Increased Milk Yield Research Articles

Effect of medium-chain fatty acids supplementation on feed intake, rumen fermentation, blood profile, and milk production of dairy cows in the transition period.

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are rapidly utilized by the liver as an energy source. However, the effects of feeding MCFAs to dairy cows during the transition period and the subsequent effect on postpartum performance is not well clear. Therefore, this study was to evaluate the effects of MCFAs supplementation on feed intake, rumen fermentation, blood profile, and milk production in dairy cows during their transition period. Twenty-one multiparity Holstein cows were randomly assigned to 2 dietary groups: one group received a diet supplemented with MCFAs calcium salts (MCFA-Ca) from 3 weeks relative to expected parturition to 5 weeks postpartum (MCFA; n = 10), and the other group received the same diet without supplements (control; n = 11). MCFA-Ca containing 80% caprylic acid and 20% capric acid were added to the mixed diet at 1.5% dry matter. During the close-up period (from 3 weeks relative to expected parturition until parturition), cows were fed a TMR with restricted intake to provide 100% of the metabolic energy requirement. Subsequently, the cows were fed a TMR ad libitum from parturition to 5 weeks postpartum. The dry matter intake and body weight did not differ throughout the experimental period between groups. Rumen fermentation and protozoa counts remained unaffected during the experimental period. Supplementation of MCFA had no effect on the plasma concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids and total ketone bodies in cows throughout the experimental period. On the other hand, postpartum plasma glucagon concentration was higher in the MCFA group than in the control group, and milk yield tended to increase in the MCFA group. In conclusion, our results suggested that MCFA-Ca supplementation enhances the catabolic state by affecting pancreatic hormone secretion, resulting in an increase in milk yield during the fresh period without an excessive negative energy balance in dairy cows.

Milk Performance and Grazing Behaviour of Cinisara Cows Supplemented with Low- and High-Polyphenols Faba Bean Varieties

The high degradability of crude protein (CP) from fresh grass can impair its utilization in ruminants. The presence of a moderate level of polyphenolic substances in the diet of grazing animals could help to overcome this problem. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with two varieties of faba bean, with different polyphenol contents, on milk yield and quality, as well as on grazing behaviour, in Cinisara grazing cows. A total of 30 cows, homogeneous per days in milk (61 ± 29) and milk yield (12.9 kg ± 3.2), fed on a mixed pasture (CP 17.9% DM) and supplied with grains (an equal mixture of barley, oats, and wheat) and mixed hay (CP 10.2% DM), were assigned to three dietary treatments and supplemented as follows: control group (C, 10 cows), 1 kg of hay, 6 kg of grains mixture, and 0.4 kg soybean meal; low polyphenols group (LP, 10 cows), 1 kg of hay, 4 kg of grains mixture, and 2 kg/d of faba bean var. Torrelama (total polyphenols 4.4 mg GAE/g DM; CP 28.4% DM); high polyphenols group (HP, 10 cows), 2 kg of hay, 4 kg of grains mixture, and 2 kg/d of faba bean var. Fanfare (total polyphenols 16.4 mg GAE/g DM; CP 28.9% DM). All groups were allowed to graze for 20 h/d on natural pasture forage. The HP supplement tended to increase the milk yield compared to that of the LP and C groups (17.1 vs. 15.3 and 14.6 kg/d, respectively; p = 0.057) but reduced the protein (3.20 vs. 3.39 and 3.47%; p = 0.009) and casein proportions (2.45 vs. 2.67 and 2.74%, respectively; p = 0.007) compared to those from the LP and C treatments. HP milk also showed a higher milk urea nitrogen (MUN) value compared to that of C milk, while an intermediate level was measured in LP milk (25.5 vs. 22.9 and 20.9 mg/dl, respectively; p = 0.036). No dietary effect was evident in the milk fatty acid profile. Eating time at pasture and biting rate were not affected by supplementation. The results do not seem to suggest a difference in the efficiency of use of supplements with different polyphenol contents. In any case, they seem to demonstrate that the use of faba beans, regardless of their polyphenol content, represents a valid alternative to soyabeans, also taking into account the tendency for an increased milk yield found by integrating pasture grazing with faba beans possessing a high level of polyphenols, without significant worsening of the qualitative characteristics of the milk or negatively affecting grazing behaviour.

