Kg Of Alfalfa Hay Research Articles

Feed costs and indicators of reproductive capacity of high-yielding cows at different levels of Bypass soybeans in rations

The article presents the results of a scientific and economic experiment to study the influence of different levels of Bypass soybeans in the diets of high-yielding cows on feed costs per kilogram of milk and reproductive functions of cows. Provision of the rations of the experimental cows with an unequal amount of the difficult-to-dissolve fraction of crude protein, at the expense of Bypass soybeans, affected their consumption of bulk feed. The experimental cows consumed 4.1–4.8 kg from the specified 5 kg of alfalfa hay, 20.8–24.6 kg from 25 kg of corn silage, and 8.4–9.7 kg from 10 kg of alfalfa hay. The consumed feed provided cows with crude protein at the level of 16.0–16.5 % of the dry matter, its poorly soluble fraction at the level of 27.3 % of the crude protein in the 1st control group, 31.1 % in the 2nd experimental group, 35.2 % – in the 3rd experimental group and 40.0 % – in the 4th experimental group. The sugar-starch-protein ratio was normal and ranged from 2.20 to 2.28 : 1 with a norm of 2.1 : 1. The micronutrient rations were balanced due to micronutrients of organic origin. On the basis of the obtained data, it was proved that the lowest feed consumption per 1 kg of milk was observed in cows of the 4th experimental group, which were fed rations with 2 kg of Bypass soybeans, where the level of insoluble protein was 40 % of crude protein and these consumptions were 6.5 MJ against 7.4 MJ in the 1st control group. Cows of the 4th experimental group also had the best insemination and service period indicators. The duration of the service period in the experimental groups was less in percentage compared to the animals of the 1st control group by: 15.0 in the 2nd; 25.6 in the 3rd and 32.9 in the 4th. Partial and complete replacement in the diets of cows of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th experimental groups of soybean meal with Vypass soybeans at the level of 1.0; 1.7 and 2 kg of compound feed concentrate in the first 100 days of lactation has a positive effect on the physiological state, stimulates appetite and provides normal conditions for fertilization and embryo development.

Effect of trace mineral source on biochemical and hematological parameters, digestibility, and performance in growing lambs.

To study the efficacy of organic trace mineral supplementation on blood parameters, digestibility, and growth as compared to inorganic sources, 18 Zandi male lambs (with initial body weight, 28.5 ±1.4 kg and 110±5 days old) were divided into three groups of six animals in each in a completely randomized design. Lambs in the control group were fed basal diet containing 63 kg/100 kg of concentrate mixture, 22 kg/100 kg of alfalfa hay, and 15 kg/100 kg wheat straw. Animals in the experimental groups were additionally supplemented with trace minerals supplied by sulfates or a diet in which 25.7 ppm Zn, 14.3 ppm Mn, 8.9 ppm Cu from mineral-amino acid complex, and 0.86 ppm Co from Co glucoheptonate replaced with similar amounts of Zn, Mn, Cu, and Co from sulfates. All lambs were kept in individual pens with cemented floor and provision of individual feeding and watering. Lambs fed with either organic or inorganic trace mineral supplement showed higher dry matter intake and growth rate and better feed conversion efficiency (P<0.05) as compared to the control group. Blood glucose, urea nitrogen, cholesterol, and hepatic enzymes were similar among the treatments. Triglycerides (P<0.01) concentration was lower for mineral-supplemented groups. Blood vitamin B12 concentration increased with mineral supplementation and was higher for the lambs fed with organic source of trace elements as compared with those fed with inorganic mineral and the control diet (P=0.04). The results of this study showed that feeding organic trace elements improves growth performance of finishing lambs but did not affect nutrient digestibility and blood parameters.

Sesame Meal, Vitamin E and Selenium Influence Goats' Antioxidant Status.

This study aimed to determine the impact of sesame meal, selenium (Se), and vitamin E (VitE) on goats’ oxidative status. Thirty mid-lactation crossbred goats were divided into five homogeneous groups, and were fed 1 kg of alfalfa hay and 1.2 kg of concentrates daily. The control group (C) received a basal diet. In the concentrates of the treated groups, 10% of the soybean meal was replaced by sesame meal and no extra VitE or Se (SM), or an extra 60 mg of VitE (SME), or 0.1 mg organic Se (SMSe), or their combination (60 mg VitE and 0,1 mg organic Se/kg of concentrate (SMESe). In the plasma of the goats, the dietary treatments did not affect glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase, catalase, superoxide dismutase activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, or the total antioxidant capacity. A reduction and a trend for lower protein carbonyls content was found in goats fed SM (p = 0.03) and SME (p = 0.06) compared to SMESe. In the milk, the lactoperoxidase activity decreased with SMSe and SMESe. A numerical decrease in the total antioxidant capacity and an increase in the MDA content in the milk of the SMESe group compared with the other treated groups was found. In mid-lactation goats, SM improves the oxidative status of both the organism and the milk.

