Indigenous Dairy Research Articles

Extraction and characterization of essential oil of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) fruit pericarp and utilization as a surface coating material to improve the shelf life of paneer

Paneer is a traditional dairy product of India and is similar to unripened soft cheese. It is used as a raw material for the preparation of a variety of culinary dishes and snacks. Paneer is marble white in appearance, with a firm, cohesive and spongy body and a sweetish-acidic-nutty flavor. But it is highly perishable with a limited shelf- life like other indigenous dairy products. Its shelf life was reported to be only six days under refrigeration, though its freshness is lost within three days. The spoilage of paneer occurs mainly due to the growth of microorganisms, which bring about various physico-chemical changes. In the present study, attempts were made to increase the shelf-life of paneer at refrigerated storage by the application ofnutmeg pericarp essential oil surface coating. The essential oil was prepared from fresh nutmeg fruit flesh by steam distillation method. The physico-chemical and bio functional properties of essential oil were determined. The specific gravity and refractive index of the essential oil were found to be 0.903 and 1.477 respectively. The acid value and total polyphenolic value of essential oil were 3.36 and 4.04 mg GAE/g respectively. The essential oil was also found to have good antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The shelf life of samples coated with essential oil packaged in LDPE pouches had more shelf life than the control paneer, as the coated paneer kept well for 9 days while the control paneer spoiled after the 6th day of refrigerated storage. The paneer with essential oil coating obtained satisfactory sensory scores.

Process standardisation of fat replaced dietetic chhanakulfi using response surface methodology

Kulfi is an indigenous dairy product popular in northern part of India, often called the Indian ice-cream. It is a product that is relished by consumers of all ages and is gaining popularity in the current scenario. Kulfi’s high calorific value and sugar content make it unsuitable for diabetics and diet-conscious people. The present study was to optimize the preparation of fat replaced dietetic chhanakulfi by response surface methodology (RSM). It was prepared by using skim milk, low fat chhana, inulin (as fat mimetic), sucralose (as low-calorie sweetener) and lutein ester (as colourant and antioxidant). Based on preliminary trials the range of addition of inulin, low fat chhana, sucralose and lutein ester were selected as 3.3-8 per cent, 15-22.5 per cent, 200-300 ppm and 1.3-2.0 mg per 100gof the mix respectively. Computation of the optimised composition was done with these four variables and four responses consisting of sensory characteristics. The responses studied were flavour, body and texture, colour and appearance, overall acceptability using Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) of RSM. The composition with highest desirability of 89 per centwas obtained for 6.34 per cent of inulin, 22.5 per cent, of low fat chhana, 243ppm of sucralose and 1.65mg lutein ester per 100g of the mix. The standardised product was analysed for its proximate composition which were, 1.22±0.25% fat, 9.26±0.66% protein and an energy value of 152±0.32kcal/g.Kulfi thus prepared had low calorie and was protein rich.

Comprehensive genetic analysis of linear type traits for characterization of the Sahiwal cattle in an organized herd

