Milk Lactose Content Research Articles

Inline Milk Lactose Concentration as Biomarker of the Health Status and Reproductive Success in Dairy Cows

In this study, cow reticulorumen content pH and temperature together with the activity were registered using smaXtec boluses, specially designed for animal care. Body weight, rumination time, milk fat/protein ratio, milk yield, milk lactose, milk electrical conductivity, milk somatic cell count and consumption of concentrated feed were registered by Lely Astronaut® A3 milking robots. The cows in this study were assigned into two groups according to the milk lactose concentration: group 1—milk lactose < 4.70% (n = 20), group 2—milk lactose ≥ 4.70% (n = 15). The following cows were further classified according to milk fat and protein ratio: F/P < 1.2 (class 1), F/P = 1.2 (class 2) and F/P > 1.2 (class 3). According to our results, we can conclude that inline registered milk lactose concentration can be used to indicate the health status and reproductive success of fresh dairy cows. Cows with an increased lactose concentration (≥4.70%) showed more activity (54.47%) and had less risk of mastitis (determined by lower milk electrical conductivity (EC) and somatic cell counts (SCC)) and metabolic disorders, determined by milk F/P. A higher glucose concentration was also apparent in the cows with higher lactose concentration. Registered lower levels of milk lactose can be used for early identification of metabolic disorders and mastitis (set at milk SCC ≥ 100 thousand/mL). Lactose levels in cows’ milk were positively associated with their reproductive success.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation effects on performance, metabolic parameters and reproductive traits in lactating Holstein dairy cows.

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplement on milk yield and composition, blood metabolites and reproductive parameters in lactating Holstein dairy cows. Twenty Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments: 1) supplementing 110 g per day of fat (control), 2) supplementing 120 g per day of rumen-protected CLA. The diets were formulated to be nutritionally isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The experimental period started 21 days pre-calving and continued until 60 days in milk (DIM). Treatments had no effect on dry matter intake (DMI), body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS). The CLA treatment increased milk yield (3.04 kg per day and milk lactose concentration, but decreased milk fat concentration and, short and medium chain fatty acids concentrations. No treatment differences were observed in milk protein concentration, milk energy output and net energy balance. Serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1), estradiol and progesterone were higher in CLA treated cows when compared to cows fed on the control diet. Serum beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) concentration was reduced in cows fed on the CLA treatment. Days to first insemination and days open were not different between the two treatment groups. Cows fed on the CLA supplement had increased conception rate from the first service. The results indicated that cows fed on diets supplemented with CLA produced milk with decreased milk fat concentration whereas some related cow blood serum metabolic parameters associated with reproductive response were increased and resulted in an increased conception rate from the first service.

Effect of Maternal Anaemia on Different Macronutrients of Breast Milk in the Rural Population of India: An Observational Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Anaemia during pregnancy is a major public health problem throughout the world, particularly the developing countries. Maternal anaemia affects the major macronutrients contents of breast milk. Aim: To analyse the major nutrients and components of transitional milk in anaemic mothers and healthy non anaemic mothers. Materials and Methods: This was an observational crosssectional study conducted from January 2018 to June 2019 for a period of 18 months, included 180 lactating mothers who were divided into two groups: Anaemic {Haemoglobin (Hb) <11 gm/dL} and Non anaemic (Hb >11 gm/dL) based on their antenatal haemoglobin status. Anaemic group patients were further subdivided according to severity as recommended by the Indian Council of Medical Research. Breast milk samples (15-20 mL) were collected from postpartum patients on day 4 to 14. The sample was collected in the morning 1 hour after the previous breastfeeding and instilled into a milk analyser and compared the following major components (fat, lactose, protein) in both the groups. The data was coded in Microsoft excel sheet and was analysed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 software. Analysis of the component of transitional milk was done. Results: There were 90 cases in each group, with total 180 lactating mothers. The mean age of the anaemic group was 26.18±2.89 and non anaemic group was 26.03±3.43 (p-value= 0.792) were statistically similar. The mean parity of both the group (p-value=0.039) were significant. Study shows that anaemia grossly affects the protein and lactose content of the breast milk but there is no significant change in fat content. In severe anaemia, there was significant difference present in all the 3 components, fat, protein, and lactose (p-value=0.012, p-value=0.051, p-value=0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Maternal anaemia particularly of severe type adversely affects all the macronutrients of breast milk in terms of protein, fat, and lactose.