Effects of agroindustrial by-product supplementation on dairy goat milk characteristics, nutrient utilization, ruminal fermentation, and methane production

The use of agroindustrial by-products, such as dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) and dried citrus pulp (DCP), has been widely investigated in dairy cows, but information on their effects in dairy goats is limited. The influence of feeding olive cake (a by-product of olive oil production) to dairy goats has been assessed in some studies, but exhausted olive cake (EOC) has been much less investigated. Twelve Murciano-Granadina goats were used in a crossover design trial with 2 periods to assess the effects of including agroindustrial by-products on nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, methane production, urinary excretion of purine derivatives, and milk yield and composition. In each period, 6 goats received daily a control diet comprising 1 kg of alfalfa hay and 1 kg of high-cereal concentrate, and another 6 goats received a diet (BYP) comprising 1 kg of alfalfa hay and 1 kg of a concentrate including corn DDGS, DCP, and EOC in proportions of 180, 180, and 80 g/kg of concentrate (as-fed basis), respectively. Diet had no effect on total dry matter intake, but intake of alfalfa hay, CP, and fat was greater for the BYP group than for the control group. There were no differences between diets in nutrient apparent digestibility, with the exception of fat, which was greater for the BYP diet compared with the control diet. Although fecal N tended to be greater for the BYP diet, there were no differences in N utilization. Compared with the control diet, milk yield tended to be greater and daily production of milk CP, fat, whey protein, and TS as well as milk gross energy were greater for the BYP diet. The concentration of C12:0, C14:0, and C16:0 fatty acids (FA) was or tended to be lower and the concentration of polyunsaturated FA was greater in the milk of BYP-fed goats compared with goats fed the control diet. Diet had no effect on ruminal parameters (pH, volatile FA, and NH3-N concentrations) and methane emissions, but urinary excretion of total purine derivatives tended to be lower in BYP-fed goats than in those fed the control diet. A mixture of corn DDGS (180 g), DCP (180 g), and EOC (80 g) could replace 44% of cereal grains and protein feeds in the concentrate for dairy goats without compromising nutrient utilization, ruminal fermentation, or milk yield and led to a more unsaturated FA profile in milk.

Pregnancy toxaemia in ewes: Development of an experimental model and potential interactions with gastrointestinal nematode infections

Objective of the present study was to develop an experimental model that could be used for the study of pregnancy toxaemia in ewes. The study included 28 ewes, which initially had received effective anthelmintic treatment and, then, received a mixture of trichostrongylid infective larvae. Until the 60th day of pregnancy, per ewe daily ration was 1.30kg of a concentrate feed (net energy: 0.844 FUL) plus 2.50kg of alfalfa hay. From the 60th to 100th day of pregnancy, per ewe daily ration was 0.60kg of the same concentrate plus 2.00kg of hay. From the 100th day of pregnancy, per ewe daily ration was 0.50kg of a reduced energy concentrate feed (net energy: 0.748 FUL) plus 0.50kg of alfalfa hay for ewes with one foetus; during that period, respective figures for ewes with two foetuses were 0.60kg and 0.50kg and for ewes with three foetuses were 0.80kg and 0.50kg. In total, 16 ewes developed increased β-hydroxybutyrate blood concentrations, characteristic of pregnancy toxaemia. There was a significant reverse correlation (P=0.016) between blood β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations and lamb birth bodyweight. Ewes with pregnancy toxaemia had greater faecal epg counts than ewes with no pregnancy toxaemia (P<0.025); there was also a significant reverse correlation between faecal epg counts and lamb birth bodyweight (P=0.03) and a significant correlation between blood β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations and faecal epg counts (P<0.001). Ewes with pregnancy toxaemia also had smaller blood concentrations of glucose than ewes with no pregnancy toxaemia (P=0.033). In conclusion, administration of a concentrate feed with reduced energy content during the last stage of pregnancy induced pregnancy toxaemia in ewes, at the same time covering satiation requirements of the animals and thus maintaining welfare standards. Parasitism might have further contributed to improving the efficacy of the model.

