Fresh Cow Research Articles

Estimates of dairy herd health indicators of mastitis, ketosis, inter-calving interval, and fresh cow replacement in the Piedmont region, Italy

Test-day milk analysis has largely been used to study health and performance parameters in dairy cows. In this study, we estimated four health indicators of dairy cows using test-day data. Our purpose was to estimate (1) mastitis incidence rate, prevalence, and the probability of recovery; (2) the incidence proportion of ketosis; (3) the duration of inter-calving interval; and (4) the risk of a fresh cow being replaced, in a large cohort of dairy herds in the Piedmont region (Italy).We retrospectively analysed test day records of 261,121 lactating cows and 1315 herds during five years (2015–2020). Mastitis was defined by somatic cell count and ketosis by fat-to-protein ratio. Calving dates were used to calculate ICI and to estimate the removal of a fresh cow from the herd. Mixed-effect generalized linear models were used to adjust for unmeasured herd-level risk factors.The risk of mastitis increased by 120% with parity (Odds ratio [OR] = 2.20, confidence interval [CI]: 2.17 – 2.23), by 7% by months in milking (OR = 1.07, CI: 1.07 – 1.07), and even more if the cow was already affected during the same lactation (OR = 8.74, CI: 8.67 – 8.82). Lactose concentration on the previous test day was the best positive prognostic factor for mastitis recovery (OR = 1.12, CI: 1.08 – 1.17). Ketosis risk was the highest between 3rd and 4th lactations and itself increased the risk of having ICI longer than 440 days (OR = 1.12, CI: 1.02 – 1.22), and fresh-cow removal (OR = 1.75, CI: 1.58 – 1.93). Also, the removal of fresh cows was more likely when mastitis (OR = 1.31, CI: 1.19 – 1.45) or long ICI (OR = 1.34, CI: 1.22 – 1.48) occurred. For each health indicator, herd-level risk factors had an important role (18–56% of within-herd covariance).Our results indicate that milk analysis could be also useful for predicting mastitis, its cure rate, and ketosis. Cow-level risk factors are not enough to explain the risk of these issues. By studying a large population over a long period, this study provides an updated estimate of dairy cow health indicators in Piedmont (north-western Italy), useful for benchmarking dairy herds.

PERFORMANCE OF JUTE MALLOW AS INFLUENCED BY ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA FUNGI (Glomus deserticola) AND BONE CHAR ON AN ALFISOL OF SUDAN SAVANNAH AGROECOLOGY, NIGERIA

The study investigated phosphorous release from bone char and the response of jute mallow to the combined application of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) and bone char as well. An Alfisol from the Sudan Savannah agro-ecology of Northern Nigeria was used for this study. The soil was sterilized and subjected to routine analysis. Fresh cow bones were collected from the abattoir of Dutse and pyrolysed at a temperature of 400oC. The bone char was inoculated and incubated with AMF (Glomus deserticola) to determine its effect on release of available P from the bonechar. The experiment adopted a completely randomized design and consisted of six treatment combinations (three rates of bone char: 10, 20 and 30 g; two levels of AMF: inoculated and uninoculated) replicated three times. Incubation studies revealed that Available Phosphorous (AP) obtained from bone char was enhanced under the influence of AMF with 364.60 mg kg-1 obtained from 30 g/pot bone char AMF combination. Agronomic parameters involving height, number of leaves and dry matter yield were recorded at 3, 6 and 9 weeks after planting. Sole bone char application at 10 g/pot recorded higher plant heights and number of leaves. Plants under sole bone char applications performed better than those with combined AMF inoculations and bone char. Dry matter yield obtained were poor and were not consistent with the treatment rates. Bone char proved to be a potential viable source of plant available phosphorous. There was a proportional and significant (p<0.05) increase in quantity of AP under the influence of AMF with increase in rates of bone char.

