Milk Weight Research Articles

Studies on preparation ofGulabjamun blended with wheat bran

The Gulabjamun were prepared from Khoa of buffalo milk blended with wheat bran in different proportion such as (T 1 ) 0.2 per cent wheat bran by weight of milk, (T 2 ) 0.4 per cent wheat bran by weight of milk, (T 3 ) 0.6 per cent wheat bran by weight of milk and compared with control T 0 (without wheat bran) for its acceptability. The average chemical composition of control Gulabjamun (T 0 ) and Gulabjamun blended with wheat bran 0.2 per cent (T 1 ), 0.4 per cent (T 2 ), 0.6 per cent (T 3 ) are as moisture 27.12, 27.42, 28.00 and 28.30 per cent, fat 14.89, 15.00, 15.17 and 15.37 per cent, protein 13.72, 14.00, 14.28 and 14.56 per cent, ash 2.95, 2.76, 2.55 and 2.32 per cent, fibre 0.55, 1.46, 2.32 and 3.25 per cent, carbohydrate 41.32, 40.82, 40.00 and 39.45 per cent and total solid 72.88, 72.58, 72.00 and 71.70 per cent, respectively. The sensory score for overall acceptability of control Gulabjamun (T 0 ) and Gulabjamun blended with wheat bran treatment T 1 , T 2 and T 3 are 8.62, 8.52, 8.43 and 8.30, respectively. Gulabjamun was evaluated for textural properties viz. , hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness. Hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness in control T 0 was 2.157, 0.2673, 0.061, 18.391, 0.5765 and 10.602, for treatment T 1 was 2.097, 0.2767, 0.059, 16.621, 0.5802 and 9.643, for treatment T 2 was 1.968, 0.2717, 0.050, 15.037, 0.5347 and 8.040, for treatment T 3 was 1.843, 0.2553, 0.016, 16.546, 0.4705 and 7.784, respectively. Cost of production of 1 kg Gulabjamun (T 0 ) and Gulabjamun blended with wheat bran of treatment T 1 , T 2 and T 3 were Rs.219.46, 218.00, 216.26 and 214.69, respectively.

Exposure to Tobacco Metabolites via Breast Milk and Infant Weight Gain: A Population-Based Study.

Although the immutable benefits of breastfeeding are well documented, information on the potential consequences of exposure to tobacco metabolites specifically via breastfeeding is sparse. The aim was to conduct the first study of the association between exposure to tobacco metabolites specifically through breastfeeding and infant weight gain. We used historical data from the US Collaborative Perinatal Project. Mothers were classified as nonsmokers, light smokers (1-19 cigarettes/day), and heavy (20+ cigarettes/day) smokers. In-hospital feeding type was observed during a nursery stay after delivery. We conducted stratified analyses among average-for-gestational-age (AGA; N = 23 571) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA; N = 2552) infants. We isolated the effect of exposure to tobacco metabolites specifically through breastfeeding. Overall, maternal smoking was associated with change in weight-for-length z-score in a dose-response manner. Change in weight z-score was most pronounced among SGA infants of heavy smokers (breastfed: 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12-0.94; formula fed: 0.17; 95% CI, 0.03-0.30). Exposure to tobacco metabolites specifically through breastfeeding was not associated with additional weight gain among AGA infants. Among the much smaller sample of SGA infants, exposure specifically through breastfeeding was associated with marginally significant additional weight gain (0.46; 95% CI, 0.00-0.91) among infants of heavy smokers. Our findings are in accord with recommendations by health agencies for smokers to breastfeed. However, SGA infants exposed to tobacco metabolites via breastfeeding by heavy smokers appear to gain weight more rapidly than other infants. Practical implications of our findings are discussed.

Effects of chromium supplementation to beef cows during gestation on beef cow performance and progeny development before weaning

