Milk SNF Research Articles

The comparison of compositional quality of milk and physicochemical properties of milk fat of indigenous cattle breed of Sri Lanka with locally reared pure European cattle breeds

As an essential dietary ingredient, milk fat (MF) has a major impact on the nutritional value, economics, and physical and chemical characteristics of milk and dairy products. The purpose of this research study was to examine and contrast the compositional quality of milk and physicochemical characteristics of milk fat of the Sri Lankan indigenous cow breed with that of locally raised Ayrshire and Holstein-Friesian pure European cattle breeds. Three random samples of milk from each breed of Ayrshire and Holstein-Friesian were gathered from the Nuwara Eliya district, and indigenous cow’s milk samples were collected from the Jaffna district, Sri Lanka. For compositional analysis, the Bulgarian MCCW Lactoscan equipment was used. To analyze physicochemical properties, a cream separator was used to separate the fat. The standard AOCS procedures were used to analyze physiochemical properties: Free fatty acid value (FFA), acid value (AV), saponification value (SV), peroxide value (PV), Polenske value (P) and Reichert Meissl value (RMV). The AOAC method was used to analyze the Refractive Index (IR). The evaluated parameters showed significant differences (p<0.05) according to Minitab one-way ANOVA. According to the study of the compositional quality of milk, locally bred pure European cow breeds had higher percentages of protein, fat, lactose, SNF, total solids and salts in milk than the native Sri Lankan bovine breed. The highest levels of PV (1.40 meqO2/kg), AV (0.67 mg KOH/g), and FFA (0.34) were found from milk fat of local indigenous cow breeds, whereas Holstein-Friesian milk fat had the lowest levels. The Ayrshire milk fat had the highest SV (236.50 mg KOH/g) and RMV (28.97), whereas the Indigenous cattle breed had the lowest. Holstein-Friesian milk fat had the greatest P (1.87), while Ayrshire milk fat had the lowest (1.57). In all the three breeds, IR (1.46) was nearly identical. This study revealed that, milk of locally raised pure European cattle breeds are better in quality than the local indigenous breed. Highest PV, AV and FFA observed in the local breed revealed that milk fat of local varieties are more susceptible to oxidation than that of locally raised European breeds.Keywords: Holstein-Friesian, Ayrshire, Indigenous cow breed, Milk composition, Physicochemical characteristics.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Buffer and Application of Herbal Teat Dip on the Milk Composition of Lactating Rathi Cattle

Background: Nowadays, there is an increasing demand among the consumers for clean milk or superior quality milk and milk products. The current scenario of dairy sector in India showcases a low productivity among the indigenous dairy breeds which requires the employment of nutritional and managemental interventions to improve the milk quality as well as performance of lactating cattle. The use of buffers like trisodium citrate and herbal post milking herbal teat dip are part of such interventions. The current study is aimed at evaluating the effect of such interventions on the milk quality of lactating Rathi cattle. Methods: Twenty-four cattle were selected at LRS, Bikaner and divided into four treatment groups consisting of six cattle each. The experiment was conducted for 60 days, where T1 group was used as control, T2 group was given the basal diet along with oral supplementation of buffer trisodium citrate @ 30 mg/kg body weight, T3 group received the basal diet along with the topical application of herbal teat dip (aloe vera, turmeric, lemon extract and castor oil) and T4 group was given the basal diet along with a combination of oral supplementation of trisodium citrate @ 30 mg/kg body weight as well as the topical application. The milk samples of the experimental animals were examined for milk fat per cent, milk SNF per cent, milk lactose per cent and milk protein per cent. Result: The results of the study revealed that there was a significant effect (P less than 0.05) of buffer supplementation and application of herbal teat dip on milk fat per cent, whereas it was highly significant (P less than 0.01) for milk SNF per cent between the control and treatment groups. There was no significant effect observed in milk lactose percent or milk protein per cent.