Comparative analysis of the degree of hydrolysis and antioxidant activity of milk and whey hydrolysates

The degree of hydrolysis and antioxidant activity of protein hydrolysates from fresh cow’s milk and whey obtained by the action of the proteolytic enzymes papain, bromelain and chymosin were compared. The lowest degree of hydrolysis in fresh milk hydrolysates was reported for sample MP1 (10 min reaction time, treatment with 0.1 mg/ml papain), and the highest percentage was obtained at hydrolysate MB12 (at 60 min reaction time, treatment with 1.0 mg/ml bromelain). For the whey samples in sample WC1 (10 min reaction time, treatment with 1.0 μl/ml chymosin), the percentage of hydrolysis was the lowest. The highest percentage was achieved at WP12 hydrolysate using papain at a concentration of 1 mg/ml and a 60-min reaction time. The obtained values for the antioxidant capacity of the hydrolysed products show a higher activity compared to the starting substrates. The highest activity in the milk hydrolysates of 11.32 mg TE/100 ml was found in variant MB3, and in the whey hydrolysates of 7.83 mg TE/100 ml - in variant WP7. Hydrolysates treated with chymosin had lower TE values compared to the hydrolysate’s variants, treated with papain and bromelain.

Preparation of Synbiotic Yogurt Sauce Containing Spirulina platensis Microalgae Extract and Its Effect on the Viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Preparing a healthy and practical substitute for mayonnaise and reducing the complications caused by its consumption are two of the concerns of the producers of this product. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the possibility of producing synbiotic yogurt sauce prepared with Spirulina platensis microalgae extract (SPAE) as a valuable and alternative product for mayonnaise. After preparing yogurt from fresh cow's milk, synbiotic yogurt sauce was prepared according to the formulation, and the effect of SPAE at the rate of 0.5, 1, and 2% on the viability of the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus was evaluated, and chemical, rheological, and sensory tests were carried out in the storage period (35 days). The highest viability rate of L. acidophilus was related to the treatment containing 2% of SPAE with 1.31 log CFU/g reduction (from 9.02 log CFU/g on the first day to 7.71 log CFU/g on the final day) and 1% of SPAE with 2.98 log CFU/g reduction, respectively, which were significantly more effective than other treatments (P < 0.05), and it was found that the viability rate increases with the increase in the percentage of the prebiotic composition. There was also a significant difference between the treatments in the simulating conditions of the digestive system, and the viability of L. acidophilus in the treatment containing the prebiotic composition increased (P < 0.05). According to the results, during storage, in the presence of microalgae, acidity increased, and pH, viscosity, and sensory properties decreased compared to the control group. Upon analyzing the results, it was found that the addition of the prebiotic composition of SPAE, which is known as a functional product, led to a partial improvement in its properties. Therefore, the use of this alga, while benefiting from its medicinal and therapeutic properties, increases the viability rate of probiotic.

Plant growth promoting, biochemical and antifungal properties of microbes isolated from cow dung

Cow dung is a rich source of microbial diversity and being used since long time in India for seed treatment, plastering cut ends of vegetative propagated plant parts and sprinkling of diluted solution on crops. In present study, microbes from fresh cow dung of indigenous cow were isolated and biochemically characterized. Cow dung enriched with diversity of microorganisms in different medium i.e 38 x 106cfu g-1 (Nutrient agar), 26.0 x 106 cfu g-1 (Actinomycetes isolation agar), 36 x 106 cfu g-1 (Kings B agar), 16 x 106 cfu g-1(CV agar),13 x 106 cfu g-1 (Methyl red), 15 x 106 cfu g-1 (Pikovskyas agar), 30 x 106 cfu g-1 (CRYEMA), Azospirillum 70 x 106 cfu g-1 (N-free maleate) and 30 x 106 cfu g-1(Jenson agar medium). Based on microbial enumeration, total 18 bacterial isolates were selected for biochemical, PGPR characterization and biocontrol activity. All isolates were tested positive for phosphate and Zn solubilisation. Isolate CD2, CD5, CD13, CD14 and CD19 were tested highly positive for zinc, phosphate, K-solubilisation, IAA and amylase production. Test isolates CD2, CD5, CD6, CD7, CD10 and CD13 were tested highly positive for β-galactosidase activity, ornithine utilization, nitrate reduction, citrate utilization, malonate utilization, esculin hydrolysis, trehalose, glucose and lactose utilization. All isolated microbes tested for biocontrol activity (antifungal property) against standard pathogen procured from microbial type culture collection (MTCC), i.e. C. gloeosporioides (MTCC 2190), F. oxysporum (MTCC 10247), C. fimbriota (MTCC 2281) and P. aphanidermatum (MTCC 284). CD2, CD34 and CD20 isolates significantly inhibited the growth of C. gloeosporioides and P. aphanidermatum. Result of the study advocates that cow dung and cow dung based formulations are cheap source for soil, plant health and management of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, P. aphanidermatum and Fusarium oxysporum in various crops.