Angus-cross cows (n = 66) were fed 1 of 2 supplements through mid and late gestation: (1) 1.81 kg/d of corn as fed (control) or (2) 1.81 kg of corn fortified with 3 mg/d of Cr as fed (Chrom). Chromium supplementation did not affect (P ≥ 0.24) pre- or postpartum cow BW or BCS, or BW and BCS change. There was an interaction (P < 0.01) of days in gestation and Cr supplementation for glucose concentrations only. During mid gestation, plasma glucose concentrations in cows fed Chrom decreased 0.282 mmol/L compared with cows fed control; however, by late gestation, glucose concentrations in cows fed Chrom increased 0.321 mmol/L compared with cows fed control. Supplementation with Cr did not affect (P ≥ 0.58) insulin concentrations or insulin:glucose; however, insulin and glucose concentrations were reduced (time effect; P < 0.01) as days in gestation increased, regardless of Cr supplementation. There was no effect of dam treatment on calf BW at birth (P = 0.40) or weaning (P = 0.56). Chromium supplementation did not affect (P ≥ 0.20) estimated 24-h milk weight in mid or late lactation. Milk composition was not affected (P ≥ 0.25) by Cr at mid lactation. In late lactation, cows fed Chrom had greater (P = 0.01) milk urea nitrogen compared with cows fed control, with no other differences observed (P ≥ 0.23). In this experiment, supplemental Cr during gestation did not affect cow BW, BCS, milk production, or calf birth and weaning BW. Regardless of treatment, as cows neared parturition, plasma glucose and insulin concentrations of cows decreased.

Recruiting to an infant formula-milk feeding trial: lessons from the baby milk trial

Background The Baby Milk Trial is a RCT of a multi-component intervention to prevent excessive milk intakes and weight gain in formula-fed infants. Healthy term infants receiving formula-milk are recruited up to 3 months old. There are both practical and social barriers to engaging this population, particularly the perceived stigma of formula-feeding from both the community and health professionals. We describe the recruitment methods employed in this study.

APPLE PECTIN AND NATURAL HONEY IN THE CLOSED MILK PROCESSING CYCLE

Abstract: The paper is based on the methodological approach to using pectin and natural honey in the technology of production of new dairy products. The purpose of the study is to use products of the fractionation of milk by apple pectin – natural casein concentrate (NCC) and whey-pectin fraction (WPF) in natural form for the development of new functional products enriched with natural bee honey. Study of the specifics of the fractionation of whole and skim milk by Russian-manufactured apple pectin with the substantiation of the technological parameters of receiving WPF and NCC was conducted. It was established that the process runs effectively under the following conditions: preliminary heat treatment of milk at a temperature of 76°С, introduction of a 5% polysaccharide solution into milk, concentration of pectin of 0.6% of the weight of milk, temperature of fractionation of 4–6°C. The technological properties of the received fractions were studied. It was determined that NCC is relatively thermostable (withstands heat treatment at a temperature up to 80°C), beats well at a temperature of 5°C (overrun 50–60%), adding honey has a positive effect on the structure of the beaten NCC and reduces the likelihood of the separation of whey during storage. At the pectin content within 0.6–0.7% of the weight of milk (on a dry basis), the yield of WPF from skim milk was within 80–81%, from whole milk – 72–73%, solids content was 6.2–6.3%. The total protein content in WPF was 0.9–1.0%, of which whey proteins – 0.45–0.50%. When adding honey to the WPF, a dense gel was formed after a while, having a tendency to syneresis; in 96 hours the degree of syneresis was 10–12% for the studied concentrations of honey from 1 to 10%. On the basis of the obtained data, the closed milk processing cycle is provided by the technology and the formulations of the two products with honey on the basis of WPF and NCC – a pudding and a Smoothie.

Effects of high concentrations of dietary crude glycerin on dairy cow productivity and milk quality

An increasing worldwide interest in alternative fuel sources and in a more diversified energy matrix has provided incentives for the biodiesel industry, generating large amounts of the by-product crude glycerin, a potential alternative feed for dairy cows. A replicated 3×3 Latin square study was conducted to evaluate the effects of high concentrations of crude glycerin on dry matter intake, milk yield and composition, milk fatty acid profile, and blood metabolites of medium-yield cows. Ruminally cannulated Holstein cows (n=6; 587±39kg of body weight; 114±29 d in milk; and 20±1.5kg/d milk yield) were used in the study. The experimental period included 2 wk for adaptation and 1 wk for data collection. Cows were fed diets containing 0 (control), 15, or 30% crude glycerin (83% glycerol). Cows were milked, milk weights were recorded twice daily, and milk samples were collected for milk quality analyses at d 18 and 19 in each experimental period. Feeding cows with crude glycerin linearly decreased dry-matter intake, the 3.5% fat-corrected milk, and the solid-corrected milk yield. Hepatic enzymes were not affected by dietary treatments, except gamma-glutamyl transferase, which was decreased with the 15% crude glycerin diet. Serum glucose and albumin showed quadratic effect with increasing inclusion of crude glycerin. Plasma cholesterol as well as total protein linearly decreased with increasing inclusion of crude glycerin. Milk fat concentration and yield showed a quadratic effect of treatments. Solid yield decreased linearly with increasing inclusion of crude glycerin. Odd-chain fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid in milk fat linearly increased with addition of crude glycerin in the diets. Together, these results suggest that crude glycerin has potential to replace corn; however, feeding diets in which corn is replaced with crude glycerin at 30% of dietary DM greatly reduces animal performance.

