Colostrum Fat Research Articles

140 Effects of ɷ-3 PUFA supplementation during late gestation to first-calf beef heifers on physiological and performance responses of offspring

Abstract The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effects of ɷ-3 PUFA supplementation to late gestation first-calf beef heifers on milk and immunoglobulin production and performance and physiological responses of the offspring. Non-lactating, pregnant Angus heifers (n = 44) were ranked by age, body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) and allocated to receive DDG + 1 of the 2 treatments: 1) 234 g/heifer per feeding of Ca salts of PUFA based on eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids (OMG, Strata; Virtus Nutrition LLC, Corcoran, CA; n = 22), 2) 234 g/heifer per feeding of Ca salts of saturated and monosaturated fatty acids based on palmitic and oleic acids (CON; EnerGII, Virtus Nutrition, LLC; n = 22; Table 1). The animals were gathered each week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and individually fed DDG + treatments. Immediately after calving, heifer-calf pairs were removed from their respective treatments and assigned to the general management of the research herd until weaning, which did not include fatty acid supplementation. Calves were transported to a feedyard for a 90-d preconditioning and feedlot receiving period. Initial cow BW and BCS were similar (P ≥ 0.49) among treatments. No differences were also detected (P ≥ 0.33) for BW or BCS change, and at calving BW or BCS (Table 3). No differences were observed between groups for average colostrum composition (P > 0.37). However, there was an increase in colostrum fat percentage (P = 0.03) and a tendency of greater concentration of colostrum IgG (P = 0.08) in OMG heifers compared with the control group. No significant differences were observed among treatments at calving results (P > 0.83; Table 3). However, a tendency was observed for crown to rump measure (P = 0.07). During the preconditioning period, there was a difference among groups for final BW (P = 0.04) and average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.05), remaining throughout the receiving phase among treatments for initial BW (P = 0.04), final BW (P = 0.04) and ADG (P = 0.05). A tendency (P = 0.09) for greater NEFA concentration and greater cortisol concentrations (P = 0.05) was observed in OMG vs. CON cohorts (Table 4, Table 5). Supplementation during late gestating first-calf beef heifers yielded similar outcomes on cow and offspring performance from birth to weaning; however, OMG calves were 6 kg heavier when compared with CON after being fed a high-energy feedlot diet, meaning that ɷ-3 PUFAs supplemented during late gestation might be an alternative to optimize feedlot responses of the offspring.

Effect of close-up metabolizable protein supply on colostrum yield, composition, and immunoglobulin G concentration and associations with prepartum metabolic indicators of Holstein cows

The prepartum diet as well as individual metabolic status of the cow influences colostrum parameters. The objectives of this study were to 1) investigate the effect of increasing prepartum dietary MP supply on colostrum yield, composition, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, and 2) identify prepartum metabolic indicators associated with these outcomes. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 96) were blocked by expected calving date and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 prepartum diets formulated to contain a control (CON; 85 g of MP/kg DM; 1,175 g of MP/d) or high (HI; 113 g of MP/kg DM; 1,603 g of MP/d) level of MP starting at 28 d before expected calving. Both prepartum diets were formulated to supply Met and Lys at an equal amount of 1.24 and 3.84 g/Mcal of metabolizable energy (ME), respectively. Metabolic indicators were determined in serum (albumin, glutamate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, aspartate transaminase, total protein, total bilirubin, and IgG) or plasma (Ca, glucose, fatty acids, BHB, and urea nitrogen) twice weekly in a subset of cows (n = 60). Colostrum was harvested at 3.6 ± 2.4 h from calving and yield as well as concentrations of IgG, fat, protein, and Ca were determined. Cows were retrospectively grouped based on the typical volume of colostrum needed for 2 colostrum meals (<6 or ≥ 6 kg), IgG concentration (<100 or ≥ 100 g/L), as well as the median concentrations of fat (<4.4 or ≥ 4.4%), protein (<16.5 or ≥ 16.5%), Ca (<0.21 or ≥ 0.21%), and total colostrum ME (<8.65 or ≥ 8.65 Mcal). Data were analyzed using mixed effects ANOVA, with repeated measures where applicable. Feeding HI tended to increase colostrum yield in cows entering parity 2 (9.4 vs. 7.2 ± 0.9 kg), but treatment did not affect yield from cows entering parity ≥3 (5.1 vs. 6.4 ± 1.0 kg). Supply of MP did not affect concentrations of IgG, fat, protein, or Ca. Cows that produced ≥ 6 kg vs. those producing <6 kg of colostrum had lower plasma concentrations of glucose. Metabolic indicators were not associated with IgG group. Colostrum fat ≥4.4% was associated with cows having lower prepartum concentrations of glucose, total protein, albumin, and aspartate transaminase activity. Colostrum protein ≥ 16.5% was associated with lower circulating serum IgG and elevated cholesterol. Elevated glucose as well as lower cholesterol and BHB concentrations were associated with colostrum Ca ≥ 0.21%. Further, higher albumin and fatty acids as well as lower glucose concentrations were associated with a greater colostrum energy output. In conclusion, increasing prepartum MP supply tended to increase colostrum yield in cows entering parity 2, but did not affect the composition or IgG concentration. The observed associations between metabolic indicators and colostrum parameters suggest that slight adjustment in metabolism during late gestation might be necessary to support colostrogenesis, but the causality of these relationships should be considered.