Effects of dietary dried Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) supplementation on blood and milk enzymatic antioxidant indices, on milk total antioxidant capacity and on productivity in goats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the dietary supplementation of dried Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) as a whole plant on various blood and milk oxidative stress enzymatic indices, on milk total antioxidant capacity and on productivity in dairy goats. Twelve Alpine goats were used in a 4-week experiment and were allocated to 1 of 2 groups (CON, OR). The animals were fed 1.2kg of alfalfa hay and 1.2kg of concentrate mixtures (50% basal and 50% lactation ration) daily. The concentrate mixtures for the CON group were not supplemented with oregano, while oregano plants were incorporated into the lactation ration of the OR group, at a level of 30g equivalent to a daily dosage of 1ml of essential oil per animal. The goats were milked twice per day and the milk yield was recorded. At the end of each week of the experimental period, individual milk samples were obtained and analyzed for fat, milk and protein contents. Additional blood and milk samples were taken during the 3rd and the 4th week of the experimental period. The activities of the following antioxidant enzymatic indices were measured: superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase in blood and milk, glutathione transferase in blood and lactoperoxidase in milk. The OR group showed a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase both in blood (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) and milk (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). In addition, the dietary oregano supplementation effectively enhanced FRAP values (P<0.001) of the milk. It can be concluded that the dietary intake of dried oregano plants positively affected at least partially, some enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidant defenses of blood and milk and thus, contributed to enhanced antioxidant capacity of milk.

Grape marc reduces methane emissions when fed to dairy cows

Grape marc (the skins, seeds, stalk, and stems remaining after grapes have been pressed to make wine) is currently a by-product used as a feed supplement by the dairy and beef industries. Grape marc contains condensed tannins and has high concentrations of crude fat; both these substances can reduce enteric methane (CH4) production when fed to ruminants. This experiment examined the effects of dietary supplementation with either dried, pelleted grape marc or ensiled grape marc on yield and composition of milk, enteric CH4 emissions, and ruminal microbiota in dairy cows. Thirty-two Holstein dairy cows in late lactation were offered 1 of 3 diets: a control (CON) diet; a diet containing dried, pelleted grape marc (DGM); and a diet containing ensiled grape marc (EGM). The diet offered to cows in the CON group contained 14.0kg of alfalfa hay dry matter (DM)/d and 4.3kg of concentrate mix DM/d. Diets offered to cows in the DGM and EGM groups contained 9.0kg of alfalfa hay DM/d, 4.3kg of concentrate mix DM/d, and 5.0kg of dried or ensiled grape marc DM/d, respectively. These diets were offered individually to cows for 18d. Individual cow feed intake and milk yield were measured daily and milk composition measured on 4d/wk. Individual cow CH4 emissions were measured by the SF6 tracer technique on 2d at the end of the experiment. Ruminal bacterial, archaeal, fungal, and protozoan communities were quantified on the last day of the experiment. Cows offered the CON, DGM, and EGM diets, ate 95, 98, and 96%, respectively, of the DM offered. The mean milk yield of cows fed the EGM diet was 12.8kg/cow per day and was less than that of cows fed either the CON diet (14.6kg/cow per day) or the DGM diet (15.4kg/cow per day). Feeding DGM and EGM diets was associated with decreased milk fat yields, lower concentrations of saturated fatty acids, and enhanced concentrations of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular cis-9,trans-11 linoleic acid. The mean CH4 emissions were 470, 375, and 389g of CH4/cow per day for cows fed the CON, DGM, and EGM diets, respectively. Methane yields were 26.1, 20.2, and 21.5g of CH4/kg of DMI for cows fed the CON, DGM, and EGM diets, respectively. The ruminal bacterial and archaeal communities were altered by dietary supplementation with grape marc, but ruminal fungal and protozoan communities were not. Decreases of approximately 20% in CH4 emissions and CH4 yield indicate that feeding DGM and EGM could play a role in CH4 abatement.

