Holstein-Friesian Crossbred Dairy Cows Research Articles

Potential Impact of Temperature and Humidity on Milk Yield of Holstein Friesian Crossbred Dairy Cows

This study was an attempt to find out the correlation among Temperature Humidity Index, milk yield, milk fat and SNF percentage at first lactation of Holstein Friesian (HF) crossbred (50% HF and 50% local) dairy cows in comparatively cooler months in the coastal areas in Bangladesh. Sixty HF crossbred cows at the early lactation stage were selected randomly from ten farms. Milk samples were collected from cows at seven days intervals and stored at 4 °C until further analysis. Data on temperature and relative humidity were collected from metrological records from late September to December 2019. The results revealed that milk yield, fat, and SNF percentage significantly differed from the THI recorded in different months. It was also observed that there was a significant (p<0.05) negative correlation between THI with milk yield, milk fat, and SNF percentage. In conclusion, the result revealed that THI greatly affects HF crossbred dairy cows' milk yield and composition in comparatively cooler months.

Oil palm meal and urea pellet can partially replace soybean meal in the rations of lactating dairy cows

Context Several agro-industrial by-products such as oil palm meal could be useful as animal feeds in support of low cost of feed for livestock production. Aims This study investigated the effects of oil palm meal and urea pellet (PMUP) as a protein replacement for soybean meal (SBM) on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fluid characteristics, milk yield and milk composition in lactating dairy cows. Methods Five multiparous, early to mid-lactation, Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows (75% Holstein-Friesian × 25% Thai Native Bos indicus) were randomly allocated in a 5 × 5 Latin square design to receive PMUP replacement for SBM at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% in concentrate. Key results The results show that roughage, total dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) intakes in the cows fed with 25–75% PMUP were significantly higher than in the cows fed 100% PMUP (P < 0.05), whereas the ether extract (EE) intake of the cows receiving the PMUP was higher than that of the control (P < 0.05). Accordingly, the apparent digestibility, ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) of cows fed with PMUP replacement of SBM at 25–75% was higher than that in cows fed with 100% PMUP. In addition, milk yield and milk composition were not significantly different among treatments, whereas feed costs per kg milk yield was lowest in cow fed with 100% PMUP (P < 0.05). Conclusions Replacing SBM with PMUP up to 50–100% in concentrate could reduce costs of feed per kg milk yield, but lower feed intake, nutrient utilisation and rumen fermentation were observed in cow fed with 100% PMUP. The use of PMUP from 25–75% replacement of SBM had no significant effects on the feed intake, nutrient utilisation, rumen fermentation and milk production. Therefore, the level of PMUP replacement of SBM in concentrate for lactating dairy cow should not exceed 75%. Implications PMUP could be used as a protein replacement for SBM in concentrate for lactating dairy cows. These findings should be applied further in practical farm condition in order to increase livestock production efficiency.

The correlation between blood metabolic and reproductive performance on the Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows

This research was conducted to investigate the correlation between blood metabolic and reproductive performance on the Holstein-Friesian crossbred. Twenty cows on the second to the third lactation were used in this research. The blood was collected through a jugular vein, eight hours after feeding; it was used for investigating serum protein, glucose, and estradiol. The reproduction including service per conception (S/C), postpartum mating (PPM), and calving interval (CI). The data were analyzed using the Pearson Correlation Model. The average of serum protein, glucose, and estradiol concentration were 7.17±0.86 g/dl; 56.14±4.56 mg/dl; and 4.97±0.75 pg/mL respectively. The average of PPM, CI, and S/C were 150.40±69.85 d; 433.60±106.01 d; and 1.6±0.75 t respectively. The results showed that the correlation coefficient of the estradiol on serum protein and serum glucose were 0.309 and 0.329 respectively. The correlation coefficient of serum protein on PPM, S/C, and CI were -0.096; –0.333; -0.134 respectively. While that of serum glucose on PPM, S/C, and CI were -0.109; –0.327; and -0.309 respectively. Serum protein and glucose had a negative correlation on S/C, PPM and CI.

