Kg Of Milk Research Articles

Case report: Complications after using the “blind-stitch” method in a dairy cow with a left displaced abomasum: treatment, outcome, and economic evaluation

A fourth lactation dairy cow that was 35 days in milk was referred to the clinic for treatment after undergoing unsuccessful treatment of a left displaced abomasum (LDA). The physical examination revealed complications after using the “blind-stitch” method for correction of the LDA; the cow had an abnormal general demeanor, decreased gastrointestinal motility, and local inflammation of the abdominal wall at the site of the suture. Systemic antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and intravenous fluids were administered, and a right flank laparotomy and omentopexy according to Dirksen were performed after cutting the suture and breaking down the adhesions of the localized peritonitis between the abdominal wall and the abomasal puncture site. The cow was monitored clinically and discharged 2 weeks after referral. The cow was milked for another two lactations producing a total of 18,000 kg of milk, with a lifetime production of 59,141 kg. The total cost for the case was 310 € for the first intervention using the “blind-stitch” method and 897 € for the second laparotomic intervention. The costs (excluding tax) of both procedures including physical examination, surgery, medications, diagnostics, and labor were calculated. The lost revenue associated with the withdrawal period and lower milk production was 4,168 €. Percutaneous LDA fixation techniques, such as the “blind-stitch” and “toggle-pin” methods, have gained popularity because they are quick and cost-effective and involve minimal labor. However, many buiatricians are critical of these techniques because of the high risk of complications. The following four factors require careful consideration when choosing a method for LDA correction: (1) Percutaneous methods require precision and adherence to the described inclusion, exclusion, and cancelation criteria; (2) Operator skill is essential, and therefore regularly performing laparotomies increases surgical experience and enables the veterinarian to better manage different and more complex abdominal disorders; (3) By performing a laparotomy, other underlying abdominal disorders such as reticuloperitonitis and abomasal ulcers may be detected; (4) Postoperative husbandry and treatment are important factors affecting the outcome. The cost calculated for this case underlines the potential benefit and necessity of successful animal health management and the importance of a highly skilled veterinarian and farm workforce.

Protected fats in feeding of highly productive cows

Highly productive animals experience energy deficiency at the beginning of lactation up to 30 % of their energy needs, since cows spend more energy on milk production than they intake with feed. Therefore, to maintain a high level of productivity and minimize live weight loss of cows, it is necessary to increase the energy supply of rations. For these purposes, along with the use of high-quality feed and a decrease in the proportion of starchy grain concentrates in the ration structure, various types of fats are used in feeding of cows, since their energy value is more than 2 times higher than proteins and carbohydrates. The purpose of the research was to study the eff ectiveness of using protected vegetable fats in feeding of highly productive lactating cows. Comprehensive studies were carried out to investigate the effectiveness of using new protected vegetable fats: hydrogenated (Ultra Feed F) and fractionated (Extra Feed F) in feeding of highly productive lactating cows and an assessment of the effectiveness of their use was given. It was recommended as a result of the research that in order to ensure milk productivity of cows at a level of more than 7000 kg of milk (7000–9000 kg), livestock farms should ensure the concentration of metabolic energy in the dry matter of the ration of at least 10.7 MJ/kg, with possible compensation for the deficit in the level of metabolic energy up to 11.0 MJ/kg with protected vegetable fats of domestic production (fractionated Extra Feed F and hydrogenated Ultra Feed F) in the amount of 300 g/head/day during the period of 21–120 days of lactation.

