Milk Solids Research Articles

Quality of peda prepared from mawa with different sugar levels

Peda is a highly nutritious indigenous milk product of Bangladesh containing milk solids added sugar and other additive like cardamom powder. This experiment was conducted to test the feasibility of using mawa (dried milk) for making peda and also conducted to test the impact of sugar level on the quality of peda. Sugar, as traditional sweetener was used to make peda samples at the level of 0 g, 75 g, 150 g and 225 g. Peda samples were prepared with these different sugar ratios were analyzed for sensory attributes, chemical composition and microbiological quality. Analysis of the data for quality such as flavor, body and consistency, color and appearance and chemical analysis such as protein content, carbohydrate content, ash and total solids contents of peda samples revealed significant (P<0.05) difference, but there was no significant (P>0.05) differences for fat content and total viable count of peda samples. The organoleptic quality of 150 g sugar containing peda samples scored better result than control and other treatments. If overall quality aspects were considered, 150 g sugar containing peda samples gave best results than other samples. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2023, 7 (2), 56-61

Determining the Effects of Pelleted Cranberry Vine Grains on the Ewe and Offspring during Pregnancy and Lactation.

When creating any new anti-parasitic interventions, it is important to evaluate their effects across all life stages. This study had three objectives, which were to evaluate the effect of feeding cranberry vine pellet (CVP) on (1) ewes' body weights and BCS during late gestation and lactation; (2) ewes' milk quality during lactation; and (3) lambs' body weight and growth parameters from birth to 65 days of age. Across two years, 41 Dorset ewes were fed either a 50% CVP or a matching control pellet (CON) from 104 ± 1.60 days of gestation for 62.8 ± 0.68 days of lactation. Measurements were collected from ewes (BW, BCS, and milk) and lambs (BW and body size). Milk from CVP ewes exhibited reduced milk fat and solids (p < 0.01) and increased concentrations of milk urea nitrogen (p = 0.02) when evaluated for the treatment-time. There was no significant difference in the BCS, protein, lamb BW, or growth measurements for treatment-time (p ≥ 0.05). Additional research that targets blood biochemistry and metabolic assessments is needed to fully determine the impact of this pellet on ewes and lambs.

Fruit and vegetable purees as cryoprotectants for vacuum freeze-dried fermented milk products

Fresh fermented milk products have a limited shelf life that can be extended by vacuum freeze-drying. Cryoprotectants are used to increase the survival of lactic acid microorganisms during freeze-drying. The most effective cryoprotectants are those of natural origin. Literature offers little information on the cryoprotective effects of fruit and vegetable purees. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of fruit and vegetable purees in increasing the survival of lactic acid microorganisms during the freeze-drying and storage of fermented milk products. &#x0D; We studied bioyogurt samples containing pumpkin, fig, and banana purees. Rational modes of freezing and freeze-drying were established on the basis of thermal analysis. The cryoscopic temperature was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The proportion of frozen moisture was calculated using the Nagaoka formula. Standard methods were employed to evaluate the sensory characteristics of bioyogurts and determine their protein, fat, and non-fat milk solids contents, as well as titratable acidity and microbiological indicators. &#x0D; The addition of pumpkin puree increased the cryoscopic temperature and reduced the freeze-drying stage and the total drying time by 13 h, depending on the amount of puree. However, the addition of sweet fig and banana purees decreased the cryoscopic temperature and increased the freeze-drying stage and the total drying time by 0.5–1.5 and 1.5–3 h, respectively. Based on the sensory evaluation of the freeze-dried bioyogurts, we selected the formulations with 15% of pumpkin and fig purees and 10% of banana puree. We found that the freeze-dried bioyogurts with puree had higher counts of lactic acid bacteria compared to the control. In the freeze-dried samples, the counts were higher at a storage temperature of 4 ± 2°C than at 20 ± 2°C. &#x0D; Pumpkin puree provided the best survival of lactic acid microorganisms during freeze-drying and storage.