Effect of dietary nano-selenium and sodium selenite on the milk profiles of selenoamino acids, selenoenzymes, and selenoproteins of dairy cows.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary nanoselenium (nanoSe) and sodium selenite (SS) on the concentrations of selenoamino acids, the activities of selenoenzymes, and the mRNA expressions of selenoproteins in the milk of peripartal dairy cows. Three diets included a control (basal diet) with background selenium at 0.06 mg/kg and treatments with either SS or nanoSe added at the same selenium concentration of 1.00 mg/kg of diet. A total of 45 dairy cows were randomly allocated to three groups. The feeding trial lasted for 42 days from prenatal 21 days to postnatal 21 days. NanoSe increased (p<0.05) milk yield compared to the control and SS. In milk, both SS and nanoSe increased (p<0.05) the concentrations of selenium, selenocysteine, and selenomethionine, and the activities of glutathione peroxidase 4, glutathione reductase, thioredoxin reductase, glutathione S-transferase, and iodothyronine deiodinases (Type 2 and 3). The nanoSe showed higher (p<0.05) effects on these parameters than SS. Also, dietary nanoSe upregulated (p<0.05) the mRNA expressions of selenoproteins P, W, S, F, M, N, K, O, H, and I in milk compared to the control. For most selenoproteins, there was no difference between SS and nanoSe, only selenoprotein K was higher (p<0.05) in nanoSe than in SS. In conclusion, dietary nanoSe increased milk yield, milk selenoamino acids and selenoproteins in peripartal dairy cows.

Linking Animal Feed Formulation to Milk Quantity, Quality, and Animal Health Through Data-Driven Decision-Making.

The global demand for high-quality animal products, particularly dairy, has intensified the need for more precise and efficient livestock feed formulation. This review connects data-driven decision-making in optimizing feed formulation to enhance milk quantity and quality while addressing animal health implications. Modern feed formulation has evolved into a sophisticated, data-centric process by integrating diverse data sources such as nutritional databases, environmental data, and animal performance metrics. Leveraging advanced analytical techniques, such as machine learning and optimization algorithms, have created highly accurate feed formulations tailored to specific livestock needs. These innovations increase milk yield and contribute to developing dairy products with higher nutritional value. Decision Support Systems play a complementary role by offering real-time decision-making capabilities, enabling farmers to make data-informed adjustments composition based on changing conditions. However, despite its potential, the widespread adoption of data-driven feed formulation faces challenges such as data quality, technological limitations, and industry resistance, mostly disjointed processes. The objectives of this review are: (i) to explore the current advancements and challenges of data-driven decision-making in feed formulation, focusing on its connection to milk quantity and quality, and (ii) to highlight how this optimized feed formulation strategy improves sustainable dairy production.

On-farm supplementation of rumen-protected niacin: A randomized clinical trial.

B vitamins, including niacin (vitamin B3), are synthesized by rumen microbes, but supplementation may provide additional benefits for ruminant health and productivity. Supplementing rumen-protected niacin (RPN) during the transition period can reduce lipolysis after calving and, consequently, may improve health and fertility of dairy cattle later in lactation. Our objective was to determine if supplementing RPN during the first 21 DIM would improve the health of dairy cows on a commercial dairy farm. We hypothesized that RPN would reduce mastitis, improve fertility, and reduce risk of leaving the herd during lactation. Holstein cows were blocked by parity and projected calving date, with treatments randomly assigned to cows within each block. Cows received RPN (n = 481; 26 g/d) through a supplement dispenser in the automated milk systems (AMS) in addition to their robot pellet, or the robot pellet only (CON; n = 593). Treatments were applied for the first 21 DIM, and cows were followed for the rest of their lactation. Milk yield, milk components (wk 1-3 of lactation), pre- and postpartum BCS, health records, and reproductive records were collected. Blood was collected from a random subset of 99 cows at 3 DIM and 97 cows at 10 DIM to assess plasma concentrations of niacin, metabolic biomarkers, and biomarkers of inflammatory status. Culling, proportion of cows pregnant, and mastitis risk were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models. Mastitis incidence was analyzed with a linear mixed model and conception risk was analyzed using a χ2 test. Supplementing RPN increased plasma nicotinamide concentration by 1,740 nM ± 410.0 nM (SE; 50% increase), but it did not affect plasma nicotinic acid concentrations. Supplementing RPN reduced plasma insulin concentrations at 3 and 10 DIM across all parities. Circulating BHB and free fatty acid concentrations were greater for cows receiving RPN; the effect was greatest in cows in third or greater parity. Plasma haptoglobin was not affected by treatment. Rumen-protected niacin increased milk yield for first- and second-parity cows by wk 9 and 13 of lactation, respectively, and increased milk yield in those groups was sustained for the rest of lactation, resulting in 658 ± 259.4 kg and 675 ± 308.9 kg more milk for RPN-supplemented first- and second-parity cows. The risk of leaving the herd, mastitis incidence, and probability of pregnancy were not affected by RPN. Inquiries into the effects of RPN supplementation and its timing on metabolism are necessary to understand optimal supplementation strategies for RPN in dairy cattle.

