Friesian Breed Research Articles

Exposure of Cattle Breeding Herds to Naturally Co-Contaminated Zearalenone and Deoxynivalenol: The Relevance of a Urinary Mycotoxin Monitoring System for Herd Health and Food Safety.

The widespread presence of Fusarium mycotoxins in animal feed is a global issue, not only for the health of livestock but also for ensure the safety of food as an end product. High concentrations of zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol (DON) have been detected in the diets of Japanese Black (JB) and Holstein Friesian (HF) breeding herds. Consequently, we monitored serum biochemical parameters over a long time in both herds, focusing on anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and acute-phase inflammation. Additionally, urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and progesterone levels were measured in the HF herd. The JB herd, a ZEN-dominant model with low DON contamination, demonstrated ZEN levels that exceeded the Japanese limit in the purchased total mixed rations (TMR). Conversely, the HF herd, which primary consumes DON-dominant feed with low ZEN contamination, had high DON levels in the dent corn silage. Specifically, the JB herd's TMR contained 1.79 mg/kg ZEN and 0.58 mg/kg DON, whereas the HF herd's silage had 15.3 mg/kg DON (dried sample) and 0.1 mg/kg ZEN. Enzyme-linked immunoassay were used to measure urinary ZEN-DON levels following confirmation through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Urinary ZEN-DON levels measured were significantly correlated (p < 0.05, r > 0.6) in both herds. In the HF herd, AMH levels increased (p = 0.01) and serum amyloid A (SAA) levels decreased (p = 0.02) when contaminated and at the end of the monitoring period. Additionally, urinary ZEN and DON levels were significantly correlated with SAA levels (ZEN: p = 0.00, r = 0.46; DON: p = 0.03, r = 0.33), with an increase in ZEN and DON levels resulting in higher SAA levels. The JB herd showed no significant differences. Additionally, in the HF herd, 8-OHdG/Cre levels increased significantly during major contamination periods (p < 0.05). Clinical data from the HF herd indicated an increase in mastitis cases and treatment rates during periods of major contamination. Abortion rates in the HF herd decreased from 22.9% (before monitoring) to 8.9% (during the high contamination period) and finally to 1% (at the end of the monitoring period), with corresponding increases in progesterone levels. ZEN-DON contamination adversely affects breeding cattle's productivity, reproductive performance, and health. Therefore, monitoring urinary ZEN-DON is valuable for detecting contaminants and ensuring the safety of food products.

Analysis of Inflammatory and Regulatory Cytokines in the Milk of Dairy Cows with Mastitis: A Comparative Study with Healthy Animals

ABSTRACT Bovine mastitis remains a major problem in the global dairy cattle industry. The acute invasion of udder by pathogens induces innate immune response as the first defence mechanism in subclinical and clinical mastitis. The aim of the study was to determine inflammatory and regulatory cytokines IL-2, IL-4, TGF-β1, IL-17A, beta-defensin 3 and IL-10 and their potential changes in milk of dairy cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis, and to compare the findings with healthy animals. Milk samples from 15 holstein Friesian breed cows were used in the study. Cows were divided into three groups based on their health status (5 healthy, 5 subclinical and 5 clinical animals). All samples were tested using immunohistochemistry to evaluate IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL17A, TGF-β1 and β-Def 3 proteins. Expression of all proteins was detected in all milk samples. High expression of IL-2, IL-4, IL17A, TGF-β1 was detected in healthy cows’ milk and in milk of cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis. However, expression of IL-10 and β-Def 3 in milk samples of healthy cows was significantly higher compared to the milk of cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis (p < .001). IL-10 and β-Def 3 can be considered as informative biomarkers in diagnosis of subclinical and clinical mastitis.