Nutritional attributes of goat milk obtained from Anglo Nubian, Moxoto, and Saanen breeds in different lactation phases

The chemical composition, protein, and fatty acids profiles in goat milk from Anglo Nubian, Moxoto, and Saanen breeds in different lactation phases were evaluated. Twenty-three goats, after parturition, were randomly selected to be evaluated in 10 periods of 21 days each. Milk production was greatest for Saanen, lower for Anglo Nubian and lowest for Moxoto; milk solids were the inverse. Moxoto goats produced the highest casein content (3.99%, w/v, of milk). Saanen milk had the greatest content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The C4:0 and C6:0 fatty acids did not vary between breeds, but C8:0 was greatest for Anglo Nubian, and followed by Saanen and Moxoto. Milk yield was higher for the Saanen breed; however, Anglo Nubian and Moxoto goats may be functionally more suitable for the manufacture of dairy products due to their higher milk protein content, without decrease in solids during lactation.

A Review of Genetic and Non-Genetic Parameter Estimates for Milk Composition of Cattle

This review focuses on the genetic and non-genetic parameter estimation for dairy cattle milk composition. Milk is the most widely consumed food in the world, containing proteins, fats, lactose, and various vitamins and minerals. Milk's solids content has a direct impact on both its nutritional and economic value. The milk composition trait performances had obtained in the range from 3.5±0.0038 to 6.1±0.05 for fat percentage, 3.07±0.03 to 4.7±0.09 for protein percentage, 3.3 to 5.52±1.71 for lactose content, 12.16±0.14 to 16.02±0.05 for total solid content and 8.47±0.1 to 9.37±0.24 for the solid not fat content of cow milk, respectively. The composition of cow milk is influenced by breed, animal age and health, lactation phase, nutrition, season, milking method, number of lactations, and individual cows. The heritability of milk composition trait ranged from 0.24 to 0.49±0.03 for fat percentage, 0.28 to 0.53±0.009 for protein percentage, 0.41±0.04 to 0.59 for total solid content and 0.17 to 0.68 for the solid not fat content of cow milk, respectively. The repeatability of fat, protein, total solid and solid not fat percentage of bovine milk ranged between 3.9 to 0.98, 0.4 to 0.99, 0.49 to 0.99 and 0.23 to 0.78, respectively. The genetic and phenotypic correlation between fat and solid not fat of cow milk were weakly positive (0.16±0.15, 0.06 ±0.04), whereas a strong positive relationship was found between protein content and solid not fat of cow milk (0.99±0.05, 0.67±0.03), respectively. Enhancing milk compositional quality through genetic selection based on individual performance is successful.

Can low input dairy systems be economically and environmentally sustainable? Results from a farmlet study.

A two-year dairy study was conducted under irrigation at Lincoln, Canterbury, comparing 1. Moderate stocking rate (MSR, 3.9 cows/ha; comparative stocking rate (CSR) of 89 kg live weight (LWT)/t DM (dry matter) offered; 150 kg nitrogen (N) fertiliser/ha/year; grain supplementation of 0.55 t DM/cow/year; wintering cows off- farm); or 2. Low stocking rate (LSR, 2.9 cows/ha; CSR of 91 kg LWT/t DM offered; grazing diverse pasture (Italian ryegrass, plantain, red- and white clover); 103 kg N fertiliser/ha/year; wintering cows on-farm). The Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF; 3.4 cows/ha; CSR of 76 kg LWT/t DM offered; 169 kg N fertiliser/ha/year) was the benchmark. Milk yield, pasture production and quality data were modelled in FARMAX and OverseerFM to estimate financial and environmental performance of each farm. Performance was similar for MSR and LUDF. LSR gave the best environmental outcome across 2018/19 and 2019/20, leaching approximately 31% less N compared with MSR and LUDF. However, annual milk solids per ha were 28% less for LSR relative to MSR and LUDF. Correspondingly, the annual operating profit per ha was 35% less for LSR compared with LUDF. These financial losses can be mitigated in an LSR system if the farmer adopts more complex pasture management.

