Milk Loss Research Articles

Relaciones entre calcio, ácidos grasos no esterificados, e insulina sanguínea en preparto y leche bovina perdida en el inicio de la lactancia

Introducción: El objetivo fue determinar la relación entre las concentraciones séricas de calcio (Ca2+), ácidos grasos no esterificados (AGNE) e insulina preparto con pérdidas en la producción de leche (PL) en el inicio de la lactancia.Método: Doscientas cuarenta y tres vacas Holstein-Friesian (780 ± 36 kg PV; con más de dos lactancias) fueron muestreadas por punción coccígea varias veces antes, durante y después del parto. Para cada muestreo y cada metabolito, las concentraciones séricas se estratificaron con umbrales y se relacionaron con la PL.Resultados: Cuando los niveles de Ca2+ fueron bajos 10 días antes del parto y se relacionaron con la PL a los 10 días posparto, se observó que el 77.11% de las vacas perdieron 2.20 kg de leche; mientras en el día 20, el 66.41% de las vacas perdieron 1.40 kg animal-1 día-1. Por el contrario, cuando los AGNE fueron altos 10 días antes de parto y se relacionaron con PL, 67.40% de las vacas mostraron riesgo de perder 0.80 kg, mientras que a los 20 días posparto, el 22.00% de las vacas perdieron aproximadamente 0.90 kg vaca-1 día-1. La determinación de insulina preparto baja y PL en los días 10 y 20 de lactancia indicó que 6.02% de las vacas perdieron 0.80 y 0.70 kg de leche animal-1 día-1 para los días 10 y 20 de lactancia.Conclusión: En conclusión, niveles bajos de calcio, AGNE alto e insulina baja en sangre, obtenidos 10 días antes de parto fueron asociados con pérdidas en producción de leche en los días 10 y 20 después del parto. También se observó que los niveles bajos de calcio podrían causar mayores pérdidas de leche que los niveles altos de ácidos grasos no esterificados y las concentraciones bajas de insulina preparto.

Economic impact of lumpy skin disease and cost effectiveness of vaccination for the control of outbreaks in Ethiopia

Lumpy skin disease (LSD), an infectious viral disease of cattle, causes considerable financial losses in livestock industry of affected countries. A questionnaire survey with the objectives of determining direct economic losses of LSD (mortality loss, milk loss, draft loss) and treatment costs (medication and labour cost) per affected herd, and assessing the cost effectiveness of vaccination as a means for LSD control was carried out in the central and north-western parts of Ethiopia. From a total of 4430 cattle (in 243 herds) surveyed, 941 animals (in 200 herds) were reported to be infected. The overall morbidity and mortality at animal level were 21.2% and 4.5%, and at herd level these were 82.3% and 24.3%. There was a significant difference in animal level morbidity and mortality between categories of animals. Over 94% of the herd owners ranked LSD as a big or very big problem for cattle production. A large proportion (92.2%) of the herd owners indicated that LSD affects cattle marketing. A median loss of USD 375 (USD 325 in local Zebu and USD 1250 in Holstein-Friesian local Zebu cross cattle) was estimated per dead animal. Median losses per affected lactating cow were USD 141 (USD 63 in local Zebu cows and USD 216 in Holstein-Friesian local Zebu cross cows) and, USD 36 per affected ox. Diagnosis and medication cost per affected animal were estimated at USD 5. The median total economic loss of an LSD outbreak at herd level was USD 1176 (USD 489 in subsistence farm and USD 2735 in commercial farm). At herd level, the largest component of the economic loss was due to mortality (USD 1000) followed by milk loss (USD 120). LSD control costs were the least contributor to herd level losses. The total herd level economic losses in the commercial farm type were significantly higher than in the subsistence farm type. The financial analysis showed a positive net profit of USD 136 (USD 56 for subsistence farm herds and USD 283 for commercial herds) per herd due to LSD vaccine investment. It should be noted that only the noticeable direct costs and treatment costs associated with the disease were considered in the study. Generally, vaccination is economically effective and should be encouraged.