Mammary fat globules as a source of mRNA to model alterations in the expression of some milk component genes during lactation in bovines

BackgroundThe milk's nutritional value is determined by its constituents, including fat, protein, carbohydrates, and minerals. The mammary gland's ability to produce milk is controlled by a complex network of genes.Thereby, the fat, protein, and lactose synthesis must be boost in milk to increase milk production efficiency. This can be accomplished by fusing genetic advancements with proper management practices. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), kappa casein CSN3, and Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) genes expression levels and such milk components as fat, protein, and lactose in different dairy breeds during different stages of lactation.MethodsTo achieve such a purpose, 94 milk samples were collected (72 samples from 36 multiparous black-white and red-white Holstein–Friesian (HF) cows and 22 milk samples from 11 Egyptian buffaloes) during the early and peak lactation stages. The milk samples were utilized for milk analysis and genes expressions analyses using non- invasive approach in obtaining milk fat globules (MFGs) as a source of Ribonucleic acid (RNA).ResultsLPL and CSN3 genes expressions levels were found to be significantly higher in Egyptian buffalo than Holstein–Friesian (HF) cows as well as fat and protein percentages. On the other hand, GLUT1 gene expression level was shown to be significantly higher during peak lactation than early lactation. Moreover, lactose % showed a significant difference in peak lactation phase compared to early lactation phase. Also, fat and protein percentages were significantly higher in early lactation period than peak lactation period but lactose% showed the opposite pattern of Egyptian buffalo.ConclusionTotal RNA can be successfully obtained from MFGs. The results suggest that these genes play a role in glucose absorption and lactose synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells during lactation. Also, these results provide light on the differential expression of these genes among distinct Holstein–Friesian cow breeds and Egyptian buffalo subspecies throughout various lactation phases.

Udder morphology and milk yield of East Friesian sheep

Linear scores and measures of both udder and teat shape and size (thirteen traits) were assessed in 83 ewes of Improved Valachian breed (IV) and in crossbreds with East Friesian breed (EF 25% or EF 50%). At the same time, cistern measures and cross-section areas (fourteen traits) as well as milk yield and milkability were scanned using ultrasound technique or measured in the same individuals (130 measurements in each trait). Crossbreds with EF 50% had the largest udders in terms of depth, width, and height, as determined by either a nine-point linear score or exact measurements. Additionally, these crossbreds had teats that were more horizontally placed and the most appropriate udder attachment and shape. more horizontally and most appropriate udder attachment and shape. Ultrasound scans revealed that the areas of both the left and right udder cisterns scanned by ultrasound were the highest in EF 50% crosses. Overall cistern cross-section areas scanned from the side were 2934.6 mm2 in IV, 2932.6 mm2 in crosses of EF 25% and 3559.4 mm2 in crosses of EF 50% (P&lt;0.05). Crossbreds of EF 50% had more appropriate machine milked milk and total milk yield (311.1 and 424.7 ml) than purebred IV (231.8 and 336.1 ml; P&gt;0.05). On average, the proportion of machine-stripped milk was 33.2%, and non-significant influence of genotype was shown. Furthermore, all traits under study showed non significant differences between crosses of EF 25% and 50%.

Zinc Supplementation Improves Texture, Oxidative Stability of Caciotta Cheese and Reduces Biogenic Amines Production.

Zinc is essential for animals, playing a vital role in enzyme systems and various biochemical reactions. It is crucial to ensure a sufficient intake of zinc through the diet to maintain efficient homeostasis. Only few studies on zinc effect in cow lactating diet evaluated the effects on milk and cheese quality, with conflicting findings. 24 cows of the Friesian breed were divided into two groups (CTR: control and TRT: treated group). Cows were selected for age, body weight, parity and phase of lactations (mid lactation, 140-160 days). CTR diet contained 38 mg/kg of Zn and TRT diet was supplied with 120 mg/kg of complete feed for 60 days. The objective of current investigation was to evaluate the impact of a dietary Zinc Oxide (ZnO) integration of lactating Friesian cows on chemical composition, zinc content, fatty acid and proteic profile, ammine content, pH, aw, texture, and sensory profile of cheese and to improve the chemical-nutritional quality of milk and cheese. The results showed that ZnO supplementation reduced mesophilic aerobic bacteria and Presumptive Pseudomonas spp. growth, proteolysis, biogenic amines content, lipid oxidation, odour intensity and sour and increased hardness, gumminess, chewiness, elasticity of cheese. Biogenic amines are considered an important aspect of food safety. ZnO integration in cow diet could represent a promising strategy for improving the quality, the safety and shelf-life of caciotta cheese.