Sahiwal is one of the most important dairy cattle breeds of the Indian subcontinent. A holistic and balanced approach to selection and breeding strategies must be adopted to bring about desirable genetic improvement in livestock, including indigenous cattle. The inclusion of linear type traits for dairy cattle selection in any breed improvement program has not been carried out in India so far. Therefore, this study was taken up to characterize Sahiwal cattle, on the basis of linear type traits. Data was collected on adult Sahiwal cows up to their 10thparity, maintained at Institute herd of Indian Council of Agricultural Research- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana from 2006-2021. Data were analysed using Least Squares Maximum Likelihood (LSMLMW), considering a sire model for the present study. Parity, season and period of calving were taken as fixed effect and age at first calving as covariable. Sire or animal was considered as random variable. Least squares means of objective linear type traits viz., stature was 125.97±0.68 cm, body length 136.58±1.01 cm, chest girth 173.04±1.14 cm, body depth203.40± 1.39 cm, rump angle 14.50±0.39 cm, rump width 20.62±0.28cm, udder depth 20.87±0.41 cm, rear udder height 18.38±0.33 cm, and teat length 6.16±0.24 cm. On the other hand, least square mean scores of subjective linear type traits (1-9 scale) viz. fore teat placement was 6.32±0.46, rear teat placement was 7.27±0.35,rear leg side view was 6.26±0.26, rear leg rear view was 6.28±0.27score, foot angle 6.86±0.27, angularity 34.97±0.50-degree, central ligament 6.55± 0.39, fore udder attachment 5.91±0.32, fore teat placement 6.32±0.46, and rear teat placement was 7.27±0.35. Parity had a significant (p<0.05) effect on fore udder attachment and central ligament and teat length in Sahiwal cattle. Season of calving had the significant (p< 0.05) effect, observed in case of udder depth in Sahiwal cattle. Period of calving had a significant(p<0.05) effect on rump angle, udder depth, teat length, angularity and central ligament in Sahiwal cattle. Based on results of present study, it was observed that Sahiwal cattle establishes a balance between the scoring pattern of linear type traits, as the balance scoring of animals was desirable for better sustainability and production performance of a dairy cattle, on a longer run. Moreover, linear type traits have a better scope in selection process and genetic improvement programs that can be utilized as balanced and comprehensive approach for indigenous dairy cattle.

Effect of supplemental malic acid on methane mitigation in paddy straw based complete diet for sustainable animal production in indigenous dairy cattle

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplemental malic acid on mitigation of methane emission for dairy cattle by in vitro and in vivo methods. The in vitro finding was validated by in vivo feeding trial in indigenous dairy cattle. Ten dairy cattle with uniform milk production were selected and divided into two groups with five animals each and they were fed with and without supplementation of malic acid at 0.39% in 60% paddy straw and 40% concentrate mixture based complete diet. The malic acid at 0.39% was the minimum level which resulted in highly significant reduction of methane by 15.95% and methane (ml) per 100 mg of truly digested substrate by 15.69%, respectively than control in in vitro study. The methane emission per animal per day and per kg dry matter intake (DMI) was significantly decreased by 3.26% and 3.11%, respectively in malic acid supplemented group than control. The methane emission per kg milk production was significantly reduced by 5.43% in malic acid supplemented group than control. The total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) and propionic acid were significantly increased by 2.69% and 11.71%, respectively in malic acid supplemented group than control. It was concluded that the supplementation of malic acid at 0.39% of paddy straw based complete diet significantly reduced the methane emission per animal per day and per kg milk production than control in indigenous dairy cattle.

Effect of Ambient Temperatures on Dairy Production in Africa. A Critical Literature Review

Purpose: Dairy farming together with crop farming for decades has been a source of livelihood among the rural residents in Africa. The majority of people practice agriculture for capital creation and food security. The overall objective of this study was to examine influence of ambient temperatures on dairy production in Africa.
 Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps.
 Findings: This study concluded that climate variability was evident in the area with variations in temperature and precipitation. Temperature and precipitation had rose from maximum averages across the years in the past 30 years. From the findings it is arguable that different places with Africa continue to be affected by climate variability. To the dairy productivity, exotic and indigenous dairy breeds are affected differently by climate variability. As per productivity, exotic breeds tend to be least affected unlike indigenous breeds. For instance, some common animal vegetative crops were highly hit and lowly heat by climate variability like Napier grass and natural grass respectively.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study recommended that creation of awareness on matters pertaining to temperature and its effects on the dairy sector by the relevant country environmental ministry. This will build capacity about amplified challenges emerging from ambient temperatures to dairy farming. For instance, spread of diseases, delayed fodder growth and hampered animal feeding behavior.

