Milk Protein Content Research Articles

Effects of feeding difructose anhydride on the mineral status and milking performance of transition cows

The objective of this study was to assess the potential effect of difructose anhydride III (DFAIII) on calcemia, magnesemia, and milking performance of dairy cows. Sixty-six multiparous Holstein cows in late pregnancy (gestation days = 253.8 ± 2.13 d) were blocked according to their expected calving date and randomly assigned to either receiving no supplementation (Control) or receiving 40 g/d of DFAIII (DFA) between -14 and +7 d relative to calving following a complete randomized block design. Cows on Control received 640 g/d of a pellet containing no DFAIII, whereas DFA cows received the same pellet but containing 6.25%DFAIII. Pellets of each treatment were top-dressed on a daily basis while cows were dry, and were fed via an automatic feeding system twice daily (320 g each feeding) during milking. Dry cows were fed once a day, whereas lactating cows were fed twice daily. Dry matter intake was individually monitored on a daily basis. Cows were milked twice daily and milk production and milk protein and fat contents recorded at every milking. Cows were kept on the study until they reached 21 d postpartum. Cows were weighed at dry-off (about 45 d before study enrolment) and twice daily after calving at the exit of the milking parlor. Three days before the expected calving date and 6, 12, 24, 48 h and 7 and 14 d after calving cows were blood sampled for subsequent determination of serum Ca and Mg concentrations. There were no differences in DMI before calving, but DFA cows consumed more feed than Control cows about 15 DIM. All cows lost BW after calving but DFA cows lost slightly less BW during the first 5 DIM than Control cows. Cows on DFAIII produced more milk around 10 DIM compared with Control cows, and DFAIII cows produced more milk protein than Control cows after 3 d post-calving. Serum Ca concentrations were not affected by DFAIII supplementation; however, serum Mg concentrations at 6, 12, and 24 h after calving were greater in DFA than in Control cows. In conclusion, DFAIII did not affect postpartum calcemia but improved magnesemia between 6 and 24 h post-calving. Milk production in DFA cows was improved around 10 d post-calving and milk protein yield after 3 d postpartum compared with Control cows. The mechanism leading to increased Mg availability is not clear and warrants further research.

Effect of Calcareous Marine Algae Buffer on High-Producing Dairy Cows during Peak Lactation.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of calcareous marine algae (Lithotamium calcareum)-based rumen content buffer (CMA) included in concentrated feed within total mixed ration (TMR), fed to 34 peak lactation (87-144 days in milk) Holstein dairy cows, randomized into two groups (group A, n = 17; group B, n = 17), wearing collars with accelerometers, and housed a in barn with automatic feed-weigh troughs. During the first phase P1, group A received TMR with CMA (TMR-E) and group B was fed TMR without the buffer (TMR-C). For P2, the treatments in the groups were exchanged. Feed intake, feeding time (FT), rumination time (RT), milk yield, milk composition, and rumen pH were measured by barn technologies, and rumen fluid and feces composition were analyzed in the laboratory. Differences between the TMR-E and TMR-C in most parameters under study were statistically insignificant, except overall FT and RT, which differed significantly between the groups. Group A, feeding at P1 by TMR-E, exhibited higher FT and RT than Group B (202 min/cow/day vs. 184 min/cow/day, and 486 min/cow/day vs. 428 min/cow/day, respectively). The RT significantly increased after switching from TMR-C to TMR-E. This implies that the buffer effect is delayed and persists after the withdrawal. In the group of cows that received control TMR without buffer in the first phase, RT and milk protein content increased significantly in the first week after the addition of buffer.