Milk somatic cell count-derived traits as new indicators to monitor udder health in dairy buffaloes

Milk somatic cell count (SCC), an indicator of udder health and milk hygiene, has not been implemented either in milk payment systems or in the current selection index of Italian buffalo so far. As a matter of fact, there is room to improve udder health through genetic and management strategies in this species. Repeated milk SCC test-day (TD) records on the same animal are useful to derive novel phenotypes on lactation basis by using somatic cell score (SCS) and thus to disclose buffaloes with udder issues to be monitored. In this study, sources of variation of SCC-derived traits in buffalo milk were investigated and their effect on milk yield and composition traits was estimated. Mean SCS (SCS150), standard deviation of SCS (SCS_SD150) and severity (SEV150, ratio between the number of TD SCC >200,000 cells/mL and total number of TD available in the first 150 DIM) in the first 150 days in milk were calculated using TD data of 45,312 lactations from 35,623 buffaloes. Sources of variation of such traits were investigated through a linear model. Both SCS150 and SEV150 increased with parity, whereas SCS_SD150 decreased (p < .001). Subsequently, the three traits were separately included in the model as explanatory variables to estimate their effect on milk yield and composition traits. Results showed that milk yield and lactose content were lower in animals with high and variable SCS in the first 150 days of lactation (p < .001). This study opens the debate on the development of an udder health index for the Italian buffalo. HIGHLIGHTS So far, somatic cell count has not been considered in payment systems of buffalo milk in Italy. There is need to improve mastitis resistance and udder health in dairy buffaloes. Traits derived from test-day records can be used for management and breeding purposes in buffaloes.

Cyathostomin fecal egg count and milk quality in dairy donkeys.

This study was performed to assess the possible relationship between gastrointestinal strongylid infections and milk quantity and quality in donkeys used for milk production. Individual fecal and milk samples were collected from 16 multiparous lactating jennies of Amiatina breed at their 6th month of lactation. Statistical analysis was carried out between strongylid eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) and milk parameters. All animals were found to shed cyathostomin eggs, with EPG ranging from 150 to 1900. A higher milk production was observed in animals showing an EPG< 250, but this result was statistically not significant. Conversely, significant higher concentrations of milk urea and pH values, and lower concentrations of milk lactose, were observed in jennies with an EPG >1000. In conclusion, results from this study suggest that cyathostomin EPG values > 1000 may affect milk quality in dairy donkeys. Considering the novelty of these findings, more data needs to be collected to determine EPG thresholds to be used as a good marker for parasite infections influencing milk performance and quality in donkeys.

Altering the ratio of dietary palmitic and oleic acids affects production responses during the immediate postpartum and carryover periods in dairy cows

The objectives of our study were to determine the effects of altering the dietary ratio of palmitic (C16:0) and oleic (cis-9 C18:1) acids on production and metabolic responses of early-lactation dairy cows during the immediate postpartum period and to evaluate carryover effects of the treatment diets early in lactation. Fifty-six multiparous cows were used in a randomized complete block design and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments (14 cows per treatment) fed from 1 to 24 d in milk (DIM). The treatments were: (1) control (CON) diet not supplemented with fatty acids (FA); (2) diet supplemented with a FA blend containing 80% C16:0 and 10% cis-9 C18:1 (80:10); (3) diet supplemented with a FA blend containing 70% C16:0 and 20% cis-9 C18:1 (70:20); and (4) diet supplemented with a FA blend containing 60% C16:0 and 30% cis-9 C18:1 (60:30). The FA supplement blends were added at 1.5% of diet DM by replacing soyhulls in the CON diet. All cows were offered a common diet from d 25 to 63 postpartum (carryover period) to evaluate carryover effects. Three preplanned contrasts were used to compare treatment differences: CON versus FA-supplemented diets (80:10 + 70:20 + 60:30)/3; the linear effect of cis-9 C18:1 inclusion in diets; and the quadratic effect of cis-9 C18:1 inclusion in diets. During the treatment period, FA-supplemented diets increased milk yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM), and energy-corrected milk (ECM) compared with CON. Compared with CON, FA-supplemented diets increased milk fat content, milk fat yield, yield of mixed FA, and tended to increase protein yield and lactose yield. Also, compared with CON, FA-supplemented diets tended to increase body condition score (BCS) change. A treatment by time interaction was observed for body weight (BW), due to 80:10 inducing a greater BW loss over time compared with other treatments. Increasing cis-9 C18:1 in FA treatments tended to linearly increase dry matter intake (DMI) but did not affect milk yield, 3.5% FCM, ECM, and the yields of milk fat, protein and lactose. Increasing cis-9 C18:1 in FA treatments linearly decreased milk fat content and milk lactose content. Also, increasing cis-9 C18:1 in FA treatments linearly decreased BW and BCS losses. During the carryover period, compared with CON, FA-supplemented diets tended to increase milk yield. Also, FA-supplemented diets increased 3.5% FCM, ECM, and milk fat yield, and tended to increase milk protein yield compared with CON. A treatment by time interaction was observed for BW due to 80:10 increasing BW over time compared with CON. Our results indicate that feeding FA supplements containing C16:0 and cis-9 C18:1 during the immediate postpartum period increased milk yield and ECM compared with a nonfat supplemented control diet. Increasing cis-9 C18:1 in the FA supplement increased DMI and reduced BW and BCS losses. Additionally, the fat-supplemented diets fed during the immediate postpartum period had a positive carryover effect during early lactation, when cows were fed a common diet.