Effects of grazing management and concentrate supplementation on intake and milk production of dairy cows grazing orchardgrass

In pasture-based dairy systems, grazing management strategies have focused mainly on achieving a high herbage harvest per hectare, whereas strategies oriented to maximizing the intake rate of herbage have been recently explored. The objectives of the study were (i) to evaluate the herbage nutritional value, intake and milk production per animal and per hectare of mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows grazing orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) in response to grazing management strategies that prioritize either herbage harvest per hectare or herbage intake rate, and (ii) to assess whether concentrate supplementation affects this response. The experiment was conducted in Uruguay using twenty-four mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows grazing orchardgrass under rotational stocking over an 81-day period. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement consisting of two grazing management strategies [i.e. “high intake rate” (HIR) with pre- and post-grazing sward target heights of 21 and 13 cm, respectively, vs. “high herbage harvest per hectare” (HHH) with a pre-grazing target of 3.5–4 leaves per tiller and a post-grazing target of minimum leaf area corresponding to sward heights between 7 and 11 cm] in combination with concentrate supplementation levels of 0 (CS0) or 4 (CS4) kg of dry matter/cow per day. Sward height, number of leaves, herbage morphological and chemical composition, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), feed intake, and milk production per cow and per hectare were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using linear mixed models. Compared to cows under HHH, cows under HIR grazed herbage with greater nutritional value and achieved a greater feed intake and greater milk production per cow (P < 0.05), regardless of concentrate supplementation level. Conversely, under HHH milk production per hectare was marginally greater (P < 0.10) and milk solids production per hectare was greater (P < 0.05). Yet, cows under HHH lost BCS when were managed without supplementation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, HIR grazing management is an effective option for grazing dairy production systems that seek to maximize individual productivity of high-producing cows. On the other hand, HHH grazing strategies remain relevant to dairy farm businesses in which profit is driven by production per hectare. Yet, high producing dairy cows under this strategy are likely to lose BCS if not supplemented.

The influence of eating and rumination time on solids content in milk and milk yield performance of cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rumination time, eating time and season on milk yield and on milk component content in the context of milk recording. The experiment was carried out with two breeds – Czech Fleckvieh cattle and Holstein cattle – for one year. Vitalimetr 5P neck responders were used to monitor eating and rumination time. For statistical evaluation, the time of eating and rumination was divided into three groups according to the length of eating and ruminating, with each breed being categorised separately. The highest protein content, which was 3.6%, was calculated for the group with an average eating time. The fat content was highest for the group with a below-average eating time. On the other hand, the highest milk yield was statistically significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the group with the longest eating time. In terms of rumination, the trend was similar to that of the eating period. In the evaluation of the effect of rumination time, there was no difference in protein %, fat kg and fat % content. A significant (P < 0.05) increase of protein kg was observed with higher rumination time. Changes in milk yield and milk components also occurred throughout the year. During the winter months, the yield decreased, but there was an increase in milk constituent content. During the summer months, the reverse results were obtained. The findings of this study highlight the importance of evaluating eating and rumination time as a potential predictor of milk yield and milk solids content, which are important in milk monetization.

Dairy productivity of cows of different genealogical lines and the quality of the cheese

Providing the population of the country with high-quality food products of its own production is one of the most important tasks facing the employees of the agro-industrial complex of the country. Milk is such product. It also acts as a raw material for the processing industry, which produces a large range of dairy products, including cheeses. Special requirements are imposed on the milk used for the production of cheeses. Three groups of cows were formed: the 1st without taking into account the belonging to genealogical line (n=60), the 2nd cows belonging to the line Reflection Sovereign 198998 (n=15), the 3rd cows belonging to the line Wes Back Ideal 1013415 (n=15). The groups were formed taking into account age, live weight and milk productivity according to previous lactation by the method of balanced groups. All cows were on the third lactation. According to milk yield for lactation, the cows of the line Refl ection Sovereign 198998 turned out to be the best, according to milk yield for 305 days of lactation, cows of the 1st group (excluding line belonging). According to physic and chemical indicators, milk from cows of the line Refl ection Sovereign 198998 was inferior to milk from herdmates from other groups. Thus, in the milk of cows without taking into account the origin of the genealogical line, high indicators of nonfat milk solids and dry matter were observed, and in the milk of cows of the line Wes Back Ideal 1013415, a high content of fat, protein and lactose was noted. From the point of view of the fat : protein ratio, milk obtained from cows of the 2nd and 3rd groups was more valuable. During the production of Kostroma cheese, milk obtained from cows of the line Wes Back Ideal 1013415 turned out to be more stable, and cheese from this milk also received a high score according to an organoleptic assessment. In order to increase the production of high-quality cheese, it is necessary to pay attention to the breeding of cows of the genealogical line Wes Back Ideal 1013415.