Influence of different growing conditions on production, milk composition and body condition score for Alpina goat breed

This paper presents the results of testing the impact of different farming systems on milk production, milk composition (milk fat, protein and dry matter without fat) and body condition score of Alpine breed goats in different growing systems during one production year. Control of the amount and chemical composition of milk included a total of 59 French Alpine goats at the age of 2-3 years (2-3 lactations), which are divided into two groups with approximate similar body weight. In the first group of goats a stable diet was applied. Goats had a sufficient amount of alfalfa hay available (ad libitum) and the addition of about 0.5 kg of concentrate that is administered twice a day. Goats in the second group in addition to 0.5 kg of alfalfa hay, received 0.25 kg of concentrate and in the period from April to October during the day stayed at the outlet and the surrounding pasture. Control of body weight of goats and body condition were performed once every two months from March to October, while the rate of body condition (BCS) was given score of 1-5. Somatic cell count and chemical quality of milk were controlled on a daily basis in the laboratory for raw milk AD Mlekara - Subotica on the device CombiFoss 6200 FC. Both groups of goats had a statistically significant increase in production of milk (about 45 l) and the average daily milk yield (of about 0.15 l) in the second compared with the third lactation (p &lt;0.01). It was also determined statistically significant effect of lactation on content of protein, dry matter without fat (DMwF) and the number of somatic cells in milk in both groups of goats. Body condition score of the analyzed groups of goats varied over time, and statistically significant differences were found in July (p = 0.021) and September (p = 0.013), where goats from the second group that remained at the pasture in the examined period had higher scores for BCS compared with the first group.

Severe feed restriction increases permeability of mammary gland cell tight junctions and reduces ethanol stability of milk

A total of twelve lactating Jersey cows were used in a 5-week experiment to determine the effects of severe feed restriction on the permeability of mammary gland cell tight junctions (TJs) and its effects on milk stability to the alcohol test. During the first 2 weeks, cows were managed and fed together and received the same diet according to their nutritional requirements (full diet: 15 kg of sugar cane silage; 5.8 kg of alfalfa hay; 0.16 kg of mineral salt and 6.2 kg of concentrate). In the 3rd week, animals were distributed into two groups of six cows each. One group received the full diet and the other a restricted diet (50% of the full diet). In the 4th and 5th weeks, all animals received the full diet again. Milk composition and other attributes, such as titratable acidity, ethanol stability, pH, density and somatic cell count (SCC) were evaluated. Cortisol levels indicated the stress condition of the cows. Plasma lactose and milk sodium were measured to assess mammary TJ leakiness. Principal factor analysis (PFA) showed that the first two principal factors (PFs) contributed with 44.47% and 20.57% of the total variance in the experiment and, as feeding levels increased, milk stability to the ethanol test became higher and plasma lactose levels decreased, which indicates lower permeability of the mammary gland cell TJ. Correspondence analyses were consistent with PFA and also showed that lower feeding levels were related to reduced milk stability, high plasma lactose, high sodium in milk, low milk lactose (another parameter used to assess TJ permeability) and higher cortisol levels, indicating the stress to which animals were submitted. All observations were grouped in three clusters, with some of the above-mentioned patterns. Feeding restriction was associated with higher permeability of TJ, decreasing milk stability to the ethanol test.

115 EFFECT OF FEED SUPLEMENTATION ON PREGNANCY RATE AND EMBRYONIC SURVIVAL IN ALPACAS (VICUGNA PACOS)

Alpacas, like all camelids are induced ovulators which means mating is required to induce ovulation. Studies over the last decades have clearly established the link between nutrition and ruminant fertility. These animals live above 4000 m with a deficient quality and quantity of pastures and with a rate of birth less than 50%. The study was carried out with the objective to evaluate feed supplementation before service on the pregnancy rate and embryonic survival in alpacas. One hundred ninety-four alpaca adults of 4–6 years were assigned to 4 treatments: T1 (n = 49): alpacas lactating with supplementation; T2 (n = 48): alpacas lactating without supplementation; T3 (n = 49): alpacas non-lactating with supplementation and T4 (n = 48): slpacas non-lactating without supplementation. Body weight and body condition score were measured before the initiation of the experiment and every two weeks. Animals in T1 and T3 were supplemented with 2 kg of alfalfa hay and 500.00 UI mL–1 of vitamin A, 75 000 UI mL–1 vitamin D3 and 500 mg mL–1 vitamin E four weeks before the initiation of the experiment. Animals were maintained on Festuca dolichophylla and Calamagrostis vicunarum grasses. Ultrasound examinations with a rectal probe of 7.5 MHz were performed on mating day (Day 0) and Days 2, 9, 20, 30, and 60 after mating. Pregnancy rate was evaluated with a Fisher test. Follicular size before mating was 9.1 ± 0.7, 8.3 ± 0.5, 8.2 ± 0.6 and 7.9 ± 0.8 mm for T1, T2, T3, and T4; differences between T1 and T4 were significant (P &lt; 0.05); corpus luteum size: 13.6 ± 1.1; 11.2 ± 0.9; 11.6 ± 1.3 and 10.8 ± 1.9 mm for T1, T2, T3, and T4; different T1 and T3 and T4 (P &lt; 0.05); conception rate on Day 20: 65.6; 51.7; 52.9 and 51.1% for T1, T2, T3, and T4 different between T1 with respect to T2, T3, and T4 (P &lt; 0.05). Day 30: 62.5; 37.9; 47.1 and 33.3% for T1, T2, T3, and T4 different T1 with respect to T2, T3, and T4 (P &lt; 0.05); D60: 62.5; 34.5; 47.1 and 30.3% different for T1 with respect to T2, T3, and T4 (P &lt; 0.05). Feed supplementation before mating was important to conception rate on Day 20 but appeared to be more important to embryo and fetal survival.