Effect of feeding Moringa oleifera based complete pellet feed on milk yield, composition, fatty acids, somatic cell count and cell mediated immunityin lactating goats

Lactation cum feeding trial was conducted on 12 female Barbari goats (Age approx. 2-3 years and mean body weight 34.72 ±1.28 kg) for 120 days after approximately one month of kidding and effect on milk production, milk constituents, somatic cell count, milk fatty acid profile and cell mediated immunity was studied. Animals were divided into two groups (Gr G and Gr M) of six each as per completely randomized design. Two types of complete pellet (Moringa oleifera and Cicer arietinum) based was formulated containing sundried Moringa biomass and Gram straw along with conventional feed ingredients. Lactating goats of Gr G was fed with gram straw based complete pellet feed while goats of Gr M was fed with Moringa based complete pellet feed. Both the complete pellet feeds were iso nitrogenous. No significant difference in body weight changes was recorded between groups. The milk production (g/day) was higher (Avg. 14.54%) in Gr M as compared to Gr G at different fortnight. No significant difference was reported in the milk composition. Milk fat, SNF, Protein and lactose was similar in both the groups. Milk Somatic cell count (×10 3/ml) was significantly (P<0.05) lower in lactating goats fed with Moringa based feed. Cell-mediated immune response assessed through delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction against phyto haemagglutinin (PHA-P) was more pronounced in Gr M at 72 and 96 hrs.Higher concentration of unsaturated fatty acids (about 16.19%) and lower saturated fatty acids (about 5.49%) was reported in Gr M. Milk fatty acid profile indicators like Index of atherogenicity (IA) was lower while hypo/hyper cholesteremic ratio and health promoting index was higher in milk of moringa based pellet fed goats. Present study concluded that Barbari goats fed with Moringa based complete pellet feed produced higher milk yield with healthier fatty acid profile with low somatic cell counts.

Rectal microbiomes and serum metabolomics reveal the improved effect of Artemisia ordosica crude polysaccharides on the lactation performance, antioxidant status, and immune responses of lactating donkeys

This study is aimed at investigating the effects of dietary supplementation with Artemisia ordosica crude polysaccharides (AOCP) on lactation performance, antioxidant status, and immune status of lactating donkeys and analyzing rectal microbiomes and serum metabolomes. Fourteen lactating Dezhou donkeys with similar age (6.16 ± 0.67 yr of BW ± SD), weight (250.06 ± 25.18 kg), DIM (39.11 ± 7.42 d), and average parity of 3 were randomly allocated into 2 treatments: a control group (CON, basal diet) and an AOCP group (AOCP, basal diet with 1.0 g/kg DM AOCP). Ten weeks were allotted for the experiment, 2 wk for adaptation, and 8 wk for collecting data and samples. The results showed that supplementation of donkey diets with AOCP increased lactation performance, including DMI, milking yield, estimated milk yield, solids-corrected milk, ECM, milk fat yield, milk protein yield, milk lactose yield, milk TS yield, and milk SNF yield. The digestibility of DM, CP, ADF, and NDF was increased in the AOCP group compared with the CON group. The AOCP group increased the concentrations of IgA, IgG, and IgM, the activities of the superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity in the serum. Artemisia ordosica crude polysaccharides decreased the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde in the serum. Compared with the CON group, AOCP increased propionate, butyrate, isovalerate, and total VFA concentrations in rectal feces (P < 0.05). The addition of AOCP to increased diversity (Shannon index) and altered structure of the rectal microflora. As a result of AOCP supplementation, there has been a significant improvement in the colonization of beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Unclassified_f_Prevotellacea, Ruminococcus, and Fibrobacter genera. In contrast, a decrease in the colonization of the Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 bacterial genus and other pathogenic bacteria was observed. Meanwhile, metabolomics analysis found that AOCP supplementation upregulated metabolites l-tyrosine content while downregulating 9(S)-HODE, choline, sucrose, lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC) (18:0), LysoPC (18:1(9Z)), and LysoPC (20:2(11Z,14Z)) concentrations. These altered metabolites were involved in the PPAR signaling pathway, prolactin signaling pathway, glycerophospholipid metabolism, carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and tyrosine metabolism pathways, which were mainly related to antioxidant capacity, immune responses, and protein metabolism in the lactating donkeys. As a consequence of feeding AOCP diets, beneficial bacteria were abundant, and antioxidant and protein metabolism-related pathways were enriched, which may enhance lactation performance in donkeys. Therefore, supplementing AOCP diets is a desirable dietary strategy to improve donkey health and lactation performance.