Influence of Freezing on the Kinetics of Milk Gelation and the Microstructure of Goat Milk Gel

One of the main problems of goat milk processing is low milk yields , seasonality , the need to accumulate a certain amount of goat milk for processing , difficulties with transportation from remote areas . Freezing of goat's milk for the purpose of its accumulation in the production of fermented dairy products is associated with a change in its properties , which can significantly affect production processes . The aim of this work is to study the effect of freezing – thawing of goat's milk on the kinetics of rennet gelation and the microstructure of the gel in comparison with fresh whole goat's and cow's milk . It is shown that the duration of the primary enzymatic phase of gelation in a sample of thawed goat's milk is close to the duration of the primary phase of raw cow's milk . In the secondary phase of gelation , the final value of the elastic modulus of a clot of thawed goat's milk is close to the value of the elastic modulus of a clot of raw goat's milk .

ANALISIS STRATEGI PEMASARAN DENGAN METODE SWOT ANALYSIS DAN MARKETING MIX

Fresh Cow Milk UKM Wijaya is one of the SMEs which is engaged in cattle farming as well as running UHT milk processing. One of the problems faced by Wijaya's Fresh Cows Milk UKM is the inadequate marketing activities, because the Wijaya Fresh Cow Milk UKM has various limitations, including business capital, market information, and supporting technology. This study aims to determine the marketing mix, internal and external influencing factors of SMEs, and the formulation of alternative marketing strategies using the IFE / EFE matrix method and the SWOT matrix. The results of this study are the internal strength factors that have the most influence is having as many as 15 dairy cows, and product prices that are affordable by school children and the general public, a score of 0.45. The most influential internal factor of weakness does not have adequate technology, a score of 0.3. The external factor, the most influential opportunity, is that there are no competitors who can produce pure cow's milk in the city area, with a score of 0.65. The most influential external threat factor is rupiah exchange rate inflation, a score of 0.42. The total IFE score is 2.59 and EFE 2.48, the strategy with IE matrix is market penetration and product development. The proposed strategy with a SWOT matrix based on the IE strategy is to improve product quality to retain old consumers and to attract new customers (S-O and W-T Strategies), and to make improvements to products by adding flavors and adding important information to product packaging.

Ethnomedicinal study and in vitro validation of medicinal plants used for treating Jaundice in Zuru emirate of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract Background: For decades, the resident of Zuru emirate have used herbal medicine to treat liver-related diseases including jaundice. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate and document the herbal medicine used for treating jaundice in Zuru emirate. Method: Oral interviews and questionnaire were used to document information on medicinal plants, medicinal practices, and demographic profiles of respondents. The medicinal plants that were mentioned were collected, identified, and assigned voucher numbers. The names were further authenticated using www.theplantlist.org and theworldfloraonline.org. Thereafter, the methanol stem bark extracts of three of the most frequently mentioned plants were subjected to in vitro bilirubin degradation assay. Result: A total of 46 TMPs Traditional medicine practitioners responded and cited 28 medicinal plants and medicinal practices used to treat jaundice. The most frequently mentioned plants were Erythrina senegalensis (19.6%) followed by Cochlospermum planchonii (13%), and Anogeissus leiocarpus (13%). The herbal remedies were prepared using different parts of the plants as boiled juice or powder and mostly taken as juice with pap or fresh raw cow milk. The in vitro bilirubin degradation assay revealed a time-dependent and dose-dependent bilirubin degradation by Anogeissus leiocarpus (63.05 %), Erythrina senegalensis (46.33%), and Cochlospermum planchonii (27.45%). Conclusion: The present findings revealed the medicinal plants that are used to treat jaundice and the potential jaundice ameliorative effect of these plants may involve bilirubin degradation. Future in vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies should investigate the jaundice ameliorative potency of these plants.

Impact of innovative nanoadditives on biodigesters microbiome.