Replacing soybean meal with okara meal: Effects on production, milk fatty acid and plasma amino acid profile, and nutrient utilization in dairy cows

Okara meal is a byproduct from the production of soymilk and tofu and can potentially replace soybean meal (SBM) in dairy diets due to its high crude protein (CP) concentration and residual fat. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of replacing SBM with okara meal on feed intake, yields of milk and milk components, milk fatty acid (FA) profile, nutrient utilization, and plasma AA concentration in lactating dairy cows. Twelve multiparous (65 ± 33 d in milk) and 8 primiparous (100 ± 35 d in milk) organically certified Jersey cows were paired by parity or days in milk, and within pair, randomly assigned to treatments in a crossover design with 21-d periods (14 d for diet adaptation and 7 d for data and sample collection). Diets were fed as total mixed ration formulated to be isonitrogenous and isofibrous and contained (dry matter basis) 50% mixed, mostly grass baleage, 2% sugarcane liquid molasses, 2% minerals-vitamins premix, and either (1) 8.1% SBM, 10% soyhulls, and 27.9% ground corn (CTRL); or (2) 15% okara meal, 8% soyhulls, and 23% ground corn (OKR). Dietary CP, ash-free neutral detergent fiber, and total FA averaged 15.4, 35.3, and 3.08% for CTRL and 15.9%, 36.3%, and 3.74% for OKR, respectively. Substitution of SBM with okara meal did not alter dry matter intake but increased intakes of CP and ash-free neutral detergent fiber. Additionally, no significant differences between treatments were observed for yields of milk and milk components, and concentrations of milk fat, lactose, and total solids. However, milk true protein concentration was lower in cows fed OKR (3.76%) versus CTRL (3.81%). Both milk urea N (8.51 vs. 9.47 mg/dL) and plasma urea N (16.9 vs. 17.8 mg/dL) concentrations decreased with OKR relative to the CTRL diet, respectively. Compared with CTRL, feeding OKR lowered the milk proportions of total odd-chain FA, de novo FA, and mixed FA and increased those of preformed FA, total n-6 FA, and total n-3 FA. The milk proportions of trans-10 18:1, trans-11 18:1, and cis-9,trans-11 18:2 were greater with feeding OKR versus the CTRL diet. The apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients, urinary excretion of total purine derivatives (uric acid plus allantoin), and total N were not affected by treatments. Except for plasma Leu, which was lower in OKR compared with the CTRL diet, no other significant changes in the plasma concentrations of AA were observed. The plasma concentration of carnosine was lowest in cows receiving the OKR diet. Overall, our results revealed that okara meal can completely replace SBM without negatively affecting production and nutrient digestibility in early- to mid-lactation Jersey cows. Further research is needed to assess the economic feasibility of including okara meal in dairy diets, as well as the amount of okara meal that maximizes yields of milk and milk components in dairy cows in different stages of lactation.