Effects of partial replacement of concentrate with feed blocks on nutrient utilization, microbial N flow, and milk yield and composition in goats

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of concentrate with 2 types of feed blocks (FB) on rumen protozoa numbers, nutrient utilization, microbial N flow to the duodenum, and milk yield and composition in goats. The concentrate included oat, corn grain, barley, soybean meal, salt, and vitamin-mineral mixture. The FB (types I and II) were composed of crude 2-stage olive cake (120 or 100g/kg), fava beans (0 or 400g/kg), barley (320 or 200g/kg), beet molasses (220 or 100g/kg), sunflower meal (180 or 0g/kg), quicklime (70 or 90g/kg), salt (60g/kg), urea (0 or 20g/kg), and vitamin-mineral mixture (30g/kg). In experiment 1, 6 adult, dry, nonpregnant, rumen-fistulated Granadina goats (46.9±2.15kg of BW) were used and 3 trials were carried out. In each trial, 2 goats were randomly assigned to receive 600g of alfalfa hay and 400g of concentrate (diet AC), 600g of alfalfa hay, 200g of concentrate, and FB I (diet ACBI), or 600g of alfalfa hay, 200g of concentrate, and FB II (diet ACBII) with 6 replications per diet. The FB were supplied ad libitum. The ratio of purine bases to N was higher in solid- and liquid-associated bacteria for FB goats than for AC goats. In experiment 2, 18 Granadina goats (39.6±1.89kg of BW) in the middle of the third lactation were used, and 3 trials were carried out by following a 3 × 3 Latin square experimental design. In every trial, 6 animals randomly received 1.0kg of alfalfa hay supplemented with 1.0kg of concentrate (diet AC) or 0.5kg of concentrate and FB I and II (diets ACBI and ACBII) with 18 replications per diet. The FB were supplied ad libitum. The intakes of organic matter and fat were higher with the AC diet than with the FB diets. The intake of acid detergent fiber was higher for FB-containing diets than for the AC diet. The neutral detergent fiber digestibility of FB diets was higher than that of the AC diet. Energy intake was higher for diets AC and ACBII than for ACBI. Microbial N flow was affected by diet. Milk yield was higher in goats fed the AC diet than in those receiving the FB diets. Conjugated linoleic acid content was higher in milk from FB than in milk from AC goats. Our study suggests that FB type II based on local ingredients could be used advantageously to reduce half of the amount of concentrate without detrimental effects on nutrient utilization, N value of the diet, and milk composition. The decrease of milk yield with ACBII compared with that obtained with the AC diet could be compensated by better quality of milk, decreased cost of feeding, and environmental advantage derived of including by-products in FB.

Dietary Cation-Anion Difference Effects on Performance and Acid-Base Status of Dairy Cows Postpartum