97 Effects of crude protein content and supplementing probiotics in late gestation and lactation sow diets on performance of sows and suckling pigs

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of crude protein (CP) content and supplementation with Bacillus-based probiotics (PRO) in late gestation and lactation sow diets on performance of sows and suckling pigs. Pregnant sows (n = 120; 60 gilts and 60 2+ parity) were assigned to 4 dietary treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (2 CP levels, with or without probiotics) from d 85 of gestation to d 21 of lactation. The experiment was conducted in 4 consecutive periods (half sows and half gilts per period). The diets consisted of 1) a corn-soybean meal (SBM)-based low CP (LCP; 12% CP) diet; 2) LCP + 0.05% probiotic (LCP-PRO); 3) a corn-SBM-based high CP (HCP; 15% CP) diet; and 4) HCP + 0.05% probiotic (HCP-PRO). The diets were formulated for 2 phases: gestation (d 85 – 115) and lactation (d 1 – 21). Sow body weight (BW) and backfat thickness were recorded on d 85 and 111 of gestation and on d 1 and 21 of lactation. Sow blood and milk were sampled on d 1 and 21 of lactation to analyze plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentration, and milk fat, protein, and lactose, respectively. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED of SAS. The statistical model included diet as fixed effect and period as random effect. There were no significant effects of CP and PRO on sow BW or backfat thickness. There was an interaction (P &amp;lt; 0.05) between CP and PRO on the number of stillbirths, where the number of stillbirths did not differ between LCP and LCP-PRO groups, while the number decreased in sows fed HCP-PRO diet compared with HCP diet. Sows fed LCP diets had reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) PUN concentrations on d 1 and d 21 of lactation compared with those fed HCP diets. However, no difference was found in fat, protein, or lactose content in both colostrum (d 1) and milk (d 21). Piglets from the sows fed LCP diets showed heavier (P &amp;lt; 0.05) birth weights (1.58, 1.57, 1.53, and 1.52 kg for diets 1 to 4) than those in HCP groups, however, the average daily gain (ADG) of week 1 (188, 166, 187, and 187 g for diets 1 to 4) was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for piglets in LCP groups than HCP groups. No other effects were observed on piglet growth. In conclusion, CP and PRO did not affect sow BW and backfat thickness. There was an interaction effect of CP and PRO on reproductive performance, where stillbirths did not differ between LCP and LCP-PRO groups; however, stillbirths decreased with PRO in HCP diet. Moreover, feeding LCP diets to sows did not influence milk nutrient contents and overall growth performance in suckling piglets.

Changes in the fatty acid profiles and health indexes of bovine colostrum during the first days of lactation and their impact on human health

Our objective was to analyze the changes in fatty acid (FA) profiles of bovine colostrum and immature milk during the first four days of lactation and assess their potential impact on human health. Colostrum and immature milk samples were collected from Czech Fleckvieh cows during their first to third lactation and the FA profiles were analyzed using multidimensional gas chromatography with a vacuum ultraviolet detector (GC×GC-VUV). The colostrum of primiparous cows contained lower levels of medium-chain and saturated fatty acids, and higher levels of mono- and unsaturated fatty acids compared to that of multiparous cows. The atherogenic and thrombogenicity indexes, as well as the hypocholesterolemic-to-hypercholesterolemic fatty acid ratio, were more favourable in primiparous cows. This makes colostrum fat an attractive product for human nutrition. To obtain the maximum health benefits, we recommend collecting and processing the colostrum of primiparous cows and immature milk at the end of the milk transition separately.