Somatic Cell Count and Milk Yield Losses in Goats

This work is aimed at prediction and quantification of goat milk yield (MY, kg) losses by the somatic cell count (SCC, 103.ml−1) in milk recording. The goal is to support the prevention of milk secretion disorders, milk yield and quality. During two years there were evaluated composition and properties of individual milk samples (n = 1 173). There were included animals of brown short‑haired (BSH) breed and BSH × white short‑haired in one flock. The linear and nonlinear regression, interpolation, extrapolation, approximation and qualified estimation were used for milk losses prediction along the SCC. The relevant values of the SCC arithmetic and geometric mean and median and MY arithmetic mean were: 1,400 103.ml−1 (with high variability of 128 %), 745 and 747 103.ml−1; 2.94 kg/ day. The relationship between fat and crude protein had a correlation coefficient of 0.395, P < 0.001. There were stated the correlations between SCC and: lactose −0.416, P < 0.001; solids non fat −0.25, P < 0.001; MY −0.135, P < 0.01. The relationship between SCC and MY was negative along months, 6 cases out of 7 and significant in March and May (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). For instance predicted MY for SCC intervals 1–1.999, 2–2.999, 3–3.999, 4–4.999, 5–5.999, 6–6.999 and ≥ 7 thousands 103.ml−1 may be 3.99, 3.77, 3.6 , 3.46, 3.33, 3.23 and 3.13 kg in 3rd month etc. The corresponding MY losses by SCC are evident from this trend. The result use is focused on the original dairy goat farm and use elsewhere is possible in farms with similar SCC, goat milk yield and rearing system.

Using front-face fluorescence spectroscopy for prediction of retinol loss in milk during thermal processing

The objectives of the present study were to model the kinetics of retinol loss and assess the potential of predicting retinol loss during thermal processing using front-face fluorescence spectroscopy (FFFS). A factorial design with three different temperatures (70, 80 and 90 °C) and five heating times (0, 5, 10, 15 and 30 min) was used in this study. The kinetics of the retinol degradation process fitted well a first-order reaction. Further, several milk native fluorophores were selected as fluorescent markers for development of retinol prediction models such as tryptophan, dityrosine, Maillard intermediate compounds and riboflavin. The maximum emission intensities of the markers were used to evaluate the correlation of retinol concentration with fluorescent markers and to establish the corresponding prediction models of retinol concentration. Retinol concentration was significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with all the fluorescent markers. The optimum prediction model was obtained from 45 samples using three fluorescent predictors, with an R2 of 0.87. The results obtained are encouraging and suggest that FFFS, as a low-cost, rapid, direct and non-destructive technique, has the potential to replace existing conventional analytical techniques practiced for retinol evaluation in heat treated milk and be adopted by dairy industry.

Comparison of the finger-feeding versus cup feeding methods in the transition from gastric to oral feeding in preterm infants

ObjectivesTo assess the finger-feeding technique when compared with the cup feeding method during the early stage of preterm infant feeding transition regarding milk loss, milk ingestion period, and complications. MethodsExperimental, randomized, prospective study including 53 preterm infants with gestation age<37 weeks, clinically stable, and with a score of >28 points in the Oral Feeding Readiness Assessment Scale. The preterm babies were randomized to be included in the control group, which underwent the feeding transition using a cup or in the experimental group, which used the finger-feeding technique. The analysis of data was performed using Student's t-test to evaluate differences between mean values of the appointed variables, and Fischer's test for categorical variables; the asymmetric variables were assessed by the Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA test. ResultsWhen compared with the control group, the experimental group showed lower milk loss, longer milk ingestion time, and a lower frequency of complications during feeding. The significance level was set at 5%, with a confidence interval of 90%. ConclusionThe finger-feeding technique was shown to be a better feeding transition method regarding efficacy when compared with cup feeding method, due to lower milk loss and fewer complication episodes.