Acute and chronic sleep restriction differentially modify maternal behavior and milk macronutrient composition in the postpartum rat

BackgroundsSleep restriction is considered a stressful condition itself, causing a wide variety of physiological alterations, from cognitive and hormonal to immunological status. In addition, it is established that stress in mother rats can modify milk ejection, milk composition, and maternal care of the pups. Also, sleep disturbances during the early stages of motherhood are a common feature of all studied species. In this context, while the impacts of sleep disruption in non-lactating animals were extensively investigated, its repercussions during the initial phases of motherhood have been poorly explored. Therefore, we wonder if maternal behavior, milk ejection and its macronutrient composition would be disrupted when mother rats are subjected to an additional acute or chronic sleep restriction to the already existing sleep disturbances. MethodsLactating rats were implanted with unilateral electrodes for polysomnographic recordings and for deep brain electrical stimulation into mesopontine waking-promoting area (for sleep deprivation). During the early postpartum period (postpartum day 5–9), mother rats were randomly assigned into one of three groups: chronic sleep restriction group (CSR; 6 h of sleep deprivation/day for five consecutive days), acute sleep restriction group (ASR; 6 h of sleep deprivation only for one day), or undisturbed group (control group). Active maternal behaviors (retrievals of the pups into the nest, mouthing, lickings [corporal and anogenital] and sniffing the pups) and passive maternal behaviors (kyphotic and supine nursing postures) were evaluated during a 30 min period without sleep restriction immediately after the sleep restriction or control period. The litter weight gain was assessed every day, and on the last experimental session mothers were milked for posterior macronutrients analysis (protein, carbohydrates and fat). ResultsWhen compared to control group, CSR decreased the amount of milk ejected in the middle days of the sleep restriction period, while ASR did not affect this parameter. Moreover, ASR reduced milk protein content compared to control and CSR groups. Finally, compared to the control group, CSR reduced active maternal behaviors towards the end of the treatment days. ConclusionsWe demonstrated that not only acute but also chronic sleep restriction impacts on the postpartum period, each one affecting different aspects of maternal behavior and lactation. Our results suggest the existence of a homeostatic recovery mechanism in breastfeeding during CSR, possibly ensuring the survival of the litter, while the decline in active maternal behaviors appears to be cumulative.

The Relation between Milk Lactose Concentration and the Rumination, Feeding, and Locomotion Behavior of Early-Lactation Dairy Cows.

This study hypothesizes that higher in-line milk lactose concentrations are indicative of enhanced dairy cow behaviors-including increased rumination, feeding, and locomotion activities-reflecting superior overall health and well-being. It posits that fluctuations in milk lactose levels have a substantial impact on the physiological and behavioral responses of dairy cows, thereby affecting their milk yields and compositions. Each cow's milk lactose, fat, protein, and fat-to-protein ratio were continuously monitored using the BROLIS HerdLine in-line milk analyzer (Brolis Sensor Technology, Vilnius, Lithuania). The RumiWatch noseband sensor (RWS; ITIN + HOCH GmbH, Fütterungstechnik, Liestal, Switzerland) was employed to measure the biomarkers of the rumination, feeding, and locomotion behavior. The measurements were recorded over 5 days at the same time (during morning milking). A total of 502 cows were examined. During these 5 days, 2510 measurements were taken. Based on the lactose content in their milk, the cows were divided into two categories: the first group consisted of cows with milk lactose levels below 4.70%, while the second group included cows with milk lactose levels of 4.70% or higher. Our study showed that cows with higher milk lactose concentrations (≥4.70%) produced significantly more milk (16.14% increase) but had a lower milk protein concentration (5.05% decrease) compared to cows with lower lactose levels. These cows also exhibited changes in rumination and feeding behaviors, as recorded by the RWS: there was an increase in the mastication and rumination behaviors, evidenced by a 14.09% rise in other chews and a 13.84% increase in rumination chews, along with a 16.70% boost in bolus activity. However, there was a notable 16.18% reduction in their physical activity, as measured by the change in time spent walking.

Associations Between BLG, CSN3, DGAT1, GH, PIT1, and PRL Gene Polymorphisms and Milk Production Traits in Holstein Dairy Cows: A Meta-Analysis.