PSX-20 Effects of a Phytogenic Supplement Pre- and Post-Calving on Colostrum Yield and Composition, and Cow-Calf Performance

Abstract Objectives were to determine the effects of a phytogenic supplement (a blend of turmeric, capsicum, and pepper extracts), fed pre- and post-calving, on colostrum yield and quality, and cow-calf performance. Twenty-three (BW = 532.08 ± 9.13 kg; age 36 mo) crossbred Angus cows were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups: 1) Not supplemented (CON, n = 7); 2) supplemented with 250 mg· animal-1· d-1 (PHYT250, n = 8); or 3) supplemented with 500 mg· animal-1· d-1 (n = 8) of the phytogenic supplement. Cows were individually fed the supplement from 30 days (± 5 days) pre-calving (d –30) to 60 days (d 60) post-calving. Total colostrum from the left-rear quarter was collected on d 0 (pre-suckling), and d 1, d 2, and d 3 post-calving. Colostrum weight and volume were recorded, and samples (50 mL) were collected and analyzed for percentages of fat, protein, milk urea nitrogen (MUN), other solids, and lactose. Cow BW was obtained on a biweekly basis from d -30 to d 60. Calf BW was measured on d 0, d 30, d 42, and d 60. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using the MIXED procedure of SAS with treatment, day, and their interaction as fixed effects and animal as a random effect. No treatment by day interaction (P = 0.42) nor main effects of treatment and day (P ≥ 0.25) were observed for colostrum volume. Fat concentration tended to be greater (P = 0.07) for PHYT250 and PHYT500 compared with CON. A treatment × day interaction (P = 0.05) was observed for MUN, with PHYT250 being greater than PHYT500 but similar to CON on d1. There was no difference between treatments for all other days for MUN. No treatment by day interactions (P ≥ 0.15) or main effects of treatment (P ≥ 0.16) were observed for other components. However, there were main effects of day (P ≤ 0.02) with protein being greater on d 0 compared with all other days, and other solids and lactose being greater on day 3 compared with all other days. Main effects of day were observed for cow and calf BW (P ≤ 0.01). Cows were heavier on d 28 and d 42, while calves were heavier on d 56 compared with all other days. Even though we did not observe differences in performance, our results suggest that feeding a phytogenic supplement 30 d pre-calving up to 60 d post-calving may impact fat and MUN in colostrum. To complement these data, we are currently evaluating concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) in colostrum and calf blood. Further, milk collections will be performed in specific time-points up to weaning, to evaluate any possible effects of our treatments in milk yield and composition.

PSIV-1 Effects of Poor Maternal Nutrition During Gestation on F0 and F1 Ewe Colostrum and Milk Composition and Colostrum Igg

Abstract High-quality colostrum and milk are critical for proper neonatal growth and immune system development. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the predominant antibody class in colostrum and is vital for passive immune transfer in sheep. There is limited understanding of how poor maternal nutrition during gestation (restricted- and over-feeding) might influence colostrum and milk composition and colostrum IgG concentrations and how F1 offspring colostrum and milk are impacted as a result of F0 maternal diet. The objective of this experiment was to determine if poor maternal nutrition during gestation impacts F0 and F1 colostrum and milk composition, including IgG concentrations. We hypothesized that maternal restricted-feeding would decrease, and maternal over-feeding would increase total solids, fat, and protein during early and transitional lactation and that restricted-feeding would increase IgG concentrations and over-feeding would decrease IgG concentrations in F0 and F1 ewe colostrum. Multiparous Dorset ewes pregnant (n = 46) with twins were fed 100% (control; n = 13), 60% (restricted; n = 17) or 140% (over; n = 16) of National Research Council (NRC) requirements. After birth and during lactation, dams were fed 100% NRC for lactating ewes, so the nutritional insult only occurred during gestation. Resulting ewe offspring (n = 32) were raised on control diets and were bred between 16 and 19 mo of age. Colostrum samples were collected within 24 h of parturition and milk samples were collected at d 3 and d 21 postpartum. Colostrum and milk composition were evaluated using Brix Refractometry (total solids, g/dL) and spectrophotometry (crude fat, %; crude protein, %). Additionally, a radial immunodiffusion assay was used to determine IgG concentrations (mg/dL) in colostrum. A treatment by time interaction was observed for F0 colostrum crude fat where restricted-fed ewes had less fat than control-fed ewes (P ≤ 0.024). No interaction was detected for all other F0 and F1 composition variables (P ≥ 0.16). We did not detect a main effect of diet on F0 or F1 total solids, crude fat, and crude protein of colostrum nor milk (P ≥ 0.24). A main effect of time was observed for all variables where colostrum had greater total solids, crude fat, and crude protein compared with milk at d 3 and d 21 (P ≤ 0.0001). No effect of maternal diet on IgG concentrations were detected in F0 or F1 ewe colostrum (P ≥ 0.46). These data indicate that poor maternal diet has minimal effects on F0 and F1 ewe colostrum composition and IgG concentrations, and d 3 and d 21 milk composition. In addition, the impact of F0 diet on colostrum fat composition did not persist into the F1 generation.