Potential Impact of Temperature and Humidity on Milk Yield of Holstein Friesian Crossbred Dairy Cows

This study was an attempt to find out the correlation among Temperature Humidity Index, milk yield, milk fat and SNF percentage at first lactation of Holstein Friesian (HF) crossbred (50% HF and 50% local) dairy cows in comparatively cooler months in the coastal areas in Bangladesh. Sixty HF crossbred cows at the early lactation stage were selected randomly from ten farms. Milk samples were collected from cows at seven days intervals and stored at 4 °C until further analysis. Data on temperature and relative humidity were collected from metrological records from late September to December 2019. The results revealed that milk yield, fat, and SNF percentage significantly differed from the THI recorded in different months. It was also observed that there was a significant (p&lt;0.05) negative correlation between THI with milk yield, milk fat, and SNF percentage. In conclusion, the result revealed that THI greatly affects HF crossbred dairy cows' milk yield and composition in comparatively cooler months.

Polymorphisms within Intron-4 and Exon-4 regions of SPP1 gene and their association with milk traits in Gaolao cattle

Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is an acidic, phosphorylated glycoprotein found in fluids including milk and is involved in development of mammary gland and exhibits impact on milk composition and yield. The aim of study was to reveal SPP1 gene polymorphisms and association with milk traits in Gaolao cattle. Blood was collected from 280 cows and test day milk was recorded. SPP1G1-BsrI locus in intron-IV was polymorphic and frequency of TT genotype was 0.99 and CT was 0.01, respectively. The association of SPP1G1-BsrI polymorphism with milk traits revealed significant difference in Milk yield and SNF% for CT genotype as compared to TT genotype. Sequencing of SPP1G1-BsrI locus-based TT and CT genotypes revealed G-A SNP at 32nd position. The SPP1G5-SSCP locus at exon-4 region was polymorphic with frequency for A pattern as 0.95 and for B patterns as 0.05. The association study, revealed significant differences for SNF% and Lactose% for SPP1G5-SSCP pattern A as compared to pattern B. Direct sequencing of SSCP pattern A and B of SPP1G5-SSCP revealed SNPs A-G at 71st, A-C at 109th and A-C at 208th position and 02 computational SNPs, viz. C-A at 109th position and C-A at 208th position. Identified significant association needs validation in large data sets with records for development of markers for bovine milk traits.

Legume Grains as an Alternative to Soybean Meal in the Diet of Intensively Reared Dairy Ewes

Grain legumes are feedstuffs with high nutritional value that could replace soybean in dairy sheep nutrition. This could be beneficial in terms of economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. However, research regarding their potential effects on animal performance is scarce. The objective was to assess milk production and body condition score (BCS) of intensively reared dairy ewes after replacing soybean meal with a mixture of lupin, pea, vetch, and faba bean in their ration. A total of 40 Chios dairy ewes were randomly selected. They were allocated in two (n = 20) groups C and T; both were fed same amounts of Lucerne hay and wheat straw as well as a concentrate feed that was formulated with either inclusion of soybean meal for Group C or a mixture of legumes for Group T. Both feeds had equal energy and protein contents. Data collection was performed every 15 days for a 60-day period (a total of five measurements). In each measurement, ewe BCS was assessed, milk yield was recorded electronically, and individual milk samples were collected to assess chemical composition (fat, protein, lactose, and solids-non-fat content); energy corrected milk yield and milk components yield were calculated. Moreover, feed refusals from each group were weighed to calculate feed intake. Average individual daily concentrate feed intake was lower in Group T compared to C. Nutritional management did not significantly affect (p &gt; 0.05) milk production and BCS. An exception was the last measurement where ewes in Group T had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher milk protein, lactose and SNF yield, and lactose content. Results suggest that the studied legumes could replace soybean without compromising productivity of intensively reared dairy ewes.

Application of response surface methodology in preparation of low-fat paneer from recombined milk

The objective of current study was to optimize the level of milk fat, milk SNF (MSNF) and whey protein concentrate– 80 (WPC) to prepare low-fat paneer from recombined milk using response surface methodology. Milk fat, MSNF and WPC were used as variables while sensory attributes of paneer viz., flavour, body &amp; texture, colour &amp; appearance and overall acceptability, as well as compositional characteristics viz., moisture content and fat on dry matter basis were used as responses. On the basis of the results, RSM suggested the levels of milk fat, MSNF and WPC to be 2.14%, 10.72% and 0.75% respectively with desirability of 0.92. The experimental paneer was prepared as per the suggestions from RSM and compared with control paneer prepared from standardized milk containing 4.5% milk fat and8.5% MSNF. The chemical composition of experimental paneer was significantly different from control paneer while rheological and sensory characteristics were statistically similar. Hence, RSM can be a useful tool for optimization of low-fat recombined milk paneer.