Impact of diferent types of selection on the milk productivity of Kostroma breed cows

The article studies the influence of homogeneous and heterogeneous selection on the milk productivity of first-calf cows (milk yield, fat and protein content in milk). The object of research is cattle of the Kostroma breed. The research methods were zootechnical, population-genetic and analytical using computer programs IAS “SELEX” Multifarm and BON-MilkRegion. The modern cattle breeding base in the Kostroma region is represented by three breeding plants and two breeding reproducers. In 2022, the Karavaevo Breeding Farm JSC received 9,297 kg of milk per cow, the Minskoe LLC pedigree reproducer received 7,371 kg of milk, and the Rodina collective farm, Gridino and Agrofirma Planet LLC received more 6000 kg of milk. Record milk yields reach 15,000 kg of milk or more in 305 days of lactation. The following lines have been identified as promising in the Kostroma breed: lines Ladka 2537 and Kursa 3722, related groups Master 106902, Meridian 90927 and Concentrate 106157. To improve the productive qualities of dairy cattle, it is necessary to use both intraline selection and cross-lines, taking into account their compatibility. In breeding farms, using homogeneous selection, high productivity indicators were obtained: in terms of milk yield - from first-calf heifers of the related groups Laird, Concentrate and Meridian, in terms of fat and protein content in milk - Laird and Ladka. With heterogeneous selection, the best combinations were identified across farms.

Productive features of the first heifers of the red steppe breed under different systems of housing and forming of production groups

Abstract The purpose of the research is to establish the productive qualities of the first heifers of the red steppe breed with different technologies of housing and forming a production group of newly-calved cows. Intergroup differences in the milk yield of the first heifers were established, which amounted to 176 kg of milk in favor of individuals who lactated separately from adult cows (P>0.95). The yield of protein and fat during lactation also prevailed in the experimental group of heifers by 3.5-3.8%. According to the milk content index, the first heifers kept together with adult livestock were inferior to the individuals of the experimental group by an average of 1.4%. The differences in the content of first heifers in the summer period were expressed in the superiority of milk yield of first heifers, which were grazed on pastures, during the pasture period at the level of 262 kg (P>0.95), provided them with superiority in milk production for the entire period of first lactation by an average of 289 kg of milk (P>0.95), as well as in yield milk fat and protein. As a result, the milk content index of the first heifers of the experimental group reached 1225 kg against 1161 kg in the control (P>0.95).

Improvement of dairy characters in farms and breeding value of the breeding bulls when assessing the quality of offspring

The article presents studies on comparison of the levels of precocity and milk productivity indicators of the daughters of Holstein bulls, who are evaluated for the quality of offspring simultaneously in two breeding plants of the Moscow region. According to the official ratings of breeding values, the bulls were divided into groups of "improving" and "worsening". The ratio of the daughters of the "best" and "worst" breeding bulls was 511:568 and 160:127 heads over the farms. It was determined which values of the differences in the "daughter – mother" indicators were increased in groups of officially evaluated bulls that received ratings of "improvers" and "deteriorators" according to the characteristics in these two breeding plants. The bulls being tested were fixed individually, and according to the number of pairs as the main ones. At the first insemination, the daughters of the "improving" group of bulls had 6.5–8.5 kg increased live weight of, but were relatively older by 0.36–0.6 months. According to the milk yield trait, the total yield of milk fat and protein, highly rated fathers in breeding plants were significantly inferior to competitors with low breeding value in milk yield by 688–1136 kg, according to the difference "mother – daughter" in the total yield of milk fat and protein per lactation – by 43.1–97.3 kg. In one of the farms, the "daughter – mother" differences in milk yield in all bull clusters increased by 599–1275 kg of milk; according to mass fat fraction (MFF) — by 0.02–0.20% and for mass protein fraction (MPF) — by 0.19–0.31%; in another farm, the increase in milk yield was by 43.8–1551 kg of milk and 0.05–0.13% according to the MPF. The daughters of the "worst" fathers in terms of MFF and MPF significantly outperformed the group of daughters of the "best" fathers in terms of "daughter–mother" differences by 35.6 and 61.7 kg of total milk protein and fat output over 305 days of lactation. At the same time, there were no significant differences between daughters and peers. The relativity of the official definition of the values of the breeding value of breeding bulls has been proved. It is proposed, regardless of the "commercial" and previously conducted estimates of breeding bulls, to take into account the indices of pedigrees and types of selection when breeding them. Conclusions are drawn about the significant influence of the factor and selection methods on the values of milk production traits; in order to save growing costs, it is proposed to optimize the live weight and age of insemination of heifers in farms.