PSIII-20 Impact of Prefarrow Fat Supplementation on Piglet Survival and Subsequent Reproduction

Abstract Past research (40+ years ago) suggests feeding fat to sows before parturition and during lactation improves piglet energy stores, sow colostrum fat percentage, sow milk fat percentage and piglet survival. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the impact of sow fat feeding on piglet survival and throughput in a modern production system. Data were collected from 1,866 sows at a 3,600 sow commercial farm in eastern North Carolina between May and August. Sows were randomly assigned to one of four treatments from day 108 of gestation until farrowing (no supplementation; Control), supplemented with 227g or 454g of soybean oil per day, or supplemented with 227g of coconut oil per day. Oil sources were top dressed daily with 2.27kg of lactation diet. After farrowing, sows had ad libitum access to the lactation diet. At birth, piglets received a colored ear tag corresponding to prefarrow diet. Traits recorded included total number of piglets born, stillborns, crossfosters, number weaned, piglet survival (number weaned ÷ total number born), litter weaning weight, lactation length, whether a sow farrowed a subsequent litter, subsequent total number born, subsequent number born alive, subsequent stillborns, Knauer sow body condition caliper score prefarrow and sow caliper score at weaning. Linear models were used in statistical analysis. Fixed effects included sow prefarrow diet, parity, contemporary group and location of the sow within the farrowing room. Covariates were included when applicable. Results are shown in Table 1. Stillborns and stillborn percentage did not differ (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between dietary treatments. Yet sows supplemented with soybean oil tended (P = 0.10) to have fewer stillborn piglets (0.06 piglets) than Control sows. No differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in piglet survival across dietary treatments were observed. Sows supplemented with soybean or coconut oil prefarrow had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) subsequent total number born (13.71 vs. 13.31 piglets) and tended (P = 0.07) to have greater subsequent number born alive (13.07 vs. 12.72 piglets) than Control fed sows. Accordingly, sows supplemented with soybean oil tended (P = 0.08) to have more subsequent total number born (13.69 vs. 13.31 piglets) and tended (P = 0.09) to have greater subsequent number born alive (13.07 vs. 12.72 piglets) than Control fed sows. No differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in sow body condition loss during lactation were observed between dietary treatments. In summary, prefarrow fat supplementation did not impact piglet survival but did enhance subsequent litter size. The authors would like to thank the United Soybean Board for funding projects designed to enhance pig farmer profit.

The The Relationship Between Lactation Period With Colostrum Age And Colostrum Fat Content Of FH (Friesian Holstein) At Kpsp Setia Kawan, Pasuruan

Colostrum is the milk secreted by the mother cow on the first day until the fourth day of milking after giving birth sothat it becomes the main food for the calf. The decrease in the milk production of dairy cows is in line with the increasein the lactation period. The effect of lactation period and colostrum age on colostrum fat content needs to beinvestigated because many small farmers do not understand the importance of colostrum for calves, especiallycolostrum fat content. The research location is in the Cattle Farming Cooperative. Dairy (KPSP) Faithful Friend. Dairycows used were 23 FH cows with a sample of 115 samples with 3 lactation periods (1,2,3) and 1,2,3,4,5 milking days.The method used is the case study method and sampling with purposive sampling. The variables used were lactationperiod, age and colostrum fat. data were analyzed using simple linear regression and correlation then analyzed usingdescriptive results. The relationship between lactation period and colostrum fat content is Y 7.43 + 0.03X, which meansthat every increase of 1 lactation period will result in an increase in colostrum fat content of 0.03%. With a correlationcoefficient (r) of 0.013 and a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.01%. while the average age of colostrum with thehighest colostrum fat content on the first day was 8.79 while the smallest fat content on the fifth day was 5.85. Basedon the results of the study it can be concluded that lactation period is not associated with the highest colostrum fatcontent on day 1 and the lowest on day 5.Keywords: Colostrum, lactation period, colostrum age, fat

The effects of using multi-species probiotics in late-pregnant and lactating sows on milk quality and quantity, fecal microflora, and performance of their offspring.