The Effect of Sex Chromatin on Some Reproductive Traits of local Sheep in Erbil

This study was conducted on local sheep belongs to private flock in Erbil plain during the period 4/11/2011 till 25/10/2012. The investigation included 65 local sheep to study the effect of sex chromatinfrequency on the Daily Milk Yield (DMY), weight and age of ewes in addition the calculation ofRegression and Correlation coefficients between the studied traits of local sheep. The overall means offrequency of sex chromatin (drum stick, Appenx without stick, tear drop and small club). Appearedwith normal Neutrophils were 1.897, 1.034, 1.241, 0.741 and 95.86% respectively. The overall means ofDMY was 533.6g. The results showed that there was significant (P≤0.05) in relationship to DMY, thehighest rate of DMY was shown among the sheep had sex chromatin drum stick (675. 5g), while the rateof DMY was at lowest production among the sheep which had sex chromatin of small club (425.4g). Asignificant effect of weights and age of sheep on the patterns of sex chromatin were observed. Thehighest rate of DMY among the sheep was at the age of 4 years raised high rate of sex chromatin type(drum stick). A significant(P≤0.05) positive Correlation coefficient between DMY and sex chromatintype (drum stick) with value of 0.673, while there was a negative and significant (P≤0.05). Regressioncoefficient of DMY on sex chromatin coefficient (small club ) with coefficient of Regression value (-0.074). In addition the highest value of Correlation between the DMY and sex chromatin of (drum stick)was (0.856), followed with Correlation coefficient value between type of birth and weights of ewes(0.784), while the lowest Correlation value was (-0.087) between DMY and sex chromatin of (small club).

Genetic parameters for residual energy intake and energy conversion efficiency in Nordic Red dairy cattle

Our aim was to estimate the genetic parameters of residual energy intake (REI) and energy conversion efficiency (ECE), and their relationships with milk, feed intake and body weight (BW) and condition in Nordic Red dairy cattle with data from 400 animals. These data were analysed with repeatability and random regression models. The highest heritabilities for energy efficiency traits were obtained in the beginning and the end of the 30 week lactation period (0.21–0.40). The results suggest that the energy efficiencies in early- and mid-lactation periods are partially different traits. The genetic correlations of REI were moderate to high and positive with the other studied traits, and high and positive for ECE with milk, but moderate to low and negative with dry matter intake, BW and body condition score. Further improvements are still needed in modelling the energy efficiency traits of cows during lactation.

Zmiany klimatu jako potencjalny czynnik ryzyka w produkcji mleka w Wielkopolsce

The pilot researches were conducted in Wielkopolska. They aimed initial identifi cation of cows reaction on changing of THI, which are likened to temperature and humidity conditions of air. The subjected cows characterize with high productivity, exceeding 40kg of milk per day, independently from lactation stages. The results display that the day s production of raw milk, as well as fat and protein content, do not only depend on lactation stage but also on the value of THI factors. Higher THI is accompanied by loss in the weight of milk and drop in its technological utility. The climate warming may escalate the risk of production loss during the heats.

Environmental factors and dam characteristics associated with insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in newborn Holstein calves