Effect of processing by batch type scraped surface heat exchanger (SSHE) onsensory attributes of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) halwa

The awareness among consumers for healthier and functional food has led to increase in the market size for valued added products. The present study was undertaken to manufacture valued added Indian indigenous dairy product, bottle gourd halwa in a multipurpose batch type SSHE. The performance of the developed SSHE was evaluated at three different steam pressures (1, 1.5 and 2 kg/cm2), scraper speeds (10, 20 and 30 rpm) by keeping batch size constant (5kg) during manufacturing of bottle gourd halwa. The products were evaluated for sensory characteristics with a 9-point Hedonic scale. The overall acceptability of the product was considered on the basis of sensory attributes. The bottle gourd halwa prepared in SSHE at 1kg/cm2 steam pressure and 30 rpm scraper speed (P1S3) had the score of 7.9 for flavour, 7.85 for body and texture and 7.4 for colour & appearance and the highest overall acceptability score (7.72)  as compared to the products prepared at other operating conditions. However, it was not equivalent to control for these attributes.

Identification of Selection Signatures for Milk Performance Traits among Indigenous Dairy Cattle Breeds using High Density Genomic Information

Background: Selection process for milk performance traits has left remarkable selection signatures in the genome and their identification can guide to utilize under genomic breeding programs for improving productivity in dairy cattle. Methods: This study utilizes genotype data of Sahiwal (19), Tharparkar (17) and Gir (16) to identify selection signatures in the genomes of Sahiwal-Gir (SW-GR), Sahiwal-Tharparkar (SW-TP) and Tharparkar-Gir (TP-GR) breed pairs by using FST approaches. The highest FST peaks (FST greater than 0.25) were considered as selection signature region. The functional genes underlying signature regions controlling milk performance traits were also annotated. Result: We identified 41, 29 and 60 selection signatures exhibiting footprints of positive selection among SW-GR, SW-TP and TP-GR breed pairs, respectively. The selection signals controlling milk performance traits were detected as ACADL, SLC26A2, PLCB1, SYT9 genes mapped on chromosome 2, 7, 13 and 15, respectively for SW-GR breed pair. Selection signature regions in the genome of SW-TP breed revealed genes ATPAF1, LEF1, PPARGC1B, EIF6 and ACSS3 for milk production. Furthermore, PLA2R1, SCP2, ATPAF1, CACNA2D1, LEF1 and SUMF1 genes were identified in TP-GR breed pair controlling metabolism and morphogenesis of mammary gland. Moreover, HSPB6, LTBP1, SLIT3, FSHR and ASIP genes were also found in association with thermo-tolerance, disease resistance, immunity, reproduction and coat colour in our indigenous dairy cattle breeds.

Use of sexed semen for genetic improvement of indigenous dairy cattle and buffaloes productivity

The productivity of dairy animals in India needs to be improved to feed the growing population in the decadesahead. Sperm sexing offers a promising breeding strategy to meet the increased demand for food production andnutritional protection. Application of sexed sperm in the breeding of indigenous cattle and buffalo would helpto protect endangered species, and it also helps to improve the productivity of indigenous milch animals whichcan survive long starvation and are well adopted to Indian climatic conditions along with disease resistance. Theproductivity of crossbreed milch animals is also required to meet the increasing food demand associated withpopulation growth. This review discusses the sustainability of Indian dairy animals and provides sperm sexingstrategies to boost dairy animal production in India.

Zoo-technical performance of indigenous dairy cows under small holder farmers management system in Hawella-Tulla district, Ethiopia

Ethiopia's dairy production system is predominantly extensive, with poor cattle performance constrained by a variety of factors such as poor genetics, low reproductive performance, and poor quality of feed, among others. So far, little work aimed at increasing dairy production has been undertaken. The objective of the study was to characterize the zoo-technical performance of indigenous dairy cows under small holder farmer management system. The study was undertaken in Hawella-Tulla district, Sidama Region; Sothern Ethiopia from November 2020 to March 2021. From three peasant associations (PA), 180 smallholder dairy farmers who owned local cows were selected using a simple random selection technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The majority of farmers (75%) practiced in mixed crop-livestock farming primarily produce milk for income generation. Farmers hold an average of 1.95±0.063 local lactating cows. The productive performance of the indigenous cow mean of daily milk yield was 1.53±0.09 liters and 6.5±0.89 months of lactation length. The mean age at first service (AFS) was 38.5 ± 2.71 months, Age at first calving (AFC) was 45.3±2.82 months, calving interval (CI) was 20.08±0.9 months, and number of services per conception (NSPC) was 2.5 ±0.63. It can be concluded that the zoo-technical performance of local cows was very low. Therefore, planned technical and institutional intervention to improve the feeding system, provide better health management, genetic improvement of local breeds through crossbreeding and synchronization should be carried out for the betterment performance of local cows.