Effects of prepartum diets varying in dietary energy density and monensin on early-lactation performance in dairy cows

Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of prepartum monensin supplementation and dry-period nutritional strategy on the postpartum productive performance of cows fed monensin during lactation. A total of 102 Holstein cows were enrolled in the experiment (32 primiparous and 70 multiparous). The study was a completely randomized design, with randomization restricted to balance for parity, body condition score, and expected calving date. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of prepartum treatments was used; the variables of interest were prepartum feeding strategy [controlled-energy diet throughout the dry period (CE) vs. controlled-energy diet from dry-off to 22 d before expected parturition, followed by a moderate-energy close-up diet from d 21 before expected parturition through parturition (CU)] and prepartum monensin supplementation [0 g/t (control, CON) or 24.2 g/t (MON); Rumensin; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN]. Lactation diets before and after the dry period contained monensin at 15.4 g/t. During the close-up period, cows fed CU had greater DM and NEL intakes than cows fed CE. Calf BW at birth tended to be greater for cows fed CU than for those fed CE but was not affected by MON supplementation. Diet did not affect calving difficulty score, but cows supplemented with MON had an increased calving difficulty score. We found a tendency for a MON × parity interaction for colostral IgG concentration, such that multiparous MON cows tended to have lower IgG concentration than CON cows, but colostral IgG concentration for primiparous MON and CON cows did not differ. Postpartum milk yield did not differ between diets but tended to be greater for cows supplemented with MON. Milk fat and lactose content were greater for cows fed CU than for those fed CE, and lactose content and yield were increased for cows supplemented with MON. Solids-corrected and fat-corrected milk yields were increased by MON supplementation, but were not affected by diet. Overall means for postpartum DMI did not differ by diet or MON supplementation. The CU diet decreased the concentration of nonesterified fatty acids during the close-up period but increased it postpartum. Neither diet nor monensin affected β-hydroxybutyrate or liver composition. Overall, postpartum productive performance differed little between prepartum dietary strategies, but cows fed MON had greater energy-corrected milk production. In herds fed monensin during lactation, monensin should also be fed during the dry period.

Performance and Milk Composition of Nubian Goats as Affected by Increasing Level of Nannochloropsis oculata Microalgae.

Simple SummaryRecently, microalgae, natural marine resources, have gained increasing interests as a feed for animals. Microalgae are single-cell microorganisms that have been used to provide nutrition to humans and animals for centuries. Research has shown that inclusion of microalgae in diets improved feed utilization, milk production and quality, growth performance, and meat quality in ruminants, as a result of improved diet nutritive value leading to improved feed utilization. Very low doses of microalgae in feed enhance growth and lactational performance of ruminants. Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae is a rich source of rumen protected healthy fatty acids which can be explored as a feeding strategy to enhance the nutritional value of milk for consumers.Fat supplementation affects the lactational performance of goats and dramatically changes milk nutritive value. In the present experiment, two levels of Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae, a natural source of rumen-protected eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), were studied in the diet of Nubian goats. Using quintuplicated 3 × 3 Latin square design, fifteen lactating goats, (14 ± 2 months old and 33.0 ± 1.3 kg) after kidding, were randomly assigned into three treatments in an 84-d assay. Goats were offered a basal diet comprising berseem clover, wheat straw and concentrates in 3:2:5, respectively, (control treatment-no supplementation). The other two treatments were supplemented with N. oculata microalgae at 5 g (NOM5 treatment) or 10 g (NOM10 treatment)/doe/d. Without affecting intake, treatments improved (p < 0.01) nutrient digestibility. Supplementations had no effect on ruminal pH and ammonia-nitrogen, however, NOM5 and NOM10 linearly improved (p < 0.05) total volatile fatty acids and propionic acids. N. oculata supplementation linearly increased (p < 0.01) milk yield and lactose content. Supplementation reduced atherogenic index (p = 0.004) and enhanced the concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids and C20:5n3 (EPA). Conclusively, feeding Nubian goats on diet supplemented with N. oculata at 5 and 10 g improved milk production and the nutritive value. No improvements in the performance were observed when N. oculata dose was increased from 5 g to 10 g/doe; thus, 5 g dose is recommended for use.

Analysis of Transitional Milk of Post-Natal Cases in Non-Anaemic Mothers and Its Comparison With Anaemic Mothers in Rural Western Uttar Pradesh.