Full-fat corn germ in diets for dairy cows as an alternative to ground corn.

The experiments reported in this research paper address the effects of replacing ground corn (GC) with full-fat corn germ (FFCG) on nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen utilization efficiency, performance, and predicted methane production in dairy cows fed cactus cladodes and sugarcane. We hypothesized that the inclusion of FFCG in the diet would not alter the performance of lactating cows but would reduce the predicted methane production in vivo. Ten multiparous Holstein cows at 90 ± 10 d of lactation and yielding 24.2 ± 3.5 kg milk/d were assigned to dietary treatments consisting of different levels of replacement of GC by FFCG (0; 25; 50; 75 and 100% of diet dry matter) in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Methane production was predicted using an automated gas in vitro production system. Except for ether extract intake, which increased, the intake of all nutrients decreased linearly with the replacement of GC by FFCG. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and neutral detergent fiber reduced, whereas the digestibility of ether extract increased linearly with FFCG. There were no changes in the digestibility of crude protein. The nitrogen intake and daily excretion in urine and feces decreased, while nitrogen use efficiency increased linearly. There was no significant effect of diets on nitrogen balance or microbial protein synthesis and efficiency. The yield of protein, lactose and total solids in milk showed a quadratic behavior. On the other hand, milk fat yield and energy-corrected milk yield decreased linearly with the replacement of GC by FFCG. No effect on pH or ammonia nitrogen was observed. The production of methane (CH4, g/kg DM) and total CH4 (g/d), and CH4 intensity decreased linearly with the replacement of GC by FFCG. In conclusion, FFCG has been shown to be an effective source of fat to reduce methane production in dairy cows, partially supporting our initial hypothesis. However, as it decreases milk fat production, it is not recommended to replace more than 50% of GC by FFCG for lactating cows fed cactus cladodes and sugarcane.

Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation during the suckling period on performance of Awassi ewes.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of supplementing two levels of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) during suckling period on performance and serum metabolites of Awassi ewes. The study comprised two experimental periods, for experimental period 1, 30 nursing Awassi ewes with their single lambs were randomly assigned to one of three equal treatment groups: a control diet (CON; n=10), low SC (LSC) diet (0.4 g SC/head/day; n=10), and high SC (HSC) diet (0.8 g SC/head/day; n=10) with 9-week experimental periods including 1 week for dietary and pen adaptation and 8 weeks for data and sample collection. For experimental period 2, 4 ewes from each group were randomly selected and were individually housed in metabolism crates with 7-day experimental periods including 3 days for crate adaptation and 4 days for data and sample collection. The results showed that the supplementation of SC improved dry matter (DM) intake of ewes (P = 0.03). Digestibility of DM was higher (P < 0.05) for SC treatment groups. The SC treatment groups had a tendency improvement in digestibility of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. Addition of SC improved (P < 0.05) N balance parameters of ewes. A significant increase was observed for the rumen fluid pH of lactating ewe supplemented with SC. No difference was detected in the live weight change of lactating ewes in all treatment groups. The final body weight of the lambs tended to be greater for SC treatment groups vs CON group but average daily gain and total weight gain were significantly higher (P = 0.05) for SC treatment groups. Lactating ewes in the SC treatment groups produced more milk per day (P ≤ 0.05) than those in the CON diet. Milk fat % and yield in the SC treatment groups were also greater (P = 0.05). No differences were found in % of milk protein, lactose, and solid-not-fat (SNF) between all groups (P > 0.05) while lactose and SNF yields were greater (P < 0.05) for SC treatment groups. However, % of the total solids (TS) of milk was higher for HSC diet compared to LSC and CON diets (P < 0.05) while TS yields were significantly higher for SC treatment groups. Energy-corrected milk values were greater (P < 0.05) in HSC diet compared to LSC and CON diets. With the exception of aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, no differences were detected in all other serum metabolite concentrations of lactating ewes in between treatment groups. In conclusion, this study indicates that SC supplementation with varying levels in the diet had a similar positive effect on some performance and physiological parameters of lactating Awassi ewes and their lambs.