The objective of the present retrospective cohort study was to evaluate potential associations between environmental factors and dam characteristics, including level of milk production during gestation, and insulin traits in newborn Holstein calves. Birth weight and gestational age of the calves at delivery were determined. On the next day, heart girth, wither height and diagonal length of both the calves and their dams were measured. Parity, body condition score and age at calving were recorded for all dams. For the cows, days open before last gestation, lactation length (LL), length of dry period (DP) and calving interval were also calculated. The magnitude and shape of the lactation curve both quantified using the MilkBot model based on monthly milk weights, were used to calculate the amount of milk produced during gestation. Using the same procedure, cumulative milk production from conception to drying off (MGEST) was calculated. A blood sample was collected from all calves (n=481; 169 born to heifers and 312 born to cows) at least 5 h after a milk meal on day 3 of life to measure basal glucose and insulin levels. In addition, an intravenous glucose-stimulated insulin secretion test was performed in a subset of the calves (n=316). After descriptive analysis, generalized linear mixed models were used to identify factors that were significantly associated with the major insulin traits (Insb, basal insulin level; QUICKI, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index; AIR, acute insulin response; DI, disposition index) of the newborn calves. The overall average birth weight of the calves was 42.7±5.92 kg. The insulin traits were significantly associated with gender and season of birth when data of all calves were analyzed. In addition, the insulin traits in calves born to cows were significantly associated with MGEST, DP and LL. The Insb was estimated to be higher in calves born to the cows having passed a higher MGEST (P=0.076) and longer DP (P=0.034). The QUICKI was estimated to be lower in calves born to the cows having passed a higher MGEST (P=0.030) and longer DP (P=0.058). Moreover, the AIR (P=0.009) and DI (P=0.049) were estimated to be lower in male compared with female calves. Furthermore, the AIR (P=0.036) and DI (P=0.039) were estimated to be lower in calves born to cows having passed a longer LL. The decisive effects of MGEST, DP and LL in cows on the insulin traits of their calves may provide a basis for developing managerial interventions to improve metabolic health of the offspring.

Weaning stress management in Beetal kids under stall-fed conditions

With an objective to reduce the weaning stress through improved body reserves, 24 Beetal kids weighing 3–4 kg, ageing 5 days, were randomly distributed in three treatments i.e. W2:3 (Soybean oil at 3% of concentrate feed of up to 2 months and by-pass fat at 3% thereafter for 3 months), W3:2 (Soybean oil up to 3 months and by-pass fat for 2 months at same dose of W2:3) and W0:0 (No additional supplementation, Control). Different observations like milk, feed, fodder intake and body weight were recorded for 150 days. The concentrate feed intake was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in W2:3 and W3:2 group than control. Average daily gain (ADG) was 22.98% and 15.53% higher in W2:3 and W3:2 over control (W0:0), respectively. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was slightly higher in control than other two treatment groups. It was concluded that supplementing diet with soybean oil for 2 months and by-pass fat for 3 months from birth at the rate of 3% of feed could be a suitable strategy for improving the body reserve of kids as well as for getting better performance in terms of body weight, ADG and FCR.

Age at calving in heifers and level of milk production during gestation in cows are associated with the birth size of Holstein calves

The objective of the present study was to evaluate environmental and dam factors associated with birth size of Holstein calves. Data of 1,594 births from dairy herds in Belgium and Germany were analyzed in a retrospective cross-sectional study. Immediately after birth, the birth weight of the calves was measured. On the next day, the heart girth (HG), withers height, and diagonal length of the dams and calves were measured. Parity, body condition score, gestation length (GL), and age at calving were recorded for all dams. For the cows, days open, lactation length, length of the dry period, and calving interval were also calculated. The magnitude and shape of the lactation that took place during gestation was quantified using the MilkBot model based on monthly milk weights. Using the same procedure, cumulative milk production from conception to drying off (MGEST) was calculated. After descriptive analyses, mixed models were used to identify factors that are significantly associated with the birth weight (most consistent measure of size at birth) of the calves born to both heifers and cows. Of the variables offered to the offspring birth weight model in heifers (n=540), calf sex, season of calving, GL, HG, withers height, diagonal length, and age at calving were significant. The mean birth weight of the calves born to heifers was estimated to be 41.3±1.01kg. In comparison to calves born to old (25.5 to 37.3mo; n=99) heifers, the birth weight was estimated to be 2.75, 3.29, and 2.35kg heavier when the calves were born to very young (20.3 to <22mo; n=98), young (22 to <23.5mo; n=145), and standard aged (23.5 to <25.5mo; n=198) heifers, respectively. Of the variables offered to the offspring birth weight model in cows (n=1,054), calf sex, season of calving, GL, parity, dry period, and MGEST were significant. The mean birth weight of the calves born to cows was estimated to be 44.1±0.99kg. For cows having an identical HG, the birth weight of the calves was estimated to be 0.97 and 1.11kg higher in cows with low (1,400 to <5,400kg) and high (6,500 to <7,200) MGEST, respectively, compared with cows with very high (7,200 to 11,600kg) MGEST. The decisive effects of age at calving in heifers and of high milk production levels during gestation in cows on the birth weight of their calves may provide a basis for developing managerial interventions to improve long-term health and productivity of the offspring.