Nanoparticles (NPs) supplementation to biodigesters improves the digestibility of biowaste and the generation of biogas. This study investigates the impact of innovative nanoadditives on the microbiome of biodigesters. Fresh cow manure was anaerobically incubated in a water bath under mesophilic conditions for 30 days. Three different NPs (zinc ferrite, zinc ferrite with 10% carbon nanotubes and zinc ferrite with 10% C76 fullerene) were separately supplemented to the biodigesters at the beginning of the incubation period. Methane and hydrogen production were monitored daily. Manure samples were collected from the digesters at different time points and the microbial communities inside the biodigesters were investigated via real-time PCR and 16 S rRNA gene amplicon-sequencing. The results indicate that zinc ferrite NPs enhanced biogas production the most. The microbial community was significantly affected by NPs addition in terms of archaeal and bacterial 16 S rRNAgene copy numbers. The three ZF formulations NPs augmented the abundance of members within the hydrogenotrophic methanogenic phyla Methanobacteriaceae. While Methanomassiliicoccacaea were enriched in ZF/C76 supplemented biodigester due to a significant increase in hydrogen partial pressure, probably caused by the enrichment of Spirochaetaceae (genus Treponema). Overall, NPs supplementation significantly enriched acetate-producing members within Hungateiclostridiaceae in ZF/CNTs, Dysgonomonadaceae in ZF and Spirochaetaceae ZF/C76 biodigesters.

Shelf‐life prediction of milk‐millet powders

AbstractMigration of moisture and oxygen into packages during storage lead to deteriorative reactions such as nonenzymatic browning (NEB), stickiness, caking, and oxidation. Actual shelf‐life testing of milk‐millet powders is tedious and time‐consuming as they have long storage stability. The aim of this study was to predict the shelf‐life of spray‐dried milk‐millet powders based on deteriorative reactions due to moisture and oxygen uptake, and evaluate whether the prediction models could be applied as an alternative to accelerated or normal shelf‐life testing. Fresh cow milk was standardized, concentrated to 22% total solids (TS), blended with millet wort of 22% TS in 1:1 ratio, and dried into powder using a lab‐scale co‐current type spray dryer. The predicted shelf‐life of milk‐malted foxtail millet powder based on stickiness and NEB caused by moisture gain was 17 and 30 days in high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), 41 and 58 days in EVOH laminate (LDPE/EVOH/LDPE), and 96 and 134 days in polyethylene‐terephthalate (PET) laminate (PET/Al foil/PET/LDPE) pouches, respectively. The corresponding shelf‐life of milk‐barnyard millet powder based on stickiness and NEB was 18 and 30 days, 66 and 96 days, and 90 and 102 days, in HDPE, EVOH laminate, and PET laminate, respectively. Similarly, the predicted oxygen limiting shelf‐life based on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was found to be 40, 75, and 86 days for milk‐foxtail millet powder and 32, 72, and 93 days for milk‐barnyard millet powder in HDPE, EVOH laminate, and PET laminate, respectively. The rate of deteriorative reactions was the lowest in PET laminate pouches because of its excellent barrier properties over that of HDPE and EVOH even at the adverse accelerated storage conditions. The simulation model was adequate and reliable in predicting the shelf‐life of milk‐millet powders in packaging materials with wide range of barrier properties.Practical ApplicationsDeteriorative reactions such as caking and nonenzymatic browning induced by moisture, and oxidative reactions induced by ingress of oxygen into the package, affect the shelf‐life of milk‐millet powders. For such food powders having long shelf‐life, regular and accelerated shelf‐life testing are cumbersome and sometimes untenable. Simulation and mathematical modeling of shelf‐life is an alternative to long‐term shelf‐life tests. In this study, models for predicting the shelf‐life of milk‐millet powders based on moisture gain and oxygen uptake were developed. Prediction of shelf‐life will be helpful to monitor the product stability against spoilage by deteriorative reactions. The models could also be used for evaluation of shelf‐life of millet‐ and other food powders in flexible packaging materials. The prediction model not only required less time and resources but also was adequately reliable.

Dairy farm roadway surface materials as a P-source within the nutrient transfer continuum framework