Efficacy of on Farm Bovine Stool Examination as Compared to Postmortem for Fascioliasis

Purpose: The aim of this research was to determine prevalence of fascioliasis by examination of liver for adult flukes and bovine stool at the farm in Uasin Gishu County. Methodology: Stool examination and routine meat examination procedures were used. Findings: The results at postmortem showed that female bovine were significantly (P&lt;0.05) more infected (47.4%) compared to male cattle (32.8%). Ayrshire breed had higher infection rate (38.1%) compared to the other breeds, with the local breed having a significantly (p &lt; 0.05) lowest infection rate (11.5%) Older cattle (over 48 months) had a significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher infection compared to the younger age groups. More slaughtered cattle were sourced from Uasin Gishu compared to other regions and they were also significantly (P&lt;0.05) more infected (at 47.1%) than cattle from the other regions. Results for stool examination also had a similar trend. There was a significant difference in the rates of Fasciola infections in cattle in the six Sub counties. Fasciola infection between the male and female, between Ayrshire, Friesian and local breed, between age 8-24, age 25-48 and age 48 were also significant. More females were infected followed by animals aged between 25-48 months. Friesian breed was the most infected and sampled on farms in the field among the breeds with the least infected being the local breeds which showed more resistance to fascioliasis than the other groups. F. hepatica was the most common species infecting the cattle, although some animals were found to have mixed infections. The results of stool analysis also showed that more female cattle and the animals aged between 25-48 months were more infected. Friesian breed were more infected during stool examination among the bovine breeds with the least infected being local breeds which suggests that they are more resistance to fascioliasis than the exotic breeds. Stool analysis prevalence was 28% while liver examination was 40%. Stool analysis was found to be a suitable method for routine management of livestock in order to reduce losses that are associated with liver flukes. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: Uasin Gishu contributed the highest number of slaughtered animals in the Eldoret main abattoir and therefore farmers in the region should be advised on the best cattle management practices such as regular stool analysis deworming and avoiding grazing their cattle in potentially snail infested areas.

DEVELOPING AN INNOVATIVE TRACEABILITY SOLUTION TO TRACE BEEF ORIGIN THROUGH DIFFERENT PHASES OF BEEF VALUE CHAIN USING SMART TECHNOLOGIES

Beef's rising popularity in Pakistan is evident as consumption pattern of people is progressively shifting towards it. Despite this, the beef trade remains constrained due to consumer distrust. A project, imbedded in eco-friendly principles and environmental biology, sought to boost transparency by capturing beef data throughout production, processing, and distribution stages, permitting consumers to trace its origin. A mobile based traceability app MeaTrax was developed and captured data for 311 beef animals, recording essential attributes; breed, color, age, weight and more. This app, with an eco-friendly focus, generated QR codes for consumer access. Results depicted 49.8% slaughter rate for crossbred animals, with Friesian and Sahiwal breeds exhibiting the highest carcass weight and dressing percentage. Conclusively, MeaTrax traceability app was found an innovative technique, using smart technologies to trace origin and other attributes of beef. This innovation was aimed to improve the beef value chain from farm to fork, contributing to enhance food safety.

New Implications of Metabolites and Free Fatty Acids in Quality Control of Crossbred Wagyu Beef during Wet Aging Cold Storage.