Epidemiological features and financial loss due to clinically diagnosed Haemorrhagic Septicemia in bovines in Karnataka, India

The epidemiological features and financial losses due to Haemorrhagic Septicemia (HS) in bovines were studied in Karnataka state using the primary data collected from 133 clinically diagnosed HS affected farms. The various losses due to HS and the Benefit- Cost of the vaccination programme in cattle and water buffaloes were studied using mathematical models. The number of HS outbreaks were higher during the year 2002 and peaked during 2005 and thereafter declined due to targeted vaccination against HS. The morbidity and mortality risks were lower in large farms than medium and small farms, and lower in indigenous cattle compared to high yielding crossbred cattle and water buffaloes. The disease occurrence was more in in-milk animals causing serious economic loss to the farmers. Most outbreaks were observed during monsoon season, though the disease was prevalent throughout the year. The mean milk loss per animal was $2, $11 and $50 in indigenous cattle, water buffaloes and crossbred cattle, respectively. In the case of draught animals, the average effective draught power was unavailable for 1.2days/outbreak resulting in a loss of $5 per affected oxen. The treatment and extra labor expenses incurred per animal were $24 and $7, respectively. The average loss per animal due to mortality loss was $275, $284 and $415 in case of indigenous cattle, water buffaloes and crossbred cattle, respectively. The projected loss for the state of Karnataka were $23.89, $17.92 and $11.95 million under high, medium and low HS incidence scenarios, respectively. The Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) of the vaccination against HS has been estimated at 5.97:1, 4.48:1 and 2.98:1 under high, medium and low incidence scenarios, respectively. The results highlight the important epidemiological features and financial losses to the affected households and the state of Karnataka.

Associations between milking practices, somatic cell counts and milk postharvest losses in smallholder dairy and pastoral camel herds in Kenya

On-farm hygienic practices are important in assuring quality and safety of milk for consumers and for reducing losses at production and at post-harvest. This study investigated the relationship between milking practices, mastitis as well as milk somatic cell counts (SCC) and the effects of high SCC on milk production and post-harvest losses (PHL) in smallholder dairy (n=64) and pastoral camel (n=15) herds in Kenya. The collected data included milking practices, mastitis test on udder quarters (n=1236) and collection of milk samples for laboratory analyses: SCC, detection of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species. Production losses were computed as a proportion of cows and herds with SCC (>200,000cells/mL) and PHL as quantity of milk exceeding 4×105cells/mL. Practices associated with production herds included hands, udder washing and drying, and milk let down stimulation with calves suckling or manually (p<0.001). Udder drying was only applied in peri-urban herds (100%). Herd level prevalence of mastitis was lower in smallholder than in pastoral herds (60.7% vs 93.3%). Mastitis positive samples had higher prevalence of S.aureus than of Streptococcus species in both smallholder (57.9% vs 23.7%) and pastoral (41.6% vs 36.5%) herds. Moreover, SCC was significantly affected by presence of mastitis and S.aureus (p<0.001). Milk PHL from high SCC was higher in smallholder rural herds (27%) compared to peri-urban (7%) and in pastoral peri-urban (81%) compared to rangelands (76%). Milking practices may have contributed to maintain mastitis pathogens in herds. This has led to substantial pre and postharvest milk losses in smallholder and pastoral herds. Therefore teat dipping, dry cow period and herd level mastitis treatment may complement current practices for lower SCC and milk PHL.

Dairy Cows Produce Less Milk and Modify Their Behaviour during the Transition between Tie-Stall to Free-Stall.