Effect of oil palm meal on nutrient utilization and milk production in lactating dairy cows fed with urea-treated rice straw

Five Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows were randomly assigned according to a 5 × 5 Latin square design to study the effects of different inclusion levels of oil palm meal (OPM) at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% in the concentrate on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and milk production in lactating dairy cows. Cows received urea-treated rice straw ad libitum as a roughage source. The results showed that the concentrate intake and total dry matter intake were significantly (p < 0.05) highest in cows fed with 10–20% oil palm meal (OPM) in concentrate, while roughage intake was not significantly (p > 0.05) different among treatments. Similarly, dry matter, organic matter, and natural detergent fiber were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in cows fed with 10% OPM in the concentrate than those in other treatments, resulting in the highest nutrient intake (p < 0.05). Feed intake, nutrient digestibility and nutrient intake significantly (p < 0.05) decreased with increasing levels of OPM up to 30–40% in the concentrate. Blood-urea nitrogen, ruminal temperature, ruminal pH, NH3N, total volatile fatty acids, acetic acid and butyric acid were similar among treatments (p > 0.05), whereas, propionic acid decreased with increasing levels of OPM in the concentrate, which was lowest in cows fed 40% OPM, resulting in the significantly (p < 0.05) highest acetic acid to propionic acid ratio and methane production. Furthermore, milk yield was significantly (p < 0.05) the highest in cows fed concentrate with 10–20% OPM, while feeding cows OPM did not affect milk composition (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the optimum level of OPM in the concentrate for lactating dairy cows fed with urea-treated rice straw as a roughage source in this study should not exceed 20%.

Production Performances of Holstein Friesian Crossbred Dairy Cows in Hadiya Zone, (Southern Ethiopia)

This study was conducted to assess productive performances of crossbred (Holstein-Friesian) dairy cows and factors affecting their performances in Shashogo and Anlemo distinct of Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select district and kebeles. A total of 196 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed with semi-structured and structured questionnaire to obtain information on the management practices of farmers, productive performances of crossbred dairy cows. The data were analyzed using the general model of SAS version 9.2. Chi-square test was carried out to assess the statistical significance among categorical variables. Pro LSD test was used to identify a significant difference between districts and seasons mean. Mean herd size of crossbred (HF) dairy cows for Shashogo and Anlemo per households was 4.74 ± 0.114 TLU and 3.63 ± 0.115 TLU, respectively. The major feed resources were natural pasture, crop residues, and crop-after math, concentrate feeds, improved forages and non-conventional feeds, whereas zero-grazing/stall feeding, semi-grazing and free grazing system practiced in both districts. The major sources of water in the study area were river, wells, ponds and tap water. The overall means ± SE of milk yield per day/cow, lactation length and lactation milk yield was 7.61 ± 0.19 liters, 8.99 ± 0.14 months and 2057.16 litres, respectively. In the study period the main constraints were Shortage of feeds, diseases, poor management practices, Lack of services, like Seasonal fluctuation are the main factors hindering dairy productive and reproductive performances in the study areas. Generally, productive performances obtained in current study were low. Therefore, the Sustainable extension service should be established to improve feed resources and management practices in the study area.

Comparison of banana flower powder and sodium bicarbonate supplementation on rumen fermentation and milk production in dairy cows

Four Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows were randomly assigned according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to study the effect of banana flower powder (BAFLOP) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation as rumen-buffering agents on rumen fermentation and milk production. The first factor was two ratios of roughage to concentrate (R : C) at 60 : 40 and 40 : 60, whereas the second was two sources of buffering agent (BAFLOP and NaHCO3) supplemented at 20 g/kg of dry matter intake. All cows were fed total dry matter intake at 25 g/kg bodyweight and untreated rice straw was used as a roughage source. Feeding R : C at 40 : 60 increased nutrient digestibilities, nitrogen absorption, allantoin excretion and absorption, microbial nitrogen synthesis, microbial crude protein and efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis in both BAFLOP- and NaHCO3-supplemented groups. BAFLOP supplementation could maintain ruminal pH as NaHCO3. Blood urea nitrogen, total volatile fatty acid and propionate, and milk yield increased in cows fed R : C at 40 : 60 both in BAFLOP and NaHCO3 supplementation, whereas acetate was relatively high in cows consuming R : C at 60 : 40. However, rumen microorganisms were similar among treatments whereas milk compositions were unchanged by the dietary treatments, except milk fat and total solids were the highest in cow consumed R : C at 60 : 40. The results suggested that feeding R : C at 40 : 60 resulted in improvement of nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation efficiency and milk production, and supplementation of BAFLOP showed similar buffering capacity as NaHCO3. Therefore, BAFLOP could be used efficiently as a dietary rumen-buffering agent and promisingly deserves a replacement for bicarbonate sources in lactating dairy cows fed on a high concentrate diet.