Ruminal microbial responses to Moringa oleifera feed in lactating goats (Capra hircus): A metagenomic exploration.

The purpose of the current study was to explore the effects of Moringa oleifera feed on the taxonomy and function of the rumen microbial community, and further to evaluate its impact on milk yield and body weight in lactating goats. Nineteen goats were divided into moringa leaf diet (ML; n=10) and masoor straw (MS; n=9) groups. For each group fortnight milk yield and body weight was recorded. Rumen solid and liquid fraction samples were processed for metagenomic shotgun sequencing and further analysed. The pairwise comparison between the two groups showed a significant increase (p-value- <0.01) in milk yield of the ML goats after the 4th fortnight interval onwards. The metagenomic analysis revealed Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes are the most abundant phyla, with increased Bacteroidetes in response to the moringa diet. The ML group exhibited a reduction in microbial diversity, with an increase in Prevetolla and Bacteroidales populations which are positively associated with carbohydrate, protein, and VFA metabolism, and an increased proportions of Treponema sp., Ruminococcus sp., Ruminobacter amylophilus, and Aeromonas, indicating improved cellulose and nitrogen metabolism. KEGG analysis revealed significant changes in microbial gene pool and metabolic pathways, particularly in carbohydrate metabolism, propanoate metabolism, and fatty acid synthesis genes. These microbial and functional shifts are correlated with improvements in milk yield, growth rates, and potentially reduced methane emissions.This study highlighted the potential benefits of feeding moringa in the animal production system. However, furthermore experimental evidence including genetic and environmental effects is needed for a comprehensive understanding of moringa feed's impact on goat health and productivity.

The Relationship Between Different Body and Udder Shapes and Sizes with Milk Yield in Buffaloes

Several studies have been conducted with the objective of examining the potential relationship between different udder and body shapes and sizes and milk yield in buffaloes. In one study, it was stated that the relationship between milk yield and teat diameter was significant. In another study, conical and round teats were found to have the highest milk yield. Milk yield and udder width and lactation number were also positively correlated. It was found that there were some positive correlations between rear udder width, rear udder height, rear udder distance, udder length, front-rear teat distance; left rear teat length, left front teat length; right rear teat length and right front teat length. It was observed that body length was significantly associated with milk yield. While 1 cm increase in body length increased milk yield by 15.96 grams/day on average, each 1 cm increase in chest circumference increased milk yield by 17.96 grams/day. The highest milk yield was recorded at the height of the withers (145 cm) and at the depth of the chest (80 cm). A positive relationship was found between the distance between the hip bones and upper wedge angle and milk yield. Another study found that the thickness of the skin affects how much milk buffaloes produce. The thicker the skin in the flank and udder regions, the less milk the buffalo produces. The correlation coefficient in the flank region was -0.334 and in the udder region was -0.264.

Dairy raw materials quality evaluation under conditions of intensive robotic and baromembrane technologies

The objective of the article boils down to evaluate raw milk quality obtained under conditions of intensive robotic and baromembrane technologies for increasing microbiological stability. The article presents the analysis of phys icochemical, biotechnological and microbiological parameters of raw milk produced using the Lely Astronaut A4 ro botic milking system in comparison with milking into a milk pipeline using the DA-2M "Maiga" apparatus, subjected to baromembrane "cold" sterilization on CMFE microfiltration membranes. It has been established that the use of intensive robotic technologies - the Lely Astronaut A4 robotic milking system - allows to increase milk yield by an average of 12% compared to milking into a milk pipeline, reduce bacterial contamination of milk to less than 500 thousand bacteria in 1 ml and reduce titratable acidity by 0.17 °T. The authors have shown that optimal microbiologi cal parameters of milk are achieved by the microfiltration method. It has been established that during microfiltration sterilization of pre-skimmed milk on CMFE membranes, 99.9% of spores and bacteria are removed. To normalize the fat content of milk after baromembrane "cold" sterilization, the required amount of cream, sterilized by the classical thermal method with subsequent homogenization, is added.