Efficient cold-chain delivery is essential for maintaining a sustainable global food supply. This study used metabolomic analysis to examine meat quality changes during the "wet aging" of crossbred Wagyu beef during cold storage. The longissimus thoracic (Loin) and adductor muscles (Round) of hybrid Wagyu beef, a cross between the Japanese Black and Holstein-Friesian breeds, were packaged in vacuum film and refrigerated for up to 40 days. Sensory evaluation indicated an increase in the umami and kokumi taste owing to wet aging. Comprehensive analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified metabolite changes during wet aging. In the Loin, 94 metabolites increased, and 24 decreased; in the Round, 91 increased and 18 decreased. Metabolites contributing to the umami taste of the meat showed different profiles during wet aging. Glutamic acid increased in a cold storage-dependent manner, whereas creatinine and inosinic acid degraded rapidly even during cold storage. In terms of lipids, wet aging led to an increase in free fatty acids. In particular, linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, increased significantly among the free fatty acids. These results provide new insight into the effects of wet aging on Wagyu-type beef, emphasizing the role of free amino acids, organic acids, and free fatty acids generated during cold storage.

Characteristic of allele pool of sheep of the southern meat breed using microsatellite markers

Purpose: to characterize the allele pool of sheep of the southern beef breed using microsatellites.Materials and methods. The biomaterial was ear’s plucks from 80 sheep of the southern meat breed, selected from the Ladozhsky Breeding Plant. 20 East Friesian sheep, 33 Dorset sheep and 63 Romanov sheep were used for comparison. Nine microsatellite loci (INRA005, SPS113, INRA23, MAF65, McM527, OarCP49, HSC, OarAE129, MAF214) were selected as DNA markers. Microsatellite variability was analyzed using the ABI3130x1 Genetic Analyzer. The results were processed in the GenAIEx 6.503 program, with the help of which the main indicators characterizing the state of the allele pool and genetic diversity were calculated.Results. Analysis of the population genetic parameters of sheep of the southern meat breed showed that the average number of alleles per locus (Na) and the effective number of alleles per locus (Ne) exceed the sample average by 1,72 and 0,58 alleles, respectively. The expected heterozygosity (He) was 0,766, while the observed heterozygosity (Ho) was 0,741. The coefficient of inbreeding (Fis) was 0,03. The analysis of the principal components, carried out for the studied breeds in the planes of the first and third principal components, did not fundamentally change the nature of the spatial clustering of the studied groups of sheep. Analysis of the principal coordinates, performed on the basis of calculation of pairwise Fst values, showed that the southern meat breed is located in the upper left quadrant and is isolated from other breeds. The values of the Fst indicator indicate that there is moderate genetic differentiation between the southern meat and dorset breeds (Fst=0,116), and significant genetic differentiation between the southern meat and romanov breeds (Fst=0,161).Conclusion. An analysis of the population genetic parameters of sheep of the southern meat breed, in comparison with the east friesian, dorset and romanov breeds, showed that, in general, in terms of the total number of alleles per locus and the number of effective alleles per locus, it is characterized by a high level of genetic diversity. The presence of a tendency towards a deficiency of heterozygotes is probably explained by the limited population, represented by the only relict gene pool in Russia.

Influence of Equilibration Time and Bull-Specific Extender for Cryopreservation on Semen Quality and Fertility in German Holstein Friesian Bulls: A Controlled Field Trial.

Equilibration with an extender is necessary to allow cryopreservation of bovine sperm. The aim of trial 1 was to assess the effect of 24 h versus 4 h equilibration time with three different extenders on sperm quality and to select the preferred extender for each bull. The aim of trial 2 was to investigate the effect of using a 24 h equilibration time with a bull-specific extender on field fertility. For trial 1, three ejaculates each from eight Holstein Friesian breeding bulls were used as the split-sample, including two equilibration times (4 h and 24 h) and three extenders (BioXcell, Triladyl, and OptiXcell). For trial 2, from 5 to 10 ejaculates from the same bulls were collected and treated (split-sample) as BioXcell with 4 h equilibration and either Triladyl or OptiXcell, both with 24 h equilibration. A total of 11,059 straws were used for insemination of cows and heifers. For Triladyl, progressive sperm motility, acrosome defects, and plasma membrane and acrosome integrity improved with a 24 h compared to a 4 h equilibration time. Four bulls each were used with Triladyl and OptiXcell for trial 2. In trial 2, non-return rates did not differ among groups. Therefore, using a 24 h equilibration time might improve in vitro sperm parameters, depending on the extender used. Moreover, it would be possible to change from 4 h to 24 h equilibration time without impairing field fertility.