Simple SummaryThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of moving cows from the barn with stanchion-stall housing to free-stall housing on their behaviour and production. Cows lay down up to ten hours after removing. The cows in their second lactation and open cows tended to lie sooner after removing than cows in their first lactation and pregnant cows. The times of total lying and rumination were increasing from the first day to the tenth day after removing. Cows produced 23.3% less milk at the first day following the transfer than at the last day prior to moving (23.76 ± 7.20 kg vs. 30.97 ± 7.26 kg, p < 0.001). Loss of milk was gradually reduced and on the 14th day, cows achieved maximum production. The difference was found in milk losses due to the shift between cows in first and second lactation.Transfer of cattle to an unknown barn may result in a reduction in its welfare. Housing and management practices can result in signs of stress that include a long-term suppression of milk efficiency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of moving cows from the stanchion-stall housing to free-stall housing on their behaviour and production. The Holstein cows were moved into the new facility with free-stall housing from the old barn with stanchion-stall housing. Cows lay down up to ten hours (596.3 ± 282.7 min) after removing. The cows in their second lactation and open cows tended to lie sooner after removing than cows in their first lactation and pregnant cows. The times of total lying and rumination were increasing from the first day to the tenth day after removing (23.76 ± 7.20 kg vs. 30.97 ± 7.26 kg, p < 0.001). Cows produced 23.3% less milk at the first day following the transfer than at the last day prior to moving (p < 0.001). Loss of milk was gradually reduced and maximum production was achieved on the 14th day. The difference was found in milk losses due to the shift between cows on the first and second lactation (p < 0.01). The results of this study suggest that removing from the tie-stall barn with a pipeline milking system into the barn with free-stall housing and a milking parlour caused a decline in the cows’ milk production. However, when the cows are moved to a better environment, they rapidly adapt to the change.

Current Treatment Technologies of Cheese Whey and Wastewater by Greek Cheese Manufacturing Units and Potential Valorisation Opportunities

In the present study, recording and evaluation of the current practices applied for the treatment of wastewater and cheese whey, derived from ten cheese manufacturing units in Greece, was performed. Wastewater from cheese manufacturing includes milk losses, wastewater generated by the staff and by the washing of equipment, floors and milk transferring vehicles. Based on the study, cheese whey is separately collected from the cheese manufacturing wastewater in almost all the Greek units under study. Wastewater generated by Greek medium size units is mainly treated through the extended aeration activated sludge process, while wastewater derived from small size units is either disposed in the sewage system or it is stored until its transportation for further treatment. Moreover, aiming at revealing the potential exploitation opportunities, a comprehensive literature review on cheese whey valorisation technologies was also conducted. The literature review revealed that cheese whey and whey components can be used in a wide range of applications, mainly in the food and nutraceutical industry, as they contain several beneficial compounds that can be exploited. In this context, the increasing consumer concerns related to health and wellbeing have enhanced the acceptability and demand for whey products, such as the whey protein concentrates and isolates, the whey powder, the reduced lactose whey, etc. Moreover, cheese whey can be used for the production of sustainable energy alternatives to fossil fuels, such as ethanol, hydrogen and biogas. Among them, biogas production through anaerobic digestion could be a viable solution since relevant economic analysis revealed that this technology is a profitable and sustainable investment for a Greek cheese whey factory.

Robotic milking: Feeding strategies and economic returns.

Cows in herds equipped with conventional milking parlors follow a structured, consistent, and social milking and feeding routine. Furthermore, in most cases cows in conventional herds receive all their nutrients from a total mixed ration, whereas in herds equipped with robotic or automatic milking systems (AMS) a fraction of their nutrients is provided during milking, mainly as a means to attract cows to the milking system. In this regards, AMS present both a challenge and an opportunity for feeding cows. The main challenge resides in maintaining a minimum and relatively constant milking frequency in AMS. However, milking frequency is dependent on many factors, including the social structure of the herd, the farm layout design, the type of traffic imposed to cows, the type of flooring, the health status of the cow (especially lameness, but also mastitis, metritis, among others), the stage of lactation, the parity, and the type of ration fed at the feed bunk and the concentrate offered in the AMS. Uneven milk frequency has been associated with milk losses and increased risk of mastitis, but most importantly it is a lost opportunity for milking the cow and generating profit. On the other hand, the opportunity from AMS resides in the possibility of milking more frequently and feeding cows more precisely or more closely to their nutrient needs on an individual basis, potentially resulting in a more profitable production system. But, feeding cows in the parlor or AMS has many challenges. On one side, feeding starchy, highly palatable ingredients in large amounts may upset rumen fermentation or alter feeding behavior after milking, whereas feeding high-fiber concentrates may compromise total energy intake and limit milking performance. Nevertheless, AMS (and some milking parlors, especially rotary ones) offer the possibility of feeding the cows to their estimated individual nutrient needs by combining different feeds on real time with the aim of maximizing profits rather than milk yield. This approach requires that not only the amount of feed offered to each cow but also the composition of the feed vary according to the different nutrient needs of the cows. This review discusses the opportunities and pitfalls of milking and feeding cows in an AMS and summarizes different feeding strategies to maximize profits by managing the nutrition of the cows individually.

