of Mice Observed Over Two Generations after Exposure During their Perinatal Period: Modulation by Quercetin

The perinatal period is very critical as the embryo or the new born is more susceptible to Cd toxicity. This study was done to measure Cd levels in brain tissue of F1 and F2 generation mice whose mothers were exposed to Cd during lactation or during the entire period of gestation and lactation and also to investigate whether quercetin could modulate this effect. Dams were exposed to cadmium during lactation and during the entire perinatal period. F1 and F2 generations were reared till 100 days of age. After being sacrificed, their brains were extracted, and cadmium levels were estimated using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer. It was found that Cd levels in brain tissue were significantly higher in the F1 generation when animals were exposed in lactation. There was slight increase in Cd in brain tissue of animals exposed during gestation as well as lactation, but the change was not statistically significant. Quercetin reduced the Cd levels significantly in a dose dependent manner in lactation group. In the other two groups it reduced the Cd levels even lower than the controls. This study shows that Cd is passed on to the next generation more efficiently when exposed during lactation. Lesser transmission is seen when exposure is during gestation followed by lactation. Quercetin effectively reduces Cd levels in brain tissue irrespective of the type of exposure.

Effect of calving season on the parameters and components of the lactation curve in Holstein dairy cows managed in a semi-desert climate.

The lactation curve in dairy cows is influenced by the calving season, which is highly dependent on the warm climate in semi-arid regions. Objective herein was to evaluate effects of calving season on the parameters and components of the lactation curve in Holstein cows. The study included 278,317 milk records collected from 1086 cows from the 1st to 5th calving and good body condition score. The cows were grouped according to the season in which they calved: winter-calved (CS1), summer-calved (CS2), and autumn-calved cows (CS3). Ambient temperature and humidity data were used to calculate the temperature-humidity index (THI). The NLIN procedure was used to estimate the parameters of the lactation curve that served to calculate the components. The mixed procedure was executed to analyze the fixed effect of calving season. Associations between lactation curve traits were tested using correlation and regression analyses. A univariate model was utilized to calculate heritability. Average THI values during the lactation period were 73.5, 68.5, and 69.5 units for CS1, CS2, and CS3 groups, respectively. Initial milk production and increasing rate to the maximum milk yield in CS1 and CS3 groups were higher (P < 0.05) than CS2 cows. However, persistency and total milk yield during the entire lactation period were superior (P < 0.05) for CS2 and CS3 cows compared to CS1 cows, probably due to the moderate heat stress during the lactation period in the CS1 group. In cows from CS2 and CS3 groups, total milk production at 305days was moderately correlated with initial milk production (r = 0.47; P < 0.05), and highly correlated with milk yield at peak day (r = 0.91; P < 0.05) which resulted as reliable predictor for total milk yield during the entire lactation (R2 = 0.83). In conclusion, the THI prevailing during the differentcalving seasons appeared to be an important factor influencing the performance of the lactation curve.

Comparison of the feeding behaviour of primiparous and multiparous Jersey and Holstein cows kept under equal conditions throughout lactation.

The objective of the study was to describe the feeding behaviour of primiparous and multiparous Jersey cows compared to Holstein cows housed in separate groups in the same barn. Such information could help farmers to optimise management with respect to welfare and production. Yet, it remains limited for Jersey cows over the entire period of lactation. Feeding data of 116 Danish Jersey (mean parity 2.14 ± 1.32) and 218 Danish Holstein cows (mean parity 1.90 ± 1.16) were assessed using automatic feeders from day 15 to 252 of lactation. Total eating duration, duration of eating per visit, intervals between meals, number of visits per day and the eating rate were analysed using linear mixed effects models. The cows were kept in a loose-housing system, with cubicles and automatic milking robots, and the group composition was dynamic. Compared to Holstein cows, Jersey cows visited the feeder significantly more often with shorter between meal intervals. However, the visit duration and total daily eating time and eating rates were significantly shorter for Jersey cows. There was no difference between breeds in the daily eating time and eating rate of older cows. Younger Jersey cows had significantly lower eating rates than older Jersey cows. No other difference in parity was found within Jersey cows. Weeks in milk significantly affected the eating time per day, number of visits per day and eating rate. The trajectories of outcome variables during lactation did not differ between the two breeds. In conclusion, we found substantial differences in the feeding behaviour of Jersey and Holstein cows, however, these differences could also be related to a group effect.