Türkiye’de Herdbook Sistemine Kayıtlı Esmer, Simental ve Siyah Alaca Sığır Irkları ile Melezlerine ait Süt Verimi Özellikleri Üzerine bir Araştırma

This study was conducted to examine the milk yield traits of Holstein Friesian (HF), Brown Swiss (BS), and Simmental (SM) breeds, as well as their crossbreeds raised in enterprises registered in the herdbook system in Türkiye. With this study, the performances of cattle breeds and their crossbreeds widely raised in Türkiye were compared in terms of milk yield characteristics based on agricultural regions of Türkiye. The data used in the study included the completed lactation records of 22 331 heads of cattle for the years 2000-2014. The GLM ANOVA method was used in the statistical analysis of the effects of breed, genotype, and region on traits related to milk yield. Across the herd, the mean and standard deviation values were determined as 7551±2771 kg for lactation actual milk yield (AMY), 4.2±1.8 for total lactation number (TLN), and 382.9±9.2 days for lactation period (LP). The effects of genotypes and regions were found to be significant or very significant (p&amp;lt;0.05 or p&amp;lt;0.001) for all three studied traits, region x genotype interaction was found to be very significant for AMY and TLN (p&amp;lt;0.001), and not significant for LP (p=0.184). As a result, it was revealed that the interaction effects of genotype, region, and genotype x region should be taken into account in determining the milk yield traits of cultured breed and crossbreed cows that are widely raised in Türkiye. Accordingly, it was concluded that the interaction findings should be evaluated in determining the breed preferences by the regions.

Comparison of Some Fertility Characteristics of Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss and Simmental Breeds and Their Crosses Raised in Türkiye

Bu çalışma soy kütüğü sistemine kayıtlı olan Siyah Alaca - Holstein (HF), Esmer (BS), Simmental (SM), Siyah Alaca - Holstein melezi (HFX), Esmer melezi (BSX) ve Simmental melezi (SMX) sığırlara ait bazı üreme özelliklerini karşılaştırmak amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Çalışmanın materyalini 2000-2019 yılları arasında doğmuş 22.331 baş ineğe ait 2001 – 2014 yılları arasındaki döl verim kayıtları kullanılmıştır. Döl verimi özellikleri üzerine genotip ve bölge faktörlerinin etkilerinin istatiski analizi amacıyla GLM ANOVA yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Bu çalışmada sığır ırkları ve melezlerinin döl verimi özellikleri Türkiye’deki coğrafik bölgeler bazında ortaya konularak karşılaştırılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre; ilkine buzağılama yaşı (İBY) 858.0 ± 151.1 gün, ilk buzağılamada gebelik süresi (İBGS) 274.4 ± 13.5 gün, gebelik başına tohumlama sayısı (GBTS) 1.98±0,98 adet/baş, bir inekten alınan canlı buzağı sayısı (CDBS) 4.1±1.8 baş ve buzağılama aralığı (BA) 441.2±88.8 gün olarak belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, İBY, CDBS ve BA özellikleri açısından genotip x bölge interaksiyonunun önemli olması, ırkların bu özellikler bakımından bölgelerde ortaya koymuş oldukları döl verim performansının farklı olduğunu göstermektedir. Bu çalışmada genotip x bölge interaksiyonun önemli olduğu tespit edilmiş olup İBY, CDBS ve bu BA özellikleri için yürütülecek seleksiyon çalışmaları ile bölgelere göre yapılacak ırk tercihlerinde bu araştırma sonuçlarının dikkate alınması yeni oluşturulacak sürülerin döl verim performansının yükseltilmesine katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.

Differences across herds with different dairy breeds in daily milk yield based proxies for resilience.