Effect of rumen-protected choline supplementation on production performance and haemato-biochemical profile of Kankrej cows

A study was conducted to examine the effect of supplementation of rumen-protected choline chloride (RPC) on production performance and haemato-biochemical parameters of Kankrej cows. Twenty Kankrej cows were randomly allocated to two treatment groups: control (CON: fed basal diet without supplement) and treatment (RPC: basal diet supplemented with50 g/d/cow of RPC) from 4-weeks pre-partum through 8-weekspost-partum. Results showed that average body weights and dry matter intake were not affected (P&lt;0.05) by the supplementation of RPC. There was significant (P&lt;0.05)improvement in yields of milk (11.10 vs. 12.45 kg/d), FCM (10.93vs. 12.49 kg/d) and ECM (12.07 vs. 13.76 kg/d) with RPC supplementation when compared with cows fed on the control diet. The milk fat, SNF, total solids, protein and lactose contents did not differ (P&gt;0.05) between the treatment groups. Supplementation of RPC improved feed efficiency in terms of kg of 4% FCM/kg of DMI and kg of ECM/kg of DMI in lactating cows. The higher (P&lt;0.05) serum glucose concentration (65.72vs.62.05 mg/dL) was observed in RPC than the CON. Supplementation of RPC reduced (P&lt;0.05) concentration of serum triglycerides (27.27 vs.31.38 mg/dL) as compared to the CON group. Other estimated blood metabolites were not influenced(P&gt;0.05) by the supplementation of RPC. In conclusion, supplementation of 50 g/d rumen-protected choline during peripartum period improved milk production, feed efficiency and blood glucose in Kankrej cows.

​Effect of Hoof Trimming Intervention on Milk Yield and Composition in Dairy Lame Cows

Background: Hoof lesions and lameness in cattle is currently a serious problem in the dairy industry and significantly affects the health and welfare of animals. High milk yield has been associated with lameness and claw lesions. It was found that 87.5% of lame animals were suffered from claw lesions and hoof lesions were present in all the cows having lameness. Hoof trimming is performed to prevent hoof lesions and improve gait by correction and maintenance of the hoof symmetry and shape. Lameness caused by hoof disorders can be treated by correct hoof trimming. The aim of this study was to know the production performance in dairy cattle before and after hoof trimming. Methods: In this study twenty lame cows were selected and lameness index score was given to them (0-5 score). The nutrient requirements of the animals were met as per ICAR (2013) through concentrate feed and ad libitum green fodder. Care was taken to ensure that feed was provided at same levels throughout the study period and to nullify any effects of feed on lameness. Milk yield in kg/day were recorded before week of hoof trimming (HT) and after hoof trimming intervention it was recorded on 0th day, 3rd day, 6th day, 8th day, 11th day, 14th day. Result: Our results showed that significant difference (P≤0.05) in milk yield was on 0th day, 3rd day, 6th day and 8th day when compared with before week of HT (13.25±0.83). Significant increase in milk Fat % (P≤0.05) was observed on 11th day and 14th day (4.10±0.04), significant decrease (P≤0.05) in milk SNF % was observed on 0th day, 3rd day, 6th day and 8th day (8.45±0.03), whereas significant difference (P≤0.05) in milk protein % was observed on 0, 3 and 6th day (2.64±0.04) when compared with before week of HT. From this study it was concluded that the hoof trimming intervention has an immediate effect on production performance of dairy cows. Further this is a novel improved intervention using angle cutter modified to trim the hoof which is safe and painless compared to conventional Hoof cutter which caused a lot of cutting and bleeding hooves.

Effect of Supplementation of Rumen Bypass Fat on Live Body Weight, Milk Yield, Milk Composition and Body Condition Score of Graded Murrah Buffaloes

Background: During early lactation, the nutrient requirement of cows and buffaloes will be increased and at the same time, the feed intake is lowered due to stress of parturition. During this condition, depletion of body nutrient store occurs and the animal becomes weak day by day due to negative energy balance. Therefore to overcome the negative energy balance due to low feed intake, an alternate energy-dense ingredient is required. The bypass fat overcomes the negative energy balance and maintains animal body weight as well as milk production. Hence, undertook the present investigation. Methods: The present research was carried out in 10 graded Murrah buffaloes to study the effect of supplementation of rumen bypass fat on live body weight, milk yield, milk composition and body condition score during early lactation. The body weight, milk yield, milk composition and body condition score were recorded at weekly intervals before and after supplementation of rumen bypass fat. Result: Highly significant increase in live body weight, body condition score and milk production was observed, whereas a non-significant to a significant increase in milk fat and protein was recorded. The present study found a significant decrease in milk SNF and a highly significant decrease in milk density percentage. Non-significant effect on milk lactose was recorded. Therefore, it is concluded that supplementation of bypass fat could improve live body weight, body condition score and milk production in graded Murrah buffaloes.