English

The cow, the milking and milk handling procedures at the farm level expose the milk to potential risk of contamination with spoilage microorganisms. Milk contamination if not prevented will lead to milk losses along the dairy value chain. The objective of this study was therefore to identify the risk factors associated with contamination of milk with spoilage microorganisms at the farms in rural and peri urban in Nakuru County Kenya. A survey was conducted using a pre-tested semi structured questionnaires (250) and an observation checklist to identify the risk factors. A total of 560 samples obtained from the following identified contamination sources; the udder, hands, milking and bulking containers and water sources were analyzed for total viable counts (TVC), Coliform counts (CC), thermophillic bacteria counts (ThBC) and psychrophilic bacteria counts (PBC). The results from the survey showed that only 11% of rural farmers practiced hand and udder drying compared to 50% in peri-urban. Water treatment by either chlorination or boiling was done by 11% in rural and 30% in peri-urban respectively. Regression of risk factors versus farm gate milk from viable colony counts, showed that udder swabs were the highest source of contamination of milk (r =2.73). In the rural, hands of milking personnel recorded the highest for TVC (log10 3.7 CFU/ml). It is evident from the results that effective udder cleaning and observation of high personal hygiene by the hand milkers may reduce the risk of microbial contamination in both systems of milk production. Key words: Risks, handling practices, contamination, rural, peri urban.

Environmental Sustainability of Fluid Milk Delivery Systems in the United States

SummaryBeverage producers in the United States choose packaging based on cost and consumer preference. Monolayer high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and gable‐top carton containers have long dominated the U.S. fluid milk market, but pressure for more sustainable packaging is increasing. We present a broad discussion on environmental sustainability of 18 fluid milk containers through life cycle assessment. Because different container types require unique milk processing, distribution, and disposal and incur or avoid milk losses, fluid milk delivery systems (FMDSs) are evaluated, rather than containers in isolation. By assessing FMDSs, a complete measure of containers’ environmental sustainability was obtained. Despite conservative assumptions about milk losses, differences in container size, milk processing, distribution, and container recycling, pair‐wise cradle‐to‐grave comparisons of FMDSs show there are no superior FMDSs. But, 500‐ to 1,000‐milliliter FMDSs are potentially superior to ≥half gallon if they prevent milk losses. Thus, the future of FMDSs in the United States depends on the industry's ability to prevent distribution (12%) and consumption milk losses (20% to 35%). Farm‐gate‐to‐grave comparisons showed that chilled HDPE FMDSs are superior to other plastic and chilled paperboard FMDSs for climate‐change impact, but the result is inconclusive for chilled HDPE to ambient (unrefrigerated) paperboard or plastic pouch FMDS comparisons. Plastic pouch FMDSs show potential to reduce nonrenewable fossil energy, but need to be recyclable. Ambient FMDSs are superior to chilled FMDSs for water depletion. Eight‐ounce paperboard FMDSs are superior to 8‐ounce plastic FMDSs. Thus, alternative FMDSs may improve environmental sustainability of the U.S. postfarm fluid milk supply chain.