Estimation of genetic and crossbreeding parameters of milking characteristics of grazing dairy cows

Milk harvesting requires the largest labour input on most New Zealand dairy farms, where the herd milking time is influenced by individual cow milking characteristics. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the breed and heterosis effects and estimate genetic parameters for milking characteristics in grazing dairy cows milked without pre-milking stimulation. Data on electronically recorded milking characteristics from 621,116 test-day records on 1555 cows in two New Zealand dairy herds during the 2011–12 season were available. Milking duration adjusted for milk weight (RMDmw; deviation from the regression of milk yield on milking duration) was 38.5 s longer for Jersey compared with Friesian cows, but no breed differences were observed for milking duration adjusted for milksolids yield (RMDms). Estimates of heritability were 0.15 for milk weight (MW), 0.27 for milking duration (MD), 0.27 for average milk flow rate (AMF), 0.29 for RMDmw and 0.40 for RMDms. The genetic correlation between RMDms and MS yield was −0.21 and was not significantly different to zero. Selection for RMDms can be used to identify and select efficient milking animals without negatively affecting milksolids yield.

Effect of providing a micronutrient‐fortified corn/soy atole or milk powder on linear growth in young Guatemalan children (828.6)

A community‐based feeding study was undertaken in Retalhuleu among 939 malnourished 6‐72 mo old children (HAZ &lt;‐1). Children resided in 18 villages in an impoverished region of southwest Guatemala. Children were randomly assigned to two groups to compare effects of two nutritional interventions on growth and micronutrient status. Group A (n=667) children received 18.75 g of Chispuditos®, a corn/soy atole fortified with 21 vitamins and minerals (delivering 12.5 mg of iron and 9 mg of zinc per day). Group B (n=272) children received an equivalent portion by weight of lactose free milk (diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous). At the conclusion of 12 mo, the average HAZ score of Group A children increased 12.0% from ‐2.76 to ‐2.43 (p&lt;.01) and by 7.3%, from ‐2.87 to ‐2.66 (p&lt;0.01) in Group B. Children from both dietary groups exhibited improvements in linear growth, with Group A having a greater increase in HAZ than Group B (p=0.01). Formative research conducted with the micronutrient‐fortified corn/soy atole revealed the product was well accepted by both primary caretakers and children. During the study time period Chispuditos was one‐third the cost of lactose free milk and provided a greater linear growth benefit. In conclusion, Chispuditos® is a culturally accepted, fortified atole that improves the health and nutritional status of children from 6‐72 mo of age in a more cost‐efficient manner compared to milk powder.Grant Funding Source: The Mathile Institute for the Advancement of Human Nutrition®

Management strategies to improve the performance of low birth weight pigs to weaning and their long-term consequences1,2

Performance of pigs from birth to slaughter is a result of a complex interaction of factors, with the early stages of a pig's life likely to affect lifetime performance. During the preweaning stage, piglets are reliant on the sow for nutrition, and sibling competition is likely to affect growth, in particular for low birth weight (LBiW) piglets. The objective of the experiment was to determine the effect of litter composition (littermate weight) and milk supplementation during lactation on the performance of LBiW pigs to weaning and the long-term consequences of treatment to slaughter. The experiment was a 2 × 2 factorial with littermate weight (normal or LBiW) and provision of supplementary milk from d 1 to 28 (yes or no) as factors. A total of 265 piglets were selected within 24 h of birth and cross-fostered to create 2 litter types (LOW = LBiW pigs [≤ 1.25 kg] only and MX = both LBiW and normal birth weight pigs [1.6 to 2.0 kg]); half of the litters within a type were supplemented with milk and the other half were not. The behavior of litters given milk was recorded to identify milk consumption patterns. Piglets were weaned at d 28 and kept in their litters until d 70 and then subsequently housed in mixed groups until slaughter. No difference was observed at any stage in the ADG of pigs given access to supplementary milk or not (P > 0.05) nor was there any significant interaction between milk provision and litter composition (P > 0.05). However, LOW litters drank significantly more supplementary milk than MX litters (P < 0.001). There was a significant effect of litter type on ADG from d 14 to 28, with LBiW pigs in LOW litters performing better than those in MX litters (0.252 versus 0.217 kg/d; P < 0.05). At weaning, LBiW piglets in LOW litters weighed over 500 g more than those in MX litters (P < 0.05). In MX litters there was a significant interaction between birth weight and supplementary milk on the CV of BW from d 14 to slaughter (P < 0.05). In conclusion, grouping LBiW piglets with similar sized littermates preweaning can improve preweaning performance by reducing competition from heavier littermates; however, this advantage does not persist after weaning. Although supplementary milk does not improve LBiW pig performance before or after weaning, it affects their drinking behavior and can reduce the variation in the BW of LBiW piglets in mixed litters to slaughter.