Global sustainability issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss and food security require food systems to become more resource efficient and better embedded in the local environment. This needs a transition towards more diverse, circular and low-input dairy farming systems with animals best suited to the specific environmental conditions. When varying environmental challenges are posed to animals, cows need to become resilient to disturbances they face. This resilience of dairy cows for disturbances can be quantified using sensor features and resilience indicators derived from daily milk yield records. The aim of this study was to explore milk yield based sensor features and resilience indicators for different cattle groups according to their breeds and herds. To this end, we calculated 40 different features to describe the dynamics and variability in milk production of first parity dairy cows. After correction for milk production level, we found that various aspects of the milk yield dynamics, milk yield variability and perturbation characteristics indeed differed across herds and breeds. On farms with a lower breed proportion of Holstein Friesian across cows, there was more variability in the milk yield, but perturbations were less severe upon critical disturbances. Non-Holstein Friesian breeds had a more stable milk production with less (severe) perturbations. These differences can be attributed to differences in genetics, environments, or both. This study demonstrates the potential to use milk yield sensor features and resilience indicators as a tool to quantify how cows cope with more dynamic production conditions and select animals for features that best suit a farms' breeding goal and specific environment.

Antimicrobial Usage and Detection of Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Methicillin- and Tetracycline-Resistant Strains in Raw Milk of Lactating Dairy Cattle.

Staphylococcus aureus is a prominent cause of food-borne diseases worldwide. Enterotoxigenic strains of this bacteria are frequently found in raw milk, and some of these strains are resistant to antimicrobials, posing a risk to consumers. The main objectives of this study were to determine the antimicrobial resistance pattern of S. aureus in raw milk and to detect the presence of mecA and tetK genes in it. A total of 150 milk samples were obtained aseptically from lactating cattle, including Holstein Friesian, Achai, and Jersey breeds, maintained at different dairy farms. The milk samples were checked for the presence of S. aureus, and it was detected in 55 (37%) of them. The presence of S. aureus was verified by culturing on selective media, gram staining, and performing coagulase and catalase tests. Further confirmation was performed through PCR with a species-specific thermonuclease (nuc) gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the confirmed S. aureus was then determined by using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Out of the 55 confirmed S. aureus isolates, 11 were determined to be multidrug-resistant (MDR). The highest resistance was found to penicillin (100%) and oxacillin (100%), followed by tetracycline (72.72%), amikacin (27.27%), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (18.18%), tobramycin (18.18%), and gentamycin (9.09%). Amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin were found to be susceptible (100%). Out of 11 MDR S. aureus isolates, the methicillin resistance gene (mecA) was detected in 9 isolates, while the tetracycline resistance gene (tetK) was found in 7 isolates. The presence of these methicillin- and tetracycline-resistant strains in raw milk poses a major risk to public health, as they can cause food poisoning outbreaks that can spread rapidly through populations. Our study concludes that out of nine empirically used antibiotics, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin were highly effective against S. aureus compared to penicillin, oxacillin, and tetracycline.

Bioclimatic Zoning for Sheep Farming through Geostatistical Modeling in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has pointed out the high vulnerability of developing countries to climate change, which is expected to impact food and income security. Sheep farming is one of the main animal productions among the families located in the most vulnerable regions of the semiarid region of Pernambuco state, a Brazilian territory known for its high temperatures, low relative humidity, and high net solar radiation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify different regions of Pernambuco that may be more suitable for different breeds of sheep, based on non-parametric statistics and kriging maps of the temperature and humidity index (THI). THI values were determined based on mean annual temperature and wind speed extracted from the TerraClimate remote sensing database. Pernambuco state presented THI values ranging from 66 to 79, with the hair breeds having a high potential for exploitation in almost all territories, including the main meat-producing breeds. The East Friesian breed, a high milk producer, would be well suited to the Agreste mesoregion, a territory that, like the Pajeú and Moxotó microregions, also proved favorable for the introduction of three wool breeds (Suffolk, Poll Dorset, and Texel) known as major meat producers. The kriging maps of the THI values successfully allowed the identification of strategic development regions of Pernambuco state with high potential for sheep breeding.

Association of genotypes at rs438228855 in bovine SLC35A3 receptor gene of Pakistani cattle with the susceptibility to develop complex vertebral malformation.