Internal farm roadways are connectors within agricultural landscapes, which act as sub-components of the nutrient transfer continuum (NTC). On dairy farms, roadway surface runoff dissolved and particulate phosphorus (P) sources stem from a combination of cow excreta deposited at locations that impede animal flow, soil deposited from cow hooves or machinery tyres, run-on from up-gradient fields, public roadways or farmyards and incidental spill of organic/inorganic fertilizers. The present study investigates the storage and potential release of P from the underlying roadway material (i.e. composite of soil and stone aggregates) as this source component is not considered in the NTC framework or documented in the literature. Herein, farm roadway materials were sampled (to 1 cm depth) at 17 locations avoiding fresh cow excreta. Multiple location types were selected e.g. straight roadway sections, roadway junctions, before and adjacent standoff areas associated with cattle underpasses, with all locations varying in distance from the farmyard. Roadway samples were analysed for phosphorus (P) and metals (Al, B, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, and Mn) content. Results showed that the soil component of roadway materials are significant P legacy sources and are in themselves a P-storage component that merits inclusion in the NTC framework. All sampled locations, when compared with fresh roadway stone aggregates or surrounding fields, had highly elevated P with plant available Morgans P &amp;gt; 8 mg L-1 (Index 4, ranging from 10 – 110 mg L-1). Sampling points within 100 m of the farmyard together with roadway junctions and underpasses beyond this distance had highest P concentrations. Critical source areas, where source, mobilisation and transport of P to waters coincided, formed at three locations. Possible mitigation measures are a) divert roadway runoff into fields using low-cost surface water breaks, b) disconnect cattle underpass tanks from receiving waters and c) change roadway infrastructure to improve cow flow and minimise source build-up. Future research should examine P loads in runoff from roadway sections across farm typologies and roadway material types.

Studies of cow urine and its effect on hematological and histopathological analysis of pathogen-induced animal

The effect of fresh, photo-activated and distilled cow urine was examined on the hematological parameters of pathogen-induced albino rats using automated hematological analyzer. The albino rats were grouped into 3 (A, B and C) and 2 controls; with each group containing 5 rats. Each animal group was induced with 0.5mL of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi respectively. After 7 days of infection, each animal group was treated with fresh, photo-activated and distilled cow urine for the period of 5 days. The animal group infected with P. aeruginosa died after second day of treatment. The blood samples of the animal were collected for hematological analysis. The parameters taken are; Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Hemoglobin (Hb), White Blood Cell count (WBC), Neutrophil, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophil and Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and Red Blood Cell count (RBC). The result obtained from the analysis showed that all the samples of cow urine used were effective in the treatment of diseases caused by the bacterial pathogens.

World Allergy Organization (WAO) Diagnosis and Rationale for Action against Cow's Milk Allergy (DRACMA) Guidelines update - III - Cow's milk allergens and mechanisms triggering immune activation

BackgroundThe immunopathogenesis of cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is based on different mechanisms related to immune recognition of protein epitopes, which are affected by industrial processing. PurposeThe purpose of this WAO DRACMA paper is to: (i) give a comprehensive overview of milk protein allergens, (ii) to review their immunogenicity and allergenicity in the context of industrial processing, and (iii) to review the milk-related immune mechanisms triggering IgE-mediated immediate type hypersensitivity reactions, mixed reactions and non-IgE mediated hypersensitivities. ResultsThe main cow’s milk allergens – α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, serum albumin, caseins, bovine serum albumins, and others – may determine allergic reactions through a range of mechanisms. All marketed milk and milk products have undergone industrial processing that involves heating, filtration, and defatting. Milk processing results in structural changes of immunomodulatory proteins, leads to a loss of lipophilic compounds in the matrix, and hence to a higher allergenicity of industrially processed milk products. Thereby, the tolerogenic capacity of raw farm milk, associated with the whey proteins α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin and their lipophilic ligands, is lost. ConclusionThe spectrum of immunopathogenic mechanisms underlying cow's milk allergy (CMA) is wide. Unprocessed, fresh cow's milk, like human breast milk, contains various tolerogenic factors that are impaired by industrial processing. Further studies focusing on the immunological consequences of milk processing are warranted to understand on a molecular basis to what extent processing procedures make single milk compounds into allergens.

Training on product development made from fresh cow's milk for housewives in Kemuning Lor Village, Jember

Fresh milk is a liquid that comes from a clean, healthy cow's udder and is obtained through proper milking; it has not undergone any processing other than cooling to preserve its natural composition. Fresh cow's milk is rich in macro and micro nutrients, namely protein, vitamins and minerals. The purpose of this community service is to increase the knowledge and skills of housewives in Kemuning Lor Village, Arjasa District, Jember Regency. The process involves the presentation of the material, instruction in making milk candies and crispy fried milk, and evaluation. According to the post-test results, the participants were able to name the ingredients needed to make milk candy and crispy fried milk, and there were no obstacles or suggestions in the manufacturing process. Participants could also independently make milk candy and crispy fried milk.

Effect of Intramammary Dry Cow Antimicrobial Treatment on Fresh Cow's Milk Microbiota in California Commercial Dairies.