Our objective was to examine the effect of dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) on performance and acid-base status of cows postpartum. Sixteen Holstein and 8 Jersey multiparous cows were used immediately after calving to compare 2 DCAD [22 or 47 milliequivalents (Na + K−Cl−S)/100g of dry matter (DM)] in a completely randomized design. The corn silage-based diets were formulated to contain 19.0% crude protein, 25.4% neutral detergent fiber, 15.0% acid detergent fiber, and 1.69 Mcal of net energy for lactation per kilogram (on a DM basis). An additional 2.3kg of alfalfa hay was fed during the first 5 d postpartum, and then milk, blood, and urine samples were collected weekly for 6 wk. Repeated-measures (with an extra between-cow effect) mixed model analysis indicated that DCAD did not affect DM intake (18.2 and 18.3 kg/d), milk production (33.5 and 33.3 kg/d), milk composition (3.96 and 4.11% fat, 3.11 and 3.00% protein, and 8.95 and 8.83% solids-not-fat), jugular venous blood pH (7.395 and 7.400), HCO3− concentration (27.3 and 27.6 mEq/L), or partial pressure of CO2 (46.7 and 46.5 mmHg). Elevated coccygeal venous plasma branched-chain AA (431 and 558μM) and ratio of essential AA to total AA (0.390 and 0.434) in cows with DCAD of 22 vs. 47 mEq/100g of DM indicated that N metabolism in the rumen was affected, probably resulting in more microbial protein flowing to the small intestine. Urinary pH tended to increase with DCAD (8.12 vs. 8.20). Higher net acid excretion in cows with DCAD of 22 vs. 47 mEq/100g of DM (−24 and −41mM:mM) suggested that net acid excretion was much more indicative of acid load than blood acid-base parameters in cows postpartum. Intake of DM and performance of cows postpartum were not improved when DCAD increased from 22 to 47 mEq/100g of DM, likely because cows immediately after calving respond more variably to dietary treatments and that makes treatment effects difficult to detect.

Respuesta de la actividad sexual a la suplementación alimenticia de machos cabríos tratados con días largos, con un manejo extensivo a libre pastoreo

The aim of the present study was to investigate if food supplementation in photoperiodic-treated male goat increases their sexual activity during natural sexual rest period. Two groups of male goat (n=5 each) were placed separately in two herds of female goats grazed under extensive conditions in native pastures (daily from 1000 to 1800). When animals returned from grazing, males were separated from the females and placed in pens near their flock. Both male groups were submitted artificially for 2.5 mo to a long days treatment (16 h light/d) beginning on November 1. Treated group of males was supplemented daily with 1 kg of alfalfa hay (17 % CP) and 300 g of commercial feed concentrate (14 % PC) per animal. Body condition was better in the supplemented than in the control group from the middle January (2.5±0.2 vs 2.1±0.1, respectively) to the end of March (2.8±0.1 vs 2.2±0.2, respectively, P 0.05). Finally, in both groups, testicular weight increased from middle December to the end of the study (from 78.0±6 to 124±4 g, in the control group and from 70.7 to 117±9 g, in the supplemented group, respectively). However, in this variable there was neither an interaction group-time, nor an effect of group (P>0.05). The results of this study show that in these conditions, feed supplementation does not increase the sexual response of male goats treated with 2.5 mo of long days under extensive grazing conditions.

Effects of feeding oilseeds rich in linoleic and linolenic fatty acids to lactating ewes on cheese yield and on fatty acid composition of milk and cheese

Forty-two crossbred ewes were used to determine effects of feeding oilseeds rich in linoleic (C 18:2) and linolenic (C 18:3) fatty acids on milk and cheese yield, overall composition, and fatty acid composition. Ewes were divided into three groups and assigned to one of three diets for 21 days: a control diet with no oilseed, a sunflower supplemented diet, and a flaxseed supplemented diet. During the experimental period, ewes were kept in group-pens and fed 0.7 kg of concentrate and 2.4 kg of alfalfa hay per ewe per day. Sunflower seed and flaxseed replaced 260 and 300 g/kg, respectively, of the concentrate in the control diet. The fatty acids of the control, the sunflower and the flaxseed diet were 29, 54, and 51 g/kg, respectively. Results showed that compared with the control diet, diet with flaxseed increased (P<0.05) milk yield by 8% without affecting milk total solid, fat, and protein proportions. However, the diet with sunflower seed had no effect on milk yield but reduced (P<0.05) milk total solid, fat, and protein proportions. Cheese yield was similar for ewes fed the control and flaxseed diets and higher (P<0.05) than for ewes fed the sunflower seed diet. Oilseed supplementation increased (P<0.05) concentrations of mono-unsaturated, poly-unsaturated, and long-chain fatty acids, and decreased (P<0.05) concentrations of saturated, short-chain, and medium-chain fatty acids in both milk and cheese. Concentrations of C 18:3 and conjugated linoleic (CLA) acid in milk and cheese increased (P<0.05) with oilseed supplementation. Milk and cheese from ewes fed the sunflower seed diet contained more (P<0.05) CLA and less (P<0.05) C 18:3 than milk and cheese from ewes fed the flaxseed diet. The increase in CLA and C 18:3 in cheese from ewes fed the sunflower seed diet was 140 and 63%, respectively. The corresponding increase in cheese from ewes fed the flaxseed diet was 60 and 113%, respectively. Feeding oilseeds rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids to lactating ewes under our experimental conditions resulted in substantial changes in milk and cheese fatty acid profiles with minimal effects on milk and cheese yields. Cheeses with specific human health-promoting fatty acids can be produced from milk of ewes by selective feeding of oilseeds.