Biomass yield, nutritional composition, preservation techniques of Moringa oleifera, and the effect of M. oleifera silage on the milk production and quality of local Red Chittagong cattle

This experiment aimed to evaluate the biomass yield, nutritional composition, preservation techniques of Moringa oleifera, and the effect of M. oleifera silage on the milk production and quality of local Red Chittagong cattle (RCC). Four varieties of M. oleifera were planted, cultivated, and harvested on the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) research farm. The findings revealed the highest biomass yield in Paraynal varieties (11.24 ± 0.41 tons/ha/year) compared to others. The maximum DM percentage was found in PKM-2 (21.85 ± 1.65) followed by the PKM-1 (21.38 ± 1.98), Paraynal (20.17 ± 2.35), and Black (17.81 ± 1.28) varieties. The study observed greater crude protein (CP) percentage in Black varieties (18.07 ± 0.18) compared to other varieties. A feeding trial was conducted on 10 RCC native dairy cows. Two groups were considered: one was the control (T0) group fed the German grass and concentrate mixture, and the other was the treatment (T1) group fed the moringa silage and concentrate mixture. Each group consisted of five lactating RCC. Moringa oleifera was collected from the BLRI research farm and chopped for silage preparation. The pH of moringa silage was 4.07 ± 0.02, which ensured good quality. There was no significant difference in total DM intake, but the total CP intake (0.55 kg/day) was significantly higher in the control group and the total ME intake was significantly higher in the treatment group compared to the other group. The T1 group increased milk yield by approximately 14.2%. Milk composition was not significantly (P &amp;gt; 0.05) different between the two groups, whereas milk fat significantly differed. Milk fat was slightly higher in the T1 group and the difference between the groups was 0.46%. Moringa silage increased PUFA, linoleic acid (C18:2), linolenic acid (C18:3), arachidonic acid (C20:0), and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:1) and decreased SFA and MUFA in milk. It was concluded that moringa silage feeding will be a good source of nutrients for livestock to maintain their good health and productivity.

Effects of alpha-lipoic acid on productive performance, immunity, antioxidation and serum metabolism in Holstein cows

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effect of alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) in dairy cows and its metabolic mechanism. Thirty Holstein cows weighing 550 ± 25 kg, 200 ± 15 days of lactation and calving 2–3 times were randomly divided into three groups, ten cows in each group. Different doses of α-LA were added based on body weight: 0 (CTL), 30 (LA-L) and 60 (LA-H) mg/kg per head per day; 7 days adaptation period, 30 days formal period. Milk production was recorded daily during the test period. Milk and blood samples were collected on the last day. ELISA kits and automatic biochemical analyser were used to detect the indicators in blood; serum metabolites were detected and analysed by non-target metabolomics. The results of the study showed that the addition of α-LA significantly increased milk yield; blood concentrations for HDL, triglyceride, cortisol and triiodothyronine were significantly elevated; and levels of glutathione reductase and nitric oxide synthase were significantly reduced in LA-L group as compared to CTL group. The concentrations of IL-1β, IL-2, TNF-α, IgG and IgA were significantly higher after supplementation with α-LA. Metabolomics analysis revealed 13 and 15 differential metabolites each in positive or negative modes. Methylmalonic acid levels were significantly higher following α-LA supplementation compared to CTL group, as were D-lactose, D-maltose and oleanolic acid levels in LA-L group. In summary, α-LA can enhance milk production, improve antioxidant capacity and immunity, and is more beneficial for animal production and economic benefits at 30 mg/kg.

Effect of Age at First Calving and Season on First Lactation Milk Yield, Lactation Period and Calves Growth Data in Anatolian Water Buffaloes in Çorum Region