This study used 16S rRNA sequencing to evaluate the effects of dry cow antimicrobial therapy on the udder milk microbiota by comparing the microbial populations in milk at dry-off (DRY) (~60 days before calving) and post-partum (FRESH) (4–11 days after calving) from cows receiving an intramammary antibiotic infusion prior to dry-off (IMT) and cows that did not receive treatment (CTL). Milk was collected from 23 cows from the IMT group and 27 cows from the CTL group. IMT and DRY samples had a greater correlation with the genera Brevibacterium and Amaricoccus, and the family Micrococcaceae, when compared to IMT and FRESH samples. CTL group samples collected at DRY had a greater correlation with the genera Akkermansia and Syntrophus, when compared to FRESH samples; no bacterial taxa were observed to have a significant correlation with FRESH samples in the CTL group. DRY samples collected from the CTL group had a greater correlation with the genus Mogibacterium when compared to IMT and CTL samples. For DRY samples collected from the IMT group, a greater correlation with the genus Alkalibacterium when compared to DRY and CTL samples, was observed. The lack of a correlation for FRESH samples between the CTL and IMT treatment groups indicated that intramammary antimicrobial dry cow therapy had no significant effect on the udder milk microbiota post-partum.

Sunflower Seed Husk as Promising By-Product for Soil Biodisinfestation Treatments and Fertility Improvement in Protected Lettuce Crop

One of the major challenges in biodisinfestation treatments against soilborne pathogens is the selection of the proper organic amendments and mixture features. The use of agro-industrial by-products is a sustainable alternative with proven efficacy, but the availability has to be considered in terms of location and quantity. Sunflower seed is one of the five major oil crops widely cultivated and the husk constitutes a significant part that is discarded. This by-product brings together the features to be considered an interesting organic amendment in agricultural soils because of its lignocellulose content, but no references have been found in this field. In this study, sunflower seed husk was used with fresh cow manure in biodisinfestation treatments, alone or combined with other by-products (rapeseed cake, beer bagasse and wheat bran). The assay was performed in summer in a commercial greenhouse with significant yield losses in lettuce crops caused by the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Four different amendment mixtures were applied which included 3kg/m2 cow manure, as common waste, and 1 kg/m2 of by-products (dry weight), considering 6mgC/g soil in all treatments but different C/N ratio (23, 29, 31, 34) and by-products. Data was collected in three moments: (i) before and (ii) after biodisinfestation treatments and (iii) after harvesting the first crop after biodisinfestations. Crop damage was assessed through root galling index and the number of eggs in roots. The effects on the pathogen population and the whole soil nematode community were assessed along with some physicochemical and soil microbiological variables (respiration rate, microbial organic C, water-soluble organic C and physiological profile of heterotrophic bacteria through Biolog Ecoplates™). All treatments reported effectiveness in disease control without significant differences among them, but among times. However, soil temperatures during biodisinfestations were higher at higher C/N ratios and fertility variables also increased in these cases, mainly in the treatment with husk as the only by-product. Sunflower seed husk proved to be an interesting source of organic C to improve both biodisinfestation treatments and soil fertility in humid temperate climate zones.

Presence of nitrates and nitrites in fresh cow milk from milk machines during winter and summer period in the city Zagreb and Zagreb County area

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine the nitrites and nitrates content in fresh cow’s milk samples from milking machines, and to determine whether their amount is affected by the season of sampling (summer/winter). Methods: The methodology used was analytical transversal method at 2-time points. All milk samples were sampled at milk machines from the City of Zagreb and Zagreb County, during the summer and winter months in 2020. A total of 40 milk samples were sampled, with 20 samples in each monitored period (summer/winter). A high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector was used to identify and quantify concentrations of the nitrate and the nitrite content. The results were processed using descriptive statistics and the statistics of differences. Results: The analysis determined the range of nitrate content from 1.28 mg/kg to 19.71 mg/kg and the range of nitrite content was from 0.49 mg/kg to 3.42 mg/kg in milk samples. The mean result of nitrates in fresh cow’s milk samples in the summer period was 9.12 mg/kg and in the winter period of 3.88 mg/kg. The mean value of nitrite in the summer was 1.23 mg/kg, while the mean value of nitrite in the winter period was 1.48 mg/kg. Conclusion: The research has shown that the nitrate and the nitrite levels in local fresh cow’s milk sampled in milk machines do not exceed the maximum allowable intake. The obtained results confirmed that the amounts of nitrates and nitrites in the milk samples differ significantly during the winter and summer periods and differences are depending on the location of the milk machine.