The aim of this study was to report the genotype and allelic frequency at rs438228855 (G > T) in SLC35A3 receptor gene and its association with a complex vertebral malformation (CMV) in the enrolled Pakistani cattle. Our results indicated that allelic and genotype frequency at rs438228855 varied non-significantly (p > .05) among the three enrolled cattle breeds. GT (heterozygous) genotype was most abundant (0.54) followed by GG (wild type) genotype (0.45) while the mutant genotype (TT) was not observed among the enrolled cattle. It was observed that the Holstein Friesian breed had more GG (wild) than GT (heterozygous) genotypes while Sahiwal and cross cattle breed had more heterozygous (GT) combination at rs438228855 than the wild (GG) genotype. Significant variations in white blood cell count, % lymphocytes, red blood cell count, % monocytes, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were observed when compared between the enrolled cattle breeds. Most of the studied haematological parameters showed no association with the genotype at rs438228855. In conclusion, the heterozygosity at rs438228855 is not limited to the Holstein Friesian breed as local Sahiwal and crossbred cattle had also higher heterozygosity at rs438228855. We recommend that animals must be genotyped for rs438228855 before their selection as breeders to prevent economic losses.

Using Australian genomics to predict dairy cattle performance in New Zealand

Context The national breeding objective in New Zealand (NZ) was designed with the intention to breed dairy cows that efficiently convert feed into profit. The breeding worth index (BW) is used to rank bulls and cows according to their ability to meet this objective. The Australian equivalent to BW is the balanced performance index (BPI). These selection indexes represent national economic weights for important traits in dairy industry in each country. The introduction of Australian genomics has allowed the selection and ranking of young sires from around the world on BPI. Aims This study aims to demonstrate the relationship between different traits and selection indexes in Australia (AU) and NZ by comparing sires with daughter proofs in both countries and the validity of predicting BW for NZ sires using Australian genomic predictions and regression equations. Methods Data files for sires with daughters in both AU and NZ were merged to identify common bulls used in both countries. An analysis was conducted to determine whether Australian breeding values (ABVs) for sires could be used to predict the performance of the sires that have no progeny in NZ. ABVs for nine traits in BW were converted to their equivalent NZ breeding values (NBVs) and used to calculate an index equivalent to BW. Key results On the basis of a regression equation, a new index called genomic New Zealand index (gNZI) for selecting sires for NZ dairy herds was developed. The correlation coefficients between gNZI and BW in Holstein Friesian (HF), Jersey, and Red breeds were 0.90, 0.91, and 0.88 respectively. Conclusions The regression equation from genomic ABVs to produce gNZI was a reliable genomic predictor of future BW for sires with insufficient ancestry information in NZ and to enhance the ancestry proofs and increase the reliability of selecting young NZ-born bulls. Implications The high correlations between traits in AU and NZ and the simple proposed conversion method can build industry confidence when selecting young bulls using gNZI, as genomic prediction of BW through New Zealand Animal Evaluation (NZAEL) is not currently available.

Effect of genotypes on reaction time, refractory period, semen index and liquid stored semen quality of breeding bulls in Bangladesh

The present study was conducted with the aim to reveal the effect of genotypes on reaction time, refractory period, semen index and liquid stored (at 4oC) semen quality of breeding bulls in Bangladesh. Semen was collected twice a week from Holstein Friesian, Sahiwal and Brahman breeding bulls. Reaction time and refractory period were examined for the breeding bulls. Semen volume, sperm concentration and total spermatozoa/ejaculate were measured immediately after collection. It was revealed that genotype had a significant (P&lt;0.01) effect on semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm output and refractory period but not in reaction time. From the point of view of semen index, semen quality of Holstein Friesian breeding bulls was superior to Sahiwal and Brahnman breeding bulls. Progressive motility, live and normal spermatozoa of fresh semen did not differ significantly but after dilution progressive motility differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) in different genotypes of breeding bulls. During preservation time (0 to 120 hours), progressive motility, normal and live spermatozoa changed significantly (P&lt;0.05) in each genotype with the progress of time. During 0 hour, 72 hours and 120 hours of preservation, progressive motility was found in Holstein Friesian (73.11±1.12%, 53.11±5.14%, 13.40±2.53%), Sahiwal (78.21±1.68%, 64.96±4.60%, 13.22±1.42%), and Brahman (75.21±1.68%, 54.86±4.40%, 16.96±4.42%), respectively. On the other hand, non-return rate was found insignificant (P&gt;0.05), where higher fertility was observed in Holstein Friesian bull (67.2%) followed by Sahiwal (63.7%) and Brahman bull (57.38%). In a nutshell, Holstein Friesian bull has better fresh, diluted and preserved semen quality than the other two genotypes and after the 3 days of preservation, semen quality in respect of progressive motility, normal and live spermatozoa drastically deteriorated. Therefore, it is recommended that preserved semen of different genotypes should be used for AI within 3 days of liquid semen preservation at 4oC.