This study was carried out using the data of the National Anatolian Water Buffaloes (AWB) Breeding in Farm Project, which is being carried out in Çorum Region. Data of 292 AWB gave birth between 2019 and 2023 and their calves (n=292) raised in 30 enterprises were used. Age at First Calving (AFC), Lactation Milk Yield (LMY), Lactation Period (LP), Daily Average Milk Yield (DAMY), Calf Birth Weight (CBW), Calf Gender (CG), and Calving Season (CS) were evaluated. The highest milk yield was detected in the buffaloes that were first bred after 50 months while the lowest LMY was observed in buffaloes with AFC less than 38 months (p=0.003). According to data, an increase in milk yield can be expected as AWB get older. Furthermore, the difference between LP and AFC and calving season, sex of calves were not significant. The difference between DAMY and the effect of AFC and CS was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). While the LMY of the buffaloes with the highest AFC were high, there was a difference between the other two groups. The milk yield of the AFC in summer was significantly lower than in other seasons (p&lt;0.05). AWB with high AFC had high LMY and prolonged lactation period. When AFC was in the summer months, LMY and LP decreased, so arranging calving in the spring can be recommended. In addition, although the effect of first breeding at older ages appears to be positive on CBW, the disadvantage of first breeding at older ages in terms of sustainable herd management should also be considered.

Application of type I and II error analysis to support economic decision-making of using an immunomodulator feed additive

The use of the immunomodulator OmniGen- AF® (OMN) feed supplement, where the response in milk yield, health, and reproduction is uncertain, allows for an application of type I (use the product when it is not profitable) and type II (do not use the product when it is profitable) analysis to aid decision making regarding its profitability. This study applies a type I and II error analysis to quantify the economic risk of investing in OMN feed supplementation using data from a controlled study and a field data set collected on dairy farms. Four prediction models were applied considering the expected value and standard deviation of the response in milk yield; milk and health; milk and reproduction; milk, health, and reproduction. Uncertainty in the milk response was modeled following a normal distribution with mean 0.15 kg/cow/d and standard deviation 0.81 kg/cow/d. This distribution was left-truncated at 0 kg, which resulted in a mean (expected) response of 0.7 kg/cow/d. Based on the field data set, the reduction in health costs and reproduction were estimated at $0.086 and $0.33/cow/day. All 3 responses were assumed to be present or not in the first 90 DIM. The increase in milk yields necessary to pay for the OMN supplementation considering a response in milk yield only, milk and health, milk and reproduction, and milk, health, and reproduction were 0.45, 0.19, -0.56, and -0.82 kg/cow/d respectively. The break-even OMN cost per cow per day when considering the increases in milk yield, milk and health, and milk and reproduction, milk, health, and reproduction were $0.23, $0.31, $0.56, and $0.65 respectively. Production responses resulted in costs exceeding revenue with a type I error cost of $2.62 for milk and $0.47 for milk and health response for the broke even. There was no type I error cost associated when considering the responses in milk and reproduction, and the combination of milk, health and reproduction which implies that there is no risk of using OMN when it is not profitable ( = the product is profitable for certain). Type II costs were associated with returns that are unrealized because of failing to use OMN when it is profitable with an opportunity cost of $9.92, $15.53, $37.23, and $45.08 per cow per day for the responses in milk yield; milk and health; milk and reproduction; and milk, health, and reproduction respectively. We concluded that a type I and II error analysis applied to the use of the OMN feed additive provided additional insights beyond a break-even analysis to support economic decision-making when the response on dairy farms is uncertain. The type I and II error analysis can aid in decision-making process to evaluate the adoption of a new technology.

Review About The Hormonal Additives In Cow Feeding And Their Harmful Effects.

Hormones, are chemical messengers which are secreted by glands and transmits various stimuli between a tissues throughout your bloodstream. Robert Sapolsky explains that hormones control and regulate the activities of living organisms, or literally everything we do including digestion, metabolism, respiration, sensory perception, sleep stress. To meet the need of this increasing population, higher food production is required in today's digital age. To do this, they are injected with synthetic hormones that enable them to produce more milk and the meat on their bodies. Here, in this review article, we discuss the hormone-treated cows and their negative consequences of hormones to humans. Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) belongs to steroids it is a transgenic substance injected into dairy cows to increase milk yield, it is considered an urgent problem because it causes cancer, U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved estradiol, progesterone and testosterone, for commercial use . It was found to fortify milk and meat in animals, but adverse effects seen in users, leading to cancer and premature puberty in children Hormone supplements in dairy cattle are many adverse effects in animal health, reproduction, environment and food safety are associated However , these benefits must be weighed against the potential risks associated with the use of these chemicals, so it was urged wisdom to develop several effective alternatives for targeting dairy cows with hormone supplementation for welfare, milk quality or human health

Influence of the new wavy teat liner “Stimulor StressLess” on milk yield performance and its quality in dairy cows: Results of a field study