The current meta-analysis was employed to combine the results of multiple studies into a single estimate related to B-LG, CSN3, DGAT1, PRL, GH, and PIT1 gene polymorphisms and their effects on milk production traits. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigateassociations between B-LG, CSN3, DGAT1, GH, PIT1, and PRLgene polymorphisms with milk production traits in Holstein dairy cows. An extensive search was done from 2002 to 2022year. Statistical analyses were performed by using Stata 11.2 software. Genetic models viz codominant (AA vs. AB, AA vs. BB, and AB vs. BB), dominant (AA + AB vs. BB), recessive (AA vs. AB + BB), and completely over-dominant (AA + BB vs. AB) were applied. The results of meta-analysis of association between B-LG genotypes with milk yield where found a significant (P < 0.05) and with fat and protein contents (P < 0.01). In CSN3 polymorphisms of A/A and A/B genotypes had a significant effect on fat yield (P < 0.05) and protein content (P < 0.01). DGAT1 polymorphisms had a significant effect on milk yield, fat yield, protein yield (P < 0.05), with fat and protein contents showed high effect (P < 0.01). No significant association was detected between GH and milk traits (P > 0.05). PIT1 genotype polymorphisms had a significant effect on milk yield (P < 0.05) and protein content (P < 0.01). PRL genotype polymorphisms were significantly associated with milk yield (P < 0.05), fat content and protein yield (P < 0.01). The B-LG, DGAT1,CSN3 and PRL gene polymorphisms could be utilized as good markers to improve milk production traits in the Holstein cattle breed.

Effects of the level and source of dietary physically effective fiber on feed intake, nutrient utilization, heat energy, ruminal fermentation, and milk production by Alpine goats

Thirty-two primiparous and 31 multiparous Alpine goats were used to determine influences of diets varying in level and source of forage on performance in early to mid-lactation for 16 wk. Diets consisted of 40%, 50%, 60%, and 70% forage (designated as 40F, 50F, 60F, and 70F, respectively) with 60F and 70F containing coarsely ground grass hay (primarily orchardgrass) and 40F and 50F containing cottonseed hulls, alfalfa pellets, and coarsely ground wheat hay. Diets contained 15.9% to 16.3% crude protein and 37.8%, 42.1%, 53.5%, and 55.4% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) with 10.0%, 15.8%, 50.1%, and 55.5% particle retention on a 19-mm sieve, and 26.1%, 29.6%, 38.3%, and 40.0% physically effective NDF (peNDF) for 40F, 50F, 60F, and 70F, respectively. Dry matter intake (2.71, 2.75, 1.96, and 1.95 kg/d) and milk yield (2.82, 2.71, 2.23, and 2.10 kg/d for 40F, 50F, 60F, and 70F, respectively) were lower (P < 0.05) for the two diets highest in forage. Digestion of organic matter was similar among diets (P > 0.05), but digestibility of NDF was greater (P < 0.05) for 60F and 70F (57.5%, 58.4%, 68.9%, and 72.2% for 40F, 50F, 60F, and 70F, respectively). Diet affected (P < 0.05) milk fat (3.16%, 3.37%, 2.93%, and 2.97%) and protein concentrations (2.62%, 2.69%, 2.58%, and 2.52% for 40F, 50F, 60F, and 70F, respectively). Milk energy yield was greater (P < 0.05) for the two diets lowest in forage (7.51, 7.45, 5.68, and 5.34 MJ/d), although yield relative to dry matter intake was not affected (P > 0.05) by diet and was lower (P < 0.05) for primiparous vs. multiparous goats (2.71 and 3.09 MJ/kg). Ruminal pH and acetate proportion were greater for 60F and 70F than for the other diets and the proportion of butyrate was lower for the two diets highest in fiber. The mean lengths of time spent ruminating, eating, standing, and lying were not affected (P > 0.05) by diet or parity, but many interactions involving diet, period, hour, and parity were significant (P < 0.05). In conclusion, lactational performance of Alpine goats in early to mid-lactation will be constrained with diets high in forage of moderate quality, peNDF content, and large particle size, which appeared related to limited feed intake.