The dietary probiotics in sows during gestation to lactation period have gained considerable attention with respect to their beneficial effects on sows and their piglets' performance and health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of using probiotics in late-pregnant and lactating sows on milk quality, quantity, fecal microflora of sows, and growth performance of their offspring until weaning. Thirty-four sows were equally divided into two groups (control and treatment). Only those in the treatment group were fed 5 g of probiotics at 12 weeks of pregnancy, once daily for 7 weeks, until their piglets were weaned. Colostrum samples were collected at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after farrowing and measured for immunoglobulin concentration. Percentages of fat, protein, and lactose in colostrum, colostrum production, total intake of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), fat, protein, and lactose, the change of fecal microflora of sows, and average daily gain of piglets were measured. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the concentrations of IgA, IgG, and IgM in colostrum and the percentages of fat, protein, lactose, solid-not-fat, and total solid in colostrum between the groups; however, the colostrum production at 24 h in the treatment group (6,075.29 mL) was higher than in the control group (4,809.54 mL). Higher total intakes of IgA and IgG as well as total intake of fat, protein, and lactose, particularly at 3 h after farrowing, were found in the treatment group. Probiotic supplementation remarkably altered the microbiota community at the phylum level. We found that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the dominant phyla, present in the gut of more than 90% of pregnant and lactating sows. Changes in microbial proportions were observed due to the changes of pig production stage. The weaning weight of the treatment group was higher than in the control group (6.34 ± 1.71 vs. 4.84 ± 1.29 kg, respectively). Feeding of multi-species probiotic BACTOSAC-P™ during late pregnancy and lactation in sows positively influenced colostrum production. In this experiment, the use of BACTOSAC-P™ improved the yield of colostrum production. The high immunoglobulin concentration and high yield of the colostrum of sows with a diet supplemented with BACTOSAC-P™ significantly reduced piglet mortality during the suckling period. Furthermore, the probiotic diet induced changes in the fecal microbial population in sows by increasing the number of microorganisms from the Firmicutes phylum, which had positive effects on sow health and their piglets, leading to better piglet growth performance.

Evaluation of polyunsaturated fatty acids content in the three stages of breast milk: colostrum, transitional and mature milk of a nursing mother submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery two months prior to pregnancy: Case study

The purpose of this case study was to investigate polyunsaturated fatty acids in colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk of a nursing mother attended to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass two months prior to pregnancy. For this, was collected 2ml (colostrum), 4ml (transitional milk) and 4ml (mature milk) samples obtained by manual expression of the breast that was not sucked in the last feeding, in the morning and placed in Eppendorfs-type microtubes. The fatty acid composition was performed by means of gas chromatography. The mean proportions of fat in colostrum, transition milk and mature milk were: eicosapentaenoic acid: 0.06%; 0.05% and 0.06%; docosahexaenoic acid: 0.12%, 0.08% and 0.09%; arachidonic acid: 0.58%, 0.37% and 0.42%, respectively; trans fatty from the industrial process: 0.11%, 0.08% and 0.12% and trans fatty from ruminant sources (0.09%, 0.10% and 0.12%, respectively. The relevance of this case study lies in the fact that it shares knowledge about on the fatty acid composition of breast milk from a nursing mother post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The mean linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid found in the mature milk was below the means found in studies carried out in Brazil from eutrophic women who did not underwent bariatric surgery. In this study, trans fatty acids were found in maternal milk but considered low values. As a relevant recommendation for future work, it is suggested that research be carried out with a larger population undergoing such a procedure to investigate the composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast milk.

Effects of Dietary Probiotics and Acidifiers on the Production Performance, Colostrum Components, Serum Antioxidant Activity and Hormone Levels, and Gene Expression in Mammary Tissue of Lactating Sows.

The aims of this study were to test the effects of dietary probiotics and acidifiers on the production performance, colostrum components, serum antioxidant activity and hormone levels, and gene expression in the mammary tissue of lactating sows. Four treatments were administered with six replicates to 24 lactating sows. The control group (GC) received a basal diet, while the experimental groups received a basal diet with 200 mL/d probiotics (GP), 0.5% acidifiers (GA), and 200 mL/d probiotics + 0.5% acidifiers (GM), respectively. Compared with the GC, (1) the average weight of the piglets on the 21st day of lactation in the GM was higher (p < 0.05); (2) the colostrum fat ratio increased significantly (p < 0.05); (3) the malondialdehyde levels in GP and GM were lower (p < 0.05) on the 11th day; (4) on the 1st, 11th, and 21st days, the prolactin in GP and GM increased (p < 0.05); (5) on the 21st day, the relative expression levels of the prolactin receptor and fatty acid synthase were increased (p < 0.05). In summary, the basal diet mixed with 200 mL/d probiotics + 0.5% acidifiers could improve the production performance, colostrum components, serum antioxidant activity, and hormone levels of lactating sows.

Feeding strategies to increase sow colostrum quality and yield

Effects of nutritional strategies on colostrum quality and yield are variable as influenced by sow colostrum production capacity, parity, farrowing induction protocol, and gestation length. The greatest opportunity to maximize colostrum yield and quality is through proper management of body condition in gestation such that sows are not in a negative energy balance when entering farrowing. Total colostrum fat percentage can be increased through the addition of dietary fat or oil. Colostrum fatty acid composition can also be changed by addition of dietary oil or increased branched chain amino acids. Colostrum protein and immunoglobulins are more challenging to influence.