Aim: Present study is aimed at determining the analysis of transitional milk of post-natal non-anaemic mothers and its comparison with anaemic mothers in rural Uttar Pradesh.Methods: Totally, 132 post-natal cases were enrolled for the study. After taking ethical committee approval, breast milk samples were collected from day 4 to 11. We measured the following important parameters in breast milk (fat, density, carbohydrates, solid not fat [SNF], protein and added water). Data were analysed by using SPSS-24 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Tests used in our study were the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, Chi-square test and independent T-test.Result: In our study, it was found that severe anaemia causes significant changes in fat, lactose and protein content of breast milk. We found that there are no significant changes in breast milk composition with age. Our study shows statistically no association between residence and breast milk content.Conclusion: As the severity of anaemia increases, protein and fat content in breast milk decreases, lactose content on the contrary follows a reverse relationship with maternal haemoglobin. Maternal anaemia not only affects the macronutrients in breast milk but also decreases the density of breast milk.

The Novel Solution for Acid Whey Permeate Application in Animal Feeding

Abstract The experiment was conducted to analyse the effect of fermented acid whey permeate on milk yield and composition in the lactating cows. Propionic acid bacteria and their metabolites have been used in the lactating cows feeding over decades, primarily to improve growth performance, feed conversation and milk production efficiency. Two groups of the lactating cows were arranged in the study: control group (n=50) and experimental group (n=50). Experimental group’s animals received 0.5 L of fermented whey permeate daily. Acid whey permeate was inoculated with the freeze-dried PS-4 (Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii, Chr.Hansen, Denmark) starter and fermented anaerobically for 48 hours at 20±2 oC. Fat, protein, lactose and total solids concentration in acid whey permeate and fermented acid whey permeate was analysed by the standard methods, but propionic acid was detected by HPLC. Milk composition and quality indices were determined at the beginning of the study and each month during 6 months period. At the end of the study the feeding of fermented acid whey permeate was stopped, but milk composition and quality data were monitored additionally after one month. Milk fat, protein, lactose, total solids, urea concentration and somatic cell count were analysed by a near infrared spectroscopy. The variability in milk composition and quality data across trial was greater in the experiment group than in the control. Milk fat and somatic cell count were significantly different (p&lt;0.05) than other studied parameters in the experimental group cows’ milk. Milk yield and lactose concentration were tended to increase during feeding of fermented acid whey permeate in the lactating cows without significant differences between control and experimental groups. Fermented acid whey permeate as feed supplement improves energy metabolism for dairy cows which results in the higher milk yield and fat concentration.

Sustainable utilization of Aloe vera waste in the diet of lactating cows for improvement of milk production performance and reduction of carbon footprint

Aloe vera is a medicinal plant cultivated for various applications in medical, food and health products. During the extraction of aloe vera gel from leaves of this plant, a substantial proportion of Aloe vera waste (AVW) is produced. The AVW is a great environmental concern for its disposal; however, it is rich in various bioactive compounds, which could be valorised as an ingredient of feeds in dairy cattle to reduce enteric methane production and consequently carbon footprint of milk production. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of AVW on ruminal fermentation, methane production, nutrient utilization, and milk production performance in lactating cows. First, an in vitro experiment was performed using 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 g/kg of AVW in substrate (five treatments) to select an optimum dose for feeding of dairy cows. Inclusion of AVW at 20 g/kg substrate decreased methane production, increased feed digestibility and total volatile fatty acid concentration in vitro. In the in vivo study, 16 lactating cows were randomly allotted into control and AVW groups (n = 8/group). The control group was fed a total mixed ration, whereas the AVW group was fed the control ration along with AVW at 20 g/kg of dry matter intake for 90 days. Feed intake was slightly greater in the AVW group than that of the control group. Milk production increased due to feeding of AVW. In vivo nutrient digestibility and concentrations of fat, protein, and lactose in milk were not affected, but yields of these milk components increased due to AVW feeding. Supplementation of AVW significantly decreased methane production (g/day), methane yield (g/kg dry matter intake or g/kg digestible organic matter intake), methane intensity (g/kg milk production) or methane conversion ratio. Feeding of AVW improved delayed type of hypersensitivity without affecting other blood variables adversely. This study demonstrates that feeding of AVW at 20 g/kg dry matter intake to dairy cows increased milk production and decreased methane production, which combinedly decreased methane production per unit of milk production substantially without health effects. Thus, feeding of AVW could be beneficial for sustainable and cleaner milk production decreasing environmental burdens of residue disposal problems and ruminal methane production.