Challenges and opportunities of indigenous dairy production and management: The case of selected rural villages in Bambasi District, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia

The data sources were both primary and secondary data. To enable an analysis of data collected through questionnaire, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 20) was used. The mean family size of the respondents was 6.04. The mean and SDs of cattle holding per household was (8.38±4.91). The total (67.9%) of respondents were having not have owned grazing land for their dairy cows. Tryponomiasis disease (Gendi) ranked first, Pasteurellosis disease second, and external parasites were third. (98.2%) respondents rear indigenous breeds. The mean daily milk production per cow was 1.4 liters. More than half of the milk was used for family consumption. Milk is sold in the area through an informal market directly to the retailer. Technical strategies to support smallholder cattle production should focus on improving technical and institutional constraints by providing adequate veterinary services, improving fodder cultivation, proper crop residue management, and improvement, supplying medical equipment and medicines, adequate extension service, improved water availability, and improving breeding systems. To ensure a reliable feed supply throughout the year, fodder conservation practices, especially hay and crop residues, should be encouraged.

Impact of Supplementing Essential Oils on Reduction of Enteric Methane Emission in Indigenous Dairy Cattle

Background: Globally enteric methane emission is the largest contributor of anthropogenic global warming and methane is the second largest driver of global radiative forcing after carbon dioxide. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing essential oils (EOs) in combination of garlic oil and peppermint oil on enteric methane emission in indigenous dairy cattle. Methods: Eight indigenous dairy cattle were divided into two groups supplemented with essential oils in combination of garlic oil and peppermint oil (2.4 mL/animal) as treatment group and without supplementation with paddy straw and concentrate feed (60:40) based diet. A digestibility trial was conducted during the last six days of 30 days feeding trial to evaluate the effect of essential oils in combination on nutrients digestibility. The total methane emission was estimated by sulfur hexa fluoride tracer gas technique (SF6). Result: No significant difference in DMI, TDN and DCP intake could be noted with supplementation of essential oils in indigenous dairy cattle. However, cows fed with combination of garlic oil (GO) and peppermint oil (PO) significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced the methane emission by 10.60% in comparison to control group. Hence, the feasibility of feeding essential oils can be considered at farm level as a methane mitigation strategy.

Evaluation of whey protein concentrate as a functional ingredient on quality of goat milk rasogolla - an Indian dessert

In the literature, a variety of dairy products are made from goat milk; however, information related to the manufacture of rasogolla from goat milk is very scant. During preliminary trials, it was observed that chhena prepared from goat milk was not suitable for the preparation of rasogolla because it has a very soft and sticky body that is difficult to handle. Therefore, this investigation was conducted to formulate an acceptable quality goat milk rasogolla using whey protein concentrate (WPC) as a functional ingredient. Chhena (also known as Indian cottage cheese, a heat- and acid-coagulated indigenous dairy product) was prepared from fresh Surati goat milk (3.5% fat/8.5% milk solids-not-fat (MSNF). Twelve batches of rasogolla were prepared from chhena coagulated at three temperatures viz. 75, 80 and 85⁰C containing WPC at 4 levels (i.e., 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75% w/w of milk). Rasogolla prepared from chhena containing 0.50% WPC in milk and coagulated at 80°C was preferred the most with respect to all the sensory attributes evaluated. It had significantly (P<0.05) highest sucrose content, i.e., 35.73% and a higher sugar absorption ratio, i.e., 2.63, compared to all the other experimental samples. The composition of drained samples of goat milk rasogolla was as follows: moisture 50.07%; protein 7.04%; fat 6.44%; ash 0.45% and sucrose 35.73%. The pH was 6.34 and acidity was 0.76% lactic acid. Based on the results obtained in this study, a method was developed for the preparation of acceptable quality goat milk chhena and rasogolla.