Genetic Parameters of Serum Total Protein Concentration Measured with a Brix Refractometer in Holstein Newborn Calves and Fresh Cows.

The objective was to estimate the genetic parameters of serum total protein concentration in newborn calves (calfSTP) and post parturient dairy cows (cowSTP). The study included 1013 calves and 989 cows from 10 dairy farms. Calf blood samples were collected 24-48 h after parturition while cow blood and colostrum samples were collected in the first 24 h after calving. Blood serum total protein and colostrum total solids content were determined using a Brix refractometer. Chemical analysis of colostrum was performed with Milkoscan. Univariate mixed linear models were used to estimate the heritability of calfSTP and cowSTP and their genetic and phenotypic correlations with colostrum traits. The heritability estimates of calfSTP and cowSTP were 0.21 and 0.20 (p < 0.05), respectively. Strong genetic correlations (r > 0.90) were detected between calfSTP and colostrum total solids and protein content (p < 0.05). Corresponding phenotypic correlations were 0.31-0.33 (p < 0.05). No genetic or phenotypic correlations were detected with colostrum fat content while the respective correlations with lactose were negative (-0.82 and -0.19, p < 0.05). No genetic correlations were detected between cowSTP and colostrum traits and only a low negative phenotypic one with lactose was detected. The results confirm that genetic selection aiming to improve the passive transfer of immunity in newborn calves and general fresh cow health would be feasible.

Effect of lambing season on ewe’s colostrum composition

Colostrum provides newborns with nutrients and immunoglobulins that play a major role in the immune system. In this survey, the immunoglobulin G (IgG) content, gross composition, mineral content, and fatty acid composition were determined in the colostrum of Valle del Belice ewes with the aim of evaluating the effect of lambing of season. In total, we analysed 60 bulk tank colostrum samples taken after lambing during two seasons (summer and winter). The IgG content and Brix mean values were 40.35 g/L and 21.02%, respectively. The colostrum fat, protein, casein, and lactose percentages were 8.01, 12.10, 8.51, and 3.13%, respectively. The lambing season significantly influenced the pH and somatic cell count, with higher values observed in winter than in summer. The most common fatty acids were palmitic (27.75 vs. 24.84 g/100 g), oleic (24.57 vs. 18.15 g/100 g), myristic (12.55 vs. 12.16 g/100 g) and stearic (7.02 vs. 6.16 g/100 g) detected in the summer and winter seasons, respectively. The winter season significantly increased the polyunsaturated fatty acid values (11.18 vs. 6.41). Additionally, the lambing season determined different mineral composition levels in the colostrum, particularly copper (8.50 vs. 5.35 µmol L−1) and manganese (3.35 vs. 0.80 µmol L−1), which were higher in the summer. Based on IgG content, the quality of the colostrum was excellent.

Maternal supplementation with glycerol monolaurate improves the intestinal health of suckling piglets by inhibiting the NF-κB/MAPK pathways and improving oxidative stability.

Glycerol monolaurate (GML) is a food safe emulsifier and a kind of MCFA monoglyceride that has been proven to confer positive benefits in improving animal health, production and feed digestibility as a feed additive. This study aims to evaluate whether supplementation of a sow diet with GML could affect the intestinal barrier function and antioxidant status of newborn piglets and to explore its regulatory mechanism. A total of 80 multiparous sows were divided into two groups, which were fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 0.1% GML. The results indicated that maternal supplementation with GML significantly increased fat, lactose and protein in sow colostrum, as well as fat and protein in sow 14-day milk (P < 0.05). The results showed that GML significantly reduced the concentrations of IL-12 in the duodenum, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-12 in the jejunum, and IL-1β in the ileum of piglets (P < 0.05). Higher concentrations of T-AOC, T-SOD, GSH and GSH-Px and lower MDA in the intestine were observed in the GML group than in the control group. Correspondingly, the villi height, crypt depth and the ratio of villi height to crypt depth (V/C) in the jejunum and the V/C in the ileum in the GML group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the GML group displayed significantly increased protein abundance of zonula occludens (ZO)-1, occludin, and claudin-1 in the small intestine (P < 0.05), mRNA expression of mucins (MUCs) in the small intestine (MUC-1, MUC-3 and MUC-4), and mRNA expression of porcine beta defensins (pBDs) in the duodenum (pBD1 and pBD2), jejunum (pBD1, pBD2 and pBD129) (P < 0.05), and ileum (pBD2, pBD3 and pBD114) (P < 0.05). Further research showed that GML significantly reduced the phosphorylation of the NF-κB/MAPK pathways in the small intestine (P < 0.05). In addition, the results of 16S rDNA sequencing showed that maternal supplementation with GML altered the colonic microbiotic structure of piglets, and reduced the relative abundance of Escherichia shigella. In summary, a sow diet supplemented with GML enhanced the offspring's intestinal oxidative stability and barrier function and attenuated the offspring's intestinal inflammatory response, possibly by suppressing the activation of the NF-κB/MAPK pathways.