Increasing the milk yield in cows on corn silage and concentrates enriched with feed additive with biologically active substances

The purpose of the work was to investigate the characteristics of increasing the milk yield in cows on corn silage and concentrates enriched with a feed additive with biologically active substances. The research work was carried out at the educational and experimental farm of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Northern Trans-Ural State Agricultural University” on cows of Black-and-White breed with a milk yield of 6000–7000 kg per lactation. The cows of the control group received a farm ration consisting of 1.5–2.0 kg of brome hay, 25–27 kg of corn silage, 10–12 kg of grain mixture; the animals of the experimental group received the same feeds, but additionally a feed additive with biologically active substances. It was found that the inclusion of a feed additive with biologically active substances in the ration of cows during the fi rst 100 days of lactation helped to eliminate the deficiency of individual nutritional elements in the ration, reduced the consumption of concentrated feed and protein. It was found that enrichment of the concentrate-silage ration with the feed additive in the amount of 60 g/head/day allowed to obtain 472 kg of milk or 8.06 % more per lactation than without its use. Consumption of the feed additive with biologically active substances by cows of the experimental group led to diff erences in the digestibility coeffi cients of nutrients. Thus, the animals of the experimental group had higher digestibility coeffi cients of dry matter by 2.67 abs.%, organic matter by 2.91 abs.%, crude fi ber by 0.60 abs.% and nitrogen-free extractive substances by 3.75 abs.%, and the digestibility coeffi cient of crude protein and crude fat on the contrary was lower by 0.36 and 2.55 abs.%, respectively. Economic indicators of milk production were significantly higher in cows of the experimental group receiving the feed additive with biologically active substances.

An exploration of biodiversity limits to grazing ruminant milk and meat production

The production and consumption of animal-source foods must be transformed to mitigate negative environmental outcomes, including greenhouse gas emissions and land-use change. However, livestock are also key for food production and for livelihoods in some settings, and they can help preserve biodiversity and certain ecosystems. Previous studies have not yet fully explored sustainability limits to the use of grazing lands for food production in the context of biodiversity. Here we explore ‘biodiversity limits’ to grassland ruminant production by estimating the meat and milk production from domestic ruminants limited to grazing areas and stocking densities where livestock can contribute to the preservation or restoration of biodiversity. With biodiversity-friendly grazing intensities at 0–20% biomass removal depending on aridity, this take on biodiversity limits corresponds to 9–13% and 26–40% of the current grassland-based milk and meat production, respectively. This equals only 2.2 kg of milk and 0.8 kg of meat per capita per year, globally, but altered management and moving from meat-specialized to meat-and-dairy systems could increase the potential production while still remaining within this approach to biodiversity limits.

Opportunities to integrate Ecosystem Services into Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): a case study of milk production in Brazil

World dairy production is growing rapidly having increased by 339 million tons over the last twenty years. However, it remains unclear how anthropic activities in the milk sector can impact the Ecosystem Services (ES) supply to society. The aim of this study was to propose and determine the Net Environmental Performance (NEP) of different milk production systems. For this purpose, a case study on a confined compost barn farm, located in southeastern Brazil was selected as reference scenario and compared with three other systems. The mapping of ES benefits was carried out using the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services, while environmental impacts were calculated using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The LCA results and ecosystem benefits were combined and converted into monetary units to calculate the NEP per 1 kg of milk. The results indicated that semi-confined systems had the worst environmental performance (90 % more impacts) compared to the compost barn milk system. On the other hand, confined systems generate few ES benefits, but their environmental impacts were lower for most LCA impact categories (up to 87 % minimized impacts) compared to semi-confined systems. Finally, we concluded the confined systems in SP and PR showed the best NEP (1.07 and 1.48) aiming for both environmental impacts and ES benefits to fit the win–win situation.