Nutritional, antioxidant, and antimicrobial assessment of carrot powder and its application as a functional ingredient in probiotic soft cheese

Carrots (the main source of carotenoids) have multiple nutritional and health benefits. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the compositional, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of carrot powder and to examine its effect on the sensory characteristics, chemical properties, and microbial viability of probiotic soft cheese at a rate of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6%. The carrot was turned into powder before being analyzed and incorporated as an ingredient in making probiotic soft cheese. Probiotic soft cheese was made from buffalo milk. The buffalo milk (∼6.9% fat, 4.4% protein, 9.2% milk solids not fat, and 0.7% ash) was pasteurized at 75 ± 1°C for 5 min and cooled to 40-42°C. The milk was then divided into 4 aliquots. Sodium chloride (local market, Assiut, Egypt) was added at a ratio of 5% followed by starter cultures. The carrot powder (4.5% moisture, 4.8% ash, 2.7% fat, 8.2% protein, 11.9% fibers, and 72.3% carbohydrate) was added at a rate of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6%, followed by addition of 0.02 g/kg rennet. The cheese was cut again into cubes, pickled in jars filled with whey, and stored for 28 d at 6 ± 1°C. The results of this study illustrated the nutritional and antioxidant properties of carrot powder. Incorporation of carrot powder in probiotic soft cheese affected the moisture and salt content at 0 d. The total bacteria count decreased from 7.5 to 7.3 log cfu/g in the cheese when carrot powder was used at a rate of 0.6%. The reduction of total bacteria count was noticed during the 28 d of storage by adding carrot powder. Furthermore, lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacterium longum counts elevated with adding carrot powder during the 28 d of storage.

INFLUENCE OF KNOWLEDGE LEVEL OF MOTHERS WHO HAVE BABIES AGED 6-11 MONTHS IN GROWTH SPURT ON THE FEEDING OF EARLY COMPLEMENTARY FOOD IN THE WORKING AREA OF WARUNGGUNUNG PUSKESMAS LEBAK DISTRICT 2022

Background:Breast Milk is a perfect nutrient intended for babies with complete ingredients for baby intake and has antibodies against disease prevention. Even though breastfeeding has many benefits, it turns out that the achievements of exclusive breastfeeding are still lacking. Failure to give exclusive breastfeeding is influenced by many factors, one of which is knowledge. The knowledge possessed by the mother will greatly influence the success and failure of exclusive breastfeeding. Many mothers do not know that one day the baby will experience a phase of accelerated growth from normal conditions which is called a growth spurt. At this time a mother will be worried and think that her breast milk is lacking, so she finally gives formula milk or early solids so that her baby is calm. Writing purpose:The effect of the level of knowledge of a mother who has a baby aged 6-11 months regarding growth spurt on the provision of early complementary food (MPASI) at the Warunggunung Health Center, Lebak Regency, is known in 2022. Research methods:Research method analytic observational case control design. The study sample consisted of 74 mothers with babies aged 6-11 months who were divided into a case group (mothers with babies who were given early solids) and a control group (mothers with babies who were not given early solids) with a ratio of 1:1. Sampling technique with purposive sampling. The instrument used is a questionnaire. Bivariate analysis via Chi-Square test. Research result:In the case group (babies who were given early solids) the majority or as many as 87.5% of mothers had a low level of knowledge, while in the control group (babies who were not given early solids) the majority or 78.6% of mothers had a good level of knowledge. Mothers with a good level of knowledge, only 21.4% of mothers gave Early Solids to their babies and 78.6% of mothers did not give Early Solids. Whereas in mothers with a low level of knowledge, as many as 87.5% gave Early Solids and only 12.5% ​​did not give Early Solids to their babies. There is an influence on the level of knowledge of mothers with babies aged 6-11 months about growth spurts on early complementary feeding (p value = 0.000).