Compound probiotics microcapsules improve milk yield and milk quality of dairy cows by regulating intestinal flora

AbstractTo address the issues of probiotic activity loss during storage and feeding, as well as the limited efficacy of single probiotics, a solution was devised by embedding a mixture of Bacillus coagulans SN‐8 (SN‐8) and Saccharomyces boulardii SN‐6 (SN‐6) in a gel. The initial step involved screening the probiotic microcapsules' preparation method and wall material. Using sodium alginate and β‐cyclodextrin as composite wall material and chitosan as the outer coating material allowed for an embedding rate of 82.11% in composite probiotic microcapsules prepared by the air atomization method. Next, in vitro, simulated digestion experiments were conducted to determine the number of viable bacteria and the release rate of the microcapsules. The results showed that compared to the free strain, the mixed probiotic microcapsules retained a survival rate of 67.5% after 3 h of simulated gastric juice exposure and 70.56% after 42 days of storage at 4°C. This demonstrated higher survival rates and storage stability. The prepared probiotic microcapsules were then administered to dairy cows. 16S rDNA gene sequencing showed that consumption of the microcapsules reduced the number of harmful bacteria, such as Paeniclostridium, in the intestinal tract of dairy cows while accelerating the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium. In particular, this resulted in a significant improvement in the lactation performance of the cows, with a 4.5% increase in milk fat content, a 92.5% increase in milk protein content, and a 3.5% increase in milk urea nitrogen content (6.75 mL/dL). In conclusion, probiotic microcapsules can effectively regulate intestinal flora, improving milk production, and quality in dairy cows.

Energy-Related Hormones in Raw and Retail Cow’s Milk and Possible Risk for Consumers

Abstract The study aimed to determine the concentration of energy-related hormones in cow’s milk and to consider them from a public health perspective. Fourteen Holstein cows were subjected to milk and blood sampling on the following days in lactation (DIL): 10, 30, 60, 90, 150, 180, 210, 250 and 280 to determine milk hormones, fat and protein content and blood biochemical parameters. For the same purpose, bulk-tank milk was sampled and samples of retail m ilk with 1.5% (CM1.5) and 3.2% (CM3.2) fat was purchased. Milk insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) values were significantly lower at 90, 150, 180, 210 and 250 and significantly higher at 10, 30 and 60 DIL than lactation average (LA). Milk insulin concentrations were significantly lower at 30, 60 and 90 and higher at 210, 250 and 280 DIL than LA. Free thyroxine (fT4) level in the milk was higher at 250 DIL, while milk free triiodothyronine (fT3) concentrations were lower at 30, 60, 90 and 280 DIL, and significantly higher at 10 and 180 DIL than respective LA. Milk cortisol levels were lower at 60 and 280 DIL than LA. All measured milk hormones were significantly lower in CM1.5 compared to CM3.2, bulk-tank milk and LA. An exception was the LA of IGF-1, which was significantly lower than the IGF-1 content in CM1.5. Blood biochemical parameters fluctuated evenly during lactation and were within the reference range. Hormone concentrations in cow’s milk fluctuate during lactation, giving milk an important role in the context of public health.

Breast size in lactating women and the content of macronutrients in human milk.

Although the primary function of a woman's breast is milk synthesis, only a few studies have evaluated the relationship between breast size and human milk composition, showing equivocal results. This study aims to test if breast size during fully established lactation is related to energy density and content of macronutrients in human milk. Mothers of healthy, born-on-term infants at stage III of lactogenesis (N = 137) provided breast milk samples. Milk composition was analyzed using midinfrared transmission spectroscopy. The breast size index was calculated by dividing the breast by the circumference below the breast. Stepwise forward linear regression showed a negative association between breast size index and lactose concentration in breast milk (β = -.242, p = .003). The final model, which includes breast size index, feeding frequency, and maternal energy intake together explained around 13% of the variance in breast milk lactose content (R2 adj = .126, p < .001). No statistically significant relationship was found between breast size index and milk's energy density, protein, and fat content. This is the first study that shows a negative relationship between breast size during fully established lactation and lactose concentration in milk in a large sample size. No relationship between other macronutrients and breast size indicates that large breast size is not necessary for adequate milk production; however, it may contribute to an altered lactose concentration.

Comparison of miR-106b, miR-191, and miR-30d expression dynamics in milk with regard to its composition in Holstein and Ayrshire cows.