Comparison of the performance of Holstein-Friesian and Jersey×Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows within three contrasting grassland-based systems of milk production

The performance of spring calving Holstein-Friesian (HF) and Jersey×Holstein-Friesian (J×HF) dairy cows was examined during three successive years (mean of 35 HF cows and 31 J×HF cows per year). Throughout the experiment cows were managed on one of three grassland-based systems of milk production, namely low concentrate (LC), medium concentrate (MC) or high concentrate (HC). Post-calving, cows were housed and offered grass silage, supplemented with 6.0, 8.0 and 10.0kg concentrate/cow/d in systems LC, MC and HC, respectively (mean period from calving to start of full time grazing, 69 days). During the grazing period target concentrate feed levels were 0, 2.5 and 5.0kg/cow/d for systems LC, MC and HC, respectively (mean period from start of full time grazing to start full time re-housing, 206 days). Full lactation concentrate inputs were 530, 1092 and 1667kg/cow, in systems LC, MC and HC, respectively. There were no significant genotype×system interactions for any of the milk production parameters examined. Food intake during the confinement and grazing periods was unaffected by genotype. Milk yield was highest with HF cows while milk fat and milk protein content were highest with the J×HF cows (P<0.001). Genotype had no effect on fat plus protein yield. Milk yield and fat plus protein yield were higher with systems MC and HC than with LC (P<0.001). HF cows were on average 44kg heavier than J×HF cows, while the mean condition score of the J×HF cows was approximately 0.2 units higher than that of the HF cows (P<0.001). Live weight and condition score changes during the lactation followed similar trends with both genotypes. The J×HF cows had fewer days to first observed heat (P<0.05), a higher conception rate to first service (P<0.01), first plus second service (P<0.001), and a higher pregnancy rate at the end of the breeding season (P<0.05). Although mean somatic cell score was unaffected by genotype, the proportion of cows with one or more cases of mastitis was lower with the J×HF cows (P<0.05). In summary, while the J×HF cows had improved fertility performance compared to the HF cows, both genotypes exhibited similar levels of tissue mobilisation and deposition throughout the lactation, while there was no evidence of a genotype×grassland system interaction for any of the milk production parameters examined.

Effect of the Different Feed Formulas on Physiological Changes and Milk Production Performance of Holstein-friesian Crossbred Dairy Cows

The effect of 3 different feed formulas on some physiological changes, haematological changes, cortisol levels and milk production performance of Holstein-Frie sian crossbred dairy cows were studied during the early period of the first lactation, by Randomized Complete Block Design with 4 replications and 3 treatments. Twelve cows were randomly assigned to each of the 3 feed formula groups as follows; (1) Commercial Feed as control group, (2) Cooperative-mixed Feed and (3) Cooperative-mixed Feed with the supplement of 2 kilograms of whole cottonseed/head/day. They were raised and managed in Sakon Nakhon Livestock Breeding and Research Station. The significant effects of feed formulas on physiologica l responses (rectal temperature, respiration rate, pulse rate and heat tolerance), haematological changes, cortisol levels and Average Daily Milk Yield (ADMY) were observed (p<0.05). The cows in group 3 showed higher Heat Tolerance Coefficient (HTC) than the cows in groups 1 and 2. The ADMY of cows in group 3 (7.89±0.62 kg/d) was higher than the cows in group 1 and 2 (7.72±0.32 and 7.70±0.64 kg/d), respectively. But milk composition was found only significant difference (p<0.05) in milk fat percentage.