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Activity in Milk May Serve as a Non-Invasive Metabolic Biomarker of Energy Balance in Postpartum Dairy Cows

Negative energy balance (EB) postpartum is associated with adverse outcomes in dairy cows; therefore, non-invasive biomarkers to measure EB are of particular interest. We determined whether specific metabolites, oxidative stress indicators, enzyme activity, and fatty acid (FA) profiles in milk can serve as indicators of negative EB. Forty-two multiparous Holstein dairy cows were divided at calving into 2 groups: one was milked 3 times daily and the other, twice a day for the first 30 d in milk (DIM). Cows were classified retrospectively as being in either negative EB (NEB, n = 19; the mean EB during the first 21 DIM were less than the overall median of -2.8 Mcal/d), or in positive EB (PEB, n = 21; the mean EB was ≥-2.8 Mcal/d). The daily milk yield, feed intake, and body weight were recorded individually. Blood samples were analyzed for metabolites and stress biomarkers. Milk samples were taken twice weekly from 5 to 45 DIM to analyze the milk solids, the FA profile, glucose, glucose-6-P (G6P), G6P-dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity, malic and lactic acids, malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC). The NEB cows produced 10.5% more milk, and consumed 7.6% less dry matter than the PEB cows. The plasma glucose concentration was greater and β-hydroxybutyrate was lower in the PEB vs. the NEB cows. The average concentrations of milk glucose, G6P, malic and lactic acids, and MDA did not differ between groups; however, the G6PDH activity was higher and ORAC tended to be higher in the milk of NEB vs. the PEB cows. The correlation between milk G6PDH activity and EB was significant (r = -0.39). The percentages of oleic acid and total unsaturated FA in milk were higher for the NEB vs. the PEB cows. These findings indicate that G6PDH activity in milk is associated with NEB and that it can serve as a non-invasive candidate biomarker of NEB in postpartum cows, that should be validated in future studies.

How to use recombinant bovine somatotropin in crossbred Holstein × Gyr (3/4 and 7/8) cows?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dose, start time, and application interval of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on performance, health, and reproduction parameters of crossbred Holstein × Gyr dairy cows (3/4 and 7/8). A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial study was designed to test the effects of application dose (250mg rbST or 500mg rbST), start of application (40 or 63days in milk (DIM)), and application interval (12 or 14days); 180 crossbred Holstein × Gyr cows were enrolled. Treatments with 500mg rbST resulted in increased milk production, 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM), and energy-corrected milk (ECM). In the factorial design analysis, greater FCM, ECM, and milk solid production (kg/day) were observed when 500mg rbST was started at 63 DIM, while 250mg rbST resulted in greater milk production (kg/day), FCM, ECM, and milk solids (kg/day) when administered at 12-day intervals. Administration of 500mg rbST resulted in an increase of days open and number of services per pregnancy (P = 0.01). Holstein × Gyr cows (3/4 and 7/8) presented a superior productive response to rbST when treated with 500mg starting at 63 DIM and at 14-day intervals.

Genomic prediction in Brazilian Guzerá cattle: application of a single-step approach to productive and reproductive traits.

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of genomic prediction for productive and reproductive traits in Guzerá cattle using single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP). Evaluations included the 305-day cumulative yields (first lactation, in kg) of milk, lactose, protein, fat, and total solids; adjusted body weight (kg) at the ages of 450, 365, and 210days; and age at first calving (in days), from a database containing 197,283 measurements from Guzerá males and females born between 1954 and 2018. The pedigree included 433,823 animals spanning up to 14 overlapping generations. A total of 1618 animals were genotyped. The analyses were performed using ssGBLUP and traditional BLUP methods. Predictive ability and bias were accessed using cross-validation: predictive ability was similar between the methods and ranged from 0.27 to 0.47 for the genomic-based model and from 0.30 to 0.45 for the pedigree-based model; the bias was also similar between the methods, ranging from 0.88 to 1.35 in the genomic-based model and from 0.96 to 1.41 in the pedigree-based model. The individual accuracies of breeding values were evidently increased in the genomic evaluation, with values ranging from 0.41 to 0.56 in the genomic-based model and from 0.26 to 0.54 in the pedigree-based model. Even based on a small number of genotyped animals and a small database for some traits, the results suggest that ssGBLUP is feasible and may be applied to national genetic evaluation of the breed to increase the accuracy of breeding values without greatly impacting predictive ability and bias.