Milk composition varies considerably and depends on paratypical, genetic, and epigenetic factors. MiRNAs belong to the class of small non-coding RNAs; they are one of the key tools of epigenetic control because of their ability to regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. We compared the relative expression levels of miR-106b, miR-191, and miR-30d in milk to demonstrate the relationship between the content of these miRNAs with protein and fat components of milk in Holstein and Ayrshire cattle. Milk fat, protein, and casein contents were determined in the obtained samples, as well as the content of the main fatty acids (g/100 g milk), including: saturated acids, such as myristic (C14:0), palmitic (C16:0), and stearic (C18:0) acids; monounsaturated acids, including oleic (C18:1) acid; as well as long-, medium- and short-chain, polyunsaturated, and trans fatty acids. Real-time stem-loop one-tube reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan probes was used to measure the miRNA expression levels. The miRNA expression levels in milk samples were found to be decreased in the first two months in Holstein breed, and in the first four months in Ayrshire breed. Correlation analysis did not reveal any dependence between changes in the expression level of miRNA and milk fat content, but showed a multidirectional relationship with individual milk fatty acids. Positive associations between the expression levels of miR-106b and miR-30d and protein and casein content were found in the Ayrshire breed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that miR-106b and miR-30d expression levels can cause changes in fatty acid and protein composition of milk in Ayrshire cows, whereas miR-106b expression level determines the fatty acid composition in Holsteins. The data obtained in this study showed that miR-106b, miR-191, and miR-30d expression levels in milk samples have peculiarities associated with breed affiliation and the lactation period.

Amino Acid Composition of Cow's Milk of the North Caucasus Black-and-White Breed

The study of the amino acid composition of dairy raw materials, as shown in numerous studies of domestic and foreign authors, is relevant for conducting breeding work on genetic improvement of dairy, optimizing the system of raising animals of various sex and age groups, including lactating cows to prolong the productive longevity period. The purpose of the research was to study the amino acid composition of the milk of cows of the black-and-white Holsteinized breed, considering genotypic, age-related aspects, as well as with an increase in cow milk protein content. Studies on the composition of amino acids in milk were carried out on cows of a black-and-white breed of a pedigree breeding unit of the Stavropol Territory, the Russian Federation. The obtained results showed that the amino acid content in the black-and-white cow milk in the conditions of the North Caucasus corresponds to the parameters characteristic of the black-and-white Holsteinized breed, while the ratio of essential and interchangeable amino acids, considering age and genetic factors, varies in the range of 0.945-0.951, which is typical for high-quality milk. It was also found that in the process of increasing the protein content of cows by 0.2 abs. percentage from a protein level of 3.10% to 3.30%, a more intensive increase in essential amino acids in relation to interchangeable amino acids is observed, while the ratio of essential to interchangeable amino acids statistically significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased by 1.66%, which is of particular importance for planning measures for the genetic improvement of protein content herds of black-and-white cattle.

Comparing physicochemical properties related to thermal stability of caprine and bovine milk protein concentrate dispersions

Thermal stability and physicochemical properties as a function of heating temperature, pH and salt addition was compared between caprine and bovine milk protein concentrate dispersions. Caprine milk protein concentrate (MPC) had a lower amount of heat coagulation time and a higher percentage of sediments than bovine MPC. Calcium ion activity of caprine MPC was higher than that of bovine. The amount of κ-casein in the serum of caprine MPC dispersions was higher than that of bovine, and increased with increasing temperatures, pH and the addition of NaCl and citrate. The amount of whey protein in serum was also higher in heated caprine MPC compared with bovine. Particle size of caprine MPC was larger than bovine MPC and was more susceptible to induced aggregation. The lower thermal stability of caprine MPC might be associated with the higher calcium ion activity and the higher amount of κ-casein dissociation promoted by whey protein denaturation and complexation in serum.

Genome-Wide Analysis of Milk Production Traits and Selection Signatures in Serbian Holstein-Friesian Cattle.