Effect of Elemental Sulfur Supplementation on Rumen Environment Parameters and Utilization Efficiency of Fresh Cassava Foliage and Cassava Hay in Dairy Cattle

Effect of sulfur (S) on utilization efficiency of fresh cassava foliage and cassava hay in dairy cows was evaluated using thirty-two I st -2 nd lactation Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows. The experimental treatment was a 2x2 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) using two roughages (rice straw+fresh cassava foliage (FCF) and rice straw+cassava hay (CH)) and two elemental sulfur (S) levels (0.15 and 0.4% S of dry matter (DM)), respectively. Four dietary treatments (FCF+0.15, FCF+0.4, CH+0.15 and CH+0.4) were offered ad libitum in the form of a total mixed ration (TMR) with concentrate to roughage (chopped rice straw+chopped cassava foliage) ratio at 60:40. Fresh cassava foliage or cassava hay resulted in similar dry mater intake, rumen ecology parameters, total tract digestibility, blood chemistry, milk production and composition. However, HCN intake, blood and milk thiocyanate concentration were significantly higher (p<0.01) in cows fed fresh cassava foliage with no sign of potential toxicity. Dry matter intake, body weight changes, molar percentage of propionate in rumen, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility and nitrogen (N) retention of cows tended to be increased while DM digestibility (65.6, 72.7, 68.6 and 72.1% of total DM intake for the respective treatments), rumen bacteria population (1.4, 1.7, 1.6 and 1.7x10 11 cell/ml for respective treatments), fungal zoospore population (0.4, 0.6, 0.4 and 0.5x10 6 cell/ml for respective treatments), urinary allantoin (25.3, 28.0, 26.3 and 27.6 g/d for respective treatments), microbial N yield (136.0, 154.6, 142.8 and 151.3 g N/d for respective treatments) and milk protein content (3.4, 3.5, 3.2 and 3.5% for respective treatments) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in cows fed on supplemented sulfur at 0.4% of DM in comparison with 0.15% S-supplemented diets. Based on these results, it is concluded that cassava foliage could be used as a portion of roughage for dairy cows and supplementation of S would be nutritionally beneficial.

Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) on follicular IGF-I contents and the ovarian response following superovulatory treatment in dairy cows: A preliminary study

Somatotropin and FSH act synergystically on insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) synthesis in ovarian follicles; IGF-I regulates several granulosa cell specific functions and may thereby be beneficial in bovine superovulation. In a series of 3 experiments we investigated the effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) on several parameters of the superovulatory response in dairy cows. A total of 81 Holstein Friesian crossbred dairy cows received either 640 mg rBST or the vehicle (controls) on Day 4 or 13 of the superovulation schedule. Superovulation was induced with 2500 IU PMSG on Day 9. The cows were artificially inseminated on Day 13. In Experiment 1, on Days 4, 8, 11, 13 and 17 4 to 5 animals each were slaughtered to obtain follicular fluid, endometrium and plasma. The rBST application increased IGF-I contents in plasma and follicular fluid on Days 8, 11 and 13 (P < 0.05) in the treated cows when compared with that of the controls. Plasma and follicular IGF-I contents were correlated closely (rBST: r = 0.90, n = 10; control: r = 0.94, n = 9). The number of antral follicles increased following rBST treatment, and on the day of artificial insemination (AI) twice as many follicles > 4 mm were counted in the rBST treated animals than in the control group. In Experiment 2, the flushing of 38 donors on Day 7 after AI resulted in more transferable embryos in the rBST group than in the control group (4.2 ± 1.0 vs 2.5 ± 0.7; P < 0.05). In contrast, in Experiment 3 involving 21 animals when rBST was administered at the time of AI the superovulation response was not altered. It is concluded that rBST increases follicular and plasma IGF-I contents and thereby has profound effects on follicular and early embryonic development.