KORELASI KADAR LEMAK DAN LAKTOSA DENGAN BERAT JENIS SUSU SAPI FRIESIAN HOLSTEIN DI KECAMATAN NGABLAK KABUPATEN MAGELANG

Milk density and fat content are used as indicators of milk production from dairy farmer by Milk Proccessing Industry (MPI). Some MPI determines the price of milk based on fat and milk lactose content. This research was aimed to study the correlation of fat content, lactose content, and milk density. The material used were 90 of lactation FH cows in the II – III lactation periode and month of lactation are 2 – 3. The analysis method used was simple linear correlation regresion. The results showed that during increased milk fat and lactose contents, will increased milk density. Fat and lactose content are significantly correlated with milk density (P&lt;0.01). The overall calculation shows that there was a relationship between fat content and lactose content to milk density, each 70.8 and 68.7%. Fat content with milk density, and lactose content with milk density showed a strong positive correlations. In conclusion, there was a correlation between fat content and lactose content with milk density. The correlation of fat content and lactose content with milk density were the higher fat and lactose content, higher milk density.

Oxidative stress, NF-κB signaling, NLRP3 inflammasome, and caspase apoptotic pathways are activated in mammary gland of ketotic Holstein cows

Ketosis is a serious metabolic disorder characterized by systemic and hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, as well as reduced milk yield. Because of the paucity of data on mammary responses during ketosis, the aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in oxidative stress, NF-κB signaling, NLRP3 inflammasome, and caspase apoptotic pathways in mammary gland of dairy cows with ketosis. Blood, mammary gland tissue, and milk samples were collected from healthy cows [Control, blood concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) <0.6 mM, n = 10] and cows with subclinical ketosis (SCK, blood concentration of BHB >1.2 mM and <3 mM, n = 10) or clinical ketosis (CK, blood concentration of BHB >3 mM, n = 10) at median 8 d in milk (range = 6-12). Compared with Control, serum concentration of glucose was lower (3.91 vs. 2.86 or 2.12 mM) in cows with SCK or CK, whereas concentrations of fatty acids (0.25 vs. 0.57 or 1.09 mM) and BHB (0.42 vs. 1.81 or 3.85 mM) were greater. Compared with Control, the percentage of milk fat was greater in cows with SCK or CK. In contrast, the percentage of milk protein was lower in cows with SCK or CK. We detected no differences in milk lactose content across groups. Compared with Control, activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were lower in mammary gland tissue of cows with SCK or CK. In contrast, concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde were greater in cows with SCK or CK. Compared with Control, mRNA abundances of TNFA, IL6, and IL1B were greater in mammary tissues of cows with SCK or CK. In addition, activity of IKKβ and the ratio of phosphorylated inhibitor of κBα to IκBα, and of phosphorylated NF-κB p65 to NF-κB p65, were also greater in mammary tissues of cows with SCK or CK. Subclinical or clinical ketosis also led to greater activity of caspase 1 and protein abundance of caspase 1, NLRP3, Bax, caspase 3, and caspase 9. In contrast, abundance of the antiapoptotic protein was lower in SCK or CK cows. The data indicate that the mammary gland of SKC or CK cows undergoes severe oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death.

On the Effect of the Temperature-Humidity Index on Buffalo Bulk Milk Composition and Coagulation Traits.

Little is known about the effects of high levels of environmental temperature and humidity on milk yield and quality in buffaloes since this species is known to be more heat tolerant than cattle. However, the distribution of sweat glands and the dark skin color can negatively affect heat tolerance. Moreover, due to increased global temperatures, concerns regarding heat stress and thermoregulation in dairy animals, including buffaloes, have been extended to the northern hemisphere. In this study, the effects of both the temperature-humidity index (THI) and the maximum daily temperature-humidity index (MTHI) were estimated on bulk milk traits, namely fat, protein, lactose, urea content, pH levels, somatic cell score, coagulation properties, and bacteria count. The dataset consisted of repeated data from 99 Mediterranean water buffalo farms, and mixed models were used for the analyses. Supporting the negative correlations observed, bulk milk fat, protein, and lactose content were significantly lower when THI and MTHI were higher. Similarly, milk pH was lower when THI and MTHI were high; however, high levels of THI or MTHI seemed to not be markedly associated with the milk's coagulation ability. According to both analysis of variance and correlations, the somatic cell score was not significantly affected by the THI and MTHI. This is the first study based on a large dataset that evaluates the impact of high temperature and humidity in Italian buffalo milk and that provides correlations with traits of interest for the dairy industry, i.e., milk acidity and coagulation ability. In general, findings show that the effects of elevated THI and heat stress on bulk milk quality in buffalo is less evident than in cattle. These preliminary results intend to open debate on the issue of heat stress in dairy buffaloes that are reared in temperate regions. Further studies should focus on individual milk and performance and should investigate the relationship between high THI and buffalo fertility, behavior, and welfare.