To improve the genomic evaluation of milk-related traits in Holstein-Friesian (HF) cattle it is essential to identify the associated candidate genes. Novel SNP-based analyses, such as the genetic mapping of inherited diseases, GWAS, and genomic selection, have led to a new era of research. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of each individual SNP in Serbian HF cattle with milk production traits and inbreeding levels. The SNP 60 K chip Axiom Bovine BovMDv3 was deployed for the genotyping of 334 HF cows. The obtained genomic results, together with the collected phenotypic data, were used for a GWAS. Moreover, the identification of ROH segments was performed and served for inbreeding coefficient evaluation and ROH island detection. Using a GWAS, a polymorphism, rs110619097 (located in the intron of the CTNNA3 gene), was detected to be significantly (p < 0.01) associated with the milk protein concentration in the first lactation (adjusted to 305 days). The average genomic inbreeding value (FROH) was 0.079. ROH islands were discovered in proximity to genes associated with milk production traits and genomic regions under selection pressure for other economically important traits of dairy cattle. The findings of this pilot study provide useful information for a better understanding of the genetic architecture of milk production traits in Serbian HF dairy cows and can be used to improve lactation performances in Serbian HF cattle breeding programs.

Efficiency of the use of bulls of the Russian and imported selection of the breeding stock of the Red Steppe and Black-and-White breeds at the farms of the Omsk region

The possibilities of increasing the genetic potential of the breeding stock of dairy cattle by using the seed of stud bulls belonging to Russian organizations for artificial insemination of farm animals and the imported ones have been studied. The use of the Holstein breed bulls' seed of the Russian and imported selection on the breeding stock of the Red Steppe and Black-and-White breeds in the conditions of the Omsk region farms has been analyzed. The obtained results of researches have revealed the improving ability of stud bulls of the Russian selection, used on the breeding stock of the Red Steppe breed, on the main productive indices of the first and the highest lactation. The milk yield of the first heifers by 150 kg, or 2.4%, exceeded the productivity level of the imported root counterparts, the excess in fat and protein amounted to 0.1 and 0.08%, respectively. The coefficient of stability of lactation activity in this group of animals was maximum among the whole livestock – 92%. The superiority of imported rootstock animals on the main productive indicators has been identified on the breeding stock of the Black-and-White breed: milk yield (+769 kg), fat and protein content (+0.04 and +0.13%, respectively), milk fat and protein yield (+13 and +17%). Also, in the process of research the improving influence of the genetic potential of stud bulls of the imported selection on the whole breeding stock of the Red Steppe breed and on the breeding stock of the Black-and-White breed with the level of productivity of 8000 kg has been determined. The improving effect on the milk yield of the bulls of the Russian selection when they are selected to the breeding stock with the level of productivity up to 7000 kg has been found.

Белки мембраны молочной жировой глобулы. 8. Белок, связывающий жирные кислоты (FABP)

This article continues a series of reviews about the structure and functions of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins in cow’s milk. This installment introduces publications on the biochemistry of fatty acid binding protein (FABP), which is a polypeptide component of MFGM. The article gives a brief history of its discovery, as well as profiles the proteins that bind hydrophobic ligands and describes the methods of FABP identification in MFGM preparations. Other aspects of FABP studies include: isoforms and modern nomenclature; amino acid sequence and reactions to post-translational modification; spatial organization; mechanisms for binding fatty acids to lipids; well-investigated and hypothesized physiological functions; the effect of haplotypes on milk fatty acids, yield, and protein content.

Lactation traits and reproductive performances of Sahraoui female camel in two breeding systems at Algerian Sahara.