Effects of feeding various dosages of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product in transition dairy cows

Feeding 56 versus 0g/d of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP; Diamond V Original XP; Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) can increase feed intake and milk production in transition dairy cows. To evaluate the effects of various dosages of SCFP, Holstein cows were given individually a supplement containing 0 (n=14), 56 (n=15), or 112g (n=13) of SCFP daily during morning lockup as a topdressing to their total mixed ration. The supplement consisted of 0, 56, or 112g of SCFP mixed with 84g of molasses and 168, 112, or 56g of corn meal, respectively. Supplement feeding began 28d before predicted calving date (no less than 14d) and ended 28d postpartum, and supplement intake was evaluated daily. Blood samples were collected at d −21, −14, −7, −3, −1, 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 to measure serum concentrations of macrominerals, metabolites, acute-phase proteins, immunoglobulin, and hormones. Milk weights were measured and milk samples were collected 2 times/wk on nonconsecutive days and analyzed for milk fat, protein, lactose, and somatic cell count (SCC). During the first day after calving, feeding SCFP versus no SCFP decreased serum cortisol concentrations and at least tended to increase supplement intake and serum concentrations of calcium, glucose, urea N, and serum amyloid A. During the first 4wk postpartum, feeding SCFP versus no SCFP decreased milk SCC and increased milk production and serum phosphorus concentrations. Feeding 112 versus 56g of SCFP/d did not show additional effects. Feeding SCFP may have a dosage-independent beneficial effect in supporting the physiologic adaptations after parturition, resulting in higher milk production and lower milk SCC

Determination of antibiotic consumption index for animal originated foods produced in animal husbandry in Iran, 2010

The public health concerns over the long-term exposure to antibiotics have risen in different parts of the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibiotic consumption pattern in livestock and poultry and to estimate the quantity of antibiotic active ingredient (mg) consumed per unit weight (Kg) of red meat, milk and egg production in Iran in 2010. A cross-sectional study was designed in charmahal - bakhtiary province-Iran. A questioner has been developed by naming 110 types of antibiotics. Twenty two veterinary clinicians and three livestock pharmaceutical distributor companies were included in the survey to determine the antibiotic prescription and distribution pattern in the farms. Veterinary organization of Iran supplied the information of the total antibiotic consumption in different dosage forms. National and international data on the livestock and poultry production were obtained from the relevant official web sites. Tetracycline class of antibiotics was the most common types of antibacterial prescribed and sold to both livestock and poultry farms. Amino glycoside, penicillin and macrolide in the cattle farms and furofenocole in broiler farms were the second most used groups of antibiotics. The quantity of antibiotic active ingredients consumed per unit weight of animal-originated food products was counted as 107.4 mg/kg for both milk and red meat and 249.5 mg/kg for broiler meat and egg. Totally, it was estimated that 133 mg antibiotic substances was used per kg of milk, meat and egg produced in 2010. In comparison to available data for other countries, consumption of antibiotics in livestock and poultry in Iran is higher than developed countries with an exception of South Korea. The findings of the present study could be alarming for the legislative authorities in food security and safety. More clear evaluation should be carried out as well as implementation of national monitoring and inspective programs in order to reach an added safety regarding animal-originated foods.

Acidez y peso específico de la leche de cabra de un grupo de capricultores de la Meseta Central costarricense.