Effect of supplementation of probiotics and rumen buffer on performance of lactating buffaloes

The study involved 12 Murrah buffaloes which were divided into two groups of six each viz. Control (T0) and Treatment group (T1). The buffaloes from Group T0 received standard concentrate mixture and roughages as per the routine practice of the farm. Whereas Group T1 received same ration as that of Group T0 along with supplement containing probiotics like yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus amyloliquifaciens) and rumen buffer 10 g/day/animal. The experiment lasted for 91 days. The average daily milk yield and FCM yield, DMI, TDN and DCP intake of buffaloes from Treatment group (T1) was significantly (P˂0.01) higher than Control group. The efficiency of feed utilization in terms of dry matter required per kg of FCM yield produced was significantly (P˂0.01) better in Group T1 than Control group. The average milk fat, protein, total solids, SNF and lactose percentage of Group T1 was significantly (P˂0.01) higher than Control group. The average somatic cell count of milk of buffaloes form Group T1 was significantly (P˂0.05) lower than Control group. The economics of the study showed an extra profit of ₹ 25.20 in Supplemented group over Control group.

Effect of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) seed supplementation on production performance, nutrient digestibility and haemato-biochemical profile of Mehsana goats

A study was carried out to investigate the effect of supplementation of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) seed (CS)on the production performance, nutrient digestibility and hemato-biochemical profiles of lactating Mehsana goats.Twenty lactating Mehsana goats (7 days post-partum) were assigned randomly into two groups (10 animals ineach), control (CON: fed basal diet without supplement) and treatment (CS: basal diet supplemented with10 g/animal/d of CS) for the duration of 60 days. The final body weight was significantly higher (38.09 vs. 34.04kg) in the animals of CS group than the CON group. Feeding of cumin seed to the lactating goats did not influencedaily dry matter intake. However, cumin seed supplementation increased milk yield (985 vs. 859 g/d), 4% FCM(818 vs 623 g/d) and ECM (952 vs. 742 g/d) as compared to the CON group. The percentages of milk fat, SNF, totalsolids and lactose were also improved by the supplementation of cumin seed. Apparent digestibility of dry matterwas comparable in CON and CS groups. However, the digestibilities of crude protein (58.19 vs. 66.97%), crude fibre(47.05 vs. 55.28%), ether extract (67.00 vs.75.82%) and nitrogen free extract (65.25 vs. 75.32%) were significantlyimproved in cumin supplemented group. There was no effect on haematological parameters between the CON andCS groups. The supplementation of cumin has significantly improved glucose concentration in CS group whencompared to the CON group. The concentrations of other estimated blood metabolites were not affected by thecumin supplementation in lactating goats. Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that cuminsupplementation in the diet of lactating Mehsana goats at the rate of 10 g/d improved milk yield, nutrient digestibility and feed efficiency without any adverse effect on haemato-biochemical parameters

​​Qualitative Analysis of Apple Pomace based Maize Silage for Animal Feeding

Background: Himachal Pradesh is one of the important apple producing state in India and a substantial quantity of apple fruit is utilized in processing for the preparation of juice and the left-over apple pomace remains a pollutant owing to the un-hygienic nature of apple pomace and its quick bio-degradability. Only a small fraction of apple pomace is traditionally being utilized in animal feeding due to the rapid spoilage of the wet pomace. The utilization of apple pomace in animal feeding remains a challenge and thus an attempt was made to ensile the maize through incorporation of apple pomace. Methods: The study was conducted to evaluate the nutritive value of maize silage incorporated with different levels of apple pomace and to study the effect of feeding silage on milk performance of crossbred cows. In the experiment apple pomace was incorporated in maize silage at 10, 20 and 30 per cent level. Result: On studying the proximate composition of different silage it was found that silage (T3) containing 80 per cent maize, 10 per cent apple pomace and 10 per cent mulberry leaves showed promising results. In T3 the proximate principles viz. dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, neutral detergent fibre acid detergent fibre, total ash, acid insoluble ash and pH were in ideal range and was at par with the silage formed by ensiling of sole maize crop. In the animal feeding trial, on feeding of apple pomace based maize silage 10.21 per cent higher milk yield was recorded with significantly higher milk fat, SNF and proteins. The net return on feeding of apple pomace based maize silage to crossbred cows was ₹ 149.00 which was higher than the control group (₹143.00 cow-1 day-1).