Feeding nanoparticles of copper oxide coated with lysine with or without added antagonists affects the copper status but not the performance of Holstein dairy cows

The apparent absorption of copper (Cu) in ruminants is low, with between 0.01 and 0.07 g/g absorbed from sources such as copper oxide (CuO) under typical feeding conditions, resulting in high levels of excretion. Improving the bioavailability of Cu could reduce the supplemental amount required to maintain Cu status and reduce excretion, particularly in the presence of dietary antagonists such as sulfur (S) and molybdenum (Mo). The objective of our study was to determine the Cu status of cows when fed nanoparticle CuO coated with Lys compared with conventional CuO when fed without or in combination with antagonists to Cu absorption (S and Mo) in the diet of dairy cows. Fifty-six multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows that were 48 d ± 17.2 (mean ± SD) postcalving and yielding 41 ± 6.4 kg of milk per day were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The 4 treatment groups were: CuO (O-), CuO with added antagonists (O+), nano CuO with a lysine coating (N-), and nano CuO with a Lys coating with added antagonists (N+), fed for 16 wk. We formulated the diets to contain ∼17 mg of Cu/kg DM, and diets with antagonists contained an additional 1 g of S/kg DM and 6 mg of Mo/kg DM, with Lys added to O- and O+ to provide the same daily supply as N- and N+. Blood samples were collected at wk 0, 2, 4, 6, 10, and 16, and liver biopsy samples at wk 0 and 16. We found no effect of dietary treatment on DMI, milk yield, live weight, or BCS, with mean values of 23.3 kg/d, 40.1 kg/d, 646 kg, and 2.68, but milk SCC was higher in cows fed conventional compared with nano CuO, or added compared with no added antagonists. We also found no effect of treatment on blood activity of gamma glutamyl transferase, superoxide dismutase, or ceruloplasmin, hematology profile, or plasma Cu and iron concentration. We found that plasma Mo concentration was increased from 0.36 µmol/L in cows fed O- or N- to 0.80 µmol/L in those receiving O+ or N+. Additional dietary antagonists also decreased the concentration of Cu in the liver of cows fed conventional CuO (C+) over the study period by 1.3 mg/kg DM per day, but in cows fed dietary antagonists and nano CuO coated with Lys (N+), liver Cu concentration was increased by 1.1 mg/kg DM per day. Our study is the first to demonstrate that reducing the particle size of CuO into the nano scale with a lysine coating improves the bioavailability of CuO in the presence of dietary antagonists in dairy cattle, and we did not observe any negative effects on performance or health.

Efficiency of using the "Meadow of Health" feed table cover

The results of using the polymer cover of the feed table "Meadow of Health" in comparison with the concrete feed table are presented. The research was carried out in the conditions of the dairy livestock complex of the Kirov region on milk cows of the Black-and-White Holstein breed during the lactation period. Concrete feed tables for cows during the lactation stabilization period at the time of carrying out had average wear, while the cover of the feed table "Meadow of Health" remained smooth and even for 6 months. The study of microbial contamination of feed table covers showed, that already one month after the beginning of the experiment, the number of microbial cells was 54.7% lower (p < 0.05) in the 1st experimental group, where the "Meadow of Health" cover was used, compared to the concrete table. The amount of uneaten feed residues on the feed tables with the "Meadow of Health" cover was less in comparison with the concrete feed table (p < 0.05), which indicates better palatability of forage mixture from this cover. When transferring cows from polymer cover to concrete from the 2nd month of lactation, a decrease in average daily milk yields by 0.9 kg was observed. By the 4th month of lactation, the reduction in milk yield was 4.8 kg of milk per head per day. When transferring cows from a concrete feed table to a polymer one, there was an increase in milk productivity by 0.4–1.3 kg per head/day. In the first 3 months, the consumption of feed from a polymer-coated table increased by 2.3–5.6% compared to the concrete one. During 5 months of lactation, cows from the cover of the feed table "Meadow of Health" ate feed by 6.8–8.6% more than from concrete, which led to greater productivity of the animals during the analyzed period. The use of the polymer cover of the feed table "Meadow of Health" allowed to get additional profit in the amount of 20,460 rubles and recoup the costs of its installation already on the 39th day of use.