The main objective of this study is to determine the impact of the camel livestock system on individual and herd performances of milk production, lactation curve, fats, and protein concentrations. For this purpose, 13 she-camels of Sahraoui breed from the south eastern Algeria and belonging and semi-intensive system (N = 6) and intensive system (N = 7) were studied. Recording and sampling of milk were carried out at regular intervals during a full lactation. The lactation curve was estimated using Wood's gamma function and the t-test of independent groups was carried out to compare lactation performances, lactation curve, and reproductive parameters. The overall average daily milk (DMY), fat (DFY), and protein (DPY) yield were 6.77 ± 0.82kg/day, 4.15 ± 0.91%, and 4.49 ± 0.20%, respectively. The mean of total milk yield (TMY) was 2696.39 ± 343.86kg during a mean lactation length (LL) of 398.38 ± 20.65days. The peak of milk production (6.79 ± 0.68kg) was reached at 93.9 ± 55.8days after calving. The open day (DO) and inter-calving interval (ICI) recorded in this study were 348.38 ± 30.33 and 723.38 ± 30.33days, respectively. There is no significant difference (p > 0.05) between intensive and semi-intensive breeding systems for TMY (2795.39 ± 261.88kg vs. 2580.89 ± 414.43kg), DMY (6.96 ± 0.66kg vs. 6.55 ± 1.00kg), and LL (402.14 ± 21.18days vs. 394 ± 21.03days). However, the total amount of fat was significantly higher in intensive system (182.02 ± 33.91kg) and the DPY content was significantly higher in semi-intensive system (4.60 ± 0.13%). The parameters α, β, and γ of lactation, fat, and protein curves between the two systems showed a highly significant difference (p < 0.01) for the parameters (α and β) for the milk production curve, significant (p < 0.05) for the time to reach peak yield, and no significance for the other parameters. The corresponding values of the coefficient of determination (R2) were 0.62, 0.35 for milk yield (p > 0.05), 0.12, 0.13 (p > 0.05) for fat, and 0.03, 0.11 (p < 0.05) for protein, in the intensive and semi-intensive systems, respectively. In addition, DO and ICI were not significantly different between the livestock systems, but were higher in the intensive system than the semi-intensive system (337.17 ± 26.26 vs. 712.17 ± 26.26, respectively). The study concluded that the intensive system had a higher milk performance with a more efficient lactation curve. The incomplete gamma model (Wood) used in this study was inappropriate for estimating milk yield, but acceptable for fat and protein.

Effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) anthelmintic treatment on milk production in dairy sheep naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes.

Anthelmintic drug resistance has proliferated across Europe in sheep gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs). Sheep welfare and health are adversely impacted by these phenomena, which also have an impact on productivity. Finding alternatives for controlling GINs in sheep is thus of utmost importance. In this study, the anthelmintic effectiveness (AE) of a Calabrian ethnoveterinary aqueous macerate based on Punica granatum (whole fruits) was assessed in Comisana pregnant sheep. Furthermore, an examination, both qualitative and quantitative, was conducted on milk. Forty-five sheep were selected for the investigation. The sheep were divided by age, weight, physiological state (pluripara at 20 days before parturition), and eggs per gram of feces (EPG) into three homogeneous groups of 15 animals each: PG received a single oral dosage of P. granatum macerate at a rate of 50 mL per sheep; AG, treated with albendazole, was administered orally at 3.75 mg/kg/bw; and CG received no treatment. Timelines were as follows: D0, treatments, group assignment, fecal sampling, and AE assessment; D7, D14, D21, fecal sampling, and AE evaluation. The FLOTAC technique was used to evaluate the individual GIN fecal egg count (FEC) using a sodium chloride flotation solution (specific gravity = 1.20) and 100 × (1-[T2/C2]) as the formula for evaluating FEC reduction. Following the lambs' weaning, milk was collected on the following days (DL) in order to quantify production: DL35, DL42, DL49, DL56, DL63, DL70, DL77, and DL84. The amount of milk produced by every animal was measured and reported in milliliters (ml) for quantitative evaluations. Using MilkoScan TM fT + foss electric, Denmark, the quality of the milk (casein, lactose, protein concentration, and fat, expressed as a percentage) was assessed. The macerate demonstrated a considerable AE (51.8%). Moreover, its use has resulted in higher milk production rates quantitatively (15.5%) and qualitatively (5.12% protein, 4.12% casein, 4.21% lactose, and 8.18% fat). The study showed that green veterinary pharmacology could be the easiest future approach to counteracting anthelmintic resistance in sheep husbandry.

Farm-level nutritional factors associated with milk production and milking behavior on Canadian farms with automated milking systems