Effect of Liquid Flavor Supplementation of the Diet on Dairy Cows in the Transition Period

A 9-wk trial was conducted to study the performance of 24 Holstein cows during the transition period (3wk prepartum to 6wk postpartum). Cows were assigned to either a control or liquid-flavored (0.52mL/kg of feed) total mixed ration in a randomized complete block design. The diets contained corn silage, alfalfa haylage, cottonseed, and a grain mix based on ground corn and soybean meal. Cows were fed to ensure 10% orts, and the diet provided (on a dry matter basis) 13% crude protein, 32% acid detergent fiber, 44% neutral detergent fiber, and 1.54Mcal/kg of NEL prepartum and 17.5% crude protein, 30% acid detergent fiber, 40% neutral detergent fiber, and 1.57Mcal/kg of NEL postpartum. An additional 2.3kg of alfalfa hay was fed during the first 5 d postpartum. Weekly means of dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, milk protein, milk fat, SNF, somatic cell counts, and body weight (BW) were analyzed using a repeated measures procedure. There was no effect of treatment on these variables, and least squares means were 16.9 and 15.7kg/d for DMI, 38 and 35.3kg/d for milk yield, 3.10 and 3.11% for milk protein, 3.69 and 3.74% for milk fat, 8.37 and 8.16% for SNF, 1.99×105 and 4.33×105 for somatic cell count, and 631 and 651kg for BW for cows fed control and flavored diets, respectively. Individual cow daily DMI data were fitted to an exponential model describing pre- and postpartum feed consumption [DMI = a−b×e(−c×t), where DMI was measured in kg, a = asymptotic DMI, b = potential fractional increase in DMI, c = fractional rate of increase in DMI, and t = days prior to calving or days in milk]. Fractional rates of increase in DMI were similar: 0.139 and 0.123/d for control and flavored diets, respectively. Data for both groups were separately analyzed using multiple regression with 3.5% fat-corrected milk as the dependent variable and BW and DMI as independent variables. More BW was mobilized per unit increase in 3.5% fat-corrected milk in cows fed the control than in cows fed the flavored diet. Cows fed the control diet tended to be in more negative energy balance during early lactation than cows fed the flavored diet. It was concluded that feeding flavor improved energy balance of cows in early lactation and may reduce the risk of health or reproductive problems.

Lasalocid Supplementation of Dairy Cow Diets in Early Lactation11Supported by the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station (Hatch 35-397) and a gift from Hoffmann-LaRoche, Inc., Nutley, NJ 07110.

<h2>Abstract</h2> A 36-cow study was conducted to evaluate the effects of lasalocid on feed intake, milk production and composition, and various blood metabolites in early lactation. Multiparous Holstein cows were assigned at parturition to a total mixed diet containing 33% corn silage, 17% chopped alfalfa hay, and 50% concentrate mix on a DM basis for 10 wk. An additional 2.3kg of alfalfa hay was fed during the first 7 d in milk (DIM). Diets were supplemented with 0, 180, or 360 mg/d of lasalocid in a completely randomized design. Covariant-adjusted mean (the covariate was mature equivalent milk production from the previous lactation) DMI; milk and fat-corrected milk (FCM) production; percentages of milk fat, protein, and solids-not-fat; milk somatic cell count; BW; body condition score; and concentrations of glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) in blood were unaffected by supplementation with lasalocid. A dose of 360 mg/d of lasalocid may not be enough to significantly affect high-producing cows consuming >20 kg/d of DM.

Reducing milk production in ewes at weaning using restricted feeding and methscopolamine bromide.