Physicochemical and Rheology Properties of Ice Cream Prepared from Sunflower Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil

In the last decade, increasing trends towards the consumption of healthier foods have forced processors of high-fat products (ice cream) to shift their formulations to higher proportions of unsaturated or “healthier” fats. Vegetable oils such as sunflower oil and VCO can be used as a substitute for milk fat, milk solids not fat (skim milk powder), sweeteners, stabilizers and emulsifiers, and mineral water in making ice cream. A study was carried out to determine the effects of the use of the ratio of sunflower oil: virgin coconut oil with palm fruit as a stabilizer in the production of ice cream on physicochemical properties (pH, proximate, overrun, viscosity, and melting rate). The use of palm fruit is based on the content of galactomannan in palm fruit. Premium ice cream with five different ratios of SO and VCO (15:0), (10:5), (7.5:7.5), (5:10), (15:0). The ice cream production involves mixing, pasteurization, homogenization, aging, and freezing. The physicochemical result shows ice cream sample with a ratio SO:VCO (5:10) obtained good physical properties, the lowest first-time drop/ shape retention, and a low melting rate compared to the others. The rheological behavior of ice cream is the non-Newtonian fluids with a pseudoplastic behavior. The apparent viscosity decreased with increasing shear rate.

Effects of a single transdermal administration of flunixin meglumine in early postpartum Holstein Friesian dairy cows: Part 2. Milk yield, culling risk, and reproductive performance.

This study was conducted to assess the effects of a single transdermal administration of flunixin meglumine (FM) in early postpartum Holstein Friesian dairy cows on milk yield, culling risk, and reproductive performance. We hypothesized that FM treatment would reduce systemic inflammation, leading to higher milk yield, reduced culling risk, and better reproductive performance in the subsequent lactation. Holstein Friesian dairy cows [n = 500, 153 primiparous (PRIM), 347 multiparous (MULT)] from 3 farms in northeast Germany were enrolled in a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial. Farms at risk for cows with excessive postpartum inflammation were identified in a preliminary trial by measuring serum haptoglobin concentrations in their fresh lactating cows. Only cows that had a eutocic birth and delivered a singleton calf alive, with no signs of milk fever or retained fetal membranes and rectal temperature ≤40°C at first clinical examination, were included within 24 to 36 h postpartum. Treatment included a single transdermal administration of either FM (3.33 mg/kg) or a placebo as control (CON). Milk production, milk solids, urea, and somatic cell count were recorded monthly for 8 mo after calving. Culling risk, first-service conception risk, and days open were retrieved from the farms' herd management software. Separate models for PRIM and MULT cows were built for most parameters because of significant effects of parity and parity × treatment interaction. Energy-corrected milk yield from 8 monthly Dairy Herd Improvement-equivalent tests was slightly greater in PRIM cows treated with FM (29.51 and 30.73 ± 1.35 kg, CON vs. FM), whereas it was reduced in treated MULT cows (38.23 and 37.47 ± 1.17 kg, CON vs. FM) compared with CON. Milk fat and protein yields were greater in FM-treated PRIM cows and lower in treated MULT cows compared with CON. Milk urea and somatic cell count were not affected by treatment. No differences in culling risk, first-service conception risk, or days open were observed. We conclude that a single transdermal administration of FM in early postpartum dairy cows on farms at risk for excessive postpartum inflammation slightly increased milk, milk fat, and milk protein yields in PRIM cows and decreased these variables in MULT cows. Neither culling risk nor fertility was affected by treatment in this study.

Increased parity is negatively associated with survival and reproduction in different production systems.