Differences in Human Milk Lactose and Citrate Concentrations Based on Gestational Diabetes Status.

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal manner of early infant nutrition but women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) often experience challenges with lactation in the early postpartum period. Increases in the colostral metabolites of lactose and citrate have been found to indicate increased milk production. Materials and Methods: A follow-up study of 133 postpartum women with and without GDM was conducted to examine differences in specific colostral metabolite levels using enzymatic methods to determine transition to lactogenesis II during the first week postpartum. We used linear mixed models for repeated measures over time to examine the effect of GDM on colostral metabolite levels at baseline and follow-up with fixed effects of GDM status, time, covariates, and interactions between time and GDM, between time and time, and between time, time and GDM into the model allowing quadratic trends over time. Results: Over time, lactose and citrate levels increased for all mothers (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), although mothers with GDM had consistently lower lactose and citrate levels compared with nondiabetic mothers (p = 0.004 and p = 0.014, respectively). Age, prepregnancy body mass index, mode of birth, and parity did not independently influence colostral concentrations of lactose and citrate. Conclusions: Findings suggest that the rate of change overtime in lactose and citrate concentrations differ by GDM status. Further research examining the trajectory of colostral metabolite levels by GDM status is warranted.

Changes in milk lactose content as indicators for longevity and udder health in Holstein cows

Changes in milk production traits over time might be informative of the health status of cows and may contain useful information for selective breeding purposes. In particular, early indicators are useful for traits such as longevity, which become available late in the cow's life. Lactose percentage (LP) tends to decrease in the presence of udder infection and with parity. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that cows exhibiting limited changes in LP across lactations have experienced fewer udder infections in their productive life and have a higher chance to stay longer in the herd than cows with more pronounced reduction of LP across lactations. In this study, 9 descriptors of change in LP during a cow's lifetime were defined and evaluated as potential indicators for selective breeding. For the purpose of this study, test-day records of the first 44 days in milk (DIM) of each lactation were discarded, and cows were required to have at least 5 test-days/cow per lactation (≥45 DIM) over the first 3 lactations. In this study, descriptors of LP were available for 69,586 Italian Holstein cows. Changes in LP in each lactation were quantified by regressing LP on DIM; thus, β1, β2, and β3 represented the changes in LP within lactations 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Changes in LP across multiple lactations were also quantified by regressing LP on DIM (with exclusion of the first 44 DIM of each lactation); briefly, β12 was the change of LP over lactation 1 and 2, β23 was the change of LP over lactation 2 and 3, and β123 was the change of LP over lactation 1, 2, and 3. Alternatively, changes in the LP lactation means (Δ) were quantified between lactations 1 and 2 (Δ12), 2 and 3 (Δ23), and 1 and 3 (Δ13). For comparison, β and Δ were also derived for milk yield (kg/d), somatic cell score, and log-transformed total somatic cells excreted daily in milk (units). Variance components and estimated breeding values (EBV) for all β's and Δ's were estimated. In addition, EBV for bulls with at least 25 daughters were used to assess Calo's genetic correlations between descriptors of change in LP with official published EBV for functional traits. Heritabilities for β and Δ of LP ranged from 0.06 (Δ23) to 0.20 (Δ13), and differed significantly from 0. Furthermore, LP EBV for β and Δ were correlated with official EBV for functional longevity index, udder health index, udder score (mammary gland morphology) index, and milk persistency; Calo's genetic correlations of LP β123 with functional longevity and udder health index were 0.52 and 0.33, respectively. Cows with a stronger reduction of LP across lactations (i.e., stronger and negative β, and greater and positive Δ) were characterized by lower milk persistency, impaired longevity, and worse udder health and morphology than cows with smaller reduction in LP across lactations. Results highlighted that changes in milk LP have the potential to be exploited as indicators for functional traits in Italian Holstein cattle. Further research on the biological relationship between changes in LP and mastitis is recommended.