A Survey on the Awareness of Human Milk Bank in Korean Female Health Care Providers

Objective: Human milk bank is known as best alternative option for sick infants. However, only two human milk banks (HMBs) are working in Korea. In the present study, we evaluated the awareness on the HMB in female health care provider to find out the issues that would help facilitating HMB establishment in Korea. Methods: The survey questionnaire was developed by a team composed with neonatologists, obstetricians, nurses, nutritionists, and health care specialists. The survey was performed for female health care workers in Soon Chun Hyang Cheonan Hospital between March and June in 2016. Eighty-eight of 110 questionnaires were collected and the results were analyzed. Results: Most of subjects were found to have correct knowledge on the breast milk feeding. However, only 49% of subjects had awareness of the presence of HMB. Unfortunately, less than half of them could get information about HMB by official way including mass media. In addition, 76% of subjects were found not to want to use HMB. Most important reason was found as a concern on the safety of donor milk including life style of donors, infection controls, and possible nutritional loss of banked milk. Conclusion: The purpose and function of HMB was not widely educated and it seems to be one of most important reasons why women have negative concept about HMB in Korea. Thus, further study is warranted with more numbers of subjects after active public education about the HMB.

Estimating US dairy clinical disease costs with a stochastic simulation model

A farm-level stochastic model was used to estimate costs of 7 common clinical diseases in the United States: mastitis, lameness, metritis, retained placenta, left-displaced abomasum, ketosis, and hypocalcemia. The total disease costs were divided into 7 categories: veterinary and treatment, producer labor, milk loss, discarded milk, culling cost, extended days open, and on-farm death. A Monte Carlo simulation with 5,000 iterations was applied to the model to account for inherent system variation. Four types of market prices (milk, feed, slaughter, and replacement cow) and 3 herd-performance factors (rolling herd average, product of heat detection rate and conception rate, and age at first calving) were modeled stochastically. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to study the relationship between total disease costs and selected stochastic factors. In general, the disease costs in multiparous cows were greater than in primiparous cows. Left-displaced abomasum had the greatest estimated total costs in all parities ($432.48 in primiparous cows and $639.51 in multiparous cows). Cost category contributions varied for different diseases and parities. Milk production loss and treatment cost were the 2 greatest cost categories. The effect of market prices were consistent in all diseases and parities; higher milk and replacement prices increased total costs, whereas greater feed and slaughter prices decreased disease costs.

Effect of claw disorders on milk production, fertility, and longevity, and their economic impact in Spanish Holstein cows

The aims of this study were (1) to estimate the phenotypic association between different degrees of severity of claw disorders and production, fertility performance, and longevity in Spanish dairy cattle, and (2) to quantify its economic impact at the animal and herd level. In this study, claw data comprised 108,468 trimmings collected between 2012 and 2014 by 25 trimmers from 804 Holstein dairy herds. The claw disorders considered were the 3 most frequent disorders in Spanish dairy herds: dermatitis (DE), sole ulcer (SU), and white line disease (WL). The presence of SU or WL was associated with a significant decrease in milk production and was more important in cows in second or later lactations. A severe lesion of SU or WL lead to twice the milk losses associated with a mild lesion, ranging from 1.47 to 2.66kg/d of energy-corrected milk. The presence of SU or WL during the early lactation period was associated with more days open, fewer inseminations to get pregnant, and longer calving to first service interval (4.83 and 8.0 d longer due to mild and severe lesions of SU, respectively, and 4.94 and 17.43 d longer due to mild and severe lesions of WL, respectively). The occurrence of a case of SU or WL in first lactation had a significant effect on longevity, with severe lesions reducing up to 71 d of productive life. The cost of a mild lesion ranged from $53 to $232 per affected cow and year, whereas the cost of a severe lesion ranged from $402 to $622 per affected cow and year. The annual costs per cow for DE, SU, and WL were $10.80, $50.9, and $43.2, respectively. An average herd with 64 cows had an extra expenditure of $691/yr due to DE, $3,256/yr due to SU, and $2,765/year due to WL. Milk losses, longer calving intervals, and premature culling contributed to more than half of the costs. Therefore, providing this information to farmers could help decide on strategies to reduce the incidence of claw disorders on the farm.