The objective of this study was to describe nutritional strategies utilized on Canadian dairy farms with automated milking systems (AMS), both at the feed bunk and the concentrate offered at the AMS, as well as to determine what dietary components and nutrients, as formulated, were associated with milk production and milking behaviors on those farms. Formulated diets, including ingredients and nutrient content, and AMS data were collected from April 1, 2019, until September 30, 2020, on 160 AMS farms (Eastern Canada [East] = 8, Ontario [ON] = 76, Quebec [QC] = 22, and Western Canada [West] = 54). Both partial mixed ration (PMR) and AMS concentrate samples were collected from May 1 to September 30, 2019, on 169 farms (East = 12, ON = 63, QC = 42, West = 52). AMS milking data were collected for 154 herds. For each farm (n = 160), milk recording data were collected and summarized by farm to calculate average milk yield and components. Multivariable regression models were used to associate herd-level formulated nutrient composition and feeding management practices with milk production and milking behavior. Milk yield (37.0 ± 0.3 kg/d) was positively associated with the PMR ether extract (EE) concentration (PMR % EE; +0.97 kg/d per percentage point (p.p.) increase) and with farms that fed barley silage as their major forage source on farm (n = 16; +2.18 kg/d) compared with haylage (n = 42), while farms that fed corn silage (n = 96; +1.23 kg/d) tended to produce more milk than farms that fed haylage. Greater milk fat content (4.09 ± 0.28%) was associated with greater PMR-to-AMS concentrate ratio (+0.02 p.p. per unit increase) and total diet net energy for lactation (+0.046 p.p. per 0.1 Mcal/kg increase), but lesser % non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) of the PMR (-0.016 p.p. per p.p. increase of % NFC). Milk protein content (3.38 ± 0.14%) was positively associated with forage % of the PMR (+0.003 p.p. per p.p. increase of % forage) and total diet % starch (+0.009 p.p. per p.p. increase of % starch), but negatively associated with farms feeding corn silage (-0.1 p.p. compared with haylage) as their major forage. Greater milking frequency (2.77 ± 0.40 milkings/d) was observed on farms with free-flow cow traffic systems (+0.62 milkings/d) and positively associated with feed push-up frequency (+0.013 milkings/d per additional feed push-up), while being negatively associated with PMR NFC content and % forage of the total ration (-0.017 milkings/d per p.p. increase of % forage). Lastly, greater milking refusal frequency (1.49 ± 0.82 refusals/d) was observed on farms with free-flow cow traffic systems (+0.84 refusals/d) and farms feeding barley silage (+0.58 refusals/d) than guided flow and farms feeding either corn silage or haylage, respectively. These data give insight into the ingredients, nutrient formulations and type of diets fed on AMS dairy farms across Canada and the association of those factors with milk production and milking behaviors.

Microwave-assisted foam mat drying of red beet pulp: influence of milk protein concentrate (MPC) and maltodextrin as a foaming agent, optimization and quality attribute

Microwave-assisted foam mat drying of red beet pulp: influence of milk protein concentrate (MPC) and maltodextrin as a foaming agent, optimization and quality attribute

Docosahexaenoic acid–mediated milk protein treated by ultrasound-assisted pH shifting for enhanced astaxanthin delivery and processed cheese application

Whey protein isolate (WPI)-based nanodelivery systems have recently attracted an increasing amount of attention. Despite this, research focusing on milk protein concentrate (MPC) and micellar casein (MCC) as carriers loaded in hydrophobic compounds is lacking. This study investigated the mediated effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in 3 different milk proteins for the embedding of astaxanthin (ASTA) after ultrasound-assisted pH-shifting treatment. We then evaluated the application of milk protein carriers in cheese processing by comparing MPC, MCC, and WPI. The particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential results of the milk protein-DHA complex suggested that the addition of 0.36 μmol/mL DHA optimized the delivery of milk protein to ASTA. All 3 DHA-mediated milk proteins induced an improvement in encapsulation efficiency and antioxidant properties of ASTA. Furthermore, the DHA-mediated MPC and MCC played a stronger role in improving the bioaccessibility, thermal and storage stability of ASTA than those without DHA. Tests conducted to examine the application in cheese production indicated that MCC carrier had a positive effect on the texture of cheeses. However, the delivery effect was dependent on the milk protein variety, in which MCC exhibited the best protection ability of ASTA, followed by MPC and WPI. The simulated digestion and storage stability results of cheese further confirmed that the protein encapsulation mediated by DHA was more conducive to ASTA absorption. These findings suggested that the DHA-mediated milk protein complexes studied here may be suitable hydrophilic delivery carriers for the hydrophobic nutrient ASTA, potentially playing different roles in regulating the storage stability and bioaccessibility.