Beyond economic motives: Value of indigenous dairy cattle breed for the livestock keepers in India

Indigenous cattle not only provide milk, dung and draught power but are also a crucial part of India’s ecologicaland cultural heritage. Despite this, they are facing threat of extinction. Absence of information regarding theirmultiple roles and monetary estimates of the benefits, obstructs the investment for their conservation. Currentstudy attempts to assess the economic value of different benefits of one of the best indigenous cattle breeds ofIndia, Sahiwal. Choice experiment was used for collecting primary data from 168 dairy farmers which was thenanalyzed using random parameter logit model. ʽCultural valueʼ of Sahiwal occupied the major share (29.93%) oftotal economic value followed by ʽindirect use value (21.25%)ʼ and ʽexistence value (18.40%)ʼ. Interestingly, shareof ʽdirect consumptive use valueʼ was comparatively lower. This indicates that any decision on conservation takensolely on the basis of direct consumptive use value is unlikely to maximize the societal welfare. Development ofspecific market for milk and milk products of Sahiwal, promotion of the breed as symbol of peace and unity throughvarious cultural and heritage parks, and revival of organic farming can incentivize the Sahiwal rearing farmers whichcan then supplement the conservation efforts of the government

Milk production status and associated factors among indigenous dairy cows in Raya Kobo district, north eastern Ethiopia.

BackgroundA cross‐sectional survey study was conducted from September 2020 to April 2021. A total of 217 households were randomly selected. The data collection instruments were structured questionnaires: focus group discussion and key informant interviews. Data were coded, entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software. Ranking indexes as well as binary logistic regression analysis were used to look for the relationship between dependent and independent variables.ResultThe present study showed that season of calving, disease and parasite challenges, housing conditions and shortage of land for forage production with an index value of 0.180, 0.154, 0.153 and 0.126, respectively, were the most important constraints affecting milk production potential. Likewise, foot and mouth disease [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (0.000–0.016)], internal parasites [AOR = 0.003, 95% CI = (0.000–0.046)], shortage of grazing land [AOR = 0.017, 95% CI = (0.002–0.148)], summer season of calving [AOR = 0.012, 95% CI = (0.002–0.088)], overall cattle herd composition [AOR = 0.002, 95% CI = (0.000–0.025)], straw shed [AOR = 0.046, 95% CI = (0.006–0.327)] and open yard [AOR = 0.003, 95% CI = (0.000–0.183)] housing conditions were significantly associated with milk production status at p < 0.001 and p < 0.05.ConclusionThe current study indicated that milk production status was poor. Therefore, suitable government policy support and provision of subsidies, genuine participation of dairy producers with governmental and non‐governmental organizations are imperative to improve livestock productivity. Furthermore, future research and development actions should find solutions to decrease the bottlenecks so that the massive potentials of the area could be exploited to its maximum and could advance the livelihood of the community.

Validation of somatic cell score-associated SNPs from Holstein cattle in Sudanese Butana and Butana\u2009\xd7\u2009Holstein crossbred cattle

The Bos indicus zebu cattle Butana is the most commonly used indigenous dairy cattle breed in Sudan. In the last years, high-yielding Holstein dairy cattle were introgressed into Butana cattle to improve their milk yield and simultaneously keep their good adaption to extreme environmental conditions. With the focus on the improvement of milk production, other problems arose such as an increased susceptibility to mastitis. Thus, genetic selection for mastitis resistance should be considered to maintain healthy and productive cows. In this study, we tested 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) which had been associated with somatic cell score (SCS) in Holstein cattle for association with SCS in 37 purebred Butana and 203 Butana × Holstein crossbred cattle from Sudan. Animals were genotyped by competitive allele-specific PCR assays and association analysis was performed using a linear mixed model. All 10 SNPs were segregating in the crossbred Butana × Holstein populations, but only 8 SNPs in Sudanese purebred Butana cattle. The SNP on chromosome 13 was suggestively associated with SCS in the Butana × Holstein crossbred population (rs109441194, 13:79,365,467, PBF = 0.054) and the SNP on chromosome 19 was significantly associated with SCS in both populations (rs41257403, 19:50,027,458, Butana: PBF = 0.003, Butana × Holstein: PBF = 6.2 × 10−16). The minor allele of both SNPs showed an increase in SCS. Therefore, selection against the disadvantageous minor allele could be used for genetic improvement of mastitis resistance in the studied populations. However, investigations in a bigger population and across the whole genome are needed to identify additional genomic loci.