Effect of prepartum source and amount of vitamin D supplementation on lactation performance of dairy cows

The objectives of this experiment were to determine the effects of supplementing 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (calcidiol, CAL) compared with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, CHOL) at 1 or 3 mg/d in late gestation on production outcomes of dairy cows. One hundred thirty-three parous and 44 nulliparous pregnant Holstein cows were enrolled in the experiment. Cows were blocked by parity and previous lactation milk yield (parous) or genetic merit (nulliparous) and assigned randomly to receive 1 or 3 mg/d of CAL or CHOL in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (CAL1, CAL3, CHOL1, and CHOL3). Treatments were provided to individual cows as a top-dress to the prepartum diet from 250 d in gestation until parturition. The prepartum diet had a dietary cation-anion difference of -128 mEq/kg of dry matter. Production and disease were evaluated for the first 42 d in milk, and reproduction was evaluated to 300 d in milk. Incidence of postpartum diseases did not differ among treatments. Feeding CAL compared with CHOL increased yields of colostrum and colostrum fat, protein, and total solids, resulting in an increased amount of net energy for lactation secreted as colostrum (CHOL = 7.0 vs. CAL = 9.0 ± 0.7 Mcal). An interaction between source and amount was observed for milk yield: CAL3 increased milk yield compared with CHOL3 (CHOL3 = 34.1 vs. CAL3 = 38.7 ± 1.4 kg/d) but milk yield did not differ between CAL1 and CHOL1 (CHOL1 = 36.9 vs. CAL1 = 36.4 ± 1.4 kg/d). Concentrations of serum calcidiol on day of calving and average serum Ca from d 2 to 11 postpartum were positively associated with milk yield in the first 42 d in milk. Interactions between source and amount of vitamin D were also observed for pregnancy after first AI: the percentage of cows receiving CHOL1 and CAL3 that became pregnant was smaller than that of cows receiving CHOL3 and CAL1. However, pregnancy per AI and pregnancy by 300 d in milk did not differ among treatments. Overall, CAL3 increased milk yield compared with CHOL3, whereas in cows fed 1 mg/d (CAL1 and CHOL1), the source of vitamin D generally had no effect. The effect of CAL3 may be explained in part by serum CAL concentrations and postpartum serum Ca, which were associated with milk yield.

Effects of pre-partum dietary crude protein level on colostrum fat globule membrane proteins and the performance of Hu ewes and their offspring.

Dietary proteins play important roles in the growth and reproduction of sheep, and the ewe's demand for proteins increases dramatically during late pregnancy. This research aimed to investigate the effect of dietary crude protein (CP) levels during late pregnancy on colostrum fat globule membrane (MFGM) protein and the growth performance of Hu sheep and their offspring, and provide a reference for the protein intake of ewes during late pregnancy. A total of 108 multiparous Hu sheep (45.6 ± 1.18 kg) were selected for this study, then 60 pregnant ewes confirmed by B-scan ultrasonography were randomly divided into three treatments (20 ewes/treatment) and fed by total mixed ration pellet with CP levels at 9.00% (LP), 12.0% (MP), and 15.0% (HP) during late pregnancy, respectively. The weight and dry matter intake of ewes during late pregnancy were recorded to calculate the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Twin lambs were weighed on days 0, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 180 after birth to calculate ADG. Meanwhile, the colostrum of ewes was collected within 12 h after delivery. The colostrum MFGM proteins were identified and quantified by the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods. In addition, biological functions of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were annotated by Gene Ontology annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis. The results revealed that a 15.0% CP level had significant effects on the BW of lambs on days 0, 7, and 30 (P < 0.05). Notably, a total of 1,529 MFGM proteins were identified and 286 DEPs were found among three treatments. Functional analysis showed that DEPs were mainly involved in cell growth, differentiation, and tissue repair, and involved in metabolic pathways, such as the porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism pathways. In this study, lambs in HP treatment had better growth performance; moreover, dietary 15.0% CP level also affected the colostrum MFGM proteins composition of Hu ewes. These observations can facilitate future studies on the feeding regimen of ewes during late pregnancy.