Effect of dry period length on milk yield over multiple lactations

Shortening or omitting the dry period (DP) can improve the energy balance of dairy cows in early lactation through a decrease in milk yield after calving. Little is known about the effect of a short or no DP on milk yield over multiple lactations. Our objectives were (1) to assess the effect of DP length over multiple lactations on milk yield, and (2) to assess if the prediction of milk yield in response to DP length could be improved by including individual cow characteristics before calving. Lactation data (2007 to 2015) of 16 Dutch dairy farms that apply no or short DP were used to compute cumulative milk yield in the 60 d before calving (additional yield) and in the 305 d after calving (305-d yield), and the mean daily yield over the interval from 60 d before calving to 60 d before next calving (effective lactation yield). The DP categories were no (0 to 2 wk), short (3 to 5wk), standard (6 to 8 wk), and long (9 to 12 wk). The effect of current DP and previous DP on yields was analyzed with mixed models (n=1,420 lactations). The highest effective lactation yield of fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) was observed for cows with a standard current DP (27.6kg per day); a daily decrease was observed of 0.6kg for a long DP, 1.0kg for a short DP, and 2.0kg for no DP. Previous DP did not significantly affect the effective lactation yield. Thus, cows can be managed with short or no DP over consecutive lactations without a change in quantity of milk losses. Cows that received no DP for consecutive lactations had a lower additional yield before calving (−172kg of FPCM), but a higher 305-d yield (+560kg of FPCM), compared with cows that received no DP for the first time. This could lessen the improvement of the energy balance in early lactation when no DP is applied a second time compared with the first time. For the second objective, a basic model was explored to predict effective lactation yield based on parity, DP length, and first-parity 305-d yield (n=2,866 lactations). The basic model was subsequently extended with data about recent yield, days open, and somatic cell count. Extending the model reduced the error of individual predictions by only 6%. Therefore, the basic model seems sufficient to predict the effect of DP length on effective lactation yield. Other individual cow characteristics can still be relevant, however, to make a practical and tailored decision about DP length.

Economic feasibility of cooling dry cows across the United States.

Heat stress during the dry period reduces milk yield in the subsequent lactation of dairy cows. Our objectives were to quantify the economic losses due to heat stress if dry cows are not cooled and to evaluate the economic feasibility of dry cow cooling. We used weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to calculate the number of heat stress days for each of the 50 US states. A heat stress day was declared when the daily average temperature-humidity index was ≥68. The number of dairy cows in each state in 2015 was obtained from the USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service. We assumed that 15% of the cows were dry at any time, a 60-d dry period, and a calving interval of 400d. Only cows in their second or greater parity (65%) benefitted from cooling during the dry period of the previous parity. Milk yield decreased by 5kg in the subsequent lactation (340d) if the cow experienced heat stress during the dry period based on a review of the literature. The default marginal value of milk minus feed cost was $0.33/kg of milk. The investment analysis included purchases of fans and soakers and use of water and electricity. Investment in a dry cow barn was considered separately. The average US dairy cow would experience 96 (26%) heat stress days during the year if not cooled and loses 447kg of milk in the subsequent lactation if not cooled when dry. Annual losses would be $810 million if dry cows were not cooled ($87/cow per yr). For the top 3 milk-producing states (California, Wisconsin, New York), and Florida and Texas, the average milk losses in the subsequent lactation were 522, 349, 387, 1,197, and 904kg, and reduced profit per cow per year would be $101, $68, $75, $233, and $176, respectively. The average benefit-cost ratio and payback periods of cooling dry cows in the United States were 3.15 and 0.27 yr (dry cow barn already present) and 1.45 and 5.68 yr (if investing in a dry cow barn) in the default scenario. To reach positive net present values, 6d (barn is present) and 55d (barn investment necessary) of heat stress annually were necessary (default assumptions). Other benefits of cooling, such as increased health and more productive offspring, were not considered. In conclusion, cooling of dry cows was profitable for 89% of the cows in the United States when building a new barn is required (under default assumptions) and very profitable when construction of a dry cow barn is not required (except for Alaska).