Superovulation of dairy cows with purified FSH supplemented with defined amounts of LH

This study investigated the effects of a purified follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) preparation supplemented with three different amounts of bovine luteinizing hormone (bLH) and a commercially available FSH with a high LH contamination on superovulatory response, plasma LH and milk progesterone levels in dairy cows. A total of 112 lactating Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows were used for these experiments; the cows were randomly assigned to treatment groups consisting of purified porcine FSH (pFSH) supplemented with bLH. Group 1 was given 0.052 IU LH 40 mg armour units (AU) FSH (n = 6); Group 2 was given 0.069 IU LH (n = 32); Group 3 received 0.423 IU LH (n = 34); while Group 4 cows (n = 36) were superovulated with a commercially available FSH-P ®. This compound appeared to contain 8.5 IU LH 40 mg AU FSH according to bioassay measurement. All animals received a total of 40 mg AU FSH at a constant dose twice daily over a 4-d period. Levels of milk progesterone and plasma LH were determined during the course of superovulatory treatment. The Group 1 treatment did not reveal multiple follicular growth, and no embryos were obtained. Superovulation of Group 3 cows resulted in significantly (P<0.05) more corpora lutea (CL; 12.6±1.1) and fertilized ova (5.1±1.3) compared with Groups 2 and 4 (10.1±0.9 and 2.6±0.6, 9.0±0.9 and 2.7±0.5, respectively). Due to a high percentage of degenerated embryos (33%) Group 3 yielded only one more transferable embryo than Groups 2 and 4. Among groups, LH levels differed in the period prior to induction of luteolysis and were similar thereafter. The progesterone pattern following FSH LH administration reflected the amount of LH supplementation. Milk progesterone levels on the day prior to embryo collection were correlated to the number of CLs and recovered embryos. It is concluded that under the conditions of our experiment superovulation with 0.423 IU LH 40 mg AU FSH may yield a significantly improved superovulatory response in dairy cows. It is further suggested that LH supplementation exerts its effects mainly on follicular and oocyte maturation during the period prior to luteolysis.

Rapid milk progesterone assay as a tool for the selection of potential donor cows prior to superovulation

This study investigated the accuracy of a commercially available rapid milk progesterone (P 4) assay (RMPA) and its usefulness for the screening of potential donor cows prior to superovulatory treatment. Superovulation was induced in 90 lactating Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows with twice daily injections over a 4-day period for a total of 40 mg follicle stimulating hormone (FSH-P), starting 9 to 13 d post estrus. Prior to induction of superovulation, a milk sample was collected and assayed for a P 4 level using the RMPA. The test determines P 4 by a simple visual color inspection of the respective sample, which is compared to a standard containing 10.5 ng/ml of P 4. All animals were divided into six groups according to the color intensity of their sample; three groups had a lower level, one group had an equal level and two groups had a higher P 4 level than the standard. Results of the semiquantitative RMPA were verified by a quantitative enzymeimmunoassay (EIA). Samples evaluated as equivalent to the standard had a mean P 4 level of 10.7 ± 1.3 ng/ml ( x ± SEM). In total, P 4 levels differed (P<0.05) among groups, except in those with lower P 4 concentrations (1.1 ± 0.0; 1.0 ± 0.0; 3.7 ± 1.5; 10.7 ± 1.3; 13.8 ± 1.3; 19.0 ± 1.5 ng/ml, respectively). The correlation between RMPA-groups and EIA P 4 levels was 0.69 (P<0.001). Donors classified as having less P 4 than the standard yielded fewer corpora lutea (CL) (P<0.005), ova and embryos (P<0.05), and transferable embryos (P<0.05) compared with donors having similar or higher P 4 levels (3.4 ± 1.0 vs 10.8 ± 0.7 CL; 1.7 ± 0.8 vs 6.2 ± 0.9 ova and embryos; 1.2 ± 0.7 vs 2.8 ± 0.4 transferable embryos). Our results indicate that RMPA determines milk P 4 levels with sufficient accuracy and is a simple and useful tool for the screening of potential donor cows.