We conducted a retrospective meta-analysis based on individual cow data to assess the associations of parity, level of production, and pasture-based or intensively fed systems with fertility. Our goal was to provide understandings of the role of parity in risks for removal and reproductive failure. Multilevel models were used to evaluate the fixed effects of parity, milk, milk solids, milk fat and protein percentage and yield, and production system [intensively fed (n = 28,675) or predominantly pasture fed (n = 4,108)] on reproductive outcomes. The outcomes were the hazard of not being bred (HNBRED), hazard of pregnancy (HPREG), pregnancy to first breeding (PREG1), and odds of becoming pregnant in a lactation (OPAL). The 32,783 cows were in 13 studies conducted in Australia (14.6% of cows), Canada (2.4% of cows), and the United States (83.0% of cows). There were 38.5% of cows in the sample in parity 1, 27.3% in parity 2, 16.7% in parity 3, 9.0% in parity 4, and 8.6% in parity ≥5. Compared with cows of parity 1, parity ≥5 cows had a greater HNBRED [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.45], lesser HPREG (HR = 0.73), and reduced OPAL (odds ratio = 0.36). However, the parity ≥5 cows had similar PREG1 to other parities except for parity 1. This suggests the possibility of a higher proportion of subfertile parity ≥5 cows than for other parities. Associations between parity and reproductive measures were influenced by the different milk production measures, indicating that milk yield and milk component percentages and yields modified the odds or hazards of successful reproduction. All milk production measures had quadratic associations with OPAL, indicating that either low or high production or concentration of solids within a cohort reduced OPAL. This reduced OPAL reflected a greater HNBRED for lower milk yield and milk protein and fat yielding cows. Both milk yield and milk protein percentage had quadratic associations with HPREG. When centered milk yield was categorized into quartiles, small differences in HPREG existed. A more marked association of milk protein percentage occurred with HPREG, with optimal HPREG at approximately 0.5% above group mean milk protein percentage. Milk fat percentage (HR = 0.901), fat yield (kg/d; HR = 0.78), protein yield (kg/d; HR = 0.71), and milk solids yield (kg/d; HR = 0.84) were all linearly associated with reduced HPREG. Difference in production systems did not have substantive effects on PREG1 but did for HNBRED, HPREG, and OPAL. Estimates of associations of parity with reproductive outcomes HNBRED, HPREG, and OPAL were influenced by milk and milk solids yield; older cows had markedly lower reproductive outcomes. Interestingly, for PREG1, there were few differences among parities and differences were less influenced by milk yield and constituent measures. The marked associations of parity with removal for all reasons, deaths and culling, and reductions in HNBRED, HPREG, and OPAL indicate a need to focus on the physiological changes with parity to produce better strategies to support optimal longevity of cows.

A meta-analysis of the mastitis vaccination efficacy in dairy cattle.

Mastitis is the most important disease in dairy cattle with impact in welfare of animals and the economy of the dairy farming activity. Attempts have been made to produce vaccines to prevent the disease, however, results have been dubious. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the mastitis vaccination in dairy cattle by merging several trials to allow evidence synthesis. A list of publications with common methodological grounds was selected to allow a quantitative comparison in a meta-analysis with moderators. A mixed methods model (p < 0.001), with four significant moderators was successfully fitted: "year of publication" (p < 0.001), "vaccination timing" (p < 0.01), "type of animal" (p < 0.001), and "vaccine fabrication" (p < 0.001). The model is homogeneous (p > 0.05), with the moderators explaining the variability. Efficacy decreases over time. Vaccines applied after calving show inefficacy [log risk ratio (RR) 1.72 (1.34, 2.21)], and applied before calving show reduced efficacy [log RR 0.86 (0.72, 1.03)]. Commercial vaccines don't show efficacy [log RR 1.07 (0.94, 1.22)]. Self-fabricated vaccines show efficacy [log RR (0.51, 0.94)]. Full clarification of efficacy is not shown; however, if vaccination is used, must follow a pre-calving protocol. While not showing efficacy, the vaccination has demonstrated a reduction of the severity in clinical cases, rate of culling, and has increased the production of milk and milk solids. Vaccination may improve health and welfare but does not prevent the disease effectively; it must be seen as an additional tool to the traditional preventive measures.