Longevity of dairy cows depending on the age of first calving

Research to study the traits of duration of use and cows productive longevity of Ukrainian Black-andWhite dairy (UBWD) and Holstein breeds, depending on the age of frst calving, was carried out in the herd of PE "Burynske" Pidlisniv branch of Sumy district. The division of animals into gradations, depending on the age of frst calving, established that higher indicators of the duration and efciency of lifelong use were observed in animals of both breeds that frst calved at the age of 25.1-26 months. Early, before 24, and late, over 26 months, frst calving shortened lifetime, productive period, number of calvings, and reduced lifelong milk yield and milk fat. With an increase in the age of frst calving in UBWD and Holstein cows, a gradual reduction in lifetime and productive use reached a difference in these indicators between the best (25.1-26 months) and the frst calving group of more than 30 months, respectively 332 and 491 and 523 and 628 days (P<0.001). The influence of the age of frst calving on the lifetime productivity of cows of the UBWD breed was evidenced by a signifcant difference in favor of animals with the frst calving at 25.1-26 months, compared to the group of frst calving before 24 months, which was 3432 and 127 kg, respectively, in terms of lifetime milk yield and milk fat (P<0.001). The difference when comparing the groups of the frst calving older than 26.1 months by lifetime milk yield and milk fat was, respectively, 2082-12896 and 70-486 kg (P<0.001). The highest indicators of traits characterizing the longevity of Holstein cows, lifetime and productive use, were also obtained from the group of animals of the frst calving at the age of 25.1-26 months. According to these traits, there was a signifcant difference in their favor compared to the group of frst calving up to 24 months (282 and 173 days; P <0.05) and groups older than 26.1 months. (247-523 days; P<0.05-0.001 and 337-628 days; P<0.01-0.001). Animals of the frst calving at the age of 25.1-26 months, with a milk yield during life of 29337 kg, exceeded in this trait cows that frst calved earlier 24 months of age, with a difference in 3679 kg of milk (P <0.001) and animals with an age of frst calving older 26.1 months with a difference of 1790-12990 kg (P<0.05-0.001). By lifetime milk fat yield, the difference between these comparisons was 135 kg (P<0.001) and 56-486 kg (P<0.05-0.001), respectively. Key words: Ukrainian Black-and-White dairy, Holstein, lifespan, productive use, frst calving, lifetime productivity.

The use of improved premix recipes in rations of cattle

Complete balanced feeding of farm animals cannot be organized without the use of various balancing additives, in particular premixes. It is important to note that the greatest eff ect from the use of premixes is observed when their recipes are developed taking into account specifi c feeding and housing conditions. The purpose of this work was to study the eff ectiveness of using improved premix recipes based on an analysis of the actual nutritional value of feed in the rations of lactating cows and calves. During the research, two experiments were carried out. The experiments were carried out at the Staraya Chigla livestock complex in the Anninsky district of the Voronezh region. In the experiment on cows, 20 animals were selected, which were divided into two groups (control and experimental) of 10 heads in each using the method of analogue pairs. In an experiment to study the eff ectiveness of the premix in feeding of young animals, two groups of calves of 12 heads in each were similarly formed. Animals of the control groups received farm rations with the premix developed without taking into account the analysis of the nutritional value of the rations. In the experimental groups, cows and calves received new and improved premixes developed based on these specific feeding conditions. The use of the premix with an improved recipe in the rations of cows made it possible to increase the average daily milk yield by 5,61 %, the fat content by 0,05 abs.% and the protein content in milk by 0,15 abs.%. At the same time, there was an increase in the level of digestibility of dry matter by 1,25 abs.%, organic matter by 1,07 abs.%, crude protein by 1,56 abs.%, crude fat by 1,63 abs.%, crude fi ber by 1,08 abs.%, nitrogen-free extractive substances by 1,87 abs.%. Calculation of feed intake for the synthesis of 1 kg of milk showed that they were lower in the experimental group by 0,31 MJ of net lactation energy and 2,97 g of digestible protein. Positive results were also obtained in experiments on calves. The use of the premix developed on the basis of the actual nutritional value of feed and rations, made it possible to increase the live weight of heifers at 12 months of age by 5,04 %, the average daily gain in live weight during the experimental period by 5,74 %, the relative gain by 1,91 abs.%.