Biofilm Formation and Antibacterial Properties of Lactobacillus Isolated from Indigenous Dairy Products

Background: The health benefits of probiotic bacteria are not unknown to anyone. On the other hand, indigenous dairy sources are a potential source of native probiotics. This study aimed to describe the inhibitory activity of Cell-Free Supernatant (CFS), planktonic cells, and biofilm form of Lactobacillus strains isolated from native dairy sources on food pathogens. Methods: Antibacterial activities of the CFS of Lactobacillus strains were assessed by the microplate method and via violet staining, and in planktonic cells, and biofilm forms were performed by the spread plate method. Results: The results showed that despite the large differences in biofilm formation power among the strains, most of them can produce biofilm. Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Lactis, Lactobacillus brevis, and Lactobacillus lactis subsp. lactis formed the strongest biofilm, respectively. Planktonic states reduce the pathogens bacterial by about 1.43 log, but in biofilm forms, decreased Listeria monocytogenes by about 4.8 log compared to the control, and in the case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a growth reduction of about 2.8 logs was observed. Conclusion: According to the study, biofilm produced by probiotic strains can be considered a new approach for biological control. Also, indigenous dairy sources can be considered by researchers to extract natural and beneficial probiotics.

Dairy Buffalo Production and Management Systems in Haor Areas of Sylhet in Bangladesh

The aim of the study was to describe the scenario of the present condition of production and management system of dairy buffalo at Haor areas of Sylhet in Bangladesh. Data were collected between February 2019 and January 2020. Sixty dairy farmers and thirty indigenous dairy buffaloes were selected for the study purpose. All respondent farmers were male and 65% were in between 40 to 50 years of age. Parity number had a significant relation in response of body weight. Quality analysis of milk showed that buffaloes which were reared at Haor areas have more fat content on an average 7.88% than buffaloes which were reared conventional dairy farm containing 7.34%. Price of buffalo’s milk and meat were varied with the seasonal changes, lower in winter season. All farmers fed the buffaloes only with green grass in winter. Four major diseases of buffaloes were found in Haor areas where the percentage of foot and mouth diseases was 15.59% followed by black quarter (11.01%), anthrax (7.34%) and hemorrhagic septicemia (6.42%). The buffaloes were not dewormed so parasitic infestations dramatically increased and easily transferred from one to another. The farmers had not enough knowledge about regular vaccination. But in contrast with profitability, total benefit cost ratio from buffalo rearing was 1:1.56 annually.

Transnational health protection strategies and other health-seeking behavior among undocumented and indigenous dairy workers in a rural new immigrant destination

Latin American immigrants in new immigrant destinations (NIDs) experience numerous barriers that negatively impact their access to healthcare. Yet the wide range of health-seeking behaviors deployed in response to these barriers–particularly among those who are undocumented and indigenous–are not well understood. Further, studies of immigrant health in NIDs tend to take place in those locations, rather than using a multi-sited design. Building on NID scholarship, the transnational social protection literature, and work on structural vulnerability, this study uses a multi-sited research design to examine the health-seeking behaviors that undocumented and indigenous immigrant workers exhibit in a rural NID. Data consist of interviews conducted intermittently from 2010 to 2017 in Mexico and the U.S. with 56 individuals from indigenous villages in Veracruz who worked on dairy farms in Wisconsin and Minnesota, as well as expert interviews. We found numerous barriers to healthcare that together constituted a limited resource environment for undocumented dairy workers. This accentuated their structural vulnerability and influenced responses to health problems. Strategies among undocumented and indigenous immigrant dairy workers in a rural NID included: self-care, delaying care, relying on local ties, cross-border health consultation, cross-border health packages, and returning home for health. Furthermore, we found that women in the family or community often facilitated cross-border health activity, and that traditional folk medicine was common. We argue that these workers' health protection strategies not only serve to secure their individual status as productive workers, but on a larger scale, they play an important part in preserving the migrant labor regime in this rural NID. Further, we argue that the indigenous knowledge that is transmitted largely by women via immigrants’ informal social networks is an important yet often invisible part of the carework that maintains this relatively new labor force.