The ideal milking system meets the physiological needs of dairy cows to increase milk yield, achieve better milk quality and maintain healthy udders. Therefore, the settings of the milking machine and the properties of the teat cup liners are very important on dairy farms. The aim of the present study was to test a new teat cup liner “Stimulor StressLess” (SSL) in two commercial dairy farms and to investigate its influence on daily milk production and quality having different experimental settings. For this purpose, 40 dairy cows of different breeds in Tirol, Austria (farm 1) were investigated for 6 months, where 3 months represent the control phase (Gr 1) and milked with conventional teat liners, and the second 3 months phase (Gr 2) was the experimental phase and milked with SSL teat cup liners. On the second farm 90 dairy cows of Simmental breed in Baden-Württemberg, Germany (farm 2) were examined for one year equally divided in the first 6 months of control phase and second 6 months of treatment phase. All cows on both farms had the same stage of lactation and lactation number. During the study period, the daily milk production of each cow was recorded and milk samples were collected to determine the ingredients. The results showed that higher daily milk production and better milk quality were observed after using the new SSL teat cup liner in the existing milking machines. However, the use of the new teat cup liner SSL was more efficient in the longer treatment in farm 2 than in farm 1. In addition, after the use of the new SSL teat cup liner, the udders remained healthy throughout the study period, showing lower somatic cell counts (SCC). It can be concluded that high milk yield and better milk quality can be achieved by using SSL teat cup liners, as they are adapted to all teat shapes and dimensions.

Influence of the new wavy teat liner “Stimulor StressLess” on milk yield performance and its quality in dairy cows: Results of a field study

The ideal milking system meets the physiological needs of dairy cows to increase milk yield, achieve better milk quality and maintain healthy udders. Therefore, the settings of the milking machine and the properties of the teat cup liners are very important on dairy farms. The aim of the present study was to test a new teat cup liner “Stimulor StressLess” (SSL) in two commercial dairy farms and to investigate its influence on daily milk production and quality having different experimental settings. For this purpose, 40 dairy cows of different breeds in Tirol, Austria (farm 1) were investigated for 6 months, where 3 months represent the control phase (Gr 1) and milked with conventional teat liners, and the second 3 months phase (Gr 2) was the experimental phase and milked with SSL teat cup liners. On the second farm 90 dairy cows of Simmental breed in Baden-Württemberg, Germany (farm 2) were examined for one year equally divided in the first 6 months of control phase and second 6 months of treatment phase. All cows on both farms had the same stage of lactation and lactation number. During the study period, the daily milk production of each cow was recorded and milk samples were collected to determine the ingredients. The results showed that higher daily milk production and better milk quality were observed after using the new SSL teat cup liner in the existing milking machines. However, the use of the new teat cup liner SSL was more efficient in the longer treatment in farm 2 than in farm 1. In addition, after the use of the new SSL teat cup liner, the udders remained healthy throughout the study period, showing lower somatic cell counts (SCC). It can be concluded that high milk yield and better milk quality can be achieved by using SSL teat cup liners, as they are adapted to all teat shapes and dimensions.

Increase in dairy production of goats with subclinical nematode infection using injectable eprinomectin

The effect of the treatment with an injectable product containing eprinomectin on milk yield, milk composition, and somatic cell count (SCC) was investigated in naturally infected dairy goats with low gastrointestinal nematode faecal egg and pulmonary larval counts. The study involved 394 lactating goats and was conducted on a farm in southern Spain. Before treatment, faeces from all animals were analysed to establish two homogeneous groups according to the gastrointestinal nematode egg counts (185 treated and 209 untreated). On day 0, each goat in the treatment group received a single subcutaneous injection of 12 mg of eprinomectin (0.6 ml of Eprecis®, CEVA, Spain). The control goats were left untreated. Faecal egg counts and coprocultures were performed on days 0, 30, 60, and 90 post-treatment. Milk samples were taken on days 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 and analysed to determine individual production and milk composition parameters, including fat (F), protein (P), lactose (L), total dry extract (TDE), and SCC. Examination of faecal samples indicated that the goats were mainly infected with gastrointestinal strongylids of the genera Teladorsagia and Trichostrongylus and Muellerius lungworms. The percentage reduction of gastrointestinal nematode faecal egg counts on days 30, 60, and 90 was 97.55 % (90 % CI = 95.1 % - 99.9 %), 90.65 % (90 % CI = 83.7 % - 97.6 %) and 87.5 % (90 % CI = 79.5 % - 95.5 %), respectively, and that of lung larval counts in faeces was 98.48 % (90 % CI = 96.3 % - 100 %), 96.91 % (90 % CI = 84.2 % - 98.9 %), and 82.05 % (90 % CI = 66.9 % - 97.2 %), respectively. Milk yield was consistently and significantly higher in the treated group than in the control group (p = 0.004). The treated goats showed a 4 % increase in daily milk yield (60 ml/day) compared with the untreated goats. There was a significant decrease in F and TDE in the treated goats compared with the untreated goats, but eprinomectin did not affect P, L, and SCC. The estimated economic benefit of using injectable eprinomectin was around 6.46€ per goat over the 120-day period. In conclusion, treatment with injectable eprinomectin has an economical positive effect on milk yield in goats, even those infected with a low burden of gastrointestinal and pulmonary nematodes.