Evaluation of the signals of the comfort of keeping dairy cows in the conditions of an industrial dairy complex

Our three-month research and production study aimed to evaluate the manifestation of signals of the comfort of keeping lactating cows under untethered industrial technology. Ethological assessment was performed on a herd of cows of the newly created Ukrainian red dairy breed (n = 3099) with an average productivity of 6,200 kg of milk per standard lactation). The evaluation was performed visually at a fixed time between the first and second milking, with the following behavioral signs or signals determined: the number of cows resting, standing in the aisle or stall, and eating or drinking during observation. The generalized results showed that only 36.44 % of cows rested in a comfortable lying position (from 27.58 to 63.23 % in different months), 2 times less than the recommended indicators of comfort of keeping. 22.38 % of cows that ate or drank in the interval between milkings, and 27.89 % of those that did not rest but stood in aisles or stalls. It is worth noting that some of the cows that did not rest lying down in an individual stall but stood in it in an unnatural position with a decision – upper limbs above the rear ones, which remained in the passage, was a signal of the cows' discomfort with the equipment or the structure of the box and the unwillingness of the cow in stay in it The results of our research, in contrast to literature data, showed a reliable influence of observing the order and mode of distribution of feed mixture on the behavior of cows in the time between milkings. Further studies of the ethological indicators of dairy cows in the conditions of industrial technologies of maintenance and operation can provide an opportunity to improve their welfare and obtain more milk with high quality milk.

Intensification of reproduction of a highly productive dairy cattle herd

The research work was carried out in a breeding facility for dairy cattle breeding with a milk yield per cow of 10,564 kg and a reproduction level of 96.6 %. Semen of Holstein bulls was used for reproduction. At dry-off pregnant cows were immunized against a range of bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases. After birth, the calves were injected with vitamin E and selenium, dectomax and gradually immunized against common infections. Data on 922 heifers were included in the analysis, including 192 obtained through inseminating cows with sexed semen. Heifers were inseminated at 13–15 months of age. Fertility rate after the first insemination was 67.4 %, calving at the age of (710 ± 2) days. Early calving and balanced feeding ensured high milk yields in full lactation and standard period – on average 9401 and 8854 kg of milk with the fat mass fraction of 4.32 %, protein of 3.38 % and the number of somatic cells of 73 thousand/ml. After calving, the first insemination was carried out on average in 82.6 days, the efficiency was 61.8 %, the insemination index was 1.60, the service period averaged to 107.5 days. When using sexed semen, the fertility rate after the 1st insemination was the same – 67.7 %. The age at calving in animals of the Vis Ideal line was 20 days more compared to their peers of the R. Sovereign line (722 versus 702 days, P < 0.05). Milk yield in full lactation and its standard period were higher in animals of the R. Sovereign line – 9304 and 8890 kg versus 8753 and 8461 kg, which indicates the positive effect of early calving on animal productivity. Early calving of heifers is a necessary condition for a highly productive herd. The results of the research are recommended to be used not only at dairy farms of the Republic of Belarus, but also in other countries with developing dairy cattle breeding.

Dynamics of milk productivity of cows depending on the method of housing and the calving season