Genetic survey in smallholder dairy production system of Southern province of Zambia.

Milk production among the smallholder dairy farmers in Zambia is reported to be low despite improvements in milk collection infrastructure and unmet demand by the populace. This study was conducted to characterize cattle breeds and the breeding strategies of the smallholder dairy production system in the Southern province of Zambia. The study was conducted using questionnaires to obtain responses from identified respondents in six districts considered the main dairy cattle producing areas. One hundred and twenty questionnaires were administered and available for descriptive statistical analysis. The cattle genetic groups included local (Tonga and Angoni) breeds and their crosses (40.0%); beef (Boran and Brahman) breeds and their crosses (23.3%); Friesian breed and its crosses (28.8%); Jersey breed and its crosses (4.9%); and Fleckvieh breed (3.0%). Calving rate was found to be to be between 36% and 50% for the dairy herds. Compared to the other genetic groups, it was noted that Friesian and its crosses had higher milk production (3.55 L vs. 1.4L). The low milk yield reported could be attributed to the period of study, which coincided with the long dry season between April and October. The Friesian and its crosses recorded earlier age at first calving (2.65 vs. 2.8 years), shorter longevity (10.5 vs. 12.25 years), and shorter lactation length (7.5 vs. 9.25 months). Jersey and its crosses, on the other hand, had an above average performance for all indices of economic importance such as milk production, lactation length, age at first calving, longevity, and number of calves produced. The results indicated natural mating was practised by 85% of the farmers. Farmer-preferred traits include size and conformation (23%); performance and colour (16% and 15%, respectively) in the choice of a bull. Selection by farmers were thus based on simple observation without pedigree or performance-based genetic evaluation. It was apparent that the smallholder dairy production system is in a shifting trend to transform the mainly local and beef breed animals into dairy herds through crossing with exotic dairy breeds. The production system is, however, faced with the challenges of water and feed supply to meet nutritional requirements, and high disease burden. Jersey breed was found to be a logical choice for the resource poor smallholder dairy farmers. The development and management of the smallholder dairy breeding schemes should be all-inclusive and directed at the prevalent production systems with the aim of also improving the feeding and management practices.

A Turning Point in the Italian Dairy Farming System: A Comparison between the Frisona Italiana and Bruna Alpina Breeds

This research retraces how the Frisona Italiana, which is renowned for its high milk production, became the most popular breed in Italy during the twentieth century. It virtually supplanted the Bruna Alpina, which was the most widespread strain in the country until the late 1950s. The importance of the Frisona Italiana is not yet fully appreciated and its history should be examined from a comparative perspective due to its peculiar development. The Frisona Italiana has long been differentiated from the original Friesian breed in the Netherlands and the Holstein-Friesian breed in North America, one of the highest dairy-producing cows in the world. Italy was the first country to develop a ‘sub-genre’ from breeding stock of the Friesian and Holstein-Friesian strains. This article provides an accurate reconstruction of the development of the Frisona Italiana and identifies the path that enabled it to numerically outstrip the Bruna. Specifically, I examine endogenous (yields, techniques etc.) and/or exogenous (livestock farming system, farmers’ actions, state intervention, etc.) factors that may have affected decisions to introduce the Frisona breed.