Effect of feeding slow release non protein nitrogen sources on milk productionand milk quality parameters in Cross bred dairy cows

A study of 90 days duration was conducted on 18 multiparous crossbred cows (363±14kg, body weight; in II or III lactation; 3,000-4,500kg milk yield per lactation) randomly allotted to 3 dietary treatments with 6 animals in each group in a completely randomized design to investigate the effect of two slow release non protein nitrogen (SRNPN) products on feed intake, milk yield, milk composition, blood biochemical parameters and cost economics. The concentrate mixture for control group was formulated with maize, gram husk, ground nut cake, wheat bran, deoiled rice bran, salt and mineral mixture. The other two experimental concentrate mixtures were prepared by totally replacing ground nut cake with calcium salts of fatty acid coated urea (CFCU) and Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose coated urea (HMCCU) at 2.42%. The cows were offered fixed quantity of Napier green fodder (10kg/cow/day) and ad libitum paddy straw. The daily allowance of respective concentrate mixture offered to each cow was calculated based on body weight, previous week milk yield and roughage intake to meet the nutrient requirements of as per ICAR (2013). Incorporation of either of the coated urea products in concentrate mixtures did not affect the total DM intake, milk yield (13.94 to 14.11kg/d), milk composition (Milk fat, Protein, SNF and Lactose) and blood biochemical (Blood urea nitrogen, Glucose and total protein). Though non significant, the average daily cost of feeding (Rs/d) was lowered in CFCU (228.14) and HMCCU (215.98) diet fed cows compared to control group cows (237.08) by 3.77 and 8.89% respectively. Whereas, the cost of feeding (Rs) per kg milk production differed significantly (P&lt;0.01) with highest in control diet fed group (16.80) while in CFCU (15.43) and HMCCU (15.49) fed group it was lower. CFCU and HMCCU can be included at 1% of dry matter or 2.42% in the concentrate replacing the conventional protein sources, without affecting the milk yield and its composition in cross bred cows and reducing the feed cost per kg milk production.

Milk yield, composition, and lactation curve models of Bargur cattle under farmers' production system in their native habitat.

Milk yield and composition traits (fat (%) and SNF (%)) from 1229 test day records of 205 Bargur cattle maintained under a farmers' production system were studied. This breed is known for its adaptability to the hilly tracts of Erode District in Tamil Nadu. Performance recording was done in the natural habitat through the test-day milk yield from lactating cows in the farmers' herds. Effects of non-genetic factors like season, year, parity, stage of lactation, and days from calving were studied using mixed models with animal taken as a random effect. Estimated marginal means for daily milk yield (DMY, L/day), fat (%), and SNF (%) were 2.05 ± 0.03, 4.08 ± 0.03%, and 8.19 ± 0.01%, respectively. Stage of lactation was highly significant (P < 0.01) for DMY, fat, and SNF. Season and year were significant for DMY and SNF, where higher productivity was obtained in the monsoon season, but fat remained constant in all the seasons. Parity was significant (P < 0.05) only for SNF, and year was significant for DMY (P < 0.01) and SNF (P < 0.05). Persistency was 5.9% calculated using Wood's gamma function and 63.0% calculated using the ratio of predicted yields. This was slightly lower compared to dairy breeds of cattle. Thirteen different lactation curve models were used for fitting of Bargur cattle lactation curve, and the Parabolic exponential model was the best fitting model based on model diagnostic criteria.