The results of the dynamics of milk productivity of cows depending on the method of housing and calving season have been presented in the paper. Under the conditions of the Educational and Experimental Farm “Ramzai” of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Penza State Agrarian University”, a stall and pasture system and tie-up housing of cows is used. In CJSC “Konstantinovo” a stall system and free-stall method of housing of cows is used with using separate boxes for the animals. For research, animals were divided into groups depending on the method of housing and calving time. Analysis of the average monthly milk yield of fi rst-calf heifers showed that, in general, their dynamics were the same. However, animals housed in free-stall and calved in the spring-summer period showed higher productivity rates, exceeding on average other groups of animals by 124 kg or 20 %. The highest productivity values in the fi rst three months of lactation were in cows of the 1st group, housed in free-stall method. In relation to milk yield for the fi rst 3 months to milk yield for 305 days of lactation, the fluctuations ranged from 19 to 35 % with free-stall housing, and from 26 to 34 % with tie-up housing. It was revealed on the base of study of the milk productivity of cows for 305 days of lactation that the highest indicators were obtained from cows housed in free-stall method 6127–6845 kg of milk, while with the tie-up method of housing 4870–5020 kg only. When assessing the lactation activity of cows by month of lactation, it was found that both the method of housing and the calving season of cows influence milk productivity and the dynamics of milk yield by month of lactation. At the same time, cows housed in freestall method had higher productivity and a stable lactation curve.

Climate and environmental effects of nutritional mitigation options to reduce enteric methane in dairy cattle: A life cycle assessment

Nutritional mitigation strategies represent an option to reduce enteric methane emissions from ruminants, but these strategies must not have undesirable side effects.Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the environmental effects of supplementation of typical dairy cow feeding rations in Denmark (S0) with 20 g extra fatty acids per kg dry-matter (S1), 10 g nitrate per kg dry-matter (S2), and 60 mg 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) per kg dry-matter (S3). A cradle-to-farm gate life cycle assessment approach was used, where fifteen environmental impacts were assessed to capture the environmental effects. Pairwise Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to identify statistically significant results.It was found that the climate impact per kg of milk decreased for all the strategies (−7 % in S1 and S2 and −13 % in S3) compared to S0. Furthermore, lower land use and land use change emissions were determined by the partial replacement of soybean meal with cracked rapeseed (in S1) or nitrate (in S2). The reduction in the level of enteric methane also contributed to decreases in the toxicity-related impacts of organic chemicals in S1. The use of nitrate in S2 also involved a decrease in the use of soybean meal, which contributed to decreases in the land use impacts. In strategies S2 and S3 increases in other environmental impacts were observed compared to S0 because of the manufacturing of nitrate or 3-NOP, or higher N excretion and emission at supplementation with nitrate.It was concluded that S3 was more effective in reducing the climate (and human-toxicity impacts of organic substances) impacts, while S1 caused small decreases in a wider range of environmental impacts. The present study has an important contribution to quantifying a wide range of environmental effects for intensive dairy and regarding the implementation of nutritional strategies in dairy cattle to reduce enteric methane.

The Impacts of Heat Stress on Rumination, Drinking, and Locomotory Behavior, as Registered by Innovative Technologies, and Acid-Base Balance in Fresh Multiparous Dairy Cows.

This study hypothesizes that heat stress adversely affects dairy cows, resulting in reduced rumination, altering eating and drinking behaviors, changes in their locomotory patterns, and significant variations in their acid-base balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of heat stress on rumination, drinking, and locomotory behavior, as registered by innovative technologies, and acid-base balance in fresh multiparous dairy cows. This study was conducted during the summer, from 15 June to 8 July 2023, on a Lithuanian commercial dairy farm. We assessed 350 German Holstein cows that produced an average of 11,400 kg of milk annually throughout their second and subsequent lactation periods. We used the temperature-humidity index (THI) to divide the cows under investigation into three periods: I. high HS-THI >78 (period: 15-23 June 2023); II. medium HS-THI 72-78 (period: 24-30 June 2023); and III. low HS-THI <72 (period: 1-8 July 2023). The appropriate RumiWatch sensor (RWS) parameters were assessed between 15 June 2023 and 8 July 2023. Cows were acclimatized to the rumination, drinking, and locomotory behavior parameters during the adaptation period (1-30 June 2023). The registration process started on 15 June 2023 and terminated on 8 July 2023 and was performed every hour during the 24 h day. The acid-base balance was recorded from 15 June 2023 until 8 July 2023, once per week. The cows' activity increased by 11.75% in the high HS period compared to the low HS period (p < 0.01); high mean differences were detected for rumination, which was 17.67% higher in the high HS period and 13.80% higher in the medium HS period compared to the low HS period (p < 0.01); and the change in activity was 12.82% higher in the low HS compared to the medium HS period (p < 0.01). Cows under high HS had higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels compared with cows under medium HS (p < 0.01). The observed alterations in the rumination, drinking, and locomotory behaviors, in addition to the acid-base balance, highlight the multifaceted impacts of varying heat stress on the physiological and behavioral responses of dairy cows. This suggests that the utilization of advanced technologies may assist dairy farmers in effectively monitoring and controlling heat stress in cows. Additionally, regularly assessing blood urea nitrogen levels can enable farmers to modify their feeding practices, thus promoting optimal cow well-being and productivity.