Transgenic alteration of sow milk to improve piglet growth and health

There are many potential applications of transgenic methodologies for developing new and improved strains of livestock. One practical application of transgenic technology in pig production is to improve milk production or composition. The first week after parturition is the period of greatest loss for pig producers, with highest morbidity and mortality attributed to malnutrition and scours. Despite the benefits to be gained by improving lactation performance, little progress has been made in this area through genetic selection or nutrition. Transgenic technology provides an important tool for addressing the problem of low milk production and its detrimental impact on pig production. Transgenic pigs over-expressing the milk protein bovine alactalbumin were developed. a-Lactalbumin was selected for its role in lactose synthesis and regulation of milk volume. Sows hemizygous for the transgene produced as much as 0.9 g bovine a-lactalbumin I-' pig milk. The outcomes assessed were milk composition, milk yield and piglet growth. First parity a-lactalbumin gilts had higher milk lactose content in early lactation and 20-50% greater milk yield on days 3-9 of lactation than did nontransgenic gilts. Weight gain of piglets suckling a-lactalbumin gilts was greater (days 7-21 after parturition) than that of control piglets. Thus, transgenic over-expression of milk proteins may provide a means for improving the lactation performance of pigs.

A cost-effective on-site milk analyzer based on multispectral sensor

Monitoring the main compositions, i.e., fat, protein, lactose and total solids, of milk has become an indispensable part in cow management. However, long time and high cost in measurement make the traditional detection methods cannot realize rapid and on-site analysis. To overcome these shortcomings, a rapid and cost-effective milk analyzer based on a low-cost multispectral sensor was developed. Python language was used to develop the software of the analyzer. One hundred and fifty raw milk samples were used in this study. The diffuse reflectance of the raw milk and their homogenized milk were collected at 18 wavelengths by using the developed milk analyzer. Partial least squares regression was used to establish prediction models for each composition. The evaluation experiment on the accuracy of the developed analyzer showed that the root mean squares errors and correlation coefficients of validation set were 0.37% and 0.90, 0.34% and 0.57, 0.16% and 0.21, 0.53% and 0.86 for fat, protein, lactose and total solids content of raw milk and were 0.23% and 0.96, 0.31% and 0.63, 0.14% and 0.14, 0.41% and 0.91 for homogenized milk. The designed milk analyzer, just two hundred dollars in hardware cost and less than 1 kg in weight, makes on-site analysis on milk compositions possible.

Milk yield and composition and body weight of offsprings of mixed-breed goats on semi-arid rangelands with different rainfall.

The objective was to characterize milk yield and composition from mixed-breed goats kidding in winter and grazing rangelands with 221 (n = 15), 334 (n = 20), or 441 (n = 12) mm of annual rainfall in northern Mexico (22-25°N). Weekly milk yield and composition were recorded and progeny growth performance assessed. Body weight loss during lactation was the highest (6.4kg) for goats on rangeland with 441mm of rainfall than goats on 221mm (1.6kg), or 334mm (1.8kg; P < 0.01). The highest daily milk yield was for goats on 221mm (498mL; P < 0.01). There was not an evident peak of lactation and milk yield increased uninterruptedly at the end of lactation. Milk fat was negatively related to milk yield and goats on rangeland with 334mm had the greatest milk fat content (P < 0.001). Milk protein and lactose content were higher in goats on rangeland with 221mm (P < 0.01). Goat kids on rangelands with 221 and 441mm grew faster and were heavier (P < 0.001) at weaning than kids reared in other rangelands. Weaning weight was positively related to milk yield (P< 0.001); but not milk components (P > 0.05). In conclusion, moderate milk yield of mixed-breed goats on rangeland is feasible with parturitions in winter, and milk yield is not affected by reduced annual precipitation in rangelands of northern Mexico. Offspring growth performance depends on maternal milk yield, but not milk composition. Nevertheless, slow growth to weaning of offspring had adverse effects on time to reach adequate market weight.