El estudio fue efectuado en la Estacion Experimental AlfredoVolio Mata de la Universidad de Costa Rica y en la Asociacion Costarricense de Criadores de Cabras localizadas en elAlto de Ochomogo de Cartago. La leche de cabra de sieteproductores fue evaluada desde el primero de junio hasta el 31de diciembre de 2002. El peso en kg, la acidez en grados Dornicy el peso especifico de la leche fueron registrados diariamente.Se determino un valor caracteristico de 17,7 ± 0,3 oDpara la acidez y de 1,029 ± 0,002 para el peso especifico.Analisis de varianza seguidos de una prueba post hoc deScheffe se efectuaron para evaluar posibles variaciones en laacidez o el peso especifico a lo largo de los meses para todoslos datos sin importar el origen de la leche. Igualmente seevaluaron posibles variaciones en las mismas variables paracada uno de los productores y entre ellos a lo largo de los meses.Los resultados obtenidos en todos los casos mostraronque no existieron diferencias en todas las determinacionesevaluadas para acidez (P≤0,05). Para el peso especifico si sedetectaron diferencias significativas (P≤0,01) en todas las determinacionesevaluadas. Al correlacionar el peso especificoy la acidez de todos los datos se obtuvo un coeficiente de correlacion de 0,03, lo cual hace imposible argumentar la existenciade alguna relacion proporcional entre estas dos variables.Al correlacionar la cantidad de leche producida con elpeso especifico se obtuvo un coeficiente de correlacion de -0,67.

Calving body condition score affects indicators of health in grazing dairy cows

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of calving body condition score (BCS) on cow health during the transition period in a pasture-based dairying system. Feed inputs were managed during the second half of the previous lactation so that BCS differed at drying off (BCS 5.0, 4.0, and 3.0 for high, medium, and low treatments, respectively: a 10-point scale); feed allowance was managed after cows were dried off, such that the BCS differences established during lactation remained at the subsequent calving (BCS 5.5, 4.5, and 3.5; n=20, 18, and 19, for high, medium, and low treatments, respectively). After calving, cows were allocated pasture and pasture silage to ensure grazing residuals >1,600kg of DM/ha. Milk production was measured weekly; blood was sampled regularly pre- and postpartum to measure indicators of health, and udder and uterine health were evaluated during the 6wk after calving. Milk weight, fat, protein, and lactose yields, and fat content increased with calving BCS during the first 6wk of lactation. The effect of calving BCS on the metabolic profile was nonlinear. Before calving, cows in the low group had lower mean plasma β-hydroxybutyrate and serum Mg concentrations and greater mean serum urea than cows in the medium and high BCS groups, which did not differ from each other. During the 6wk after calving, cows in the low group had lower serum albumin and fructosamine concentrations than cows in the other 2 treatment groups, whereas cows in the low- and medium-BCS groups had proportionately more polymorphonucleated cells in their uterine secretions at 3 and 5wk postpartum than high-BCS cows. In comparison, plasma β-hydroxybutyrate and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations increased linearly in early lactation with calving BCS, consistent with a greater negative energy balance in these cows. Many of the parameters measured did not vary with BCS. The results highlight that calving BCS and, therefore, BCS through early lactation are not effective indicators of functional welfare, with the analyses presented indicating that both low and high BCS at calving will increase the risk of disease: cows in the low group were more prone to reproductive compromise and fatter cows had an increased risk of metabolic diseases. These results are important in defining the welfare consequences of cow BCS.

Randomized Trial Comparing the Effectiveness of 2 Electric Breast Pumps in the NICU

Mothers with preterm infants may need to express milk for considerable periods. Research to improve breast pump design has focused on compression stimuli, frequencies, and vacuums. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of 2 electric pumps: Medela Symphony (pump S) and a novel pump (Philips AVENT Twin electronic pump; pump A). Both offer flexibility of rate and suction; pump A also incorporates petal compression cushions. Primary outcomes were (1) milk weight expressed during 10-day study period and (2) weight of milk expressed in a 15-minute test. Seventy-one mothers with preterm infants < 34 weeks were randomized. Mothers completed 10-day diaries including weight of milk expressed. Milk weight expressed during a single 15-minute test period and data on pumping mode, skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding at infant discharge, and mothers' opinions of the pump were recorded. There was no significant difference in milk expressed during the first 10 days between groups. Pump S mothers expressed significantly more milk during a fixed 15-minute period. Mothers using pump A awarded higher scores for certain characteristics of the pump, notably location of control button and ease of use. Similar proportions of infants received breast milk at discharge, but pump A mothers were more likely to be directly breastfeeding (odds ratio, 4.27 [95% confidence interval, 1.29, 14.1]). The breast pumps showed similar effectiveness in terms of milk expression and maternal opinions. The finding that breast pump design may influence breastfeeding at infant discharge merits further investigation.