Milk losses due to bovine tropical theileriosis (Theileria annulata infection) in Algeria

The authors studied the impact of tropical theileriosis onset on milk yield decrease in 10 local bred cows in Skikda (Northern Algeria) during 2015 summer season. The milk yield decrease estimated weekly during two months was 2.76 L/day/cow corresponding to 31.92% of the total milk yield. This decrease corresponds to 110.5 Algerian Dinars (1.02 US$)/day/diseased cow. The relative variation of milk yield showed a dramatic decrease from 82.72% to 0.76% at Day 21 then became constant. Further studies are needed to improve these estimations of financial losses due to bovine tropical theileriosis in Algeria.

Economic effects of foot and mouth disease outbreaks along the cattle marketing chain in Uganda.

Aim:Disease outbreaks increase the cost of animal production; reduce milk and beef yield, cattle sales, farmers’ incomes, and enterprise profitability. The study assessed the economic effects of foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks along the cattle marketing chain in selected study districts in Uganda.Materials and Methods:The study combined qualitative and quantitative study designs. Respondents were selected proportionally using simple random sampling from the sampling frame comprising of 224, 173, 291, and 185 farmers for Nakasongola, Nakaseke, Isingiro, and Rakai, respectively. Key informants were selected purposively. Data analysis combined descriptive, modeling, and regression analysis. Data on the socio-economic characteristics and how they influenced FMD outbreaks, cattle markets revenue losses, and the economic cost of the outbreaks were analyzed using descriptive measures including percentages, means, and frequencies.Results:Farmers with small and medium herds incurred higher control costs, whereas large herds experienced the highest milk losses. Total income earned by the actors per month at the processing level reduced by 23%. In Isingiro, bulls and cows were salvage sold at 83% and 88% less market value, i.e., a loss of $196.1 and $1,552.9 in small and medium herds, respectively.Conclusion:All actors along the cattle marketing chain incur losses during FMD outbreaks, but smallholder farmers are most affected. Control and prevention of FMD should remain the responsibility of the government if Uganda is to achieve a disease-free status that is a prerequisite for free movement and operation of cattle markets throughout the year which will boost cattle marketing.

Economic comparison of common treatment protocols and J5 vaccination for clinical mastitis in dairy herds using optimized culling decisions

This study used an existing dynamic optimization model to compare costs of common treatment protocols and J5 vaccination for clinical mastitis in US dairy herds. Clinical mastitis is an infection of the mammary gland causing major economic losses in dairy herds due to reduced milk production, reduced conception, and increased risk of mortality and culling for infected cows. Treatment protocols were developed to reflect common practices in dairy herds. These included targeted therapy following pathogen identification, and therapy without pathogen identification using a broad-spectrum antimicrobial or treating with the cheapest treatment option. The cost-benefit of J5 vaccination was also estimated. Effects of treatment were accounted for as changes in treatment costs, milk loss due to mastitis, milk discarded due to treatment, and mortality. Following ineffective treatments, secondary decisions included extending the current treatment, alternative treatment, discontinuing treatment, and pathogen identification followed by recommended treatment. Average net returns for treatment protocols and vaccination were generated using an existing dynamic programming model. This model incorporates cow and pathogen characteristics to optimize management decisions to treat, inseminate, or cull cows. Of the treatment protocols where 100% of cows received recommended treatment, pathogen-specific identification followed by recommended therapy yielded the highest average net returns per cow per year. Out of all treatment scenarios, the highest net returns were achieved with selecting the cheapest treatment option and discontinuing treatment, or alternate treatment with a similar spectrum therapy; however, this may not account for the full consequences of giving nonrecommended therapies to cows with clinical mastitis. Vaccination increased average net returns in all scenarios.