Effect of gonadotropin priming on the superovulatory estrus and plasma progesterone profile among buffaloes

This study investigated the effects of a purified follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) preparation supplemented with three different amounts of bovine luteinizing hormone (bLH) and a commercially available FSH with a high LH contamination on superovulatory response, plasma LH and milk progesterone levels in dairy cows. A total of 112 lactating Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows were used for these experiments; the cows were randomly assigned to treatment groups consisting of purified porcine FSH (pFSH) supplemented with bLH. Group 1 was given 0.052 IU LH40 mg armour units (AU) FSH (n = 6); Group 2 was given 0.069 IU LH (n = 32); Group 3 received 0.423 IU LH (n = 34); while Group 4 cows (n = 36) were superovulated with a commercially available FSH-P®. This compound appeared to contain 8.5 IU LH40 mg AU FSH according to bioassay measurement. All animals received a total of 40 mg AU FSH at a constant dose twice daily over a 4-d period. Levels of milk progesterone and plasma LH were determined during the course of superovulatory treatment. The Group 1 treatment did not reveal multiple follicular growth, and no embryos were obtained. Superovulation of Group 3 cows resulted in significantly (P<0.05) more corpora lutea (CL; 12.6±1.1) and fertilized ova (5.1±1.3) compared with Groups 2 and 4 (10.1±0.9 and 2.6±0.6, 9.0±0.9 and 2.7±0.5, respectively). Due to a high percentage of degenerated embryos (33%) Group 3 yielded only one more transferable embryo than Groups 2 and 4. Among groups, LH levels differed in the period prior to induction of luteolysis and were similar thereafter. The progesterone pattern following FSHLH administration reflected the amount of LH supplementation. Milk progesterone levels on the day prior to embryo collection were correlated to the number of CLs and recovered embryos.It is concluded that under the conditions of our experiment superovulation with 0.423 IU LH40 mg AU FSH may yield a significantly improved superovulatory response in dairy cows. It is further suggested that LH supplementation exerts its effects mainly on follicular and oocyte maturation during the period prior to luteolysis.

The effects of incorporating a norgestoment ear implant into a superovulation regime

This study investigated the effects of a purified follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) preparation supplemented with three different amounts of bovine luteinizing hormone (bLH) and a commercially available FSH with a high LH contamination on superovulatory response, plasma LH and milk progesterone levels in dairy cows. A total of 112 lactating Holstein-Friesian crossbred dairy cows were used for these experiments; the cows were randomly assigned to treatment groups consisting of purified porcine FSH (pFSH) supplemented with bLH. Group 1 was given 0.052 IU LH40 mg armour units (AU) FSH (n = 6); Group 2 was given 0.069 IU LH (n = 32); Group 3 received 0.423 IU LH (n = 34); while Group 4 cows (n = 36) were superovulated with a commercially available FSH-P®. This compound appeared to contain 8.5 IU LH40 mg AU FSH according to bioassay measurement. All animals received a total of 40 mg AU FSH at a constant dose twice daily over a 4-d period. Levels of milk progesterone and plasma LH were determined during the course of superovulatory treatment. The Group 1 treatment did not reveal multiple follicular growth, and no embryos were obtained. Superovulation of Group 3 cows resulted in significantly (P<0.05) more corpora lutea (CL; 12.6±1.1) and fertilized ova (5.1±1.3) compared with Groups 2 and 4 (10.1±0.9 and 2.6±0.6, 9.0±0.9 and 2.7±0.5, respectively). Due to a high percentage of degenerated embryos (33%) Group 3 yielded only one more transferable embryo than Groups 2 and 4. Among groups, LH levels differed in the period prior to induction of luteolysis and were similar thereafter. The progesterone pattern following FSHLH administration reflected the amount of LH supplementation. Milk progesterone levels on the day prior to embryo collection were correlated to the number of CLs and recovered embryos.It is concluded that under the conditions of our experiment superovulation with 0.423 IU LH40 mg AU FSH may yield a significantly improved superovulatory response in dairy cows. It is further suggested that LH supplementation exerts its effects mainly on follicular and oocyte maturation during the period prior to luteolysis.