A large population study to assess the magnitude of prenatal programming in dairy cattle

The performance of an adult dairy cow may be influenced by events that occur before her birth. The present study investigated potential effects of 2 prenatal groups of factors, Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) and maternal characteristics (e.g., dam parity), on offspring performance during their first lactation, in populations of 2 dairy cow breeds: French Holstein and Montbéliarde. The different ART studied included the type of semen (conventional or X-sorted) used for Artificial Insemination (AI) and the technology of conception used (AI, embryo transfer, or in vitro fertilization). Three maternal characteristics were considered: (1) the dam age at first calving, (2) dam parity number, and (3) indicators of dam udder health during gestation (somatic cell score and events of clinical mastitis). First, we investigated whether heifer survival from 3d to 18 mo old was associated with any of the prenatal factors considered. We then estimated the associations of these prenatal factors with 8 traits of commercial interest: (1) stature, (2-4) milk, fat, and protein yields, (5) somatic cell score, (6) clinical mastitis, and (7-8) heifer and cow conception rate, all measured on genotyped cows. Linear models were used for this study with the prenatal factors as covariates in the model, and for the 8 traits, phenotypes were adjusted for their corresponding genomic estimated breeding value. The results indicated that the survival rate of heifers born from embryo transfer was significantly higher than that of heifers born from AI (probably due to preferential management practices), while the other prenatal factors did not explain differences in heifer survival. Among the Montbéliarde cows born from AI, those born from X-sorted semen showed a lightly but significantly lower milk yield than those born without X-sorting of the semen (-52 kg of milk in the first lactation). Among the Holstein cows, those born from embryo transfer presented significantly lower milk performance than cows born from AI. Regarding the maternal characteristics, none or very weak associations were found between the dam age at first calving and the offspring performance in both breeds. Dam parity, on the other hand, was associated with offspring performance for milk, fat, and protein yield in both breeds, however not in the same direction. In the Holstein breed, an increase in dam parity was favorable for offspring performance for milk, fat, and protein yield, whereas in the Montbéliarde breed, an increase in dam parity was associated with lower milk and protein yield and no association was found for fat yield. The udder health of the dam during gestation was not or only weakly associated with the traits studied in the offspring. Although some significant associations were identified due to the large sample size, the effects were modest, typically less than 1% of the phenotypic mean, and were not consistently observed across the 2 breeds.

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.

The effect of exterior traits on milk production and calving ease in Czech Fleckvieh cows in first parity

Abstract. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of exterior traits on milk production and also on the calving ease in first parity for dual-purpose (milk and meat) cows of Simmental origin. The analysis used 7987 purebred Czech Fleckvieh cows. The impact of the measured features of the frame and the linear type traits of the udder and muscularity were evaluated. The influence of height at the sacrum and body depth on milk yield has been demonstrated. A productivity increase of 27.62 kg of milk can be anticipated for every 1 cm increase in the height at the sacrum, and a productivity increase of 19.78 kg of milk can be expected for every 1 cm increase in body depth. The length of the fore and rear udders, the angle of udder attachment, and the depth of the udders all had a statistically significant impact on milk yield. In the case of calving ease, only the influence of muscularity was proven. The likelihood of difficult calving was 0.18 in cows with weak muscularity. The findings demonstrate that the exterior score is significant not only as a collection of fitness and longevity traits but also as a factor in milk yield.