Effects of non- aureus staphylococci on colostrum composition, properties and fatty acid profile in cow - a preliminary study.

By providing the body with essential nutrients, colostrum plays an immune and immunostimulating function. Colostrum quality depends on multiple factors, including microbial presence. This study aimed to explore the effect of non-aureus staphylococci on colostrum quality. Physical and chemical properties, fatty acid profile of cow colostrum were determined. In our study, we identified three non- aureus staphylococci species in the colostrum: S. sciuri, S. xylosus and S. warneri. The percentage of dry matter in staphylococci positive and negative colostrum samples did not differ significantly. Contents of fat, protein, and lactose in the colostrum were similar. The content of butyric (С4:0) and capric (С10:0) acids was significantly higher in the colostrum fat from samples positive for non- aureus staphylococci. Total bacterial count was lower in non- aureus staphylococci positive samples, while pH increased. The percentage of β-casein was lower in colostrum with a positive culture for non- aureus staphylococci.

Essential and Toxic Mineral Content and Fatty Acid Profile of Colostrum in Dairy Sheep.

Simple SummaryColostrum is of interest to the scientific community because of its nutritional and therapeutic capabilities. The aims of this study were to characterize the macro and micro composition of colostrum from Sarda dairy sheep and to compare it with the composition of the mature milk of the same breed. The results of this survey showed a large variation in the immunoglobulin concentration in colostrum, which could affect the acquisition of passive immunity by lambs. The strong correlation between immunoglobulin G and the total protein content suggests that this can be used to estimate the immunoglobulin content in sheep colostrum. The concentration of essential minerals is higher in colostrum than in milk as a result of mineral salt block supplementation at the end of gestation. Colostrum has a significantly different fatty acid profile than milk, and this is due to the specific needs of newborn lambs.Colostrum is a major source of immunity in ruminants. It allows the transfer of antibodies from the mother to the fetus, and it is the exclusive source of nutrients for the newborn. The objectives of this study were (i) to characterize the macro and the micro composition of colostrum; (ii) to analyze the antioxidant capacity, fatty acid profile, and essential and toxic mineral content of colostrum; and (iii) to compare FA profiles and the amount of trace elements between colostrum and mature milk. For these purposes, samples of colostrum and milk were collected from a representative sample of animals from eight sheep dairy farms in the north of Sardinia (Italy). Fat, proteins, and seven essential and toxic minerals were measured in all samples of colostrum and milk. Furthermore, the FA profile was also measured in both matrices, while total antioxidant capacity was measured only in colostrum samples. The average amounts of fat and protein (TP) concentration in colostrum were 7.8% and 16%, respectively. Additionally, an average amount of 40 ± 20 g dm−3 was found for immunoglobulin G (IgG). As regards the antioxidant capacity of colostrum, a large variation was observed between samples from different farms for test 2, 2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), which was 30 ± 10% (mean ± standard deviation). High levels of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) were found in colostrum (200 µg kg−1, 25,000 µg kg−1, and 1200 µg kg−1, respectively). A strong positive correlation between TP and IgG was observed (r = 91%). In colostrum, the amount of IgG is positively correlated with Se and Zn, as they are essential minerals to the immune system. The FA profile demonstrated higher levels of medium and long chain fatty acids in colostrum than in mature milk, and this is mainly true for arachidonic acid (ARA), ecosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This study provided new information on the quality of colostrum in Sarda dairy sheep and showed the different composition of fatty acids between colostrum and mature milk.

PSVI-9 Effect of Supplementing Confined Goats with Cucumis Melo During the Peripartum Period

Abstract The aim was to evaluate the effect of Cucumis melo supplementation on the quality and production of colostrum, milk, as well as live weight dynamics in both mothers and kids during the peripartum period. Pregnant multiparous adult goats (n=15) were divided into two experimental groups: 1) GS; n=8; supplemented with 300 g of dehydrated C. melo plus 100 g of concentrate); 2) GC; n=7; supplemented with 100 g of concentrate but without C melo). Data were analyzed by an ANOVA in a completely randomized design with the SAS statistical package (Evenston, ILL, USA, 2000) and differences were considered as significant at p≤ 0.05. Live weight did not differ between groups P=0.5, while colostrum fat content was greater in the GS compared with the GC (9.6 ± 1.1 vs 6.2 ± 0.8; P˂0.02). In milk production, no difference was observed between groups (2.2 ± 0.1 kg/day; P=0.8), however, on day 21 postpartum, an increase of 100 g/day was recorded for GS, compared with GC. Nutritional supplementation based on C. melo in goats during peripartum improves colostrum quality and increases milk production, under the conditions in which the experimental work was developed and could be adopted by goat breeders as an alternative so that their goats have a higher performance.