Retrospective Study about the Transformation of Dairy Cattle Population in Turkey (1991-2019) and Possible Metabolic and Reproductive Problems

The present study analyzed the transformation of dairy cattle population and changes in yearly milk production and per lactation milk yield (1991 – 2019) in Turkey. In addition, metabolic and reproductive diseases frequently seen in high milk yielding dairy cows (HYDC) and problems causing low milk yield were investigated. The number of dairy cows, culled and sent to slaughter was investigated for the last three years in Turkey. On the other side, the cost of the most common metabolic diseases by region has been analyzed by a phone survey (40 vets were asked in different regions). The dairy cow population was 6118997 in 1991 (HYDC pure breed: 10.6% and traditional indigenous dairy breed: 55.3%). The dairy cow population reached 6580753 in 2019 (7.5 % increase compared to 1991) which consisted of pure breed HYDC of 49.4% and traditional dairy breed of 8.9%. This is a transformation in dairy cattle population in 28 years. Yearly total milk production increased by 141.2% from 8.616.412 tons (1991) to 20782374 tons (2019). Yearly milk production per lactation/cow increased from 1.4 tons (1991), to 1.65 tons (2000) and to 3.16 tons (2019) which means 17.5% and 124.3% increase, respectively. The growth of the number of HYDC pure breed and their total yearly milk production was 399.3% (650739 – 3249002) and 555.6% (1913438 tons to 12544507 tons) in 28 years, respectively. Numerous metabolic and reproductive diseases can often be observed in HYDCs due to genetic reasons as well as nutritional and maintenance mistakes during the transition and dry period which can cause economic loss related to milk yield and metabolic diseases. The treatment cost of the metabolic or reproductive diseases for the farmers was between 150-1200 TL per case. Many of the animals were sent to compulsory slaughter and culled because of these diseases. Indeed, a total of 738681 dairy cows have been sent to slaughter throughout the last three years.

Bovine Milk: A1 and A2 Beta Casein Milk Proteins and their Impact on Human Health: A Review

Milk is the ideal food for all age groups of human being. Milk consists of 87 per cent water and the remaining 13 per cent is the milk sugar lactose, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Casein is the chief component of the milk proteins of which about 30 per cent is beta-casein. The major beta-casein variants are A1 and A2. Beta-casein consist a chain of 229 amino acids. Cows that produce milk contain proline amino acid are called as A2 cows. A2 milk is found basically in indigenous cows and buffaloes of India. Around 5,000 years ago, a mutation occurred in this proline amino acid, converting it to histidine amino acid at 67 th position. Cows that have this mutated beta casein protein are called A1 cows. Different mutations bovine beta casein produce 13 genetic variants and out of these A1 and A2 are the most common. A1 β-casein is enzymatically broken down in the intestine to produce beta-casmorphin-7 (β-CM-7) which is an opioid peptide similar to morphine. BCM-7 interacts with the human gastrointestinal tract, internal organs and brainstem. BCM-7 adversely affects the immune response and is also considered as a risk factor for chronic heart diseases (CHD) and juvenile insulin dependent type I diabetes mellitus (DM-I). The original beta casein protein in bovine milk was A2. A2 is more comparable to the human beta casein than A1 in terms of digestive breakdown. Indigenous dairy breeds of cow (Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Gir and Rathi) and buffalo produce A2 milk and India is endowed with rich A2 dairy animals.