Effect of bypass fat supplementation on production performance of lactating Mehsana buffaloes

An on-farm trial was conducted to study the effect of bypass fat supplementation in lactating Mehsana buffaloes for the period of 90 days post-calving in Banaskantha district, Gujarat. Fourteen Mehsana buffaloes were selected and randomly divided into two groups having 7 animalseach. The animals in the control (CON) group were fed on basal diet (concentrate mixture, green and dry fodder) and the treatment (BPF) group was fed basal diet supplemented with bypass fat @ 100 g/day/animal. Supplementation of bypass fat did not influence the DM intake and body weights. Higher milk yield (9.02%) and 6% fat corrected milk yield (14.23%) were observed in the BPF than the CON group. The percentages of milk fat (6.43 vs. 6.01%) and SNF (9.51 vs. 9.31%) were significantly higher in the BPF than the CON group. The feed conversion efficiency was significantly lower (0.99 vs. 1.07) in bypass fat fed group. Based on the findings, it was concluded that supplementation of bypass fat at the rate of 100 g/d in early lactating Mehsana buffaloes improved the milk yield, FCM yield, milk fat content, SNF and feed conversion efficiency.

Association of Butyrophilin gene polymorphism (A465G) with milk production traits in Holstein Friesian crossbred cattle of Kerala

The butyrophilin (BTN1A1) gene is found at a quantitative trait locus (QTL) in cattle for milk production traits. The effect of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) A465G in exon 8, which causes a lysine to arginine transition, on milk production attributes in Holstein Friesian crossbred cattle from Kerala was investigated in this study (151 numbers). Using custom synthesised primers, a 90-bp fragment encompassing the polymorphic region was amplified from genomic DNA isolated.Genotyping was carried out by high resolution melt curve analysis (HRM) and two genotypes KK (0.25) and KL (0.75) were detected based on melting temperature and melt curve patterns.Sanger’s sequencing and sequence analysis of representative samples confirmed the genotypes.Chi-square test showed that the population was not distributed as per Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium(p≤0.05). The relationship between the A465G transition and milk production traits like 305 daymilk, fat, SNF yields, fat and SNF per cent was determined by general linear model-analysis of variance (GLM-ANOVA). In the model herd, season of calving, parity of animal (non-geneticfactors), and genotype were considered fixed variables and milk production traits as dependent variable. The study revealed significantly higher (p≤0.01) milk fat and SNF per cent for KK genotype(4.14±0.08 %; 7.86±0.06 %) than KL genotype (3.91±0.07 %; 7.73±0.05 %). The butyrophilin genepolymorphism (A465G) can be recommended as a marker for higher milk fat and SNF per cent infuture breeding programmes in crossbred cattle of Kerala.

Effect of seasonal variation in Temperature Humidity Index on milk production and its composition in Murrah buffaloes

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of seasonal variation in Temperature Humidity Index (THI) on milk production and composition in Murrah buffaloes. Eight adult lactating Murrah buffaloes of 3-5 years of age and insecond to fourth lactation were selected in summer and winter season. Meteorological variables such as ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded and THI was calculated during the period of study. Milk samples were collected from Murrah buffaloes and evaluated for the concentration of milk fat, protein, SNF, lactose and salt. The data was analyzed using SPSS v.20. The results indicated that average milk production, milk fat, protein and SNF decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) in summer in comparison to winter, while lactose and salt did not differ significantly (p&gt;0.05) in between seasons. From the present study it was concluded that high THI imposes significant heat stress and negatively affects milk production and composition in Murrah buffaloes. Hence, additional feed, shelter and management practices might be adopted to overcome the negative effects of thermal stress and also to optimize milk production of the animals.

Evaluation Of Morning And Evening Milk Traits in Some Dairy Animals in Erbil City

The study was done to compare Awassi ewes and Holstein cow’s milk in morning and evening period, in a private animal project in Erbil/ Iraq. The physical properties (pH, specific gravity and freezing point °c) of milk samples which recorded insignificant differences between the morning and evening period of Awassi ewes and Holstein cow’s milk, as well as milk has flavor in ewes, while it increased in cow’s milk. The average yield of cows' milk increased in the morning compared to the evening, while the milk yield of ewes showed an insignificant difference between the morning and evening periods. Fat and fat percentage: protein ratio had decreased in the morning milk compared to the evening milk, instead of in cows the morning milk contained high fat (%) and fat: protein ratio compared to the evening, otherwise, Sheep's milk increased the rates of morning milk protein, lactose and SNF compared to the evening milk, there were insignificant differences between cows’ morning and evening milk protein, lactose and SNF percentages. At the animal or species level, sheep's milk outperformed cow's milk in chemical composition.