Restricted feed (RF) and methscopolamine bromide (MB), an anticholinergic agent reported to block growth hormone secretion, were evaluated as potential means for reducing milk production in ewes at weaning. On d 58 +/- 1 postpartum (d 0), 40 fall-lambing ewes were allotted to treatments in a 2 (RF vs full feed [FF]) x 2 (MB vs saline [SAL]) factorial arrangement according to breed, age, and number of lambs born and suckled. On d 0 at 0800, ewes were separated from lambs, injected with 40 IU of oxytocin, and machine milked 30 s later. Ewes remained separated from lambs for 3 h, and at 1100 they were milked and yields were determined. From d 0 through 6, FF ewes received a daily ration of 1.8 kg of alfalfa hay and .9 kg of corn; RF ewes received only 1.8 kg of alfalfa hay. On d 7 at 0800 and 1400, ewes were separated from lambs, milked, treated with a s.c. injection of either 96 mg of MB dissolved in 2 mL of SA or SA alone, and after 3-h separations were milked at 1100 and 1700 and yields determined. Lambs were weaned at 1400. After milking at 1700, all ewes were placed in drylot without feed or water. At 1100 on d 9, residual milk yields were collected. Milk samples were retained for compositional analysis at each collection time. The RF ewes produced less milk than FF ewes (106 vs 137.4 g; P < .01) at 1100 on d 7, but yields of MB and SA ewes were similar. At 1700 on d 7, milk yield was only 15.9 g less (74.3 vs 90.2 g; P < .10) for RF than for FF ewes, but it was 26 g less (69.2 vs 95.2 g; P < .01) for MB than for SA ewes. On d 9, there was no significant difference in yields of RF and FF ewes; however, MB ewes continued to produce less milk than SA ewes (96.6 vs 125.4 g; P < .10). No significant interactions between feeding regimen and MB treatment were found for milk yield. These data provide evidence that MB treatment of ewes is effective in reducing milk production. Furthermore, even greater reduction can be achieved when MB is combined with RF.

Comparative digestibility and digesta flow kinetics in two breeds of sheep

Recent studies carried out in cattle, sheep and goats have shown differences between both species and breeds of ruminants in digestive capacity, digesta flows and fermentation rates. Most of these differences are related to their feeding behaviour and digestive physiology and could affect digestive utilization of feeds. The aim of this work was to study the digestibility and digesta kinetics in the whole digestive tract in two breeds of sheep (Churra v. Merino).Ten non-productive mature sheep (five Churra (mean LW= 44.3kg±3.20) and five Merino (mean LW= 46.7kg±2.22)) fitted with rumen cannulae were used in this study. Animals were fed once a day 1 kg of alfalfa hay (877 g DM/kg; 169 g CP/kg DM; 489 g NDF/kg DM).

Comparative digestibility and digesta flow kinetics in two breeds of sheep

Recent studies carried out in cattle, sheep and goats have shown differences between both species and breeds of ruminants in digestive capacity, digesta flows and fermentation rates. Most of these differences are related to their feeding behaviour and digestive physiology and could affect digestive utilization of feeds. The aim of this work was to study the digestibility and digesta kinetics in the whole digestive tract in two breeds of sheep (Churra v. Merino).Ten non-productive mature sheep (five Churra (mean LW= 44.3kg±3.20) and five Merino (mean LW= 46.7kg±2.22)) fitted with rumen cannulae were used in this study. Animals were fed once a day 1 kg of alfalfa hay (877 g DM/kg; 169 g CP/kg DM; 489 g NDF/kg DM).

Sucrose Supplementation and Feed of Dairy Cows in Early Lactation

Based on results from previous 14-d sequential elimination trials, which indicated that cows in early lactation preferred a sucrose-sweetened diet, a 12-wk lactation trial was conducted to evaluate further the effects of sucrose supplementation. Twenty-four cows (16 multiparous Jerseys and 8 primiparous Holsteins) were assigned at parturition to a control or sucrose-sweetened (1.5% of dietary DM) TMR in a randomized complete block design. The diet included 10% corn silage, 30% alfalfa haylage, and 60% concentrate based on corn and soybean meal on a DM basis and was fed to ensure 10% orts. An additional 2.3kg of alfalfa hay were fed for the first 5 d postpartum. Covariant-adjusted (BW on the day of parturition) mean DMI, milk yields, 3.5% FCM yields, and percentages of milk fat, milk protein, and SNF were unaffected by treatment and averaged 19.0 and 19.1 kg/d, 28.4 and 29.3 kg/d. 28.4 and 28.4 kg/d, and 3.40 and 3.30%, 3.51 and 3.28%, and 8.4 and 8.3%, respectively, for cows on control and sucrose-supplemented diets. In the absence of a choice of diets, sucrose at 1.5% of dietary DM did not enhance mean DMI over the first 12 wk postpartum; however, a transient increase in consumption of the sucrose-supplemented diet may have occurred over the a 2-wk period after parturition. Variation in feed consumption during early lactation suggests that additional data are needed to examine this potential effect.