Effects of training of Saanen goats for the first milking on behavior, milk yield, and milk quality traits

This study aimed to assess the effects of prepartum milking training of primiparous goats on behavior, plasma cortisol concentration, and milk yield and quality traits. Thirty-one primiparous Saanen goats were assigned into two treatments: CT = milking-trained (n = 16) and ST = not milking-trained (n = 15) goats. Milking training consisted of the handler entering the pen where the goats were and walking calmly among them for 20 minutes/day for seven days, and then driving the goats to the milking parlor, positioning them in the stanchion, and gently touching their ribs, legs, and udders for five minutes for seven days. Behavioral assessments were carried out measuring the latency that each goat took to get close to a known person (voluntary approach = LC) and the flight distance (FD) before training (BT), just after training (AT), at the beginning (between days five and seven, d5–7) and 30 days of lactation (d30). Milking reactivity was assessed by recording the step-kick (SK) and head, ear and tail movement (MOV) scores. Plasma cortisol concentrations (PCC) were measured after milking. All measurements were recorded at 5–7 (d5–7), 30 (d30), and 60 (d60) days of lactation, defining the assessment days. The number of animals that required restraint during milking was also recorded. Milk yield was recorded daily throughout the 120 days of the lactation period, and milk quality traits (dry matter, density, fat, protein, lactose, minerals, acidity, SCC, Staphylococcus and total bacterial count - TBC) at d5–7, d30, d60, d90, and d120. The goats’ reactivity decreased throughout lactation. CT goats showed a lower LC on d30 than before training. PCC showed higher values on d60 than prepartum. At the beginning of lactation, 73 % of ST goats were restrained for milking, while for CT goats, 45 %. Milk yield was highest in the period from 8 to 90 days of lactation and 0.5 kg/day higher (although not significant) in CT than in ST. Milk quality traits showed significant differences between assessment days, except for TBC and Staphylococcus counts. In conclusion, the training protocol did not significantly impact goats' reactivity during milking, PCC, and milk quality traits. However, there was a tendency to increase milk yield and reduce the number of animals restrained during milking.

Dietary supplementation with citrus peel extract in transition period improves rumen microbial composition and ameliorates energy metabolism and lactation performance of dairy cows

BackgroundDuring the transition period, excessive negative energy balance (NEB) lead to metabolic disorders and reduced milk yield. Rumen microbes are responsible for resolving plant material and producing volatile fatty acids (VFA), which are the primary energy source for cows. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of citrus peel extract (CPE) supplementation on rumen microbiota composition, energy metabolism and milk performance of peripartum dairy cows.MethodsDairy cows were fed either a basal diet (CON group) or the same basal diet supplemented with CPE via intragastric administration (4 g/d, CPE group) for 6 weeks (3 weeks before and 3 weeks after calving; n = 15 per group). Samples of serum, milk, rumen fluid, adipose tissue, and liver were collected to assess the effects of CPE on rumen microbiota composition, rumen fermentation parameters, milk performance, and energy metabolic status of dairy cows.ResultsCPE supplementation led to an increase in milk yield, milk protein and lactose contents, and serum glucose levels, while reduced serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acid, β-hydroxybutyric acid, insulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and haptoglobin during the first month of lactation. CPE supplementation also increased the content of ruminal VFA. Compared to the CON group, the abundance of Prevotellaceae, Methanobacteriaceae, Bacteroidales_RF16_group, and Selenomonadaceae was found increased, while the abundance of Oscillospiraceae, F082, Ruminococcaceae, Christensenellaceae, Muribaculaceae UCG-011, Saccharimonadaceae, Hungateiclostridiaceae, and Spirochaetaceae in the CPE group was found decreased. In adipose tissue, CPE supplementation decreased lipolysis, and inflammatory response, while increased insulin sensitivity. In the liver, CPE supplementation decreased lipid accumulation, increased insulin sensitivity, and upregulated expression of genes involved in gluconeogenesis.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that CPE supplementation during the peripartum period altered rumen microbiota composition and increased ruminal VFA contents, which further improved NEB and lactation performance, alleviated lipolysis and inflammatory response in adipose tissue, reduced lipid accumulation and promoted gluconeogenesis in liver. Thus, CPE might contribute to improve energy metabolism and consequently lactation performance of dairy cows during the transition period.