Impact of thermal pre-treatment on anaerobic co-digestion of sewage sludge and landfill leachate

The complex microbial flocs with rigid cell walls and undigested organic matter in the domestic sewage sludge defy anaerobic digestion, especially hydrolysis, the rate-limiting step of anaerobic digestion. The anaerobic digestion of municipal solid waste landfill leachate is challenging because of its high refractory organics and ammoniacal nitrogen. However, if sewage sludge and landfill leachate are mixed in an optimal ratio and pre-treated, they can be anaerobically co-digested and clean bioenergy can be harnessed. Among the pre-treatment methods, thermal pre-treatment is preferred because it is simple and economical yet effective. In this investigation, sewage sludge from a domestic sewage treatment plant and landfill leachate from an active municipal solid waste landfill were mixed in the ratio of 75:25 and thermally pre-treated at 70 °C for 60 min. The pre-treated substrates were anaerobically digested at 37 ± 1 °C using fresh cow dung slurry as the inocula. The results of this experiment were compared with the control experiment in which substrates without pre-treatment were used. Though biogas production from the fresh substrates was higher during the initial days, it decreased after the seventh day. For the thermal pre-treated substrates, the biogas production was low during the first week, which started to increase from the tenth day until the end of the experiment. The cumulative biogas yields from untreated and thermal pre-treated reactors were 723.5 and 418 mL, respectively.

Lead and Cadmium Bioaccumulation in Fresh Cow's Milk in an Intermediate Area of the Central Andes of Peru and Risk to Human Health.

The dairy basin of the Mantaro River located in the centre of Peru faces serious anthropogenic disturbances as it receives emissions and discharges from the metallurgical mining activity located in the headwaters of the basin and milk contaminated with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) endangers the environmental and human health, especially children. To measure the concentrations of Pb and Cd in milk and the dangers of their consumption in the Peruvian population, 40 milk samples were collected and quantified by atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean concentration of Pb in milk was 15 ± 2.6 µg/kg, which represented 75% of the Maximum Limit (ML), and that of Cd was 505 ± 123 µg/kg, which exceeded the ML by more than 194 times. The estimated weekly intake of Pb for people aged 2–85 years was below the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) references, determining risk coefficients (CRD) < 1. Weekly Cd intake was much higher than the PTWIs and CRDs were between 14 and 34, indicating that consumers would experience carcinogenic health effects, with children being at higher risk than adults, therefore, milk from the area is not safe for consumption. Cd would be transferred mainly through the soil (water)-grass-milk pathway, due to its presence in irrigation water and in fertilizers that contain Cd. The main pathway for Pb entry would be air-soil (water)-milk grass, from the fine particles emitted into the air by the mining-metallurgical activity, developed approximately 90 km from the study area.

Heavy metals analysis (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr) and calcium in Padang and Padang Panjang fresh cow’s milk

Cow’s milk is important in a healthy food intake because of its high calcium content. However, the contamination in milk can be harmful to health. The acidity of cow’s milk decreases with the increase of heavy metals concentration that is poisonous to the body. This research aims to investigate the content of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr) and minerals Ca contained in fresh cow’s milk samples from two different locations, which are Padang city and Padang Panjang city. The heavy metal content in fresh milk from these two places has never been tested. The quantitative method used in this research is Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (SSA). The average heavy metal and Ca minerals contained in samples of fresh milk from the Lubuk Minturun area are: cadmium (Cd) not detected, lead (Pb) 13.58±1.01 ppm, zinc (Zn) 28.83±1.81 ppm, copper (Cu) 1.17±0.38 ppm, chromium (Cr) not detected, and calcium (Ca) 674.00±2.46 ppm. Meanwhile, fresh milk samples from Padang Panjang area: cadmium (Cd) not detected, Pb 20.58±2.02 ppm, Zn 53.08±2.40 ppm, Cu 2.17±0.38 ppm, chromium (Cr) not detected, and Ca 504.25±2.63 ppm. All samples from both regions showed heavy metal content of Pb, Zn, and Cu which exceeded the maximum limit set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), consequently it could cause negative impacts on health when consumed. This is assumed to be caused by cattle food contamination by garbage and pesticides which requires further research.