The influence of paratypical factors on the character of the lactation curve of Simmental ? Holstein cows

The nature of the lactation curve and milk productivity have been studied in hybrid “Simmental ? red-and-white Holstein” cows with the genotype 1/4 of Simmental breed +3/4 red-and-white Holstein breed and 1/8+7/8 of the same pedigree. The experiment was carried out at Agrosoyuz LLC in Ruzaevka district of Mordovia Republic. According to the study, cows with the 1/8 Simmental +7/8 red-and-white Holstein genotype of autumn-winter calving had the highest milk productivity. Their milk yield amounted to 8224 kg. The milk yield of cows with the 1/4 Simmental + 3/4 red-and-white Holstein genotype was 6901 kg. The coefficient of lactation constancy (CLC) in cows of autumn-winter calving was 96.0 and 97.9%. Next in terms of productivity are winter calving cows, whose milk yield amounted to 6800-8031 kg, with CLC of 94.9 - 97.8%. The lowest productivity was obtained from cows of summer calving period. The LP increases from 88.7 to 97.0% with the increase in cows live weight at first calving in the group of animals with the 1/4 Simmenta l +3/4 red-and-white Holstein genotype. In animals with the 1/8 Simmental +7/8 red-and-white Holstein genotype, the CLC increases from 97.6 to 98.1%. Based on the research conducted, we can conclude that the live weight of first-calf cows should be 580-600 kg. Under these conditions, high milk productivity is very likely. Analysis of the degree of influence of the service period value on the CLC showed the following: this indicator increased by 6.0% in 3/4 Holstein-bred genotype animals with the extension of the service period from 110.7 to 169.9 days; the increase of this indicator was only 1.1% in cows with 7/8 red-and-white Holstein genotype with a service period of 116.0-173.3 days. In highly productive cows, regardless of genotype, an increase in milk yield is associated with higher CLC.

Efficiency and somatic cell count: Unraveling Holstein cow productivity through stochastic frontier modeling

The yield and quality decrease due to high somatic cell counts caused by mastitis, and this also negatively affects the profitability, efficiency, and sustainability of dairy farms. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of somatic cell counts on yield, milk chemicals, and the technical efficiency of Holstein dairy cows. A total of 165 lactating cows were involved in the research, and all cows were fed the diets as a total mixed ration three times a day. Milk samples were collected each day during milking and analyzed for chemical composition and somatic cell counts (SCC). The daily milk production of each cow was obtained from the SCR herd management program, which is integrated with the parlor. In conclusion, it was determined that for each group, the efficiency scores, SCC, and milk yield of cows varied between 0.80 and 0.99, 322.000 and 557.857 cells/mL, and 33.13 and 48.90 Kg/d, respectively; they also differed significantly in each group. Considering the findings, milk production can be increased by 7% without changing any input. Additionally, every 1% decrease in SCC will increase the efficiency of milk production by 0.55%. Cows with low technical efficiency (TE) scores produced 2.87 kg/d/cow less milk compared to animals with high TE. Reducing the SCC of the group with a low TE (456.878 cells/mL) to a SCC of high TE (438.869 cells/mL) will increase milk yield by 2.87 kg/d/cow on average. In conclusion, minimizing losses due to mastitis is paramount for enhancing dairy farm efficiency. This research underscores the interplay between TE and udder health, providing a comprehensive understanding of individual cow performance. Addressing inefficiencies and promoting udder health can significantly contribute to sustainable and economically viable dairy farming practices. Keywords: Dairy farm; Mastitis; Somatic cell count; Stochastic frontier analysis; Technical efficiency